Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX; however I do own the characters Ekaterina, Lati, Yuriko, and Astrea.

Note: I would like to thank Didgi girl for reviewing my story! Thank You!

Note 2: If you do not recognize a card in this story, just consider that it's one that I made up.

Last Time, On Yu-Gi-Oh! GX The Bird That Can't Soar…

"Hey, look over there," Jaden suggested. He pointed to Ekaterina's Duel. "She's got her Game On."

"Hey, Ekaterina!" Jaden shouted to her. Her golden-brown eagle like eyes looked up to him. "Great job! You were awesome!"

"Wait," Zane whispered to himself. He glanced at the girl one more time and then remembered who she was easily! "You're Lati Terentia, right?" He asked her.

Chillin' Out With the Crew in the School Yard

Fightin' Trouble

Never Workin' Too Hard

We're Back at Class

They Never Taught Us This

Some things You Gotta Let Hit This

Tough Times

Hard Climbs

We'll Take 'Em on Together

Right Now

Let's GO

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX

Generation X

Game On!

Get'cha Game On!

Come on Now

Battle

Play Your Cards Right

Game On

Get'cha Game On

We'll Make the Grade and Win this Fight

We'll Make the Grades Some How

YEAH!

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX

Game On

Get'cha Game On

Come on Y'all

Battle

Play Your Cards Right

Come On and Get'cha Game On!

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX

The Bird That Can't Soar

Chapter Two

Gate Keeper

"Hey, Trini!" Jaden waved. It has been several days, and Jaden, Syrus, Chumley, Bastion, and Ekaterina have become quite good friends.

Ekaterina turned to see Jaden, "Trini? Where'd you get that name from?"

"Oh, I just thought it would be easier to say than Ekaterina."

"I guess you're right," Ekaterina agreed. "Where's Syrus?"

"Oh, he's still getting ready."

"Okay, cool," Ekaterina smiled, "I think I'd better go; I don't want to be late for my first day at Duel Academy."

"See ya later!" Jaden waved to her as Syrus came out of the dorms.

"Hey Jaden, who was that?" Syrus asked

"Remember that girl we met yesterday?"

"Ekaterina?" Syrus asked

"Yup."

"That was her?" Syrus wondered.

Jaden nodded, "I think we should get to class, though."

"Yeah, I agree."

"Hey, Chazz," A girl around the age of fifteen approached him as he was walking to school. She had long, dark brown hair that was almost black. Her eyes were a clear blue, almost like the ocean on a hot summer day.

"Yeah, and who're you?" Chazz asked shrewdly.

"My name's Amaryllis Aleta." (Am-uh-rihl-ihs Uh-lee-tuh)

"Oh," Chazz looked at her, and realized that she was only around fifteen years old, "You a first year student?"

"No," Amaryllis answered quickly. "I'm a third year student."

"Third year?" Chazz said, surprised. "You gotta be kidding me!"

"It's no joke, Obelisk." Amaryllis commented.

"I'm not an Obelisk anymore," Chazz said. "And who invited you so early?"

"While it's true that the Chancellor and the teachers classify you as a Slyfer, but I know that you're still an Obelisk. And…To tell you the truth, I don't know who invited me early. When I got here, everything was already arranged for me. I took the Entrance Exams, and I was in."

"What are you?"

"An Obelisk."

"Liar," Chazz stated

"I'm not lying," Amaryllis said. "That's why I said you are still an Obelisk. I believe you are still good enough; that you're better."

Chazz gave her a strange look, and glanced at his watch, "Ah! I'm going to be late!"

Chazz took off towards his class, glancing backwards at Amaryllis.

Alexis sat next to Zane, who sat next to Atticus. It was now lunch time, and everyone was beginning to eat.

"Atticus," Zane said. "I hear you have a girlfriend."

"What?" Alexis asked, "How come I didn't know?"

"Her name is Yuriko Nikki." Atticus commented, a smile on his face. "She's a third year Ra."

"Oh really?" Alexis said, eyeing her brother suspiciously.

Amaryllis walked by. She walked to a table, and sat alone. She seemed…Different than all the other Obelisks.

"Man, what's eatin her?" Atticus asked.

"Oh, that's Amaryllis Aleta." Alexis said dryly. "She thinks she's all that, but I don't think she is. Her grades probably aren't that good either. She causes all sorts of trouble in the classroom; she even argues back at the teachers. All she will ever be is a trouble maker; she doesn't care about anyone else but herself."

"I don't know, sis," Atticus stated. "She seems to be really nice, and she looks like she could have a lot of talent."

"What!" Alexis said.

"You know, you get that whole feeling when you look at her."

"Ch, whatever." Alexis said, picking at her food.

Amaryllis abruptly stood and left the large Obelisk cafeteria. She walked outside, bringing her tray with her.

"Ami!" (Am-ee) Lati waved to her. "Over here!" Lati was sitting under a tall oak tree.

"Hey, Lati." Amaryllis sat down next to Lati. Lati leaned against the tree and looked at the sky through its branches, a small smile on her face.

"Okay, who's the guy?" Amaryllis inquired, nibbling lightly on a piece of bread.

"What're you talking about?" Lati asked in a voice that suggested she wasn't really paying attention.

"I know you, Lati. So, who's the guy?"

"Guess,"

"Aren't you a little old to be playing guessing games?"

"If you don't want to know, then I'm fine with that."

"Fine, I'll play your stupid guessing game…"

"Okay, he's an Obelisk. Everyone knows his name, but not him."

"Are those all the clues you're going to give me?"

"Yup," Lati smiled.

Amaryllis thought hard. She knew the answer was obvious, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. "An Obelisk; everyone know his name, but not him," Amaryllis repeated the clues. "Is it…Zane Truesdale?"

Lati sat up, laughing lightly, "How'd you know?"

"The fact that everyone knows his name, but not his name gave it away." Amaryllis said.

"Aw…" Lati said.

"You really are a child sometimes, you goofball." Amaryllis commented, taking a bite out of her sandwich.

"And that's why you're my friend!"

"Yeah, to make sure you don't get into trouble." Amaryllis said dryly.

Lati suddenly sat up, her face serious, "So, are they going to introduce you to the others today?"

"That's what the Chancellor said. It depends, really."

"On what? Do you think they'll be able to accept another person? Do you think she will?"

"I really don't know," Amaryllis answered. "And you know what? I really don't care if she does or not. Nothing will stop me from completing my mission. I've worked too hard for someone like her to ruin it."

"Atta girl."

Amaryllis sighed exasperatedly, "I don't know if I can handle this, though…What if I mess up? The whole world could be destroyed!"

"I have faith in you, Ami."

"Let's just hope the others will too…"

"Jaden!" Ekaterina shouted. "Syrus!"

"Hey, Trina!" Syrus said, waving.

"Another nickname?" Ekaterina asked in mock anger.

"If it bothers you that much –."

"No, I'm kidding!" Ekaterina smiled. "How've you two been today?"

"Uh…" Jaden groaned. "Crowler gave us a ton of homework today, and so did Professor Banner."

"It's okay," Ekaterina patted Jaden's shoulder, "I'll help you and Syrus with your homework later."

"Hey!" Syrus protested. "I think we can do it ourselves, thank you very much!"

Ekaterina shrugged, "Suit yourselves." Ekaterina laughed.

"You laugh too much," The spirit of the Duel Monster Harmony Tiger said to Ekaterina.

"Whoa!" Jaden shouted, suddenly seeing the large, peaceful tiger. "Look, there's a tiger!"

Ekaterina looked at Harmony Tiger, and Harmony Tiger looked back. Ekaterina looked confused, "You can see Harmony Tiger?"

"What're you two talking about?" Syrus asked.

"I didn't think anyone else could see her!" Ekaterina exclaimed.

"Hello, Jaden," Harmony Tiger said.

"It's nice to meet you too, Harmony Tiger." Jaden said numbly.

"Syrus, you can't see Harmony Tiger?" Ekaterina asked.

"Not, Trina, I can't…" He said dryly.

"Why don't you look real close? You might be able to see her!"

Syrus looked around, his eyes narrowed slightly. Then, he saw her. A large, beautiful, majestic tiger sitting next to Ekaterina; her tail lashed patiently from side to side. "She's pretty!"

"Yeah!" Ekaterina cheered "You can see her!"

Harmony Tiger sighed, pitying the person she was paired with.

Lati sighed, "Sun sets are so beautiful…" Lati was atop the lighthouse again. The sky was painted over with beautiful shades of pinks, oranges, and reds as the sun began to set behind the clouds.

"Yes, they are."

Lati turned and found Zane looking at the sun set nearby.

"I've never really noticed the sun sets." Zane stated.

"You're early," Lati said.

"Yeah…" Zane sighed. "Do you know about the Sacred Beasts?" He had to tell someone. He had to let this off his chest…

"I know some things about them,"

"Then you probably know about the Shadow Riders."

"And the Spirit Keys, and their holders."

Zane looked across the sea, sighing again.

"Too much stress?"

"No,"

"Then what is it? Are you worried?"

"Of course I am," Zane answered. "There are a lot more students that were admitted to the school this year,"

"And last years fourth year students left; what's your point?"

"Yeah, but I compared them. For every fourth year that left the school, two more first years entered into the school."

Lati realized what he was worried about, "There really are a lot more students than last year, huh?"

"Yeah…"

"Don't worry," Lati commented. "I'm sure you and the other Spirit Key Holders will get through this. But, I must warn you about something; it's about your little friend Alexis Rhodes. I hear they say she's the Queen of the Obelisks. Well, you tell her that there's someone out there that might just dethrone her real soon. Tell her it's someone she'd least expect."

Zane gave her a strange look; he opened his mouth to ask her who, but Chazz's voice floated upwards, towards the two new friends.

"Hey, Zane!" Chazz shouted. "The Chancellor wants to see us! He said it's very important!"

Zane sighed, "I'll see you later." Zane left the lighthouse with Chazz.

Lati gave a small smile as she watched Zane and Chazz walk towards the school, saying sadly, "Yeah, I'll see you later…That's what they all say…"

"Zane!" Alexis exclaimed as he and Chazz walked into the Chancellor's large office.

"It's about time," Bastion commented.

"What's this meeting about?" Zane asked simply.

"It's about the Sacred Beasts, and of course all of you, the Spirit Key Holders," The Chancellor said.

"Yeah," Chazz said slowly. "And?"

"Well… We just thought since the Shadow Riders are getting so strong, we're getting safeguard people."

"What do you mean?" Jaden asked.

"Well, we're open to suggestions as of who you think can be able to handle this stress, can duel well, and so forth. But first, I would like to present to you the person that Dr. Crowler, Prof. Banner, and I have chosen. As you might not know, but there is a gate the Sacred Beasts are locked behind. As a last resort, we have chosen someone as the Gate Keeper. And here she is; most of you might know her, and the rest of you…may not."

"We give you, Amaryllis Lenore Aleta!" Prof. Banner announced.

The Chancellor's large, sliding doors slid open, and Amaryllis walked coolly in.

"Her?" Alexis asked in disbelief.

Chazz looked at her with surprise, and felt, for some odd reason, hurt that she hadn't told him when they'd met earlier.

"Hey, nice to meet you!" Jaden extended his hand to Amaryllis.

Amaryllis looked at it for a moment before returning her gaze to Jaden, smiling, "The pleasure's all mine, I assure you, Yuki."

Zane stood there, watching Amaryllis, observing her gently.

"Hey, Amaryllis," Jaden said. "Can I just call you Am for short? Your name's kinda hard to remember."

"Sure," Amaryllis answered kindly.

The words Atticus and Alexis had shared during lunch floated back to Zane.

Her grades probably aren't that good either…

She causes all sorts of trouble in the classroom; she even argues back at the teachers…

All she will ever be is a trouble maker; she doesn't care about anyone else but herself…

She seems to be really nice, and she looks like she could have a lot of talent…

Could she, Amaryllis of all people, be the one that Lati had been talking about earlier? Zane thought about what Lati had said.

It's about your little friend Alexis Rhodes…

I hear they say she's the Queen of the Obelisks…

Well, you tell her that there's someone out there that might just dethrone her real soon…

Tell her it's someone she'd least expect…

"Why on Earth would you pick her?" Alexis asked again. "Her grades probably aren't even that good!"

"Actually, I beg to differ." Dr. Crowler commented.

"Yes, I as well." Prof. Banner stated. "Amaryllis has an excellent score in my class."

"Yes, and she has an almost perfect grade in my class, too." Dr. Crowler said. "We pulled her grades for her other classes as well; her grades are as close anyone could to reaching a perfect grade here at this school."

"What?" Alexis said in indignation.

Now Zane was sure that Lati had been talking about Amaryllis.

"Now, then," The Chancellor interrupted. "Are there any suggestions as to who we might consider for help?"

"I have two excellent first year in my History Class." Prof. Banner commented.

"Yes, and I too have two student in my Skill and Strategies Class." Dr. Crowler stated.

"Okay, I'll need the names of these first year students." Chancellor said. "Prof. Banner, you go first."

"The first one is Ekaterina Akilina, and the second is Astrea Eurayle."

"Hey, those are the two students I was going to name!" Dr. Crowler shouted.

"Hmm…" Chancellor thought hard. "I'll have to look these students up and ask them if they are okay with this. Plus, since they are first years, and we have Spirit Key Holders, then they shall have minimal activity having to do with the Sacred Beasts."

"But," Prof. Banner protested. "Ekaterina has already been exposed to the Sacred Beasts and their history. She possibly knows more about them than anyone on Duel Island; even more than us!"

"How is that possible?" Dr. Crowler asked.

"It's true!" Prof. Banner continued. "Right after class, Ekaterina began to tell me all about them! I couldn't believe what she'd found out! I was so shocked that I didn't catch the actually details she was telling me."

"I see…" Chancellor stated. "Students, please get back to your dorms. Prof. Banner, Dr. Crowler, and I have some things to discuss."

"Yes sir." The students said.

Amaryllis walked out quietly. Alexis got in front of her, shouting, "Is this some kind of a joke? Why would they ask you?"

"You heard what the teachers said," Amaryllis said calmly. "It's not like it was my decision. I'm the Gate Keeper whether you like it or not."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Chazz asked indignantly.

"I wanted it to be a surprise." Amaryllis said quietly. "Look, I've got to get back to my dorm room; I have some studying to do. Oh, and Alexis, we have a test tomorrow, remember?"

"Just answer me this," Alexis persisted. "Why would you say yes? You don't care about anyone but yourself."

"Alexis," Jaden said.

Amaryllis chuckled, "Well that just proves, even after going to the same school with each other for three years, that you still don't know me well.

"It's not like I wanted to say yes. I'd rather have a normal stay at this Academy. But, then I thought of all the students in the generations behind us. If the Sacred Beasts were to get loose, do you think that they would be able to have an enjoyable and safe environment to learn and grow?

Having a good environment is a part of learning and growing. I don't want the fame, or the glory, you get out of this. I just simply want to help the students in the years behind us.

"Alexis, I mean this in every nice, polite way that it can be. If you said yes to be a Spirit Key Holder just for fame and glory, then maybe you should stop right now. Good night."

With that said, Amaryllis promptly left without another word. Alexis stared angrily at her.

You need not be so…Angry with Alexis. A beautiful woman with six glistening wings flew next to Amaryllis. She had long, purple hair. Her skin was fare, and she wore a dress that was woven with golden silk. She wore a black chain belt with a large, blue gem at the center; she wore a necklace similar to it, but instead of a chain, it was tied with a piece of silver string. She wore two pink-purple anklets around her left ankle. She flew in a graceful way that was very calming.
"I know, Wingweaver…" Amaryllis commented. "But no one will stop me from completing my mission; it's the only reason I do so well at school."

I know. Sleep well, Amaryllis. Tomorrow will be…Harder that it seems I suppose.

"Okay. Goodnight, Wingweaver. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

Next time, on Yu-Gi-Oh! GX The Bird That Can't Soar…

More than one time, Alexis and Amaryllis get into a fight. Jaden, Bastion, and Syrus desperately try to stop their quells, but come up unsuccessful.

Ekaterina is asked to join them, along with Astrea, in the battle against the Shadow Riders. Will they accept?

Jaden and Ekaterina begin to get closer, and begin to understand each other.
Lati begins to act strange, and Zane can't help but worry. Atticus, Yuriko, and Zane begin to try to understand her strange and mysterious heart. The only one, who knows what's wrong with Lati, is Ekaterina.

Hot and enraged, Alexis hastily asks Amaryllis to a duel. But, what Alexis and Amaryllis don't know is that each others' decks are more a mystery than anything else.