I would like to answer a question from a recent review. Jaden is not in love with Syrus. He is just obsessed with having everyone on the island going along with his whims and desires.
Chapter Seven- Preparations
Syrus took the box from Dorothy's shaking hands, his heart pounding at the return address. This has to be it, he thought. Dad's card. He smiled up at the shop owner. "Thanks, Dorothy and please don't be scared. "I'm a friendly, harmless half-werewolf. I won't hurt anyone."
"Uh, okay," she said, sounding unconvinced.
Syrus sighed as he left with the box and the boosters he had bought. He unwrapped the box and opened the lid. Inside was an effect monster that looked exactly like his wolf form. His eyes flicked to the name: Wolf Spirit-Courageous.
It's a bit like Ja's card in that it's an animal spirit and an effect card, but different too. It's a seven star monster instead of an eight star one with 2400 attack points. Can only be summoned by sending two monsters in my hand to the graveyard. Syrus read further down and his eyes widened. Whoa. It can negate the special abilities of special summoned monsters…which is what Fox Spirit is! My card can be rendered indestructible once per turn by paying half my life points and by doing that, my monster can attack a second time. The thing is that Ja's monster is stronger even without its special effect. How am I supposed to beat Fox Spirit with a weaker card? Syrus removed Wolf Spirit and saw a spell card under it with a note half-folded over it. Curious, Syrus removed the note and opened it to see his dad's handwriting.
"Syrus," it said. "Enclosed is a spell card made exclusively for Wolf Spirit. It, coupled with the monster's abilities, will defeat Fox Spirit and return your friend to normal. You can return the cards when you come home for summer vacation. Good luck, son. Dad"
Syrus looked down at the spell card. Full Moon Rising. Can only be equipped to Wolf Spirit- Courageous. The equipped monster gains 600 attack points. Hey, Dad's right! This card will make their attack points equal and with Wolf Spirit's ability to not be destroyed in battle, it would send Fox Spirit to the graveyard and then I can attack Ja directly as he tend to have Fox Spirit alone on the field. Thanks, Dad. Syrus took the spell card out of the box and put it and Wolf Spirit in his deck. I won't use them before dueling Ja. If he knew I had them and what they can do, he might find a way to steal them so I can't use them. Instead, I'll practice having them in my deck. Syrus nodded at this plan before opening his boosters to see if there were any cards he would be able to add to his deck.
The news that Sheppard had returned raced through the school the next day and Jaden saw this as an opportunity to make Syrus' life at school completely miserable. I'll put Sheppard under my spell so he'll fear Sy as well but make sure he doesn't expel him. I can't make Sy miserable at school if he's expelled, after all.
So, once classes were over, Jaden was out of his seat and he raced for Sheppard's office. The doors slid open at his approach and he flashed a sincere smile as he stopped at the desk. "Hi, Chancellor. Welcome back."
Sheppard was momentarily startled at Jaden's ears, tail, and dual-colored eyes before he nodded. "Thanks, Jaden. I was told you are half-kitsune but the description didn't do you justice."
"Oh. So, you like it?" Jaden turned to give the overall look.
"Yes. Very much." Sheppard was honest in his opinion.
"Better than another half-animal you might know?" Jaden pressed.
"Are you referring to Syrus? Crowler and Bonaparte did tell me he's half-werewolf but he doesn't look it."
"That's because he's dangerous and hides his wolf half so no one would feel threatened. But I know differently and I'm warning you to not let yourself be taken in by his supposed innocent, sweet act."
Sheppard sensed something push at him before sensing his charm pushing it away. Jaden just tried to influence me and I better act like he succeeded. "Thanks for the warning. I would be better off having nothing to do with him."
"Yes, but don't be obvious about it, though he probably already suspects that I would tell you all this."
"Does everyone else know about Syrus?" he asked even though he already knew the answer.
"Yes, sir. Everyone knows how dangerous werewolves are and half-werewolves fall into that category, especially."
"That is true. Thank you for bringing this to my attention." Jaden left the office and Sheppard leaned back to stare at the ceiling before closing his eyes.
Jaden has changed, just as Syrus has said. His friendly personality has turned petty and vindictive. His magic is also quite strong. I could sense it when it tried to impose itself on me and it would have succeeded if I didn't possess the charm Zane gave me.
It is very important that Syrus defeat Jaden in a duel. It is the only way and I know Jaden would not turn down a duel challenge from Syrus, especially if he offers Jaden an enticing reward.
When Jaden left the class, Syrus had collected his supplies and was about to leave the room only to find his way blocked by Crowler and Bonaparte. He looked up and saw two things: Apologetic expressions and clear eyes. "Doctor?" he ventured.
"Syrus," Crowler said. "I apologize for Bonaparte and I cold-shouldering you lately. Chancellor Sheppard brought it to our attention that Jaden had used his magic to turn us and the rest of the school against you. He used some kind of charm to break his hold on us."
"Oui," Bonaparte said. "And we will not let him do that again."
"That's great. You will have to act as if you are still under his spell. I have no doubt he would put a stronger spell on you if he knew you were free."
Crowler swallowed hard at this. "Someone has to stop him but he's the top duelist in the school."
"I can stop him," Syrus said. "The key is to beat his Fox Spirit card and then defeat him in a duel. I received a card yesterday to counter Fox Spirit."
"Will he duel you?" Bonaparte asked.
"I believe so. I've thought that if I offer him something as a prize for winning, he might jump at it."
"What could you offer him? He's quite strong, magically speaking," Crowler said.
"I can offer my cooperation. I will tell him that if he wins, I will not resist his magic and allow him to do what he wants with me."
"You're able to resist his magic?"
Syrus nodded. "A half-werewolf has a set of mental barriers. The first one protects me from the magic of other canine members, like foxes.
"I can offer to lower this barrier and not fight his influence ever again."
"That could work," Crowler said. "But please don't lose, Syrus."
"I don't intend to lose," Syrus said, determined to get Jaden to accept the duel and free his friend.