Chapter Three- Signs

Chazz sped after the rabbit, experiencing the thrill of the hunt. The rabbit was fast, but Chazz with his longer legs, larger muscles, and bigger size had no problem keeping up. He could catch his prey at any time, but was content to see more of what his body could do. His claws were extended to provide added traction, he inhaled through his nose to keep his pace, and his eyes were locked firmly on his target. He soon got tired of chasing and decided to move on to catching and killing.

His back legs coiled while his front legs pushed off the ground, resulting in his back legs also pushing off. He sailed through the air, claws and teeth bared. His claws raked the rabbit's back while his teeth latched onto the neck and bit down hard, killing his prey instantly. He released it before settling down with his front paws on either side of his kill. He growled in satisfaction as he started ripping into his food. I vaguely remember hunting my first night. I don't remember what I ate, but I don't think it was rabbit; possibly a squirrel. Anyway, that was a thrilling chase. The speed, the way my legs moved, the killing bite. There is just nothing else like it. I loved every second of it!

Chazz ate as much of his food as he could, licked his muzzle and paws clean, and then sniffed around to see if there were any other wolves around, werewolf or ordinary wolves. He smelled no one in his immediate vicinity and began to search the forest. He searched at least half before deciding to sleep. So far, I'm the only wolf on the island. Fine with me; that means all the animals in the forest are mine. He closed his eyes, sighed softly, and was soon asleep.

Chazz woke up late the next morning and missed breakfast but he wasn't concerned; last night's kill had been made late in the night so missing a meal wasn't a problem. He kept to himself all weekend except for mealtimes and thought about the last three days. It's been some three days. I went from a duelist to a werewolf duelist. The thing is, I love being a werewolf. I'm stronger, faster, and have enhanced senses. I no longer care what dorm I'm in; actually being in Slifer is convenient due to its close proximity to the woods.

A week and a half passed since the full moon and Chazz began to notice some hint of his dual nature starting to surface. He had woken up one morning to find that his nails had gotten longer and bore a slight resemblance to claws. His toenails, however, did not grow out. He cut his nails, but two days later they had grown out again. Chazz decided to leave them alone because he became aware of other hints. His ears had developed slight points which were hidden by his hair. His senses became as sharp as a wolf's and his strength had increased. He also noticed that he had become a great deal more confident.

He stared at his slightly pointed ears. They look so strange, but I kind of like it and they seem to becoming even more pointed. They'll probably end up looking like wolf ears, only on the sides of my head instead of on top. He let the sides of his hair hide the points before grabbing his bag and heading down to breakfast. I can't believe how much of my wolf side is showing while human. No one's noticed or if they have, they're not saying anything. Of course, I'm the Chazz; no one really approaches me.

"Morning, Chazz!" Jaden called as he entered the cafeteria.

No one except Jaden, of course, Chazz grumbled inwardly. He picked up his food, sat down, and grabbed his chopsticks and rice bowl, his long nails drawing his gaze. All these signs are the strangest things of being a werewolf, even stranger than making wolf sounds. But, I'm getting used to them; eventually I won't think about them at all.

A few more days passed and now it was two weeks since the full moon. It was Friday afternoon and the last class of the day had just ended. Chazz was walking down the hall, his mind thinking up strategies and combos for his deck when he felt himself being shoved to the side. He managed to right himself and prevent himself from hitting the wall. He looked over to see three first-year Obelisks moving past him. "Hey, what was that for?" he demanded.

"You were in the way, Slifer trash."

"Trash? You think I'm trash?" Chazz spat, starting to feel angry.

"Yeah and you're a traitor too. You ran away, transferred to North Academy, and then decided to come back here. Only a piece of trash would do all that." Laughing contemptuously, the three boys left with Chazz glaring after him, his anger evident and growing with every moment.

A burning sensation made Chazz rush to the bathroom in alarm. He found a private restroom, locked it, and stared into the mirror in shock: He had two wolf ears poking out of his hair at the top of his head! He reached up to touch his ears and found his hands had already formed into paws! His spine curved and he fell onto his paws and knees, his fur growing far more quickly than before. His feet became paws as his tail and muzzle grew out. He was soon in werewolf form with glowing red eyes and a murderous desire to attack the boys who shoved him and called him names. They will pay dearly for what they did to me! he inwardly growled. They will die and I will delight in tearing their throats open with my teeth!

Wait…what am I thinking!? I can't do that, no matter how much they deserve it. He shook his head and felt his intense anger fade, while the primal one was still inside. He took several deep breaths to calm himself further before focusing on changing back. It was several minutes before he realized that nothing was happening. Why am I not changing back? I'm not angry anymore aside from the primal one and I was focusing on my human form. Am I stuck until maybe tomorrow morning? Or until I indulge in the reason for my change? Or am I trapped in an actual wolf form? His stomach squirmed uncomfortably at the idea. He was a duelist, he couldn't remain as a wolf for the rest of his life!

He calmed his panic and spent several minutes unlocking and opening the door. He stuck his head out, saw the coast was clear, grabbed his bag, and sprinted out of the school. He ran all the way to his room via the forest. He managed to lock it and resolved to wait for dark to eat and leave without being seen.

He busied himself with learning how to use his paws and claws to do his usual duties. He found using a pen or pencil impossible, but found using his claws to type was challenging but do-able. He was in the middle of attempting to use a pen with his teeth when a knock sounded followed by Syrus calling, "Chazz?"

"Yeah, what?" he called back.

"You coming to dinner?"

"I'm not hungry. Go away." He heard Syrus walk away and for a moment felt a bit bad about his last two words to the short boy. I'll apologize later- maybe. He returned to trying to use a pen. Hmm, maybe I can use a pen in my teeth to type instead of my claws. It might be easier that way.

Chazz traveled to the other half of the forest to hunt for dinner and try to sniff out any other wolves. He found, to his surprise, a deer that he stalked and killed for his dinner. He ripped open the stomach and started to eat. Delicious, he thought. I enjoy hunting and eating my kill. A part of me wouldn't mind if I can't change back. But, I really hope I can be human again. I had no idea I could change into a werewolf outside the full moon, let alone during the day and when angry. I lost my temper and changed. Honestly, I shouldn't have been surprised. I was angry when the ritual was used on me and I constantly feel primal anger in me every time I change. He licked his chops as he stood and began to search for other wolves.