Finally, the next chapter. I want to say that I was pleased that you readers like this so far. Just keep in mind that this part is occurring between the fourth and fifth Shadow Riders in season one.

Chapter Three- Confessions

Syrus sighed and then rubbed his face. His temper was getting worse and he wasn't sure if he would be able to control it until after the full moon. He was trying to act like everything was fine, but he knew his behavior was attracting attention. He stared at the ocean, the lighthouse casting a light on it occasionally. 'I don't know if I'll be able to stay here much longer.'

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Zane was heading for the docks to do his usual thinking. Four Shadow Riders were defeated and keeping the Sacred Beasts Cards safe seemed very do-able now. Even though he lost his key, he supported the ones who still had theirs.

Zane paused when he saw someone else at the docks. As he got closer, he saw that it was Syrus. This was his chance to talk to him and find out what was going on with him.

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Syrus's nose twitched as a scent floated up to it. It was Zane's smell. Although Syrus just wanted to be alone, he knew this was Zane's favorite spot. 'Zane usually just stands and thinks. That's fine with me.'

"Syrus, what are you doing out here?" Zane asked as he stood beside him.

Despite not wanting to talk, Syrus answered, "I was thinking about my place at school." It was true. What place did a werewolf have at a dueling school?

Zane, however, thought Syrus was talking about belonging. "Syrus, I've said it before. You do belong here."

"Thanks, big bro."

"I am concerned about you, though. I've never heard you yell or be so angry before. What's wrong?"

"I'm…just nervous about finals."

"The finals aren't for several weeks. Something else is bothering you."

"It's nothing." Syrus turned to leave.

Zane grabbed his arm. "Sy, you're not leaving until you tell me!"

Syrus was now annoyed with Zane's persistence. Whirling around, he yanked his arm away. "Don't touch me!" he snapped, his silver eyes flashing gold.

Zane recoiled at Syrus's sudden behavior change. His brother's eyes now resembled a wolf's and he looked ready to attack him. "Syrus!" he cried in alarm. His cry had an effect as Syrus's eyes returned to normal and his face took on a look of apology.

"Sorry, big bro. I…I didn't mean to…"

"Syrus, please tell me what's wrong."

Syrus flung himself at Zane, wrapped his arms around him and cried. Stunned, Zane patted his brother's back until his cries faded away.

"Oh, Zane!" he sobbed. "I ran into a wolf two weeks ago. Only it was a werewolf and it bit me!"

"A werewolf? Are you sure?"

Syrus took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm sure. I changed the following night. The one who bit me died, but I'm still cursed."

"How do you know?"

"Stuff I read in a book, but mostly because of this." Syrus pulled up his pant leg and showed the mark.

Zane leaned down to examine it closely. After Camula's (Is that how it's spelled?) defeat, Zane had taken to reading up on vampires and werewolves. Coincidentally, he had read the same book Syrus had and identified the mark.

"Oh, Sy," he said softly as the younger boy covered the mark. "Your attacker placed an unbreakable curse on you, didn't he?"

"How did you know?"

"I read about it. Probably from the same book you read. The one about types of werewolves?"

"Yeah. That's the one. You know, I feel better now that someone knows my secret."

Syrus's comment caught Zane's attention and made him realize that only the two of them knew Syrus was a werewolf. "Don't you think you should tell Jaden?"

"Jaden? No, I couldn't. He'd probably reject me."

"If he's a true friend, he won't reject you. He'll accept you for what you are now. As I have."

"I guess so."

"Tell him in the morning."

"Okay. In the morning. Night Zane and thanks."

"Goodnight Sy. You're welcome."

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Syrus stared at Jaden's sleeping form. The brunette had slept right through breakfast, which was typical for a Saturday. His mind raced as he tried to figure out the best way to tell Jaden. He considered being vague at the beginning and then being blunt, but that would be a bit complicated.

Jaden stirred in his bed. He opened his eyes and sat up, stretching and rubbing his eyes. He focused on Syrus and flashed a big grin. "Morning, Sy. What's new?"

Before Syrus could answer nonchalantly, he heard himself blurt out, "I'm a werewolf."

Jaden blinked a few times. "Not quite the response I was expecting."

Syrus shuffled a foot, eyes downcast. "It's true."

"Uh, you're joking, right?"

"No joke. Look." Syrus exposed his mark. Jaden got up and took a good look at it.

"Looks like a big wolf got ya, Sy."

"No. A werewolf did."

"You're really going all out on this joke, aren't you?"

"I'm not joking."

"Sy, sometimes you can take a joke too far. So, ha-ha, joke's over."

Growling softly, Syrus grabbed Jaden's pajama top and said, "I'm serious, Ja. I'm not joking."

Jaden looked into Syrus's eyes. They reflected a sea of emotions. Slight anger, frustration, and seriousness. Humor was nowhere in sight. Another matter finally convinced him that Syrus wasn't kidding. "Okay, Sy. I believe you. Now…will you put me down?"

Syrus looked down to see that Jaden's feet were dangling off the floor! He set him down, surprised that he was strong enough to lift Jaden.

Smoothing his top, Jaden said, "Wow Syrus. If I didn't know better, I would have thought you were weight-lifting."

"So…we're cool?"

"Of course we are."

Syrus gave a big sigh of relief. "I was worried you wouldn't want to be my friend."

"Why wouldn't I? To me, you're still the same Syrus."

Syrus smiled. Zane had been right! Jaden didn't care that he was a werewolf. With two people knowing his secret, Syrus felt his burden lift from him. Everything was going to be all right.

Wow! Syrus sure is acting different. He will act like he does in the series a little bit, but for most part, he'll be different. BTW, the rest of the chapters will be focusing on Syrus and Zane a lot more, especially when we move into season two.