JC: Finally on the 25th Chapter! I didn't actually expect for it to reach this far when I first started this. I apologize for the evil cliffhanger last chapter. I couldn't resist. Hehe… And I'm sorry if this has taken a while. I was very busy with work and reviews for my Master's Degree exam. My brain got fried in Math. Anyway, I'm glad that I was able to finish this. I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, people, or its characters, but the plot of this story is mine. All rights belong to Kazuki Takahashi.

White Vow

Turn 25: Unstable Condition

It didn't work, Jaden thought as he slumped down on his plane seat. He had gathered all his courage and went in for the kiss. It felt so good to kiss her and to hold her in his arms again. But Atticus had the most perfect timing, much to his dismay. When Alexis heard him coming, she immediately pulled away. He ended up getting punched on the face then, which really, really hurt. His right cheek was so sore at the moment. However, he knew he was closer to winning back her trust and love. Considering their exchange of words and feelings during the duel, he'd given her good cause to. As he had sworn to himself a while back, he would do whatever it took, for however long it took, to win her back.

Damn, he couldn't stop thinking about the kiss. She had almost responded. Why did Atticus have to come at that time? God only knew how much he wanted her. Yet, despite the desire, simply being near her was adequate. Loving her was benefit enough. He was passionate about his feelings and he won't deny it to anyone. He had never been in love before. He was simply a naïve little boy who only knew how to have fun before. Falling in love with Alexis was the best thing that has ever happened to him, which is why he would continue to wait for her and hope that someday she would let him hold her again.

It had been an hour since they left the island. Their destination was David's private beach house located on an island just a few miles ahead. Jaden still couldn't get used to the idea how insanely rich people can easily afford a whole island for their own leisure.

Sighing for the umpteenth time, Jaden rubbed his cheek, exchanging glances with Atticus, who was seated on the row across him. Alexis, on the other hand, had dozed off in her seat on the row before them.

"It's good that she's able to get some shut eye," Atticus said. "I know she didn't sleep all too well last night."

Jaden gave him a timid smile. "She needs all the energy she needs."

"Seriously, man, I'm proud of you," Atticus said in a teasing tone. "My lessons have really paid off."

"I was in a moment," Jaden told him, crossing his arms, "and the moment told me to do it."

"Following your instincts, huh?"

Jaden shrugged. "Maybe I was, but you had to go and ruin it. Thanks a lot." Heavy sarcasm present in his tone.

The older brunette chuckled. "Oops…My bad…"

"Let's put that aside for now," Jaden advised, frowning, as he thought of his captured friend. "I wonder…How's Zane holding up?"

Atticus' expression darkened. "I can't say that David won't try to hurt him. We've been in deep shit before because of him…especially my Lexi." He clasped his hands together, bending down, as he rested his elbows on his lap. "Dammit…If anything bad happens to Zane, I don't know what I'll do to him. I may even forget that he's Mac's brother."

"You know, David seems like he has a few screws loose," Jaden said, tapping his cheek.

"Mac mentioned this before…"

"Mentioned what?"

"David's been treated for Mental Health issues."

Jaden's eyes grew wide in surprise. "Mental Health issues? You serious?"

"Yeah… He was subjected to special therapy sessions on a regular basis."

"So he really is a nutcase." Jaden suddenly felt more concerned for Zane.

"It's a genetic thing," Atticus told him, running a hand through his hair.

Jaden bit back a gasp. "Genetic?"

"In papers David's a real Mackenzie…but…truth is he's not Mac's real brother," Atticus explained, gaze directed down to the hands on his lap. "He was adopted by Mac's father after that incident with his real parents. David's mom had mental disorders, but she was perfectly stable when she married David's dad. A few years after David was born, the husband started cheating on her."

"Now that's just low," Jaden commented.

"Well, the wife eventually found out about his infidelity, but someone like her wouldn't just file a simple divorce," Atticus said, sighing deeply before going on. "Conceit of being superior, consumed with jealousy, and vengeance against betrayal, she murdered her husband's mistress without mercy."

Jaden got taken aback by this. "Murder? But that's—"

Atticus' expression was filled with remorse. "She proceeded to kill her husband and then she committed suicide…and she did it all in front of David in their own home no less. That's how unstable she became."

"Woah…unreal… I can't believe that actually happened to him. I'm starting to feel sorry for the guy."

"David's dad was a close family friend of Mr. Mackenzie. Feeling sorry for David, he decided to adopt him. But seeing your parents die right before you very eyes is a hard blow on anyone. David was mentally unstable and spent the next few years in a hospital. Mr. Mackenzie had the best doctors to look after him. He'd been put on medication to keep his symptoms in check."

"Guess his mental disorder is acting up again…"

"Pride, jealousy, depression, obsession—these emotions can cause complications." Atticus clenched his hands hard. "I know I'm supposed to understand David's condition, but I just can't accept what he's doing to Zane right now. Truth is, I still haven't forgiven him for what he did to Alexis in the past. I just cut him some slack because of Mac."

"David's obsession with Alexis is dangerous. And who knows what he'll do to Zane…"

"Mac said that he stopped taking medications for some months now. Well, he had been stable until recently."

"It's not Alexis' fault that he's so into her," Jaden said, rolling his eyes.

Atticus let out a concerned smile. "But Alexis can't help but feel responsible somehow."

Jaden sighed. He didn't expect to hear such a story about David. He had a tragic childhood. Honestly, he kind of felt sorry for David. However, it doesn't change the fact that he still wanted to punch David in the face.

"Took you guys long enough," Mac said as Atticus, Jaden and Alexis disembarked from the plane. "Had a nice trip?"

Alexis noted the sarcasm and said, "Hardly… Any news on Zane?"

"I had someone go check them out," Mac replied, crossing her arms. "Seems like David hasn't gone completely insane yet."

Alexis sighed in relief. "So Zane's still fine."

Mac grimaced. "Not exactly."

Atticus looked a bit panicked. "It's his heart, right? It has to be. Oh, man, what David is doing is basically torture. We've gotta get Zane out of there."

"But not without a plan," Mac advised, lifting a hand to his shoulder. "Any ideas?"

"I do, and we need everyone's cooperation," Atticus said, winking an eye, as he turned to Jaden. "Ready to do something crazy, J?"

Jaden raised a fist in elation. "Sure thing! You can count of me, bro." He then looked at Alexis with a big grin. "And don't you worry about me, Lex, okay?"

Alexis raised a brow. "As if I can stop you from this…You're always reckless." Her lips slowly curved into a small smile. "But I trust you."

"Is that right?" Jaden took step closer to her and slightly leaned forward. "Then you trust me when I say that I'm taking you on a date when this is all over, right?"

"W-What?" Alexis backed up, her cheeks turning slightly pink in an instant. "Jaden, that's…this isn't the time to…" She couldn't believe that she was stuttering. So much for her well-maintained façade.

Jaden lightly laughed and patted her shoulder. "I'll be looking forward to it, Lex."

Alexis simply shrugged and turned away.

"I guess they're all chummy again," Mac said, placing a closed hand on her hip. "This is a good thing, right?"

Atticus looked at her and nodded. "Of course…"

Zane glanced back in the direction they'd come as he started forward again. They'd left the house and walked to the beach. David had put an electric collar around his neck, which would shock him with one press of a button on the remote. In addition to that, David had also drugged him earlier. Zane's body felt heavy like lead. He could barely keep walking, let alone stand. He only hoped he'd let him rest for a while.

"Let's stop here," David announced and Zane became aware of the rich orange dying the skies. It was almost close to sunset. "This place brings back memories…"

Zane dropped down on one knee, gasping for air. "This…this place is…" He narrowed his eyes and clutched his chest in pain. They've reached a cliff, a tall steep one to be exact. One false move and you can end up falling into the raging waters below.

"I don't need to tell you, do I, Truesdale?" David replied.

"Why go this far? What did Alexis ever do to you?" Zane asked in frustration.

"Rejection…"

Zane gritted his teeth. "What are you? A child? Just because of that you—"

"You wouldn't understand!" David retorted. "Alexis…she…she was the first person outside the family to accept me. I'm not a real Mackenzie. I know you're aware of it, Truesdale."

Zane hesitated, then turned his gaze to the ground. It hadn't occurred to him that David would be capable of having such profound emotions. "Your real name is David Rabb. You were adopted into the Mackenzie Family after your parents' death."

"I was an outsider." David glanced skyward. It was getting a little darker. "Growing up in a high-class society… You think it would be that easy? Plus, having a psychotic mother and a cheating father only made things a hell lot difficult for me. Everyone looked down on me and some even feared me. That's why I strived to be the best in everything. But Alexis…She was different. She didn't look at me with jealous eyes. She didn't look down on me like the others. She's not afraid of me too. Heck, she even scolds me for being an ass."

Zane steadied his breathing. "Being passionate is one thing, but becoming obsessed with her to the point of driving away everyone who tries to be close to her? That's just wrong."

"You're in no position to lecture me, Truesdale." David's tone was dangerously low. "Besides, if you didn't come into the picture, then Alexis would've—"

"I'm sure she would have found a way out of the engagement with or without my help," Zane responded, a confident smile plastered on his face.

David growled. "Should I push you off this cliff?"

"Like I said before, what you're doing right now is just gonna make her hate you even more."

"Shut up!" David exclaimed, pressing the button on the remote hard, almost crushing it. The collar lighted up and shocked Zane with electricity. "Wanna suffer more? Just say the word!"

Zane dropped like a log to the ground, yet he forced himself to stay conscious. "So, Jaden and I…are to suffer…just…just because you're…jealous…" he said slowly, trying to follow his reasoning, no matter how unreasonable it sounded.

"You don't know when to quit, do you?" David said with irritation.

Zane snorted, managing to get on his knees. "You can't …have Alexis. She…loves… Jaden…" It was getting harder and harder to speak.

"Say that again and I swear I'll throw you off this cliff," David warned.

"Alexis is Jaden's fiancée and he's not handing her to anyone, especially not to you David."

David and Zane both turned sharply at those words to find Atticus standing at the path to the cliff. He was alone, his expression serious as he looked on David.

Growling, David immediately grabbed Zane, holding him between them as he glared at Jaden. "Why are you here? I asked for Alexis and Jaden Yuki. Where are they?"

Zane winced as David's fingers dug into his arm as he turned them both to keep Atticus and the second speaker in view.

"Let Zane go, David," Mac said. She was standing about ten feet to Atticus' right. "And just stop this already."

David backed away, drawing Zane with him. He was getting nervous.

"Try anything funny and you'll regret it," Atticus tipped off.

"Come on, David," Mac implored. "You know this isn't right."

"Shut up," David snapped. "Where's Alexis? Bring her to me now!"

"As if I'd ever bring her to you," Jaden said quietly behind them and David turned sharply, dragging Zane with him. He met Zane's gaze briefly, sending him a message of reassurance, then returned his gaze to David and said, "Besides you don't care about her feelings. You just want her for your own selfish reason."

"Don't talk as if you know anything," David retorted. "And how the hell did you sneak up on me?"

"Dude, I heard everything you said a while ago," Jaden countered. "And oh…I had a little help from my old pal Yubel to sneak up on ya. Atticus did say that I was gonna do something crazy."

"Jaden Yuki…" David narrowed his eyes. "Alexis doesn't belong to you, slacker! And I'm not gonna let that Kaiba have her either."

Jaden sighed. "She doesn't belong to anybody, so stop dreaming." He took a step forward and David held the remote against Zane's chest. "Easy there, big fella…"

"David, let Zane go," Atticus said quietly.

"Truesdale owes me big time," David said. "He was the reason why my engagement with Alexis was canceled. He was the reason why Alexis doesn't want to be with me. I want him to suffer, and you as well!"

Jaden rolled his eyes. "Man, you're seriously getting boring."

"WHAT?"

"You heard him," Zane repeated, not caring that David may electrocute him. "You're boring."

"You make one lousy villain," Jaden added.

"Boring? Lousy?" David echoed. "Do you guys have a death wish?"

"All this just to please yourself," Jaden muttered, shaking his head disappointedly. "I've handled worse. Sure, you can get rid of me and Zane, but you can never have Alexis."

"SHUT UP! I WILL HAVE HER!"

David was fuming and Jaden knew he'd gone too far. On the other hand, this might create a chance for them. "Stop being such a brat, David. If you really love her you'd think of her feelings like me and Zane here. We don't try claiming her or controlling her like you do." Those words were absolutely true, he thought, and he was damn proud in saying them.

Zane noted the loosened grip on him and knew it was the right time to move. Mustering up the strength left in his body, he grabbed the remote with his hand and rammed his elbow into David's gut, causing him to stumble back. Zane leapt away from him and dropped down to the ground, panting heavily.

With Zane free from David's clutches, Jaden lunged forward and launched a spinning wheel kick at his face. Stumbling backwards, David fisted his hands and glared at Jaden. He was about to attack when Atticus and Mac immediately held him back. David struggled against them violently.

"You're going to be fine, Zane."

Zane glanced to his side with surprise as Alexis appeared with his medication in her hand. "Alexis…" She knelt down to his level and took two pills from the container. "Thanks." He took the pills and swallowed them whole.

"Took you a while to get here, Lex," Jaden said with a grin.

"Wasn't easy breaking into the house to get Zane's medication, you know," Alexis told him with a shrug.

"Alexis, you're finally here!" David called out, still trying to break free.

Alexis grimaced, knowing that what she was about to say would hurt. She stood and looked at David with disgust. "I didn't want to come here again…after what you did to me…"

"You think I'd let Truesdale have you—"

"We were never in a relationship," Alexis cut him off. "Yes, I did have feelings for him before, but that's all in the past."

"Still doesn't excuse him for what he did to you and Zane," Atticus announced, squeezing his arm tight.

David growled like a rabid dog. "Someone like you will never understand!"

Jaden scratched the back of his head. "Well, I don't really know what happened with you guys in the past, but I'm not trying to pry or anything." He approached David and crossed his arms. "What I'm about to say may sound totally corny, but here goes… Look, forcing yourself on someone is not the way to go, man. Aren't you just hurting yourself more and more?"

"SHUT UP!" David shouted.

"David, you almost killed me on this cliff before," Alexis said quietly. "You threatened to kill Zane if I didn't agree to your terms. You were dead serious about it. With your influence and power, I know you can easily have your men do it."

Jaden glanced back at the blonde man, horrified that he actually attempted to kill Alexis and Zane before.

"You finally snapped when I rejected you," Alexis continued and Jaden could feel the fine composure in her voice. "In your rage, you took away my precious card and tore it into pieces. You also pushed me off this cliff when I tried to stop you. I almost drowned if it weren't for…"

Jaden looked at her with concern.

"Yeah…if it weren't for that guy…" Atticus muttered.

"That guy?" Jaden questioned.

Alexis let out a sigh. "The one who saved me…" She then looked up at Jaden. "It was Seto Kaiba…"

To be continued…

JC: Sorry…I just had to stop it there. I wanted to make this longer, but I figured that I should save it for the next chapter because it just seems to fit. You got a whiff of David's tragic childhood here and his mental condition. I studied psychology and did some case studies about mental health issues, so I pretty much know what I'm talking about here. No romantic parts here. I'm saving that for later too. You'll get to find out why Seto Kaiba agreed to become Alexis' fiancé in the next chapter. Please give me some reviews. No flaming!