Finding Peace

Mimiko was so excited to show Jiro and Kotaro the computer system at the library and to try to train Jiro on how to use a cell phone since there was no way she was going to have Jiro in her head like a telepathic leach for the rest of her life.

Jiro watched Mimiko talk to the T Mobile guys who were trying to set her up with a family plan so that Jiro and Kotaro could have a cell phone on her plan making things a little less complicated. Of course Jiro watched this thinking it had to be the most complicated thing ever. The cellular phone vendor couldn’t get what they called a SIM chip to work first of all which was apparently the brain of this little device, then of course they did not have a phone like Mimiko’s with the camera as well as all the other junk that Jiro figured was necessary. Why he needed a Razor Chocolate phone with keypad was beyond him. What the hell was Bluetooth anyway? It made Mimi look like she was just going about talking to herself. He would rather have the device in hand to make it at least appear like he was not talking to thin air. If they were trying to fit in not drawing attention to themselves then it was best that they did not talk to themselves or look like it.

Kotaro of course was able to grasp all of what was being said and figured out the phone with no problem telling Jiro what seemed like a thousand times how to work it. Jiro just wanted Mimi’s number and that was satisfactory enough for him if he needed to speak on this blasted contraption. If it rang he knew it was her and Kotaro really didn’t need one except for the fact that Kotaro often seemed to like to run off on Jiro making the elder vampire worry. Promise or no promise Kotaro was too young to understand the fears that his protector had over him. Kotaro was a curious youth and therefore even being the Sage he had the mind of a ten year old boy. Ten year olds had a tendency of letting their minds wander as well as their bodies.

“Ok, now it is just getting you two to learn the information highway and the communication problems we have been having will cease to be an issue.”

Mimiko stated matter of factly as if they never could hold a conversation. Jiro smirked a bit at her comment since it was amusing to assume he never understood her.

“Mimi, I think that the cellular is enough for me today. May we do that tomorrow? I find communicating with you in person to be much more informative than having to rely on a device that from what I have seen glares back at you. You are aware of my visual sensitivities are you not?”

Mimi sighed since she had made a whole agenda for the day, but seeing that Jiro was smoking again even with the umbrella over his head there was no point in pushing other than to go there just to get them out of the sun if nothing else.

“Fine, we won’t push the internet yet, but we are still going to the library since we are almost there. It would be best to be indoors and Kotaro you will have to be quiet in there. They prefer silence since it is a place for learning, not playing.”

Kotaro smiled.

“Sure Mimiko. I will behave.”

Jiro sighted. He would have preferred to go back to their apartment and rest. Still he insisted that they fit in so hopefully this would not last longer than an hour. He was very tired and really needed to rest up so that if they ever had another run in with Cassa or the Kowloon children that he would be prepared.

“Yes, we will behave.”

Mimi smiled up at the handsome vampire. He had drunk her blood three times since their arrival. The last time was when he was almost dying bleeding terribly from the attack on him as he fought Cassa trying to defeat the threat to the Sage. Jiro marveled at her blood mainly because she was still a virgin and her blood was rare amongst the young humans since most did not remain virtuous for long. Mimiko’s blood was like nothing else he encountered and he never lied when he stated her blood to be a delicacy. In fact part of him never wanted Mimi to lose her innocence, but another knew that was too selfish to ponder.

For a long time Jiro had Alice as his lover. The Sage, the Mother of Vampires had loved him and they shared a relationship like a married couple. Kotaro in many ways was their child even if he was a reincarnation of Alice. Kotaro was the result of something incredible. Cassa never explained her betrayal or why she watched over Alice’s ashes. If nothing else, before her demise at his hands Jiro wanted answers from Cassandra Jill Warlock. He deserved them if no one else did. Losing Alice was like making him a widower and he was still in mourning after all of these years. Mimiko and Kotaro both had so many whimsical similar aspects in their characters to his beloved Alice. However, nothing could take her place, not even Kotaro.

Many people viewed Jiro as a disgrace for not saving Alice Eve, the original Sage. Others saw him as a lone hero doomed to be alone for all eternity until he gave up the Sage’s bloodline back to Kotaro the true Sage leaving the Silver Blade in limbo as a vampire who would most likely give up his life when the bloodline was sacrificed since there was no one he saw as a suitable companion save the Sage who would always be Kotaro a male child he raised to become the new pure bloodline for the next generations. Jiro figured his job as Big Brother was more than this. It was indeed a Fatherly role he played on more than one occasion since it was he who changed Kotaro’s diapers and who was raising the Sage protecting him.

Rinsuke Akai who worked for the company and was a dear friend was a very amusing character who seemed to believe that Mimi had a romantic place in Jiro’s heart although he would have preferred Jiro come to his side of darkness as his lover since the man was incorrigible even when Jiro turned him down several times. Romancing Mimi was not something Jiro ever planned to do. He couldn’t think of Mimi more than as a sister whom also carried the blood that he craved for now as all vampires craved the blood of the innocent above all others.

Entering the library Jiro thought about the place he had in this strange little group. No matter where he went Jiro was the outsider. He really didn’t belong anywhere. He was a killer of his own kind and at the same time he was to be their savior. How was this possible when Cain, Zelman, Sei, and the ancient bloods could band together to slaughter him in seconds. The only thing that kept him safe was the fact he had the Sage’s blood residing in his body. Once that was gone it would be easy for these groups, these houses that for now accepted him to turn on him for revenge although Zelman on more than one occasion wished for him to be a part of his questionable coven.

Speaking of the devil himself, who should so happen to be at the library reading a book at one of the tables but Zelman Clock the Crimson Eyes Prince himself smirking as though he were expecting them.

“Silver Blade, you have finally decided to give up the old cloak and dagger? I am impressed.”

Zelman was there with his assistant Sayuka. Jiro never understood why Zelman kept the woman around since she was not quite as attractive as those who were drawn to the crimson eyed blood red haired man who looked no more than 19 although he was over 800 years old.

“Should I leave my Lord?”

Sayuka stated softly. Zelman gave her a withering look. Even he didn’t know why he kept her around except for the fact she was still pure and her blood was much like Mimiko’s. It was a craving nothing more.

“No, leave us Sayuka and wait for my arrival.”

Sayuka gave Mimi a rather heated glance as she departed. It was no surprise that Sayuka saw any attractive young woman as a threat. Hibari Kusunogi was as much a threat to Sayuka as Mimiko Katsuragi ever since the young woman was introduced to Zelman after the temporary peace from the war with the Kowloon Children.

Zelman found Hibari’s company pleasant since her constant babbling and childish ways filled his soul with contentment. She was much like the young Sage Kotaro and Hibari was amusing for the time being. She practically fainted away when Zelman fed from her which caused him to smirk a bit in contentment. His rather sadistic sides of his nature enjoyed watching Hibari fumble and try to run from his charm as he would pin her to the wall making her eventually succumb to his desires. The Crimson Eyed Prince loved having his ego stroked. Zelman was certain that if Mimiko knew of his little game with her friend that she would have a fit. It would be amusing to find out, but for now Zelman wished to keep the peace with the Silver Blade. No point in rocking or sinking a boat when there were much more entertaining things to do like torment Jiro on his new look by recommending a non smoking jacket rather than trying to be so debonair in such casual surroundings.

Jiro went to bow before the Prince, but Zelman put up his hand.

“This is no place for formalities Jiro Mochizuki. After all it is a rather human environment and we are pretending to be their guests although I do believe there is no smoking allowed in these hallowed walls of educational materials. I in fact was just learning on how to knit myself a new cap, but why do so when we can shop until we drop according to the local magazines.”

Mimiko bowed then straightened up feeling rather shy around the crimson eyed vampire practically hiding behind Jiro and Kotaro who smiled widely at Zelman.

“Hello, it is so great to see you Zelman. We were going to learn the internet, but we had enough trouble with the cellular phones that I think my brother here was ready to tear his hair out. Did you have the same trouble when you learned?”

At that comment Zelman burst into laughter. Only Kotaro could make him really smile. He almost felt, damn he think it, alive for a moment when around the tiny Sage. Was Alice Eve like this at one point? Had she too been so full of life for a vampire? Perhaps someday when Jiro was in need of a home he would persuade him to spill his guts on how things once were before he became one of the old dark bloods.

Zelman enjoyed power and chaos as long as it didn’t destroy his home. A little trouble now and then was good for the soul since it kept those that lived so long from becoming too complacent. In some ways he was glad that Cassa was not dead yet. She would prove to be entertaining as long as she did not pull another stunt in the Special Zone by turning those within into problem children. It was one thing to have a few problems, it was another to destroy his feeding line and mess with the bloodlines of his kin. That was damn near blasphemous and he indeed would begin the insurrection by weeding out the unworthy if it came down to such methods of eradication.

“Why yes, I did Kotaro. Still once you learn all about such things you will find that they are not much different than the missives we used to send by pigeon only faster. I dare say you both will become quite addicted to the internet. Almost as addicted to it as you would be to Mimi’s blood wouldn’t you say so Mimiko?”

Mimi’s face turned bright red as she tried to avoid the flirting crimson eyes and smirking lips that taunted her.

“I can’t say I would know such things.”

Mimi stated softly and Jiro frowned at Zelman.

“Please, do refrain from tormenting Mimiko Lord Zelman. She is doing her best to help us.”

Zelman smiled and laughed.

“Yes Jiro, I can see that. I do approve of your new attire. It suits you both and although I know you wish to refrain from learning more I insist. So come shall we go meet the computer for the first time Silver Blade or do you fear the challenge? I could not imagine the kin killer avoiding a challenge. It may change your status and the opinion of you as a man if you cannot do more than avoid change. It will happen like it or not.”

Jiro grumbled a bit, but Kotaro just grabbed his hand laughing as they went over to these box shaped televisions that were claimed as computers.

“Where is the remote control although I do approve of the beverage holder? Can you really drink blood out of a cup Mr. Zelman?”

Kotaro asked as he sat in the chair. Zelman bust up laughing as did Mimiko. Jiro put on his goggles to try to deal with the glare. He had to do the same with the television at times. It was quite bright.

“Ah, Jiro, try these rather than those out dated things.”

Zelman gave Jiro a pair of transition lenses that made Jiro look better than he thought possible. Dare the Great Zelman Clock admit that Jiro was indeed good looking? He wouldn’t since it would only embarrass the Silver Blade. He was as innocent as his companions. It was too much and Zelman could say it was almost adorable. Zelman indeed had to talk Sei into letting him have Jiro when everything was complete.

No one could say that Prince Zelman Clock was not selfish or self serving since he knew what he wanted plus had years of experience in getting all things that he desired. If he had Jiro he would have the Sage. His house would be as legendary as the Great Dragon of the East’s and thus it would make him feared once again. Yes he would help them with everything and then gain his favor with Kotaro who would in turn put in a good word with Jiro. Right now the more he could persuade the two men to trust him, the faster he could gain them into his coven. His coven in all honesty was the only coven that would take the outcast Jiro with no conditions required of the Silver Blade other than loyalty to protect the brothers and sisters of Zelman’s coven. It was little to ask for and was expected from any house who took them in.

“You look great in those glasses Jiro; can he keep them Mr. Zelman?”

Zelman smiled.

“Of course he may. Indeed that is why I brought them. I am surprised the company did not have a hand in gaining you both…more suitable attire….although I must say you both seem to do well in caring for yourselves. The Dragon’s house has left much up to the Company when it comes to you both. I however, would take care of things for you rather than leave you to fend on your own.”

Jiro knew this game and as charming as Zelman was being he was not about to join forces with the Crimson Eyed Prince. At least not until he knew all of Zelman’s motives since the man could be quite charming just as Cassa had been. Zelman had no reason to hide his true nature though and flaunted it so Jiro at least could trust in that even if he may not be able to trust anyone in much of anything including the Dragon of the East. How long would it take before they were forced to leave the Special Zone because of the chaos that the Silver Blade always brought with him? Would they ever truly belong anywhere for long? What was the point of changing when in the end they would still be treated the same way when the war was over?

“We haven’t let them fend on their own, which is why I am here. Otherwise why would I have bothered to bring them here?”

Mimiko stated angrily as she forgot who she was talking to. Zelman smiled as he put his fingers on her chin. He was in front of Mimi in seconds and it was indeed rather terrifying to the young human who could never move that quickly.

“Ah yes, I almost forgot you were here Ms. Mimiko. You indeed do a fine job, but that is because of your kind human heart, not because the Company whom you work for. They asked you to care for these two, but fact is you were the one who invited them to the Special Zone were you not?”

Mimi tried to nod as Zelman let lose her chin walking around her as a predator would with his prey.

“Yes, but…..”

Mimi stated softly trying to defend the company only to be completely cut off.

“You were the one who found them, brought them here, and lost your apartment. Your very home was destroyed, your life disrupted, and all for these two although the Company takes the credit for the find. They put you in harms’ way by not helping you to provide a home for our guests and thus the hospitality shown to our friends here was questionable.’
“The truth is harsh Mimiko. It should have been a vampire who took them both in and accepted these two friends of ours into the Special Zone. Only a human, a member of this community, can invite one of our ’kind’ to live here. It is a part of the deal we have with the humans and the only way the barrier that the Lord Dragon has over the Special Zone can be waived so that we may reside here.’
“You indeed are an amazingly kind, but naive young woman. Do not try to defend those who place you in harm and understand that without you Jiro would have no home. The Sage would have been welcomed with open arms, but you are the reason Jiro has a place amongst us so do not belittle your involvement by giving the Company more power than they deserve.”

Mimi wanted to say more, but Zelman was suddenly gone and at Jiro’s side showing him how to navigate on the computer as he put his hand over Jiro’s helping him with the mouse then doing the same for Kotaro. Hands on was the only way to help the two learn how to work the computer. It was amusing to see both men using one to two fingers to punch in the letters as Zelman sat next to them showing both how to type. It took a while, but soon the three vampires were doing well on the computers like they had been doing so their whole lives. Zelman eventually left them to their ways meeting Sayuka outside and Cain who was waiting to see the progress.

“So Zelman, you came. How come that doesn’t surprise me?”

Cain Warlock stated as he growled a bit. The old vampire could never hide the blue wolf that he was behind his serious exterior. Cain would have made a better werewolf than a vampire considering he was half of each with the power of the Great Warlock that was in his blood.

“Well Cain, we cannot all just watch as things happen and in the end of it all what will you do? Is the Company prepared or do they care about their assets? Some I am sure are as expendable as these ashes.”

Zelman made his point by lighting a cigarette burning the whole thing with his power over fire and crushing it under his foot. Cain winced a bit.

“Jiro…….Zelman we do not even know if he will survive the transfer.”

Cain stated softly. Jiro was both a thorn in his side and someone he did care about. Hell he knew the Silver Blade and he knew the risks that the Lord Dragon was making in taking such a man in. The kin killer caused war and rarely any good came from the presence of such a volatile combination of both vampiric power with the ability to withstand silver to the point that you could kill one of your own. It was considered a sinful life amongst vampires to destroy your own kind and punishable by death.

“No you do not so you assume Jiro will become ash or perhaps be reborn as the Sage. None of us know, but my coven has open arms for the chaos that he may bring. We would not turn him or the Sage away if the Lord Dragon so chooses to let him fall.”

With that Zelman left in a flash as though he never had been there at all. Cain sighed. He didn’t like that thought any more than he liked the fact that there was always that possibility that Jiro would die once the transfer of the bloodline was complete. There was also the fact that Jiro might end up completely human fulfilling his final days as he once would have when he was the Sub Lt. of the royal Japanese Navy so many years ago. That was part of the reason Mimiko was so valuable and perhaps her presence would give Jiro some peace when the transfer occurred if he remained as a human man.

Alice Eve was long gone. She was deceased leaving only Kotaro and the young Sage was going to be in for a harsh education once the bloodline was restored. Kotaro would need all the help he could get and so Jiro’s job would be complete leaving him to find other resources for his personal guidance. There would be no recourse for Jiro so perhaps Zelman was right. Problem was once the Sage’s bloodline was restored would Kotaro abandon Jiro for the good of their kind or would he hang onto an unstable thread that may break?

Walking into the library Cain was shocked at the changes of the Sage and Jiro. No one would have recognized them if it were not for the long silver blade encased in its black sheath at Jiro’s side.

“So I see that Zelman’s influence upon you both has done some improvements. You both will fit in nicely and I believe will have less problems with the community.”

Cain stated as Jiro turned away from the computer. The Sage was too engrossed in all he was finding on several kids’ websites to pay attention to adults.

“Well, we had Mimiko to help us. Zelman has been helpful, but we indeed would be lost without Mimi. My slight issue, however when I leave during the sunlit hours is still an issue.”

Jiro stated softly as he stretched and got up from his chair. Cain had brought the limo to take the three young people to their apartments.

“I am certain that is not as much of an issue here in the Special Zone. There is an understanding here Jiro that you will not find anywhere else. Your job is to protect the Sage and therefore your slight discomfort is nothing to concern yourself over.”

Cain led the trio out to the limousine. Zelman was right. They had to figure out something for Jiro and something that would work to keep the Sage safe as well. Somehow Cassa had to be eliminated before problems came to the Special Zone as they had before. Jiro needed to be let out to do his job and only then could they insure that the Sage would be safe. If it were not for the fact Jiro shared the Sage’s blood the houses would not have to work with the Silver Blade. He would be able to be on his own and than if Zelman wanted him it wouldn’t be an issue. However, the Sage could never be a part of Zelman’s coven. The Lord Dragon wouldn’t allow it and Cain knew the Company would not either. The Company would still want Jiro. He would have a home no matter what happened. Cain would make sure of it. Knowing the Sage would follow Jiro to the ends of the earth Cain knew that the only way to insure peace was to keep things as they were for as long as time would allow.