Chapter 5

I trusted these vampires because they all were acquainted with Mimiko and Jiro so I wasn't frightened.

"You are aware of why you were called here, Miss Aya?" The Chairman looked concerned.

"Oh, umm…" I stuttered.

"We are here to discuss the whereabouts of where you will be staying here in the Special Zone." Cain Warlock grumbled from where he sat beside Zelman.

"From what we've heard, you have been staying at Zelman's mansion, have you not?" The Chairman asked.

"Yes." I said nervously. Being the main center of attention made me bothered me but after my answer, all eyes shifted to Zelman.

"You allowed a human into your house?" Cain questioned, angrily but mostly out of surprise.

"It really bothers you that much Cain. I was simply providing a house for a certain human." Zelman smiled over to Cain which made Cain even more agitated.

"You didn't drink from her, did you?" Sei asked with worry.

"No Sei, I assure you, I didn't." Zelman answered, quietly.

"We are aware of the Coven's activities and the potential risk of Miss Aya staying within your household." Sei said, with ease.

I was speechless but Sei was right.

"I can't argue with that." Zelman said, as he leaned back in his chair.

"We can not afford to let a human stay in our houses as it will cause trouble. Humans live in the Special Zone along with vampires but you have no place to stay here in the Special Zone. You may have to leave." Cain Warlock said, with a strong tone.

"We are very sorry, Miss Aya, but those are the rules of the Special Zone." Sei said remorsefully.

"Miss Aya does have a purpose for being here in the Special Zone. She will find out soon enough." Zelman remarked, slyly.

"That's not good enough, Zelman!" Cain shouted.

"For now, Miss Aya will stay with Miss Mimiko Katsuragi." The Chairman said, sternly.

"Yes." Mimiko suddenly appeared behind me. I almost jumped. She had just been let in the room.

"Other problems have begun to arise as well, as a human will only further our problems." Cain said, growling with frustration. &nb sp; Everyone in the room was silent.

"Miss Aya, you will go with Miss Katsuragi now, and matters will be discussed later." The Chairman said.

Mimiko grabbed my hand and pulled me gently out of the room. As the meeting room's doors closed, I saw Zelman appear frustrated. Maybe because he really had no say in the meeting at all just like me. Mimiko stopped when the doors closed behind us.

"Don't worry," She said, positively, I am sure you will be able to stay in the Special Zone. For now though, you can stay with me." I stared at her, smiled, and nodded with approval. I looked to the floor before she tugged me along.

"The Council is right. It wouldn't be a good idea to put me in a house of vampires. I would cause too much trouble for Zelman." I exclaimed to Mimiko.

"You really seem to like Zelman Clock, don't you? Strange… so does Kotaro. He did protect us from Cassa that one time." Mimiko smiled brightly but seemed a little confused. I stared into Mimiko's eyes.

"Mr. Zelman took in me and my little sister. I owe him everything for protecting my sister and me."

"So why did you come to the Special Zone, Miss Aya?" Mimiko asked, glancing at me.

"I am supposed to find this purpose in the Special Zone, as does my sister at Ouran Academy. We were both taken here but had to be separated for now." I stated.

"I see." Mimiko said softly.

Mimiko and I were outside now, walking through the park. She had already let my hand go now I was the one clenching her hand. I let go but continued following her.

"Where's Jiro and Kotaro?" I asked.

"Jiro's being reckless as usual and Kotaro is at my apartment waiting for us." Mimiko said, with a hint of anger, most likely directed at Jiro.

"Jiro's after the Kowloon children." I guessed. Mimiko turned to me, eyes sharpened and nodded. "That figures."

"Mimi!" A shrill but small voice yelled. Kotaro appeared, racing through passerbys to get to us. He was happily excited.

"Kotaro, what did I say about waiting for me at the apartment. It's still dangerous in the Special Zone, you know?" Mimiko was frustrated but soon lightened up.

"Hello Kotaro." I smiled at him. Kotaro gazed up at me, and then smiled too. "Hi. What's your name?" He said, sweetly.

"It's Aya." I leaned down to face him.

"Hey Aya, you're the one who's staying with Mr. Zelman, aren't you?" Kotaro said with anticipation.

"Well, I was but now I guess I'm going to stay with Miss Mimiko." I said.

"So are Brother and I. We're like a family!" Kotaro shouted happily.

"It'll be a little cramped but I guess it'll work out." Mimiko said with a sigh.

"I hope this won't be too much trouble for you." I said.

Though the Council did assign me to Mimiko, I didn't want to make things worse for her by imposing her. She had Jiro and Kotaro to worry about. Things were becoming worse. The Kowloon children had begun to make their move Though, Jiro defeated the Kowloon King years ago, and his ashes were still buried in the 11th yard. It had to be constantly protected by the Company.

"Don't worry." Mimiko smiled. Mimiko took both of us to her apartment, which wasn't too far away. She helped me get settled in and I asked Mimiko if I could rest for a while. She didn't mind. She pulled out some blankets and let me lay down on her bed while she called her office. I thanked her. Kotaro was restless, but he somehow managed to collapse into the blankets next to me. I didn't mind. I was half-asleep when he fell fast asleep. Kotaro seemed like acute little brother figure to me. I felt like I wanted to protect him no matter what.

I woke. I assumed I hadn't been sleeping for very long. I leaned up to look for a clock. Mimiko's clock was in pieces. I assumed that Jiro was the one who broke it. He doesn't know how to work most technology. I had heard from Kotaro. I looked beside me and sure enough, Kotaro was still there sleeping soundly. He didn't utter a noise or even snore. I would have never gone to sleep if he had. I soon noticed that Mimiko was gone. Why did she leave? Did she go off to find Jiro, or did she leave for a meeting? She was a Compromiser after all. She couldn't abandon her duties because of us. I crawled out of my covers, one by one. This stirred Kotaro. He woke up as well.

"Aya." He yawned.

"Kotaro, Mimiko's gone. Do you know where she might be going?" I asked.

He shook his head.

I went to the bathroom to clean up and fix my hair. Kotaro stood right by the door.

"I want to go see Mimi. She might need our help." Kotaro announced.

"But Kotaro, Mimiko might want us to remain here till she gets back." I stated.

"I know." He mumbled. His sad frown made me start to rethink. I didn't want to stay here either until Mimiko got back. There were just too many things going on.

"I guess we could go out for a little while, as long as we're both careful. We can't make a scene. I don't know where Mimiko might be though." I explained.

"We'll find Mimi. I'm sure of it." Kotaro cheered.

"Ok then."

Kotaro and I walked out of Mimiko apartment and went down to the lobby. We continued down the streets, watching passer bys with interest. The Special Zone was larger than I thought it was. "Miss Aya." Kotaro spoke.

"Yes, Kotaro." I responded.

"Are you with Company like Mimi is?" Kotaro stared at me with his wide blue eyes. He was so cute.

"What do you mean. Kotaro?" I asked him with interest.

"Well, it's just that Mimi works for the Company, and she helps vampires like me and Brother.

I pondered what he said. "Kotaro, I don't work for the Company and I'm not a vampire either but I do want to live here in the Special Zone with you and the others. My younger sister is away right now, so I have to do my best here on my own." I thought about Kashu. I wondered if she was doing alright and enjoying herself.

"But me, Mimi, and Brother are your friends. And Mr. Zelman wants to help too." Kotaro's large childish smile comforted me.

I laughed. "Yes."

"Kotaro."

The voice startled me but it was familiar.

"Brother!" Kotaro yelled, happily. I was surprised. It was Jiro, Jiro Mochizuki. He stuck out with his large red hat and cape. He also carried an umbrella since he was very sensitive to the sunlight. His sharp eyes landed on me. "Miss Aya?" He seemed shocked. He bowed. I watched puzzled. &nb sp; "Mr. Mochizuki." I said politely.

"You can call me Jiro." He said, holding up his hand, smiling.

"Okay." I said, lowly.

"Kotaro, where's Mimiko? She should be with you." Jiro asked Kotaro, who responded in a panic.

"When we woke, she was gone. Do you think she was kidnapped?"

"Calm down, Kotaro, she most likely has work." I said, reassuring him.

"Nevertheless. You two shouldn't be wandering the streets on your own." He turned towards Kotaro. "How many times have I told you that, Kotaro?"

Kotaro looked fearful, holding his head down. Jiro was frightening. I was afraid Jiro would punish him.

"I can't discipline you now though. There are humans around. It might cause more trouble for Mimiko too. But Kotaro, please don't do this again." Jiro looked sympathetic as he stared intently at Kotaro. "I warn you as well, Miss Aya." He shot a angry glance at me.

"I'm sorry." I apologized, bowing my head.

"Miss Aya, do you know of the Kowloon Children?" Jiro stared at me, grimly.

Why would he ask me this? "Yes I do. I know everything that has happened so far or at least what I've been told." I answered.

Jiro seemed startled by my information. "Everything?"

I nodded.

Jiro's gaze turned into a serious look. "Don't get involved with them."

"You don't have to tell me that, Jiro." I said in a soft-spoken tone.

"Brother? Mimi's going to have Aya live with us. Won't it be fun?" Kotaro chanted, excited. Kotaro sure got to the blunt point.

"What? Won't it be a tight fit? Does Mimiko know about this?" Jiro asked, trying to hide his misfortune. Jiro wasn't too happy. I was a human after all. I hope I wouldn't cause trouble. I hoped Jiro would warm up to me.

"Kotaro, remember it's only temporary until I find a place to live on my own." I explained. Kotaro sulked.

"Since Miss Mimiko is busy, could we please walk around the Special Zone, for a little longer, Jiro?" I asked, anxiously. He said no, probably because he had to walk around in the hot sun longer. He was steaming like a hot pancake. I begged him and he said no continually.

"Brother, please." Kotaro intruded. He stared at Jiro. "…Just for a while."

"Fine, Kotaro." Jiro gave in.

I hugged Kotaro happily. We all wandered around down the streets until we came to the park. There were markets among the small lake and many people were friendly. Jiro was steaming a lot more than before, physically and emotionally.

"I'm sorry, Brother; I know you're sensitive to the sun." Kotaro looked back at his brother, whimpering.

"It's ok Kotaro. I'm just glad you're having fun." Jiro smiled, nervously.

Jiro collapsed among the shade when we arrived at a grassy area. He wasn't anxious and angry anymore. He pulled his hat down and relaxed. Kotaro and I spread ourselves out on the cool green grass and looked up at the trees. I turned my face to Jiro. He seemed like he was sleeping.

Suddenly I heard a noise, like the sound of a gunshot. I sat up and looked around. There were no people in our area of the park. Where was the sound coming from? Jiro and Kotaro were on their feet alongside me. Just then, the trunk of the tree beside me exploded. The rest came toppling down. In a split second, Jiro had grabbed both me and Kotaro and whisked us out of the area. Some ways away, he let us go, turned, and disappeared, leaving us dumbfounded.

"Someone was shooting at us. Did you see who it was, Kotaro?" I was so confused.

"Oh, Brother." Kotaro stared off into space, though his eyes were fixed ahead. He faced me with a serious but sad look. "It was that man, August."