I don't own Yu-gi-oh Gx
Young blood must have its fill and every wolf its dawn
"Zane you're hunting me," Syrus's voice echoed off the fragile bounds of Zane's mind as he slowly felt himself slip into eternal darkness.
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It's restful and inviting here, Zane thought as he slowly felt himself ascending higher. Light surrounded him and a growing since of blissfulness filled Zane as he slowly drew closer and closer to that spiritual place that all were meant to end up in. A warm glow pierced his body releasing him of all inner turmoil and peace became all he knew. A since of completeness, of illumination, entered his being as his sprite loomed nearer and nearer to that desired spot. It was bright, it was jovial, it was utopia, it was….It was slipping away.
A bearer, a cold iron gate of thorns, was raping around the source of light forever obstructing his path. He was being pulled back down, away, away from the eternal paradise that he could never enter. The haven he had almost reached, but could never fully touch, banished to forever live with the memories of what could have been. Cursed to live evermore as a former observer and never a member. Forced back to pain, to sorrow, to grief, to regret, to an inner sadness that could only lead to timeless darkness and never-ending shadows. To a world he had never wanted, to a world he had tried to run from, to world in which he had been cursed to live. Forced to live forever as a spawn of darkness, a child of the shadows, and the ruler of the night. Body burning in a symbolic fire that evaporated the red stains of his recent rebirth, Zane Truesdale had now become a vampire in all since of the word. Nevermore would he feel the emotions only a beating heart could know. Sympathy, caring, empathy, consideration, love…these words meant nothing to him now. Embedded now were pity, indifference, selfishness, negligence, hate and hunger.
The being that awoke in the recently empted hospital room knew only and possible would only ever know these things, and right now the only thing Zane cared about was eliminating the last one listed. It was cold and lifeless in the hospital room, the drip, drip, of the sink reverberated off the darkened walks, the pitter-patter of the steadily falling rain bouncing off the window. The room cast in eerie shadows, the lingering smell of blood still in the air.
Bats…Zane cursed, he needed to eat. A vampire very rarely needed to eat for the sake of consumption. It was normally the desire to hunt that drove them to drink, the need to fill the ecstasy that comes with overpower prey. The elation that comes with seducing lesser beings and then ensnare them in an inescapable trap. Blood was usually just the alcohol that came with the kill. However, right now, he was weak; Zane needed sustenance. The great powers that lived in his body were unobtainable at this moment. He felt so weak right now, he could hardly stand let alone fly or even morph into his bat state. He could smell three humans just outside, but he did not have the strength to lure them right now. Plus the lights, those stupid bright lights. Being an uncursed vampire, although this term seemed somewhat debatable to Zane, he had the ability to stand the sun, those lights should have been nothing. But being in his famished state, Zane opted for finding a quick meal, and the taste of human, not that he had any problems with eating them, just seemed somewhat unappealing to him. Sensing that two of the humans, Jaden and Syrus-his former brother-Zane now remembered as he better concentrated on the smells, we coming near, Zane slowly crept to the window before gradually slipping out into the night.
The rain steadily hit Zane causing his coat to become heavy and the blood to be washed off, as he glided to the earth. The cool air rushed at him as night surrounded his person, but Zane felt no sting at the frigid air. Before, as a human, the cold air would have caused him to feel chilled and goose bumps would have pledged his body, but now the night and the bitter air were his element. It was strange this now atmosphere, which before his rebirth would have felt foreign, now felt surprisingly like home. Zane belonged here now; the mysteries and the secrets that came with the night no longer existed for him. He knew what was hidden in the dark, the beings that called this environment home were his to control. The night had become his kingdom.
Zane slowly dragged his feet towards the forest that was near the hospital. Bats…He needed to find something to eat, an owl, a mouse, a possum, anything to drain. As he walked into the thicket, an eerie quite fell upon the atmosphere.
The creatures of the night know that their master is here, Zane thought as he continued to stumble into the thicket. They all fear me, Zane grimaced as slowly fell to the ground panting hard, the sting of hunger fully hitting him as the rain washed over him. Some king of darkness, Zane panted as he pulled himself up to lean against a tree, I can't even walk. Nor can I locate my new brothers and sisters, let alone wake them in this state.
A sudden growl interrupted his thoughts as a pair of red eyes gleamed in the trees, and the beast slowly started making its way over to the newly born vampire.
A wolf, Zane concluded as a soft breeze cared the smell of the animal over to him. No, Zane though again as he followed the movements of the creature with his own narrowed eyes, two wolfs, one newly dead and the other alive.
The wolf that gradually emerged from the trees had slick, black fur and was dragging a sliver, grey one drenched in blood by it mouth over to Zane. It advanced to the vampire slowly; obviously aware of the status of the creature it approached and the respectfully impression it should take. The creature dropped the carcass in front of Zane's feet and slowly pushed the blood-drenched body closer to the vampire.
The black wolf seat and its red eyes meet Zane's eyes, as the beast seemed to wait for Zane to take the next course of action. Zane narrowed his eyes as he cautioned to stare at the wolf unsure of what the wolf was waiting for, but the smell of the fallen wolf's blood was calling to him and the pine to eat was becoming harder and harder to ignore. Zane's fangs slowly extended as he lend down near the fallen wolf and slowly started imbibing the blood.
The taste was exquisite, like nothing he had ever tasted. It felt like hot liquor was pouring down his throat and causing an inner energy in him to grow. He bit deeper pulling the body closer to him, his breathing becoming heavy as he engaged in the indulgences of the taste. His strength was returning to him and for the first time he was able to feel his true powers as a vampire. The intensity of the raw physical power he now had access to felt almost limit less. He could since the presence of all other life forms around him, and they all felt so pathetic and weak. He had power over them; he was superior. The ability to seduce, to ensnare, to hunt, he was a master now. No being had a will strong enough to sway from his control.
His fangs slowly consumed the last of the grays wolf's blood before pulling away, and finally Zane was able to have a look at the creature that had brought him salvation. As his teal eyes meet the red ones of the wolf, Zane could swear that it was smirking at him. The aura of this wolf was different from the other life forms he could since around him. This being was ancient and gave the impression of an antediluvian wisdom. Zane could also sense that, where this creature did respect him, it in no way feared him. This somewhat annoyed the young vampire.
Now doesn't that feel better, the shrill voice of the wolf echoed in Zane's mind. We can't have you meeting your new siblings when you aren't at your best now can we?
"Who are you,"Zane asked shocked that this wolf could communicate with him telepathically, his eyes narrowing, senses on alert in case the creature tried anything.
Relax my darling cub, the wolf answered as she casually started licking one of her paws. There is no need to worry; I pose no threat to you.
"That still doesn't answer my question," Zane replied feeling slightly more relaxed. He could tell that the words the wolf spoke were true and that this was someone he could trust, although he made sure to keep his face from showing the wolf this, vampire arrogance at its best. "And what is with the 'cub' commit? Last I checked Camula was my mother."
Hahaha, the wolf chuckled as she turned and started walking farther into the dark forest. Yes, and last I checked, she replied mocking him, that would make you somewhat of a grandson to me.
Surprised at this new acquired knowledge of his parentage, Zane quickly got to his feet and started trailing his wayward Grandmother (?) into the forest. The once silent atmosphere that had fallen upon the area when Zane had entered the forest continued as teal hair followed black fur at a steady pace through the woodland. As the two beasts, one on two feet and the other on four, walked through the forest a pleasant understanding was reached between them and Zane's pace slightly quickened until he and the wolf were walking level.
"So how exactly are you Camula's mother?" Zane asked as they came to a path in the woods and started following it. "Last I checked you had to be a vampire to give birth to another vampire, and although many vampires have the ability to turn into wolfs, I know for a fact that you are not a vampire."
True, the wolf chuckled softly, I am no vampire, nor was I the one that gave birth to Camula by biting her. I was merely her guide and now I am one of your guides, as I was to all other leaders of the Cross Clan.
"Cross Clan?" Zane asked as their journey pressed on ward.
You sound surprised, did you not think that vampires also formed clans?
"It's the name that struck me as odd, why would a vampire clan take the name of an item that can be used to ward them off. It seems rather paradoxical," Zane brooded as he crossed his arms.
The mystery behind that vulnerability actual originates with this particular clan, but that is the duty of the other to tell you.
"Other," Zane asked that word catching his attention, "what other?"
I said I was one of your guides, the wolf replied putting an emphases on the's' sound, as she came to a stop. She is the keeper of our clan's, your clan's, secrets and history. It is Morta's job to instruct you of the events that shaped our clan and the conventions you must follow. It is my job to help you decide the best paths to follow when it comes to governing your clan.
"And what makes your so sure I want your help governing my Clan?" Zane challenged glaring at the wolf with a smirk. He could tell this being was wise and although firm, was also very kind-well as kind as a vampire guardian could be- and carried a great deal about the welfare of the Cross Clan. That, however, didn't mean Zane did not somewhat enjoy being sarcastic and sardonic with her. "After all, shouldn't a good leader make choices independent of other people's opinions?"
The wolf turned to frown at her newest charge, her glare clearly telling him that she did not find his cheeky attitude amusing. "It's going to be a very long eternity if you don't quit being such an ass. We both know that a good leader would not be so argent as to believe that he always knew what was best without input from others. Now," she said her voice taking on a 'let's get back to business tone', "I suggest you take the time to collect yourself before we wake your brothers and sisters. You do want to make a good impression don't you?"
"Huh," Zane said as he gradually lifted his head and looked at where they had come to stop.
"The abandoned dorm?" Zane asked as he looked up at the familiar, now very rundown, building. Memories of when Atticus and several other students had disappeared back in his second year came rushing back as he stared at the dilapidated building. Many of his fellow classmates had simple vanished without a trace, and apart from Atticus, nothing more had ever been heard about them. In fact, after Atticus's return many seemed to forget that various other students were in fact still missing. Zane had always found it odd that precious little had been done to solve the mystery, especial since Alexis was not the only one to lose a sibling. Ever since Atticus had turn up as Nightshroud, Zane had always thought the shadow riders had had something to do with it, but this was the first time his suspicion had been conformed. "So the shadow riders did have something to do with the missing students," Zane stated.
"Yes," the wolf answered. "In exchange for Camula's help Kagemaru agreed to offer up some of his students."
"And mother chosen Atticus to be Nightshroud because he was my best friend, right?" Zane asked an edge to his voice.
"Not exactly," the wolf answered back nonchalantly causing Zane interest to pike again.
"What do you mean not exactly?" Zane questioned his voice growing stern. "Nightshroud is a servant of Vampires, who else could have possessed him besides mother? The whole reason I agreed to duel him when I was transforming was so I could release him of that thing."
"Oh, it is true that Nightshroud is a servant of Vampires when called on, but he is also a demon with his own agenda. Camula was actual very surprised to find his presents among those Banner had captured for her. She helped complete the possession of your friend, but it was Nightshroud himself that started it."
"But why?" Zane questioned his voice growing low with distrust.
"I'm afraid that only Nightshroud can answerer that, but I suggest you put it out of your mind. After all," the wolf answered her voice taking on a slight argent tone, "Nightshroud is no extraordinary demon, he doesn't have the cunning and astuteness that vampires have that allows them to rule the night. Any world domination plans he has will surly be foiled by Jaden and the rest of his 'holier-than-thou' crew."
"Well if Jaden wants to take care of any threats to our states of being on top of the food chain," Zane said as a surd smile curved on his lips and he began walking up the path leading to the resting place of his siblings, "I guess it would only be polite to let him. Wouldn't it?"
"Of course," the wolf answered as she started following Zane up the path that lead to the vacant dorm.
"Oh, that reminds me," Zane said as he paced and turned his head to look at the wolf. "I'll need to know your name if I'm to introduce you to my brothers and sisters."
"Shade," the wolf replied as she advanced until she was at Zane's side, "you can call me Shade."
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The wind tousled Syrus's hair back as he stared out across the ocean from the dock. It had been one week since the day he found his brother in this very spot. One week since he had dragged his blood-drenched brother up to the infirmary. One week since Nurse Fonda had declared Zane dead. One week since his brother's body had disappeared. Four days since his parents had come and taken him home for the funeral, three days since said funeral, one day since he had returned to Duel Academe, and one hour since the memorial service that Principle Sheppard had arranged.
After walking in to the hospital room and seeing the empty bed for one fleeting seconded he had been able to grab on to a tiny ray of hope that somehow his brother could still be alive. That Nurse Fonda had been wrong that Zane was not gone forever. That once again, just as he had in the other world, Zane had managed to cheat death. But alas, that hope was not meant to last.
Although his body was nowhere to be found the amount of blood that stained the floor of the room, was a clear indicator that there was no humanly way Zane Truesdale could still be alive. They had searched the room from top to bottom, but there was no trace of what had happened to the young duelist's body. In a way it was the lose of the body that pained Syrus more than anything else did. If he could have seen his brother just one more time, to see with his own eyes that he was really gone, he might have been able to move on. But with no body, no corpus to bury, he had no closer, no way to say goodbye. Though he knew it was futile, he could not erase the agonizing hope that his brother was still out there.
In replace of his cadaver, his parents had chosen to use a portrait and mourners had set roses in front of it as a way to say farewell to the young soul. His Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, cosines, and other family members had all come to pay their respects and offer the condolences but it had been a very unsettling affair apart from the obvious reasons why. Knowing he had been the last one to see Zane alive many of his family members had been questioning rather or not they should talk to him about it. This issue had even caused a rift between his parents. Things had already been on edge around them, and the death of there eldest son seemed to have pushed them over the edge. His mother had wanted to talk to him about his last moments with his brother, her son. After the funeral, she had come up to his room with albums full of pictures of him and Zane. They had talked, shared stories and memories, laughed over happy times, and held each other while the cried. His dad, on the other hand, seemed to think it was better to avoid the subject of his son's death. Syrus knew that Zane and his dad had always been close. They had gone fishing together, gone camping, talked about girls, all the normal father and son bonding. Zane's death had come as quite a shock to their dad and had been particularly hard on him. Syrus and the rest on the duel academy gang hadn't been the only ones Zane had pulled away from since becoming Hell Kaiser. Syrus had tried to start conversation about Zane with his dad, but he had always gone shaky and left the room at any mention of his eldest.
All in all Syrus was quite glad to be back at duel academe. The memorial had been tolerable at best. A slide show of his time at duel academe and been created and many people had spoken. Lots of his fans and former students had also shown up. Missy had even shown up in a black vile morning the loss of her 'true love." However, many of them had just been there to morn the duelist. Syrus doubted that any of them even know the person at all. But, nevertheless, it had been a bit more fulfilling way to say good-bye than the funeral had been.
"Hey, little blue," Atticus's voice called out behind him, "what are you doing out here."
Syrus turn around to see not only Atticus but all there other friends as well. Ever since that day last week the group and up until his parents had come the group had pretty much been inseparable, deciding that the best way to heal was together.
"Nothing really," Syrus replied. "Just trying to get away, I can't spend one more moment with all his fans."
"Tell me about it," Alexis said as she came up and took a set next to him on the dock. "If I have to hear Missy sing one more love song again I think I will scream."
"Zane would have hated that," Atticus said as he too along with the rest of the gang came and set down. "He was never one for fans, particularly crazy fan girls. I just can't believe his gone."
"Well isn't this just the lovely sob fest," a distant voice called out behind them, disrupting. "So semimetal, so human. I would cry if it wasn't so utterly pathetic."
"And just who the hell are you," Atticus called out as the whole gang turned around to stair at the cruel intruder.
Their eyes meet the side-angle of a teenage girl dressed in an old fashion blood red Lolita dress. She also had an old fashion parasol blocking her face and casting her body in shadow. Her long pale pink hair that had been tied into two long pigtails blow in the wind as she answered Atticus's question.
"No one who is of any importance to you Atticus Rhodes," she said as she turned so her back was completely faced the group. "The only one I have business here with is you,…Syrus," she said with a slight hiss as she held up an envelope and a gust of wind carried it over to the young blue haired duelist.
"What," Syrus asked as he caught and stared down at the envelope and gasped. Composed on the envelope with crisp, elegant hand writing in bright red ink was his name. However, the shocking thing was he recognized the hand writhing as his brother's. Where did this girl get this letter? Could Zane still be alive? What does this girl know? These questions raced though his mind.
"This is Zane's handwriting," Syrus cried as tears formed in his eyes.
"Yes," the girl answered as she started to walk off into the forest, "written in blood, if I remember correctly."
"Wait," Jaden called out to her as she only continued to walk away. "Do you no anything about Zane's death? What caused it? Where his body is?"
"Perhaps," she said as came to a calm pause, "but the answer to those questions can only be answered in the night."
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU," Chazz shouted out to the enigmatic girl as she journeyed into the forest again. "How can you say those things to him? He just lost his brother. Where is your sympathy, your caring, your empathy, your consideration, your…your humanity?!"
"Ha, ha, ha," the girl cackled a cagey mist floated around her hiding her from view so only her voice could be heard. "You a fool if you think those words many anything to me or to him. The Zane Truesdale you knew is most certainly dead, that I can promise you."
"Wait," Syrus called out as he and the rest of the group ran after her into the forest, "what do you mean by that? What do you know about Zane?"
As Syrus and the rest of the gang were searching through the forest, he felt a pull from within the envelope that he had yet to open. Pausing he slowly opened the envelope and found a duel monster card with a bloodstain on the back and a note in his brothers handwriting that read Keep this on your person at all times. He slowly turned the card over and felt his heart jump.
"Cyber End Dragon," he gasped aloud. The card pulsed again. "You want to be drawn," Syrus said as he activated his duel disk and quick cast the card on the indicator.
The formula lights encircled Syrus as the monster came alive and filled the forest with some sort of force field surrounding both itself and Syrus. Following the summons, Syrus heard a crash and Cyber End Dragon along with force field flickered away. Turning in the direction of the crash he had heard, Syrus was met with the sight of the girl in clear unconscious on the edge of where the force field had been.
What is going on here, Syrus though as he slowly walked up to the fallen girl.
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I can't believe how long it has been since I've up-dated this story. I never meant to take this long. I must give a big thanks to Shade who has been my most loyal fan; I have to say that this up-date is manly because of her. I also have to say that the wolf character was actual created after reading one of her reviews, I think the third, and was named in her honor. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I should be able to get the next one out sooner since school is almost out. Thanks for reading.