Chapter Eight- Outburst

Zane scanned yet another resume and really liked what he saw. Has managed for almost fifteen years, has five light ones dueling in the master leagues, excellent connections to assorted blood banks, and has survived for a hundred and fifty years. "Doctor, I definitely want this one to be interviewed," he said, sliding the resume over so Crowler could see.

"Darryl Shinestone," he read before his eyes moved up and down the pages. "Oh, yes. He's the one of the best ones I've seen so far." He put the resume in the interview pile and added, "What about this one?"

It was Saturday afternoon and both vampires were back at the resumes; though Zane wanted to sleep, concern over nightmares kept him awake and focused on the vampires vying to be his manager. Some had the qualities that Zane would like in a manager while others made him think they could be dark ones in disguise. Mr. Shinestone seems ideal. He's been a dueling manager for some time and five of the vampires he managed are master league duelists. That's very impressive. None of the other applicants have claimed that.

"Well, my boy I think we've got enough to start interviews. What do you say we start next Saturday at one?"

"That's acceptable as finals will be coming up and a manager should be selected by then."

Crowler organized the papers as Zane left the room to either head to dinner or get some blood. Or visit Atticus. He smiled at that. The boy had been unconscious for quite some time and now that he was awake and recalled everything, he could re-adjust to Academy life, but would have to repeat his second year, seeing as he vanished during it. His thoughts turned to Atticus' words about Banner and he frowned. Is Lyman really in alliance with the Shadow Riders? If so, why? Hard to believe someone I've known and worked with for years would want to release the Sacred Beasts; from what Sheppard said, these cards are dangerous. Honestly, I don't see how simple cards could destroy the world, but then again the Egyptian God Cards are unquestionably dangerous. Well, hopefully, we'll never find out as there's enough going on as it is. Crowler put the resumes in front of him and began to contact those chosen to be interviewed to schedule times. He deliberately scheduled Shinestone last, feeling that he may be the one chosen to be Zane's manager.

Zane healed the marks and modified his victim's memory before resuming his walk to Atticus' room. He wanted to tell Atticus about what he had been up to during the brunette's absence. He reached the door and knocked. "Atticus? It's Zane."

The door opened and Atticus' sleepy but alert face appeared. "Hey, Zane. What time is it?"

"Almost dinnertime, but still plenty of time to catch up." Zane came in and the two sat in armchairs. They were so comfortable, Zane felt as if he would fall asleep. He rubbed his eyes to stay awake and saw Atticus looking at him in concern.

"You okay, Zane? You seem exhausted."

"I didn't sleep well Thursday and haven't slept since."

"You haven't? Zane, even vampires need their rest."

"Of course. It's just that I had a meeting with Crowler last night and this morning."

"Meeting?"

"He wants to help get me the best manager we can find and you know, I'm his favorite student. We've been poring over resumes and he's probably already setting interview up which will be next Saturday."

"Zane, did you meet Lexi at the practical entrance exams?"

"More like getting re-acquainted. She had already been put in Obelisk and was wearing the uniform the day Jaden, Sy, and Bastion had their duels."

"You were there because of Syrus, right?"

"Mostly, but I also wanted to see the new freshman class. I knew those dueling would be in Ra or Slifer and it disappointed me that Sy would not be in our dorm. However, that changed when I learned he had befriended Jaden at the exams. The way Jaden defeated Crowler was impressive as the doctor was using his own deck instead of a test one."

"I know Jaden's a good duelist as he beat me while I was Night Shroud. Have you dueled him, Zane?"

"Once at the beginning of the year. It was an impromptu one, no request form was filled out. In truth, it seems silly to have forms to fill out for duels as Slifers can duel when they want. Anyway, the duel wasn't long and I won. I have since watched Jaden's duels and I'm impressed. I am certain that when I leave, he will be Duel Academy's top duelist."

"I don't think anyone will argue with you on that."

Zane silently agreed as they headed down to dinner. He had a good deal of influence due to his dueling skills. One example had been the School Duel. He had suggested Jaden as North Academy had selected a first-year as their representative. Crowler had tried to block that overwhelming majority by suggesting Bastion, which resulted in a duel to decide who would represent them. Zane had suggested Jaden as he had seen Jaden's dueling improve since their first and only duel and Professor Banner had agreed immediately.

Professor Banner. The man who was possibly connected to the Shadow Riders, one of them leaving permanent damage on him. He alone had been changed. A wave of anger washed over him as well as a sense of unfairness. It wasn't fair that he was a vampire. Why couldn't he have lost his soul like Crowler had? He slipped off to a small grove of trees once outside and leaned forward on a tree, trembling with rage. He sensed Atticus nearby. "Zane?" he asked, sounding confused.

With a roar of fury, Zane punched the tree, leaving a fist-sized hole in the trunk and his knuckles scraped. He automatically healed the injury, but anger still pounded through him.

"Zane?" Atticus asked, now sounding scared. "You okay?"

"No. I'm not. I'm angry that this condition was forced on me. I reflected on how Professor Banner could be mixed up with the Shadow Riders, one who changed me, altered my life forever. I had held up with it well enough, but I should have been angry from the start instead of bottling it up."

"Hey," Atticus said, putting a hand on a shoulder. "You had a lot to learn about being a vampire, not to mention dueling classes. You did not really have time to spare to deal with anger, but now you do."

Zane took a deep breath and slowly let it out, recapturing his composure. "Okay, I'm better now and it's not that bad considering what I can do and I can easily manage it."

"Good. You know…Lexi showed me pictures of your wings this morning and they look cool."

"Would you like a closer look?" Zane removed his jacket and unfurled his wings without waiting for a response.

"Whoa," Atticus breathed and he gently put a hand on one. "They're even better in person and so soft."

"I maintain them regularly. I'm quite fond of them." He retracted them and put his jacket back on.

"I can see why. I enjoy hang gliding but it presents dangers if the equipment becomes damaged."

"It could," he agreed as they left the trees. "If it did, hopefully you're over water."

"Not much of a problem with an island."

Zane chuckled. "I really missed you, Atticus." The two continued to chat as they entered the cafeteria and got dinner. Zane felt his uncharacteristic anger melt away as he talked and he easily spoke to Atticus of some of the resumes, but not the vampire part, though it was a big part.