Chapter Seven- Encounter
What is this place, Zero asked Miko.
Miko was silent for a few moments.
It's my house. It's where I stayed after what happened to me. I'm sorry, I can't tell you what it was that happened to me. But, I can tell you that you were chosen.
Chosen, Zero thought confused.
You were chosen to help in my cause.
What cause?
You'll find out soon enough. But for now, let us go in.
Zero helped Satomi open the gates. The gates were old and they squeaked and groaned. Zero caught sight of the huge house. It had two floors and there was a small shed on the side. He walked on the property. There was a gigantic front lawn. He saw a girl run on the lawn. A couple of children were running and chasing each other. There was a woman with brown hair who was watching the children.
Zero was surprised to see children on what looked like an abandoned building. Satomi let go of Hana who had woken up when Zero hadn't noticed. Hana walked toward the children and she had a wide smile on her face.
Satomi came beside Zero and said, "Hana won't remember you now. I erased her memories of her experience out of the mansion. I'm warning you right now so you won't be surprised."
Zero nodded and watched Hana play with the other children. She paid no attention to them. It was as if she hadn't seen them. She fell on the ground. Zero went to her without even thinking.
"Are you okay?" He asked her.
She looked at him with her wide purple eyes. "Zewo?"
His mouth opened slightly in surprise. "You remember me?"
She smiled and said, "Of couwse, I do."
His lips twitched at the corners and he stood up. She stared up at him and she noticed Aido.
"Thomas?"
Aido looked at her surprised. "No that's not my name."
She looked at him confused. "Not Thomas Aido?"
He shook his head.
"Oh," she said.
One of the children tugged at her dress sleeve. It was a little girl who had the same grey eyes of Satomi. Hana turned her attention to the girl, with a look of confusion on her face. Zero stared at Aido. Thomas? Did she know someone in Aido's family? He also wondered about her memories being fake.
Morio was on the ground. He whimpered in pain. He closed his eyes and he tried to breathe. He was sure that the other Hunters were looking for him. At least, he hoped they would. His black hair was drenched in his blood. His coat was open and his shirt was ripped. He gasped in pain. It hurt like hell.
I must be dead, he thought, I must be dead. I wonder is anybody is looking for me.
"No one is looking for you." A graceful voice said in the darkness.
He winced as he sat up. He had a cut on his cheek that bled. He was in a cave. He wondered what had happened.
"Why do you say that?" He said with difficulty.
"Because, according to one source, you were proclaimed dead. I'm sorry but no one is coming for you."
Morio screamed in pain as the woman, who held him captive, pierced his stomach with her bare hand. He coughed blood. He was sure this was just a nightmare. Please let it be a nightmare, he thought desperately.
Satomi was genuinely surprised that Hana had recognized Zero. She took them to their rooms. Zero looked at his room. It was clean from dust and cobwebs. He went inside and he took out some blood tablets from his jean pocket. He gulped some down. Satomi raised her eyebrows.
"You're taking a lot of them," she said.
Zero sighed and said, "Look I don't need another person telling me that I take too much of these."
"Okay, okay." She looked at Aido. "I guess you will be staying with us. Okay then, come with me."
"I need silk pajamas and I want to hav-" Aido began to list the things he needed to live.
Zero smiled slightly and he closed the door. He sat on the bed.
Miko?
Yes, Zero. What is it? Miko's voice was a bit reassuring to Zero. He found that feeling odd.
Where is this place? I remember Satomi saying it wouldn't be in Japan.
Miko laughed. It was like hearing the soft tinkling of bells. I'm sorry. I'm not privileged to tell you that.
I thought you said you were going to tell me everything.
Miko was quiet for a few seconds. Then she said, I need you to first improve your powers.
"What powers?" Zero said aloud.
I see. You haven't developed them yet? But I can feel them, even in this state in which I am in, churning around you. The others can feel it. They can feel your power and they are restless. I can see the spirits trying to touch and contact you. I'm sorry. You have no idea what I am talking about, do you?
Zero was even more confused. "Spirits? Powers? Miko, you're not making any sense."
The windows blew open and Zero stared as a figure appeared. It was a woman. She was not Miko. She clicked her fan open and she smiled.
"Zero," she said, her voice was graceful. She smiled and she looked at him.
His eyes widened and he reached for his weapon, his Bloody Rose gun, which he had brought with him. She took a step forward. Zero pointed his gun at her.
"Shizuka!" He screamed; he gritted his teeth and he looked at her with anger that was barely kept inside.
She smiled and said, "It's nice to see you, Zero Kiryu. How have you been doing?"
Hello! This is the seventh chapter. I hope you enjoy it. I would really appreciate comments and feedback. Thank you in advance.