Chapter Three- Adjusting

Zane awoke to his alarm clock and proceeded to go through his routine sans the Spirit Key. Its loss again reminded him of how much his life had changed. It's just as well. I will be busy adjusting to being a vampire as well as my studies for I will be graduating this year. The thought brought a thrill of excitement. He would be a pro duelist after graduating; just as he had dreamed of for years. It'll finally happen.

He felt good as he headed for the cafeteria but that feeling ebbed and a faint throb was felt. He put a couple of fingers to that spot. It's starting again. It would seem I need blood every day. He hurried to the cafeteria, hoping some food and drink would stall his need until he could drink in private. He was almost there when the throbbing increased and he leaned against the wall, rubbing his temples. Must drink. Now.

"Zane?"

He opened his eyes to see Alexis, concern on her face. Oh thank God, he thought.

"Alexis," he said, his voice low and pain-filled.

"Oh, Zane. You need blood, don't you?" She drew up against him in a hug. "Go ahead."

"I'll try to be gentle." He pulled her closer and grew his fangs out a little before pushing them into her neck. He heard a gasp over his headache before he began to drink. It tasted like last night's blood and, like last night, his headache faded. He pulled back and it seemed like instinct took over. He put a finger to the holes and ran it over them, a white glow coming from the tip. He shrank his fangs before removing the finger to see unmarked skin. "Alexis, are you all right?"

"I am. I mean, I don't feel weak or sleepy."

"I didn't take much, just enough to ease my headache."

"Headache? You needed blood that badly?"

"A headache is an initial sign of needing blood. I don't plan on experiencing any others."

"Your eyes look better, more alert."

"Really? That's something to take note of. Thanks for your help, Lexi."

"Sure, but I wonder how you'll cope next year."

"Well, summer shouldn't be a problem if Sy volunteers. The rest of the time, I could drink from a stranger. It's really the most sensible solution." The two entered the cafeteria and went to their respective friends. Zane reflected on the plan he just voiced and while it was sensible, he couldn't help but wonder if there was a secret vampire world existing within human society. Naturally, Crowler would be the one to ask. He sought out his teacher and found that Crowler had been looking at him; most likely making sure he was okay. After locking eyes for several seconds, Crowler looked away and Zane returned to breakfast.

Crowler saw Zane enter with Alexis and his enhanced senses told him that Alexis' heart was beating a little harder than usual and she didn't look like she had run here. That means Zane is an everyday drinker. That's a bit of a shame, but at least now I know so I can hook Zane up with a vampire manager so he can get his daily blood. I know quite a few and now's the time to post the job on the Vampire World Web. I'll weed through the resumes and interview them so I can pick the best candidate as Zane deserves the best. Hmm, maybe he would like to be involved in the process as it is his manager I'm choosing. His eyes followed Zane as he sat and filled his plate and glass. He figured he could still eat and drink. The thing is, is the food and drink won't affect his body shape and doesn't provide him with energy; only blood will give him energy now. He saw Zane look his way and the two locked eyes before Crowler looked away. Yes, I will help Zane adjust to this new lifestyle that was forced on him and I now think this is why I was turned. Perhaps my mentor did have clairvoyance. Pleased with this thought, Crowler left to prepare for the day.

Zane saw Crowler leave, checked his watch, and stood, most of his food untouched. "You okay, Zane?" one classmate asked.

"I'm fine. I need to speak with the Chancellor about my absence yesterday."

"Oh, yeah. What happened to you yesterday?"

"Twenty-four hour bug, nothing more." Zane left the cafeteria and started toward the school, pondering about breakfast. He didn't feel hungry which was why he didn't eat much. I can attribute breakfast to my 'illness' but not my future meals. I can probably force down my food without getting sick. I'm sure that's what Crowler does. He put those thoughts aside as he reached Sheppard's office and rang the chime.

"Enter," came Sheppard's voice and Zane did so.

"Chancellor," he said.

"Zane. Crowler told me last night what happened. Terrible thing."

"Indeed, but I will cope with it."

"Particularly with Crowler guiding you, yes?"

Zane took a step back at Sheppard's casual question. "You know? I thought only I knew."

"I glimpsed Crowler flying one night not long after I hired him. I confronted him and he admitted to being a light vampire and I permitted him to drink from the students which I also give you."

"That is generous, Chancellor. I actually came to collect work to make up for yesterday's absence."

"Yes, of course." Sheppard shuffled through some papers before handing Zane a few papers. "Here you are."

"Thank you…for everything."

"You're welcome and again, I am sorry."

Zane nodded before leaving the office, already perusing the papers. Sheppard shook his head slightly at Zane's dedication but then again, Zane wouldn't be the top student he was without that dedication.

When Crowler informed him about Zane being a light vampire like himself, Sheppard felt guilty. If he hadn't given out the keys, this wouldn't have happened. But it's done. Once one is a vampire, there's no undoing it. I only hope Zane does not become a dark one while on the pro circuit. While he's at school, Crowler and his studies will keep him busy and he will still be a light one.

"He had a headache because he needed blood?" Syrus repeated as Alexis recounted the morning's event during lunchtime.

"He claimed it's an initial sign and doesn't want it to go further than that."

"How does he know this?" Bastion asked.

"He said that while he was asleep in the coffin, all sorts of vampire information flowed into his mind. He revealed that there are two types of vampires: The peaceful light vampires and dark vampires that people know and fear. Zane is a light one and they look very normal. He possesses different healing powers from healing bite marks to self-injuries and those of others. He also said he can change the length of his fangs, remove memory of his attacks, and fly with wings that are different from Camula's wings though I haven't' seen them."

"That's a lot he's learned," Jaden commented.

"Yeah, but he still has more to learn, I'm sure of it," Alexis said.

Syrus was inclined to agree. No one could learn everything about anything in one day, including a new lifestyle. Syrus knew without a doubt that he would let Zane drink from him; after all they were brothers. Zane would do the same thing if I was a vampire.

It's nice that Zane's a light vampire and deals with healing powers for most part. Alexis said he can fly. I wonder what his wings look like and if he's learned anything else about being a vampire. I could ask him.