Finding Peace

Zelman waited thinking Kotaro was coming with Jiro, but instead the Sage was safely tucked away which was fine for the conversation he was to have with Jiro.

“What is it you want Lord Zelman?”

Jiro stated impatiently. It was bad enough to have his normal schedule changed since watching over Mimiko at night had become a habit. It also kept Kotaro quiet for a time which alone was a miracle giving his ears a break as Kotaro would rest while Jiro watched over them all until dawn when he would rest up a bit in their apartment while Mimi would come by to get Kotaro up for a home cooked breakfast.

“I see we both have the same problem. I am losing my compromiser to this foolish vacation business and you have the same issue. I also have a slight problem with losing my new addition’s virtue to some hovel driven slobbering school pup. So what do you say? Shall we accompany one another pretending to get to know the locals or would you rather smoke alone on the sidelines?”

Jiro was shocked although it shouldn’t have shocked him because Zelman Clock was one to get straight to the point of the matter at hand when it came to something he wanted. He was expecting Zelman to bring up joining his coven again or possibly sharing Mimiko’s blood which was a definite no.

“I do not see that being an issue since I would rather slit my own throat then allow another to harm a good friend.”

Zelman smirked.

“Then we are at an accord. In turn we get to pretend to care about the rest of the population for appearance sake only. So I will see you tomorrow then?”

Jiro nodded, but before he could leave Zelman spoke up.

“Afternoon or early evening since I am certain it will be dawn when our two female acquaintances will depart?”

Jiro shrugged.

“We don’t really sleep so whenever. I would prefer not to be out in the sunlight, but as Cain said it is a small price to pay to smoke a bit for the safety of those I care for than to complain about it.”

Zelman almost laughed. That was amusing. Jiro and the Sage, giving a rat’s ass about humans. As if vampires who lived off of their blood could do such a novel thing forever. Humans were merely a food source and perhaps as they spoke he could allow Jiro to see the error of his ways in giving them more credit than they deserved. They were certainly entertaining creatures, but Zelman always listened to his blood. He was not a human and it was time for some of these foolish people to cease pretending that is what they were.

“I will meet you later outside of whatever little hovel Hibari comes up with to meet Mimiko in. I am bringing sunblock. Perhaps that will assist you with your little problem.”

Jiro bowed as Zelman departed in a flash. He was done with his part of the deal and figured it would get him time in where his little pet at home could not with Jiro. However, Hibari having time alone with her friend would also allow Zelman to get the scoop on what she knew about Jiro and Kotaro. Perhaps it would help, perhaps not. Either way Zelman had nothing else going on to entertain himself with.

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Hibari woke up with three very nice very new suitcases packed and ready to go. The problem was that the things packed were not her own. Eliza informed Hibari that all her essential things were being packed as well as things that Zelman would question her about later to inform of their sentimental value before they were burned.

“I don’t understand….why? I thought he wanted me here during my vacation. Not that I want to be here for my vacation since this is more like work as far as relations are concerned although I do not know how I am compromising anything while he is draining me dry do you really………..”

Hibari started to rant before she caught herself. How was Eliza going to answer her if she kept up this babbling nonsense? It was just so nerve racking and Zelman wasn’t being a very good client. He was too distracting. Perhaps another should take her place while she was gone.

“Zelman had you fitted for several summer outfits which are already packed for your real vacation…away from us. Your Company called and the Lord Dragon insisted you take time away from vampire influence since you compromisers are too easy for us to get too involved with. I agree completely with them since you have paled a bit and Zelman was quite adamant that you do this so he prepared for you. You are to be his guest when you return for as long as he sees fit. It is actually quite an honorable position although do not take my word for it. I wouldn’t know since I am not human anymore. It is what I heard from Sayuka before she left us to visit outside of the Special Zone.”

Hibari yawned and looked in the mirror at herself. She did look rather pale, make that pasty white. How humiliating. Not even a hint of color and she was planning on going out to the ocean to enjoy the sand. The walls in the room seemed to have more color than she did.

“I can’t go out like this; I am positively white, not even slightly peach colored. What did Zelman do to me?”

Hibari cried out loud as Zelman entered the room with a slight smile to his lips.

“Insured no one will take your virtue, that is for certain. You should be thanking me.”

Zelman watched as the young woman threw a pillow at him. It missed of course.

“I can’t leave like this! Mimiko is going to think I am ill! Look at me! I make the walls look like they actually are cream colored! I might even blend in if it were not for my hair!”

Zelman looked at the phone.

“Well we could call them and tell them you are sick…….it would certainly save me some trouble……”

Hibari rushed across the room and put a hand on Zelman’s.

“Don’t do that! I need to leave for a while. I am sure Mimiko and the others are worried since they know I have been here. I just need some of that sunless tanning lotion. Can’t Eliza or someone do that for me?”

Zelman looked at Hibari wanting to laugh, but the sadistic side of him liked the fact she was pale and practically helpless to change her situation. In fact he preferred she stay pale since it would make his job a hell of a lot easier. Perhaps he and Jiro would not have to be without for weeks. These human vacations were stupid anyway when it wasn’t like Hibari did much for him other than entertain him a bit and gave him free virgin blood when he so desired. It was kind of fun to screw up her social life a bit too. It had been too long since he had a true innocent within his grasp to play with as he saw fit.

“Are you certain because I do have them on speed dial? It would save me a lot of trouble. I mean you are here to negotiate my desires with the Company and of course with humans. I could just you know, go with you and make certain that you didn’t get into trouble while you are on your little jaunt through these woods. Even in the Special Zone you little girls tend to attract big bad wolves. I could play lumberjack for you and…….”

Hibari’s eyes looked like they were going to pop out of her head. Zelman was completely amused. Hibari showed at least three different emotions all at once. The human was too easy to read as panic, fear, and anxiety were clearly written all over the child’s face except this time that little curve of his lips was itching to ruin his perfect poker face. She was too amusing for words. He indeed had to follow these young women since it was absolutely certain that they would get in over their heads. Look at Hibari now? Was the little girl not in the wolves den with the most sadistic men known? He wouldn’t care when she was gone, but for now he did only because Hibari was making his whole day. Perhaps he would forego his usual demeanor and play nice. Only for a little while though.

“NO!!! I need this time off. Please………Lord Zelman……I will do anything.”

At that comment Zelman did smile widely and his evil mind thought up some terrific things. Still, he decided he would use this against her later.

“Your last words I will remember little Hibari. Just remember while you are on this vacation of yours who you belong to. There are many out there who might take advantage of you and then blood would indeed be shed.”

Zelman gave Hibari the face of a concerned man although the only thing that concerned him was that her virtue stays intact so he could keep drinking from a pure source until he chose to change the situation. Running his fingers though her hair he even played the part of dare he think it……possible lover? Yes, making Hibari believe there was something more between them would keep her from doing too many stupid things. After all he would leave her with that last comment before he left her.

Eliza came back with sunscreen, but Zelman torched it as Hibari whimpered.

“No, you can’t have that not even when I am away. I want people to know that you associate with my house after all, I did mark you enough times to make sure that your ‘illness’ is not seen as such.”

Hibari looked in the mirror again at all the damn bite marks on her neck.

“You just couldn’t keep to one spot.”

Hibari fumed knowing she was going to have to buy a scarf to cover up all these damn bite marks. Zelman came behind her putting his arms around her waist enjoying his handy work.

“No scarf, just wear your hair down. It looks better that way anyway. Besides you have read the magazines have you not? Too much sunshine and getting tan is not good for your skin. All you need is to enjoy your time away from me since these vacations tend to be rather short lived.”

Zelman almost let it slip he thought her beautiful with her hair down all a mess from sleeping at night. He would not though. One compliment was enough. Besides, he too was getting too attached to having her in his bed and available to drink from at his heart’s leisure.

Since Zelman never slept the only other thing he would miss at night, which would not be a problem either with his plan, would be her dreams. He himself could not dream, but Hibari could and so he shared such things with her.

Hibari blushed putting a little color to her cheeks as Zelman seemed to space off for a moment only to let her go disappearing like he had never been there. A call came on her cell phone that she suddenly found in her fingertips that had been held by the Zelman Clock. He was such an ass though, making her go out in public like this. Her hair was not enough to cover up his damn bite marks.

“Hello, Hibari here.”

It of course was Mimiko.

“Hibari what the hell are you thinking being Zelman Clock’s compromiser? You are way too inexperienced for that guy! He is going to run circles around you! What is the Company thinking! Hell I am going to give Mr. Jinnai Shôgo a piece of my mind letting you do this!”

Hibari sighed.

“I was chosen by Lord Zelman Mimi, it wasn’t like I had a choice. You should see me now. Talk about a pint low, more like gallons. I don’t know how you do it Mimi, but please smack around Jiro good for me. At least yours doesn’t dodge things like the speed of light. Jiro actually has weaknesses you can pick on him about.”

Mimi didn’t like the sound of Hibari’s voice. She sounded…..well drained….of all energy.

“Are you sure you can even go on vacation? Perhaps you need to see the Company Physician first. You sound terrible.”

Hibari sighed again sounding even more exasperated then the first time.

“No, I don’t want to see anyone. Let’s just say that Lord Crimson Eyes has a fetish and I am a walking drink carton that seems to say feed me now. I mean hell; I am never going to go on a first date, double date or not looking like a stick of chalk. Talk about pale….I think even white is too bright for how I look…..I am more of an off white……with holes. Zelman won’t even let me get a damn scarf. I swear if I do he will know and it is like he owns me….as if. If I wasn’t so damn tired I would tell him who is in control around here.”

Mimiko sighed herself agreeing.

“You know it took me two hours to pack because Kotaro kept trying to unpack my stuff because he doesn’t want me to leave although he is staying with The Lord Dragon while I am gone and Jiro is going to be following us around. He will hang in the distance, but he insists on going. I can’t argue with smoky the bear, but I can say this I am going to go on at least one date before we are done.”

Hibari moaned.

“I can’t……..I want to, but I just know Zelman. He will find out and then I won’t be able to leave this complex for like ever. Maybe we can just dance with some guys or something. They can’t keep us from doing that. I just can’t believe Jiro is going to follow you around. Is he like a stalker or something?”

Mimiko laughed.

“Ya, something like that….anyway get ready to meet me at that shoe store that we bought those crazy polka dot pumps at. You know those stupid pink ones with white dots that matched those dumb dresses we wore to that dance party like way back in high school.”

Hibari laughed and then looked at the luggage. One of the matching sets had Mimiko’s initials on them.

“Ummmm…..Mimi, don’t bother packing. I guess Zelman is trying to be nice or he wants something since there is luggage for you here too. I suggest we just wear what he bought. Heaven knows I don’t want to piss the guy off or else I am stuck here. I just hope that those clothing picked isn’t something out of the fifteenth century or some crap.”

Mimi went silent.

“Mimi are you there? Did you hear me? Don’t pack ok?”

Then slamming could be heard as a door was closed along with yelling.

“Sorry about that, but I was getting dressed and I am only like in a towel right now. I swear Jiro is a letch. He just has to be with his damn obsession with my virtue and then the jerk walks in on me without knocking! I mean he has his own damn apartment, but he has to just waltz into mine whenever he damn well pleases.’
“Ya I heard and it is a good thing since all my stuff just magically disappeared. I think this is a hint I am in hell and no one wants me to have a life.”

Hibari nodded as she too looked at Zelman who was leaning against the door waiting for her to finish her amusing phone call.

“Ya, I know what you mean. Gotta go. See you later.”

Hibari hung up and looked at the bags. She was dressed in yellow of all colors and the only thing that didn’t blend in with her skin was her hair along with the few red flowers on her dress which matched perfectly with the holes in her neck that were still healing. Of course the dress had no straps so she looked like a holey nightmare although she attempted a bit of makeup and some lip gloss. Zelman had never seen her in any make up, but why would he? He was always draining her of her energy and blood. All she could do was sleep and eat a bit. She was going to get fat if she couldn’t exercise soon, either that or die from anemia.

Zelman eyed his new pet. She looked too beautiful. He was definitely debating on the hair thing now. Perhaps she should have it up and just show off those bite marks.

“Let me help you with your hair.”

He insisted forcing Hibari to sit down at the vanity. As he combed her long auburn locks Looking into her soft brown eyes Zelman made the decision to leave her hair down since she looked too much like a grown woman with it pulled up with the makeup on. Zelman wished to make her seem innocent as she was on the inside on the outside as well.

“There you are ready to go now.”

With that Zelman departed. Dare he say he actually felt a twinge of jealousy? Zelman didn’t want Hibari out there where others could take away her innocence, but at the same time caging her in like Sayuka would bore him to no end. No, it was much more amusing when she was out there in the world doing whatever humans do. He had seen plenty of humans do the same boring thing over and over again. However, Hibari and Mimiko together were amusing. He would enjoy hearing all about their vacation while being a part of it from the sidelines.