Chapter Nine- Chosen Manager

"Thank you. We'll contact you in a few day," Crowler said.

The interviewee nodded, furled his wings, and left the office. The third interview had concluded and Zane still felt amused at how surprised the managers were at learning that Zane was the duelist looking for a vampire manager. It was clear he was a vampire as his wings were unfurled as were Crowler's.

"Well, Zane?" Crowler asked as he did after each one.

"He was polite, respectful, and eager to have me as a client, but his knowledge of the cards and the finer understanding of the game leaves much to be desired."

"That was my impression as well. So, that brings us to our last one: Mr. Darryl Shinestone." He pushed a button to open the doors. "Enter, Mr. Shinestone."

An average-sized, normal-looking man entered. His skin was tanned and his eyes were a deep green. His hair was black and meticulously combed and he had a modest mustache and goatee. He shrugged off his jacket as the doors closed and unfurled white wings, proof that he was light. He flashed a business-like smile as he held out a hand to Crowler. "Thank you for inviting me here," he said in a friendly voice that Zane liked as much as Shinestone's appearance.

"A pleasure to have you here," Crowler replied, taking the hand. He swept his free hand to his student. "This is our top duelist, Zane Truesdale."

"Yes," Shinestone said, releasing Crowler's hand and taking Zane's. "I make it part of my career to keep track of excellent duelists who are ready to graduate and go pro. I just didn't know you were one of us."

"I wasn't until a few months ago. A dark one bit me because she found me attractive."

"And she let you leave? Dark ones usually keep those they bite and turn them dark if they're light."

"She died twenty-four hours after I turned. I would not have stayed with her in any event."

"I see, I see." They released hands.

"So, Mr. Shinestone, your resume says that five light vampires are in the master dueling league. Not many managers can claim that," Zane said.

"That is true. Actually, those five represent five straight years of master league duelists."

"Five straight years!?" Zane gasped and even Crowler was stunned.

"Oh, yes. Granted, my streak has ended a few years ago, but I do still manage duelists to master league."

Zane lapsed into a brief silence as Crowler threw in some Duel Monsters questions which Shinestone answered easily. "Mr. Shinestone, you wrote that you have excellent blood bank connections. I consider this important as I am a twice a day drinker."

"Twice a day, eh? You are in luck, Mr. Truesdale. I happen to be an everyday drinker myself. I'll be honest, I've managed light ones who drink less often and find my need off-putting, but stick with me as my organizational skills are top-notch."

"Well, that is ridiculous," Crowler huffed. "We're all light vampires, it shouldn't matter what one's blood need is. I drink every three days and I don't find Zane's needs off-putting at all."

"Precisely, Doctor," Shinestone said.

Zane and Crowler exchanged looks and Crowler gave Zane a nod. Zane stood and held out a hand. "Congratulations, Mr. Shinestone. You will be my manager when I graduate."

Shinestone beamed as he took Zane's hand, his fangs prominent. "I'm pleased to hear that. I look forward to a long partnership."

"I do as well." Once Shinestone had left, Zane said, "I admit, Doctor, his resume made me a bit biased toward the other applicants."

"I don't blame you for that. He turned out to be better in person. I think he's a perfect match for you."

"I just hope I'm worthy of it."

"Of course you are! Don't doubt yourself."

"You're right and if I intend to be part of the Graduation Match, I better get studying." Zane retracted his wings, put on his coat, and left the office.

"How'd the interviews go? Did you get a manager?" Atticus said softly at dinner.

"They went well and I did get one, the best of the four interviewed. His name's Darryl Shinestone and…he's a light vampire." He whispered the last four words."

"He is? How could you tell?"

"I couldn't. Mr. Shinestone has a rare ability to sense other nearby vampires. He stopped me in an empty corridor on the way back to my room and revealed himself. He admitted to being an everyday drinker and has excellent connections to blood banks. I told him I'm a twice a day one. I think I'm lucky I chose him."

"I'll say! So, how's studying going?"

"Going well. If my grades are good, I'll be part of the Graduation Match."

"And as a third-year, you get to choose your opponent and I bet I know who it is: Jaden."

"Correct. I would like a challenge and Jaden's duel style is the opposite of mine. I also want to see how much he's improved."

"Well, if all goes to plan, it'll be a duel to remember."

"I hope so." Zane got up, left Blue campus, and went to his favorite spot, knowing he had a few days left to enjoy the view and reflect.

Professor Banner turned out to be the seventh Shadow Rider and had claimed Chazz and Alexis' keys, leaving Jaden the only holder left. He had heard from Syrus the incredible duel that went on with Jaden as the winner. It was that duel that convinced him that Jaden would be the perfect opponent as the boy loved a challenge and improved as he would win each challenging duel. I would be his most challenging one and I won't go easy on him. I'm sure he wouldn't want me to, anyway.

"Zane?"

He looked to his left to see Alexis and gave a closed-lip smile. "Lexi," he said.

"Atti told me about your manager. That's cool that the one you chose is a vampire."

"Yes. He'll be able to supply me with the blood I need and he also drinks every day." Zane felt a pang inside at having to lie but knew it was to keep Crowler's vampire life secret. No one but Sheppard and he knew about it. I know those who know about me would keep Crowler's secret but it's not my place to tell.

Alexis' PDA dinged and she pulled it out. Her eyes moved down the screen, widening as they did so. "Alexis?" he asked, wondering what surprised her.

She looked at him. "Crowler's a light vampire too?" she asked, showing him the message.

Relief flooded through him. "Yes, he is. He was turned years ago and he's the one who told me what I needed to know, not the enchanted sleep. I felt bad lying and it would seem Crowler sensed that now."

"So, were all those managers light vampires?"

"Yes, but the one I chose was the best." Zane proceeded to tell Alexis about the interviews in greater detail. He spoke of the wings, the questions, and why Shinestone was the best one. Alexis took it all in and assured him that she wasn't mad at him for lying and that she and the others would keep Crowler's secret to themselves which, of course, Zane knew they would.