Hey everyone! Glad you liked the last chapter. Here's a new one. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own YuGiOh GX or Jess; she still belongs to ladydream-chan.

Claimer: YAY! This ENTIRE STORY IS MINE!!!! And the one or two or three OCs that show up that aren't Jess are also mine. :)

xXx

Jaden's POV

Moonlight flooded in from the only window in my bedroom. It was one in the morning and I couldn't be more awake. I lay on my bed; arms folded behind me head on the pillow. I let out a loud sigh and sat up, scratching my hand through my hair. I dropped my arm into my lap and looked at the person lying next to me.

Alexis lay on her side facing away from me. The blanket came up just past her hips. The moonlight shown on her, causing her skin to glow beautifully. I reached out and ran my hand down her side. She breathed in deeply and then rolled onto her back, tucking her left hand under her head and her right one across her stomach. She remained asleep. A smile touched my lips and I couldn't help but lean down and press my lips to hers for a moment. She didn't stir.

I leaned away and then got out of bed, stretching my arms above my head. I walked out of the room quietly, just wanting to go get some fresh air and think. I crept downstairs, quiet as a mouse, and out the sliding glass door to sit on the steps and be outside. I folded my arms on my knees, shivering slightly as the crisp air hit my bare chest.

Sitting there in silence, I struggled to wrap my mind around what was going on. The Skulls were back and here to kill me and the rest of my gang friends. They already killed one of them and tried to kill another. Not to mention that because I'm a Blood, all my of my Duel Academy friends and family are also targets. Of course, I knew everyone else was worried about this also, but it mattered more to me. Mark was gone and I was in charge. I was numero uno. I'm the leader. I'm supposed to come up with plans and protect all of my family and friends.

"But how?" I voiced out loud. I groaned and threaded my fingers through my hair, dropping my forehead into the palms of my hands. I couldn't focus. There was no way I could think logically and protect everyone. I'M NOT MARK!

'You're right, you're Jaden,' Mark's voice said. I gasped and looked to my left. There sat Mark, smiling at me. He looked exactly as I remembered him, clothes and all. He looked translucent and seemed to have a glow around him. But it was him, no doubt about that.

"Mark?" He nodded. "How? You're dead!" He nodded again and looked away. His arms were folded across his knees just like mine.

'I know I'm dead, Jaden. But I'm here to help you.'

"How can you help me if you're dead? Which, just so we're clear, you are." He chuckled and shook his head.

'I'm just here to give you some advice, from older L1 to new L1.' I frowned.

"I don't want to be L1, Mark. I can't do this; I can't do what you did."

'I hope you don't do what I did. You'd lose too many people you love.'

"Then what do I do?" I looked at him. "I can't do this by myself." He reached out and placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezing it. I didn't feel it, but I felt some warmth.

'Of course you can, Jaden. You're so much stronger and smarter than you think you are. You're better than I ever was or ever could be.' I shrugged off his hand, hard to do when you can't feel it, and looked away from him.

"You were a leader, Mark. A strong one, one I'd follow to the ends of the Earth. How am I supposed to lead and protect everyone I have to when I don't have any faith in myself?"

'Because everyone else has faith in you.' I looked back at him. He had a severe look on his face, one I remembered he'd use when he was daring people to contradict him. I just shook my head and sighed.

"We need help, Mark. There's no telling how many members the Skulls have now. And they already got Chris."

'I know. I've already seen him.' I looked at him. He was smiling. 'He's really pissed that he can't help you kick their asses, much like I am.' I laughed, something I haven't been able to do for the last few days.

"Glad to know. I wish you guys still had our backs." Now I was frowning. Mark frowned at me and nodded.

'Us, too, Jaden. But we can't, so it's up to you.' I nodded.

"I know." Silence fell between us. "Do you know anyone who could help us?" I asked a few moments later. He nodded.

'In fact, I do. And they'll be more than happy to help you guys, once you explain everything.'

"Who?" He smiled at me.

'The Pyramids.' My mouth fell open.

"The Pyramids? You mean the most deadly gang in all of Japan that no one knows who they are or how to find them? The gang that kills people if they even get close to finding out one of their members identities? The one that has never lost a single member? THAT PYRAMIDS?" He laughed and nodded.

'That'd be the one.'

"Do you want us to be killed?" He just shook his head.

'I told you, they'd be more than happy to help. They owe me, just cash in my debt.' I held my hands up.

"Wait, how do they 'owe you'?" He just shook his head.

'Don't worry about it. They'll be a great help to you, Jaden. Trust me.'

"I do." It was the truth. Even though he was dead, I trusted Mark more than ever. He smiled at me. "But how do I find this un-findable gang?" He laughed.

'Don't worry. Tomorrow, I want you and Jesse to go get them. I'll give you the directions.'

"Okay…how?" That's all I really wanted to know. He just shook his head.

'Jaden, I'm dead. I can do anything!' I laughed and nodded.

"Alright, we'll go. But why just Jesse and me?" Mark looked at me.

'Because, the only people they would want to meet would be the two leaders, and that's the two of you. Try not to bring anyone else, alright?' I just nodded.

"Whatever you say, Mark."

"Who are you talking to, Jaden?" Alexis asked from behind me.

"Mark." I turned to look at her. She had a worried look on her face.

"Babe-" she sat down next to me, pulling her robe tighter around herself. "Mark's dead." I nodded and looked away from her. Mark left, because she was sitting where he was.

"I know." Of course I know. I said it a million times before I finally started talking to him. But that was Mark, not a figment of my imagination.

"Do you know what you're going to do?" She leaned against me and took my hand, lacing our fingers. I nodded and squeezed them.

"Yeah." I turned and kissed her forehead, which was closest to my lips. "I'm getting help."

xXx

:D I love this chapter so much! It's very short, but kind of had to be!

Please review!

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-o-Mel-o-