Hello people! Thanks for the reviews so far – I may not have mentioned this at the start of chapter 1, but this story is a bit Aster – centered. Just so you know…. Also, very unlike any other story I have written, except Tom Riddle's Item, this story is mapped so far at 28 chapters. Long, I know, and that's not even the last one! What will probably happen is that a shorter chapter will be added to the next one, making one longer chapter, thus decreasing the number, but so far, the chapter count has at least reached 28.

Also, on another note - THERE IS NO 'YUBEL'. Viper has reasons for the things he does, none of which include a creepy arm...

I am also thinking of breaking this story into two parts. Which is weird, since I never map out these stories ahead. The first part would be the first 25 chapters, but I am unsure whether or not to keep the story as one big one, as one big one split into two parts, or have the second part as entire new fanfiction! Send your thoughts to me; I'd like to know what you think!

As it turns out, I was trying to stray from using original characters in this story. Well, so much for that one. The main OC is the villain, and the others aren't extremely important – important enough to keep the story flowing. They don't become Jaden's newest groupies or anything like that. The bios for these OCs are on my profile page. As the fanfic develops, so will the information on my profile.

Like before, I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX. It belongs to…well, you know. Kazuki Takahashi…. I DO own my plot line and any wacked out, original character that appears for a maximum of ten seconds (unless they aren't fangirls, then they may last more, but not by much).

Chapter 2

The line to be fitted for the dueling bands stretched down the hall from the nurse's office to the Chancellor's office on the other side of the building. From Slifers to Obelisks, each student waited for their chance to get one of the shiny bracelets.

When the clock struck nine, Ms. Fontaine opened the doors to the infirmary and admitted the young duelists inside.

"Line up here, please," called the nurse from her desk. Professor Viper stood in the corner, watching his students accept their bracelets and put them on. This setup will allow me to have everything I need, he thought, soon, I will have collected enough energy to complete my task…

Soon, it came down to Jaden and his group of friends. While he and Jesse eagerly took their bio-bands, Syrus was a bit more nervous.

"What's wrong, Sy?" asked Jaden, putting his band on.

"This just doesn't seem right! Since when does someone come into Duel Academy and start making rules like he was the Chancellor?"

"Sartorius sort of did that last year," said Aster, "took some students, made them into Society slugs, then pretty much took over an entire dorm and a half!"

"Good point…but still! You would think Crowler or Shepard would have put a stop to it!"

"They might, but then again, this was the method that boosted West Academy's grades!" Jesse explained, "It'd be kind of pointless to do away with it. Besides, it's not like these bio-bands are deadly or anything."

"I would hope not," said Chazz, "I have my whole life ahead of me!"

"Can't be anything interesting," sniggered Hassleberry, "all you ever do is complain!"

"Watch it, Sludge-head!"

"Who you callin' Sludgehead?"

"You, that's who!"

"That's enough!" said a voice from behind. Both Chazz and Hassleberry turned. Adrian was right behind them, "although your fighting is real amusing, you're holding up the line!"

"Oh. My bad," Hassleberry moved to the side.

The jingle of keys echoed around the hall as the security guard turned the said item into the cell lock. The occupant inside the cell made no acknowledgement that the guard was there. He continued to stare at the ProLeague magazine next to his cot. On the front cover showed a high-ranking duelist in mid-draw. The prisoner continued to stare at the face plastered on the cover, without turning a page, or blinking. The guard tossed another magazine into the middle of the cell.

"Something new for you, Turama," said the guard. He relocked the cell and continued his run down the hall, checking every cell to make sure every prisoner was still in confinement.

The man called Turama finally adverted his gaze from the issue next to him and retrieved the new periodical the guard had left him. He was given another issue of ProLeague, this one with Aster Phoenix after his victory against a random duelist. The headline under his face in big block letters said, "NEW KING OF THE PRO LEAGUES CROWNED. See page 6 for full story and exclusive interview!"

Phoenix…he thought, turning to the cover story. He began to read…

A New King Reigns the Pro Leagues

After last night's big match, a new champion was crowned King of the Leagues. Aster Phoenix defeated Maxwell Simmons in a heated match to win the title formerly held by Kyle Jables, known as his stage name, "The D". In an unfortunate event, Jables went missing after his boat caught fire while at sea. Aster Phoenix, Jables' adopted son, was the only 'survivor'. Three months later, Jables, still missing, was assumed dead. Since then, no one has held the title. Industrial Illusions and Kaiba Corporations, the two sponsor industries for the Leagues, refused to easily give away the title to Phoenix, who is next in line for the title anyways.

"We want Aster-boy to earn the title with a well-earned duel. No freebies this time," said Maximillion Pegasus, from Industrial Illusions, "otherwise, what fun would that be?" During last night's duel, the Kaiba Dome was packed. According to ticket sales, there were no extra seats in the Kaiba Dome. By the time the duel had ended, Aster Phoenix had reigned over Maxwell Simmons with 100 life points to spare. According to a quick interview with Phoenix before he claimed his title, he told us the last time his points dropped so low was when he dueled Thorn Turama, when Turama was heading to the top spot. That duel ended with a victory for Phoenix and began a long losing streak for Turama.

Upon his win, Phoenix was given the award for the 'Longest Winning Streak' since the Leagues began. His streak surpasses Jables' fifteen game stretch by four, bringing the new record up to nineteen games, and still counting.

The seventeen year-old was also awarded the "Pro League Champion" medal by Pegasus, and "King of the Leagues" by Kaiba Corporation after his defeat of Simmons raised his winning total to fifty-seven games, surpassing Jables' record by one. Jables, if you recall, lost in the middle of his career to the late Thane Bent, giving Bent the Champion title before Jables won it back in a following tournament. Jables continued to hold growing records and dueling titles until his death.

In an after-interview with Phoenix, we were able to ask him a few questions about his victory and winnings.

PL: How did you feel after the match?

AP: How did I feel? Of course, I was ecstatic. It was always my goal to pass 'D' in victories, so that's one goal down. The titles really come along for the ride.

PL: So, you don't really want the medals?

AP: Didn't say that!

PL: (laughs at comment) Ok, Aster. Do you feel you can make a new record setting that no one can break?

AP: I'm not really sure. 'D' thought his ranks were set in stone, but, since I broke some, I feel I can do some more. I'm not sure if I'll break all of them, but there will always be some superstar to make his or her own standards. You never know…maybe someone will break Yugi or Kaiba's record.

PL: I see. You've already won the 'King of the Leagues', 'Longest Winning Streak' and 'Pro League Champ.' Do you think you'll win any more gifts tonight?

AP: Not to sound greedy …'cause I'm not… but who doesn't like receiving hard-earned presents! It would be amazing to win a bunch, but I'm hoping Sartorius earns 'Manager of the Year' award. He deserves it, I think.

PL: I didn't think there was an award for 'Manager of the Year'!

AP: (Aster then stares at us with a hilarious look upon his face) You're a magazine dedicated to the Pro Leagues and you didn't know that? That's funny!

PL: Ha, ha! Anyway, was it difficult dueling while on crutches?

AP: Yes, actually. I didn't think I would be allowed to duel, since I've been hurt, but apparently Sartorius talked them into it, or something like that. They had to turn the safety on my duel-disk up all the way, so if I got blasted for about 3500 points, I wouldn't re-break the bones in my foot in the blast, but they left Simmons' alone.

PL: I see. Is there anything you'd like to say before we chase down Simmons for his recount of his defeat?

AP: Uh, I guess really that all of my great dueling-ness wouldn't be possible without 'D' or Sartorius. They taught me the game, and had I never met either one, I wouldn't be the…uh…

PL: Showstopper?

AP: Yea, I guess that fits – I wouldn't be the 'showstopper' I am today! Thanks Sartorius!

PL: Going to thank Jables too?

AP: …Uh, yea, him too…

The other winners were Ameline Burnari for 'Manager of the Year' and Katie Bish for 'Best Record Turnaround'…

Turama put down the paper. Katie Bish…I remember you…he thought, you ended my pain and suffering, you made me leave my love. I'll get my time…and you'll be sorry you crossed paths with me…Turama then rescanned the article, looking at the other names. Phoenix…you started it…and I'll end it…

The door clanged again, and this time, the guard stayed put, "Dinner, Turama. Bring your things – you're moving to a new ward for mentally ill prisoners."

Turama picked up his few magazines and glared at the guard, "I'm not crazy," he snapped, "there's no reason for me to go there!"

"The other inmates are complaining about you. You talk loudly in your sleep, mentioning people's names over and over. We just don't want to you do something stupid."

"I'm in jail. What could I possibly do?"

"You got in here with a pretty hefty charge…"

"Hey, I'm innocent! I didn't rape her, or kill her! I never even heard of the girl!"

"Evidence said otherwise. You also tried to attack Pro manager Sartorius after he refused to let you see Aster Phoenix after he beat you in a duel. Right?"

"…That was different," he muttered, trudging down the hall, "I lost unfairly. I wanted a rematch. Why didn't the guy book me with Phoenix again?"

"You're going to have to get over it, that was two years ago!"

"I'll never forget…"

"See? That's why you have to be treated. You're a danger to yourself, always thinking of revenge, and payback. You need help!"

Turama said nothing. Halfway down the next corridor, a loud siren went off. The prison went into complete pandemonium. The guard reached for his gun when something flashed before his eyes and all went black…

"Oh man! I can't wait to get my game on! This year is going to be so sweet, that it's going to be sweet!"

"Jaden, I don't think that makes any sense at all," laughed Alexis.

"I know it didn't, and that's what made it sweet!"

"Slacker…you are weird…" Chazz snickered.

"Am not!"

"You are too! You couldn't win a war with a bed sheet for crying out loud!"

"Yea I did!"

Lost two out three. Counts as a loss in my book…"

"You serious?" asked Jesse, "you lost to a sheet, Jay?"

"According to Mr. I-have-no-sense-of-humor, I guess I did," said Jaden, pouting.

"Oh, there you are, Jesse," said a voice from behind him.

Jesse turned, "oh, hi Jim, Adrian. Finding your way around here all right? I hope you're not following my example and are getting lost all the time!"

"Definitely not," laughed Adrian, "I'm finding my way pretty well."

"Same with me, though some o' the blokes are kind of nervous around me, though I dunno why…" said Jim.

"Uh, does the crocodile on your back give enough explanation?" asked Syrus.

"You mean Shirley? Nah – she's harmless!"

"The croc is harmless?"

"Yea, a real sweetie. Wouldn't hurt anyone, unless provoked, of course. But still…"

"Doesn't…doesn't Shirley get heavy?"

"Not really."

Then Hassleberry ran up to them, "Guys! Chancellor Sheppard has an announcement to make in the auditorium! I've been looking all over for you soldiers!"

"I guess we should go then," said Jaden, getting up from his sprawled position on the grass.

The auditorium was packed. Well, the fangirls were packed around Aster's seat with permanent markers begging to sign his cast, but other than that, the room was getting fuller as students continued to enter.

"Settle down students! I have some news to share that affects all of us in some way," announced Sheppard from the podium.

Jaden and company squeezed behind a row of Sharpie (I don't own the marker company!) wielding fangirls and took their seats.

Aster put his crutches at the empty seat next to him and sighed; turning to face Chazz, "want my fangirls now?"

"No thanks," Chazz snickered, "I wouldn't want their Sharpies blemishing my Chazzerific skin all the time."

Aster shook his head, "only a week until the crutches come off, only a week," he said over and over to no one in particular.

Chancellor Sheppard cleared his throat for the third time this one silenced the audience. "I have some announcements to make, all concerning the world of dueling. First off, I would like to congratulate Aster Phoenix for his win against Maxwell Simmons last night, earning him the title of 'King of the Leagues'. As he is undefeated in the Leagues, such an honor at a young age is amazing. He also broke several dueling records, set by Kyle Jables, the former Pro League Champion! Congrads, Aster!"

An amount of applause rang through the room. Several fangirls turned and batted their eyelashes at him.

"Hey guys– how come you guys never have fans, and I have to have them all?"

"Must be because you're rich, famous, and to them are hotter than any other teenage celebrity," Atticus chuckled.

Aster put his head on the back of the seat in front of him, "Lucky me," he muttered.

"Also, there was a security scare at the Tokyo Prison in the mentally insane ward, where several 'duelist' inmates were kept. There was a breakout. Police aren't releasing anything yet, because there is the chance that the missing prisoners are still in the complex. We will be told of the situation as soon as we can.

"Also, some of you may recall the five hour duel between Katie Bish and Thorn Turama, where the duel was at a standoff because of a power failure at the Kaiba Dome last year. Well, it seems Ms. Bish has vanished after receiving her award last night at the Dome. She hasn't been seen since, and there is a search team looking for her. If you are closely related or know her very well, and you feel you can aid the police investigation, please come to my office. Thank you."

Chancellor Sheppard left the auditorium as the school filed out.

Syrus led everyone back to 'their' spot under the large tree in the courtyards between the Obelisk Blue and Ra Yellow dorms.

"What do you know about Katie Bish, Aster? Have you dueled her?" asked Adrian.

"She's a good duelist. Ranked fifth in the last tournament before losing to Brock Fens. Her most famous duel was the one against Turama, when the power failed. Everyone was stranded in the Duel Dome until power came back on so the match could continue. She's real nice too, and she has a lot of connections."

"Why would anyone want her?" asked Alexis, "could someone be after her for money?"

"It's a possibility – but if I wanted to get money from a Pro, I'd go for someone with more than her. She's a big shopper. In the mall every weekend."

"You would think that someone would have seen her taken, if she was leaving the Duel Dome," said Jim, letting Shirley off his back. The crocodile curled under the shade of the tree.

"Well, someone could also be after her personally," said Jesse, "there's a lot of weirdoes in the world. Lots and lots of weirdoes..."

"True…"

"A couple of years ago," began Aster, "there was this crazy group where they would kidnap top-ranking duelists, kill the duelist, and keep their decks in hope of obtaining all of the powerful cards in the world."

"What happened to them?" asked Syrus, "are they still around?"

"Nah, the police found them before they could get rid of the first victim – the idiots had all of their plans written out and stuck on the wall. They all went to jail…and…" Aster trailed off.

"And what?" asked Jaden, pulling a blade of grass from the ground.

"Well, they all were sent to Tokyo Prison…and there was some sort of disturbance there earlier...it might be a possibility that one escaped and went after Katie."

"You think so?"

Aster thought for a moment, "she really doesn't have any super-special-one-of-a-kind cards, but plays a Rock type deck really well. Other than that, she's not that special to a kidnapper – unless the kidnapper isn't dueling related."

"Wouldn't you worry if someone came for you?" asked Hassleberry, "I mean, you're a dueling machine, got tons of money, and one-of-a-kind cards."

"Yea, but so far, there was a disturbance at a prison, and someone disappeared who just happened to be a duelist. If I were in real danger, Sartorius would have the entire police force tailing me. Not to mention the attacker would have to get through him first…"

"But since the Light of Destruction was destroyed…" Chazz began.

"It was destroyed, but part of it still lives in Sartorius – just not enough to take him over again. He still has some of his powers from before that are pretty neat…"

Jaden made a big, goofy grin, "you mean he can make light energy thingies come from his hands and summon things with them?"

"Yea, it freaked me out when he asked for the TV remote, held out his hand, and the thing went right into it. He can also use his tarot cards to predict future events, just not as clearly as before."

"Wow," said Jaden, "you really don't have much to worry about, do you?"

"I don't think so – oh wait, I do…"

"You do, Aster?" Alexis was confused, "who?"

"Fangirls…they better keep those Sharpies away from me…"

Professor Viper's voice then rang through the school, "Would Jesse Anderson and Jaden Yugi report to the dueling arena. We are starting our 'Survival Matches' in one hour."

Well, there's chapter 2! Leave all of your questions, comments, complaints, blackmail, and praise/flames with the purple button below. IF you chose to flame, there BETTER be some way to improve my writing, because 'this fanfiction sucks' doesn't really say much. But if that's how you want to say something, go ahead. I won't flame back in retaliation, I think that's wrong…

Happy Halloween readers! (Throws 3 Musketeers (which I don't own) to the readers)