Finding Peace

Jiro watched Zelman drain some more blood from Hibari as she moaned into him like they all did when a vampire drank directly from the source. Hibari was diminished enough with her skin turning a bit paler after a day of being out in the sunlight. Now no one would know that she was ever out there.

“Why do you do that to her after you gave her this freedom? I mean you are going to either make her ill or kill her if you keep going like this Zelman.”

Zelman smirked as he used his powers to cauterize her wounds.

“Because I can and because you drank from me. I had to replenish myself and I tire of those damn blood packs. I much prefer this and besides she is mine. The Company gave her to me. I had no need of a compromiser so I use her for my own entertainment and in turn I give her a fine lifestyle. The Company could not afford to give them such luxury.”

Zelman stated as he waved his hand across the room and then lit a smoke standing out on the balcony as if to keep the smell away from the two young girls. It really wouldn’t matter since his scent was all over Hibari again. Zelman liked things that way though.

“Well, you know they won’t put up with this for long. You will have to stop sometime Zelman or they will take your fun away from you.”

Jiro stated trying to figure out Zelman. He now felt some pity for Hibari, but at the same time he was a vampire meant to drink the blood of others. Mimiko did smell good too. It really wasn’t fair when he was trying to be a gentleman for Zelman to play this game.

“Ah, you now see my point of view. How refreshing, I thought you might reprimand me.”

Zelman stated with a smirk.

“I never stated I was against the nature of the beast I just didn’t wish to enhance my own since I am trying to be civilized.”

Jiro stated looking out at the city as the night air blew his long dark hair about. Jiro ignored it for once and just let it flow over his face. He was slightly embarrassed to be out here with someone who obviously could do what he felt. It was one of the more incurable situations that made Jiro hate what he was. Jiro wanted a drug to stop the hunger, but the longer he stood here with the scent of blood the harder it was to resist temptation.

“You sound so disappointed in me. I am not uncivilized Jiro just because I choose to listen to my true nature. You may wish to omit the blood that calls you to feed, but I relish it. This is not a transitional situation that you are in. You are what you are so accept it and eventually you will get over this little problem you have with your conscience. It is so much easier to just be who you are then to pretend to be something you are not.’
“Eventually you will come to truly understand what I am saying Jiro. When you transfer the bloodline back to Kotaro you will no longer be as strong as you are now. You will have a stronger desire to do what it is you despise and your idea that brevity will last in your bloodlust will become your undoing. It calls you so why not give into your desires. She will not deny you especially since you have had her before.”

Zelman stated as Jiro fumed.

“You speak of such things making me sound like a pimp and as though she is a whore for my survival. I will not fall into such a trap. Just because I give up my bloodline does not mean I give up my principals. I will of course take when it is offered, I am no fool. I will not however force myself upon a possible unwilling host especially one I call friend who had given me what others had not.’
“As much as I appreciate your offer Zelman, I cannot start a war. I in being here have already done enough damage. Do you honestly believe if I join your coven that you will find peace or is it you crave war so much that you are willing to sacrifice all you have here in the Special Zone to relieve your life of the eternal boredom we all suffer in being what we are? I am not here for your pleasure or for Cassa’s revenge. In fact I would leave today if it were not for Kotaro. I am only here for the Sage and that is the only reason I exist otherwise my life has no meaning.”

Zelman frowned and felt completely insulted.

“You think I would use you in such a way? Of course I want you for my house for the power it will bring me. With you and the Sage I would have it all. Still, I am not a fool enough to go against Sei and I definitely do not wish to ruin my place here. I invite you certainly for my pleasure, but also because someday Silver Blade you will have nowhere to go. No one will accept you. Do you grasp that once Cassa is gone, the Kowloon threat is diminished, and Kotaro no longer needs you that you will have no home. The Company uses you, everyone uses everyone. Do not think for one moment that is not true. Who do you wish to be with in the end Jiro?”

Zelman circled the man as Jiro stood feeling rather trapped.

“Where will you go, who will you run to then? Do you honestly think anyone here will care? Maybe the Sage, but then again Kotaro will have his memories returned from Alice. However he will be better off with Sei, The Lord Dragon who is the only one who understands what Kotaro will go through once he receives the bloodline.’
“Jiro, you have no place and you want to leave as a vampire out there into a world that doesn’t understand or want you. Yet, here I am. You insult me. Perhaps I am giving you more credit. I do not want war and I do not want peace either. You cannot have both being what you are. What we are Jiro is blood sucking, beautiful monsters that are only here because humans fear us as well as fall at our feet like we are gods. Humans no matter how they accept us here still will see us as monsters or a portal to immortality.’
“We feed on their blood Jiro because we love it and crave it. We have to feed so we can live. To live is also to enjoy life and not see it as a means to an end. Accept what you are and quit being disgusted by it. It is repulsive for a vampire like you as old as you are to do that.’
“Drink from your damn blood packs for a time, but know you will never feel as good or as pleasured as when you drink from her. But, you know this so why should I remind you? Do it for yourself. In the end Jiro, only you can depend on yourself since no one else will care for you. I know for I have been in your place.”

Jiro was torn. Zelman was of course right. It wasn’t that he was not interested in drinking Mimiko's delicious pure virgin blood, it was that Mimiko would beat the hell out of him if he tried. She poured water on his head and was pretty good at finding his weak spots. There was also the fact he had a grudging respect for the human girl who saved his life a few times with her life giving blood. She deserved better than to have him drink from her whenever he felt like it.

“Perhaps we can find another human. Someone willing? I have someone, but she is outside of the barrier. Perhaps Hibari might…..no… Hibari is not really your type…you pick them. Not tonight, but for yourself I can help you find a willing donor.”

Jiro shook his head no. It would ruin the memories he had with Mimiko and nothing was like her blood.

“I can’t. I am hooked, but I appreciate the offer.”

Zelman looked surprised and then smirked wickedly. So, indeed Jiro had a vice. It was something he could toy with between the two of them. He did indeed have charisma and plenty of charm. Too bad that right now he was scum of the earth to Mimiko since he was apparently an evil leach who was ‘leaching’ all her friend’s blood. That wasn’t true. Hibari had plenty of blood still in her veins. She wasn’t even as pale as Sayuka had been although he had not drained Sayuka as often. Hibari however was young and dare he say beautiful? Just the thought of another vampire taking her blood made him want to kill someone and he was surprised he ever offered Jiro a shot at his little pet.

“So how did you get Mimiko’s junior partner as your compromiser anyway?”

Jiro asked as Zelman smiled. He never lied outright since there was no reason to. He may manipulate, but he didn’t need to lie.

“The Company saw her as a problem. Hibari has quite the gossiping mouth and as adorable as it is with those perky full lips of hers, for their position with Mimiko, the Company decided other than friendship they needed to be split up for security reasons.’
“I do not see the issue, but apparently Cassa’s body switching brother found out things from Hibari that were not meant to go outside of the Company putting Mimiko’s life as well as other lives in danger. Something had to be done. Therefore it was either relocate her which would have been miserable or give Hibari to someone who could handle her. I apparently need to be watched by the Company and so I took her in. It was easy to get that much out of the girl and I like you find virgin blood irresistible. It is a fetish we all have.”

Zelman stated lighting up another smoke. Jiro looked out again at the city wondering what Hibari’s reaction to being told her virgin blood was delicious was in comparison to Mimiko’s violent reaction.

“Did Hibari call you a pervert?”

Jiro asked as Zelman bust up laughing.

“No…she was too afraid of me to say much of anything.”

Zelman stated as he tried to imagine Jiro, the Great Silver Blade kin killer, being accosted by a tiny human girl. It was funny as hell.

“Lucky for you except I was pleased Mimiko was not afraid of me. I would prefer things stay that way. In fact her acceptance of both me and Kotaro was rather amusing. Most humans would have run the other way.”

Hibari moaned and Zelman appeared by her bedside.

“Shit. I think I took more than planned. Guess I am going to have to be here in the morning to inform her that they are not leaving the room until Hibari is up to it.”

Zelman felt bad over his lack of restraint. He was usually quite good at maintaining a balance of how much blood he accepted from any host. However, Jiro had indeed drank from him a little more than he planned as well.

“Jiro, perhaps you should wake Mimiko.”

Jiro looked at Mimiko. He was afraid. She might deck him if she knew he was in their room. Damn it all she already called him a pervert more times in his life then that word should be used only to have it be used again. Jiro was certain of it.

“We were supposed to be much more ambiguous and keep ourselves at a distance Zelman.”

Jiro stated unhappy he was going to have Mimi screaming in his ears. Of course at that point Zelman had a slightly awake Hibari on his lap so Mimi would probably be trying to beat up Zelman too which wasn’t the best idea.

“True, but if your little human girl is everything you state than she will care more for her friend than for our presence. Plus, I am intimidating enough to make her behave.”

Jiro wanted to get a broom or something so he could wake Mimi from a distance. Instead he used a rather loud voice.

“Mimiko you need to wake up.”

Mimi woke up swinging an arm making Jiro happy he was nowhere near the bed. She had great aim.

“Jiro, you damn pervert! What the hell are you doing in my room? I thought I told you to keep back so we could have our vacation without you lurking right in……what is he doing here?”

Mimi looked at Zelman and if looks could kill he would be dead. Zelman smiled and nodded towards Mimiko.

“I have been with Jiro. He would have been rather bored without me and I always watch what is mine.”

Zelman’s eyes flashed as he lit another cigarette burning it to the filter reminding Mimiko that he wasn’t one to mess with as he saw her bravado fade a bit. It was appropriate.

“Hibari cannot leave the room Mimi. There is no point in calling the Company either. They know what is going on. Zelman has a deal with them and for your friend’s health it is best she rests up for a day or so.”

Mimiko fumed as she looked at Hibari’s pale face.

“Mimi, don’t get mad….”

Hibari started to state as Mimi looked at Zelman and pointed a finger at him not caring who he was or how much power he had.

“You can’t keep doing this to her! Hibari deserves a life too ya know! Just because you are a powerful vampire……no because you are a powerful vampire you should know better!”

Zelman nodded and sighed.

“You are right Miss Mimiko. I did overdo, but watch your temper. I do have concerns over Miss Hibari so this is why we awoke you. I have given Jiro my blood. Others will too. Is it not your wish to keep him in the Special Zone once he gives his bloodline back to Kotaro?”

Mimi stopped and then looked at Jiro. Then she looked back at Zelman. She wasn’t sure if she should punch Jiro in the face or be happy. Getting involved with Lord Zelman Clock was insane, but then again being part of every coven and every house in the Special Zone would give Jiro a home after Kotaro took his bloodline back if he chose to do so. It was still up to Kotaro no matter what any idiot said in the Special Zone. If she was to be their compromiser that meant for all the houses too and as a liaison between them all it was rather stupid for the Company to hide this unless…….maybe the Company was being kept out of this. But, Cain Warlock was a part of the Company wasn’t he?

“Why wasn’t I informed about the houses doing this? Is the Company involved?”

Zelman looked Mimiko in the eyes.

“No, they are not a part of vampire affairs. There are some things that are only part of the houses. Even the Company knows this. Humans cannot have all the power over us although we didn’t hide it either. Jiro is a part of Sei, the Lord Dragon’s house. It will not last forever, however the Sage will have the privilege of remaining. We are unsure if Jiro will retain his powers as the Silver Blade, but no one wishes to train another. The easiest way is to insure he carries bloodlines that we do not wish the kin killer to destroy unlike the Kowloon children.’
“So to make peace and give him a home we have all agreed, including the Warlock clan, to share our blood with Jiro. Some of the Sage’s bloodline is most likely to remain. No matter how you look at things, it would be best if Jiro have a little of all worlds rather than only one. However his home will be selected by the best house and since mine is the second most powerful to Sei’s I will bid for the privilege if The Lord Dragon releases him that is.”

Mimiko sat on the bed feeling rather put out. How was she to do the job as a compromiser if the Company didn’t know this? It was a vampire thing, but was it not her job to be informed of all dealings with Jiro? Perhaps that is why Zelman was here, but it sure didn’t look like it.

“Why tell me then?”

Zelman shrugged.

“I like a little trouble since it passes the time. You were not to know yet, but since Jiro has a thing for you I figured it was best you know before he decides to make you one of us.”

Jiro looked at Zelman like he lost it and he was getting things all wrong as Mimiko blushed then went to yell at Jiro about this. She had not agreed to anything of the sort!

“Mimiko, I didn’t…..I am not into her like that Zelman….not that you are not attractive Mimi….”

Zelman laughed as Mimiko hit Jiro as she yelled at him.

“You really are a perverted old vampire jerk! I did not agree to be your vampire bride just because I agreed to let you stay with me for a while until you got a home!”

Jiro tried to shield himself.

“It isn’t like that Mimi!”

Zelman shook his head.

“I didn’t mean to cause hell for you Jiro. Mimiko forgive my assumption. I thought you two were an item, but apparently I was mistaken.”

Mimiko sat down with her arms crossed.

“Indeed you were. Anyway, that is not the point. You both are not being fair to the Company by holding this information back and Hibari is not your Capri Sun Mr. Zelman Clock! Look at what you have done to her! She is like a ghost! Hibari has never looked like that and you are making her sick! I can’t believe the Company just basically sold her off like that! Hibari is a good person and would be a great compromiser. It isn’t right that the Company just would turn their backs on her like this!”

Zelman smiled at Mimiko. Perhaps this little firebrand wasn’t as idiotic as he hoped and in many ways he did like her. Still, Hibari’s time with Zelman was his business not Mimi’s.

“Mimiko Katsuragi, you and Hibari need to grow up. Hibari gave information to a man she did not know who happened to be Cassandra Jill Warlock’s brother. As a human it is difficult for you to determine who is who and many times you become a pawn in a war you do not belong in. You are both too young and naïve so you place yourselves in harms’ way causing many more problems than good.’
“You were lucky I came to help you and Kotaro when Cassa had you trapped after those tainted blood packs were sent out. I should have been out there stopping the infestation, not saving you and Kotaro which is Jiro’s job.’
“Do not place yourself in a position that makes you think Jiro is here to save you. He is here to protect the Sage, not you, so do not assume that you are his priority no matter how much he cares for you. You are just lucky Jiro feels protective of you so consider yourself lucky.’
“I am another part of his bloodline and so many others will be adding to this. There is more at stake than you can imagine so know that the Company is only a small part of how we do business here in the Special Zone. We are all part of a committee that works with the Company, but even Lord Sei himself knows that some things are beyond human capabilities.”

Mimiko looked stricken for a moment and Jiro put a hand on hers.

“Zelman you do not need to be so cold. Mimi knows that I protect the Sage over all things, but if I have my way she will be safe too. I appreciate what you did. She is just concerned about her friend and so am I.”

Zelman rolled his eyes.

“She will be fine. You both are being so damn melodramatic. Hibari just needs a bit of rest and Mimiko can call room service for them.”

Hibari felt the bite marks and winced a bit. Zelman grasped her hand and pulled it away.

“I cauterized the marks this time so don’t play with them. I am sure they burn a bit.”

Mimiko got up and got a first aid kit from her bag. It was one of those things that the Company insisted their compromisers take everywhere sine they tended to get into trouble. It was common enough and it was a good thing.

“Hibari I have burn ointment and some bandages.”

Mimi didn’t let the anger out of her voice. Zelman pissed her off. The guy was indeed evil and a walking leach. She would figure out a way to get Hibari away from Zelman Clock if it was the last thing she ever did.

Zelman watched as Mimi put on the ointment ignoring her scathing looks his direction and he noticed that there was a little bruising, but nothing to fuss over. In fact the wounds were quite small. He had been quite gentle.

After that Hibari did something unusual as she looked up into Zelman’s Crimson Eyes. He actually looked concerned and it touched her heart. It was weird to say the least to see the stoic vampire show any emotions other then sadistic humor or this serious expression he wore most of the time. Hibari had been warned a hundred times by Zelman’s own coven members who cared for her not to get her heart involved with the guy, but he was so sincere sometimes that it made it hard. Placing a hand against his cheek Hibari smiled at him.

Zelman for the first time in his life felt his heart skip a beat. He didn’t like it one bit. He wanted to put Hibari into bed and forget about her like he did the others he had done this same thing to. However Hibari wasn’t like them. She was like Kotaro in her innocence and a part of him that he ignored most of the time opened up a bit.

“You know I am not supposed to be around you Mr. Zelman Clock during my vacation and Mr. Warlock as well as the Company won’t like this one bit.”

Zelman actually couldn’t help laughing. It was true and it was funny. He was indeed in trouble, but he didn’t give a damn.

“Since when do I listen to others Hibari?”

Hibari smiled as he tweaked her nose and tucked her into bed. Zelman was so tempted to kiss her, but opted on just letting that be. Maybe then he could just forget that horrible butterfly feeling in his gut when Hibari made him smile or laugh. Instead he got up after smoothing her hair away and tried to ignore that gut wrenching feeling knowing he had to leave her be for a while. It was better that way anyway. With an abrupt goodbye Zelman was gone before anyone could say anything.