JC: Chapter 6 up and ready to be read! This story has 50 reviews already! I'm happy and more inspired. I hope this momentum keeps up. I'm currently working on a Crossover art and Alexis is going to be in in. I'm almost done with the lineart. I can't wait to color it. The Rhodes Family weren't exactly mentioned in the Anime, right? I have no idea what Alexis' parents will be like, so I'm gonna just go ahead and make them up according to how the story goes. The private island idea here is something I came up while I was reading this particular novel where a couple went on vacation on an island.

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

White Vow

Turn 06: You're Invited! Come with Us!

Jaden stood his ground, waiting for Atticus' fist to hit his face. But nothing came. Slowly opening his eyes, he found Atticus' fist lingering in front of his eyes. Atticus had stopped for some reason.

Atticus felt a smile tugging at his lips at Jaden's confusion and innocence. "Jaden, you're one complicated guy," he stated, withdrawing his fist. "You're experiencing a whirlwind of emotions and I can understand that. You're afraid that you might be only pressured by the bet. You're afraid of the consequences it may bring to you and Alexis. Well, let me just say this, Jaden. You have really fallen in love with my sissy."

Jaden tried to sort through his feelings. He couldn't believe what Atticus just said. "Have I? I'm not even sure myself, man."

"Weren't you listening to yourself a while ago? You started seeing her more as a girl than just a friend. You've realized that your feelings for her are more than just attraction. You care for her so much that you'd risk keeping the truth for her sake. You're afraid of hurting her. Heck, you even got jealous of Harrington."

"Me? Jealous of Harrington?" Jaden muttered bitterly.

"Don't deny it, J, and understand that your heart is giving you the answers you seek," Atticus explained, pointing a finger at Jaden's heart. "Love is all about what's in here." He poked his chest before lifting a finger to his head. "And not in here." He smiled as he crossed his arms.

"But the bet—"

"Hey, J, don't let that put you off."

"Aren't you mad at me? I mean, come on, isn't it natural for you to get angry after finding out the truth?"

Atticus grinned. "I'm not about to throw punches at a guy who loves my sister." He patted Jaden on the shoulder. "No worries! I totally approve of you, brother-in-law."

Shocked at first, Jaden slowly turned his frown into a smile. He figured that all these doubts have just clouded his heart. "But what should I do? Should I tell her the truth? Or risk losing her?" He could care less about the bet. He knew what he wanted now. He wanted her. The idea of being engaged to her no longer scared him.

"Let's keep this just between us for now, okay?" Atticus winked an eye. "Nothing's holding you back. Get your game on and win her heart."

"You're seriously rooting for me?" Jaden asked with amusement.

"Hey, I just think you're the right guy for Alexis."

Jaden was silent for a while. "Then why'd you help Chazz before?"

"Dude, I love playing matchmaker! Chazz wasn't half-bad either. Too bad my sister wasn't interested, which is good for you." Atticus cupped his chin with one hand and looked at Jaden with a knowing smirk on his face. "If it's you then all is well." He chucked, smacking Jaden's back with a controlled hand.

"That's it. I'm gonna court her for real this time…"

"Well, you better be quick about it coz we're leaving soon."

Jaden's eyes widened. "Leaving? No way! She can't leave. I won't be able to see her again."

Atticus sighed. "Chill… We're just going to visit our family's private island."

Jaden paused to replay Atticus' words just now. Perhaps he had misheard him? "Umm…Private Island?"

"Our family owns one. It's an island paradise."

Now that was one hell of a jaw-dropping revelation, Jaden thought. He should have realized that Alexis and Atticus were rich since only the rich could afford the hotel suite they were staying at. There was also that big, fancy wedding, where only big spenders could come. Damn, if he had thought she didn't deserve her before, he felt as though she was so out of his reach. But money wasn't an issue. Alexis wasn't the type of girl who'd be interested in a guy's money.

Jaden frowned, thinking of the limited time he had with Alexis. "If you guys are leaving, then I—"

"You're coming with us. This island vacation will give you guys a chance to become even closer. So, J, are you in?"

Jaden didn't have to think twice. "I am so in!" he replied excitedly.

Atticus smiled at him. "It's settled then." Then his face darkened. "By the way, who did you lose to again? He seems familiar with my sister."

Inwardly Jaden cringed. That MAN threatened him not to speak of their bet to anyone. Bad enough he had to admit the whole deal to Atticus. But now he had to fess up. He had to reveal that MAN's identity. He was going to wind up dead sooner or later. "Okay, promise me you won't freak out."

"Now why would I freak out?"

Jaden scratched the back of his head as he chuckled nervously. "Well, that's because the man is none other than…"

The morning the next day Alexis had dressed in a white scoop-neck top with unfinished edges and shirttail hem, and blue shorts, which featured a buckle closure at the front overlay, snap-flap pocket at the right hip and welt pockets at the left hip and back. A pair of white platform wedge sandals with two-one leather and suede straps, and a buckle closure at the wraparound ankle strap completed the look.

She hadn't called Jaden yet, assuming that he was still in bed. There wasn't anything particular to do on that day. She was going to leave for her family's island tomorrow. She was excited to see her mother again, but sad at the same time since she was going to be separated from Jaden again. She always reminded herself that she and Jaden were just friends—nothing beyond that. The guy still had dreams to fulfill, new adventures to seek. Love was out of the question.

She sat in front of her laptop, nibbling on the last of her toast and skimming through some graduation pictures. She missed the good old days back at the academy. And she had admitted more than once that Duel Academy became a lot for interesting for her because of Jaden. He was a bundle of joy, full of surprises. Her heart always raced whenever she sees her picture with Jaden. It was a picture included in the graduation album. She was starting to have a flashback when she heard knocking on her door.

Thinking it may be Jaden, she closed her laptop before she went to answer the door.

"Alexis!"

"H-Harrington?"

The heir of Harrington Sporting Goods was standing there, wearing a white shirt underneath a blue open jacket with purple accents and blue jeans. He wore a black necklace around his neck with a silver bird-like sigil pendant. He was beaming at her. But something about him was off. He looked a bit tired and unsteady.

Alexis grimaced. "What are you doing here, Harrington? And how did you find out I'm staying in this hotel?"

"Hey, I've got connections, you know, and they're pretty reliable," Harrington replied.

"Figures…" She rolled her eyes. "State your business here and leave."

He came in without her permission, immediately taking a seat on the bed. "Is it true that Jaden Yuki is really not your fiancé?"

"Just what did you come here for?" Alexis said, keeping her cool, as she faced him.

"Alexis, will you go out with me?" Harrington lifted a hand to his heart. "I'm single. You're single and you told me last night that Jaden's not your fiancé, so—"

"I also told you to not get your hopes up. Sorry, Harrington, but I'm not interested."

"Come on, Alexis, don't play hard to get."

She crossed her arms. "I'm not and I think you should leave."

Harrington did not argue. He stood up and started toward the open doorway. But then he stopped merely inches away from her. His expression darkened. "What is it about me that you don't like?" he asked, slamming the door shut. "Girls would die just to be in your shoes right now."

Alexis took an involuntary step back. "Your ego is one thing and, for your information, I'm not like the girls you've dated before," she said firmly. Being rich, popular, and athletic, Harrington had dated over a hundred girls, and he never got into a serious relationship once. She would never consider dating such an arrogant guy. She started turning the doorknob, but he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. She instantly noted the stench of alcohol. He had been drinking. "Let me go, Harrington!" She struggled to break free, but Harrington Rosewood was built like a tank, and his strength was overwhelming. Her heart was pounding, and she felt a chill of fear.

"I always get what I want!" shouted Harrington, dragging her to the bed.

The strength used against her was terrifying. "Stop! Let go!" she exclaimed.

Harrington smiled maliciously. "I'm going to make you mine whether you like it or not, Alexis." He pushed her down on the bed and towered over her.

Alexis chewed her lower lip. "You're sick!" Harrington laughed, seeming to take pleasure in her struggles and fending off her blows. She was about to kick him in the groin when someone came into the room.

"Hey, Alexis, your door's unlocked—" Jaden was saying before she saw them. His eyes narrowed dangerously. Hot rage engulfed him. "Harrington! What the hell do you think you're doing to Alexis?"

"And who invited you here, slacker?" Harrington exclaimed.

The momentary interruption gave Alexis the opportunity to hit him hard in the groin, knocking the breath out of him. "Get off of me!" she demanded, kicking him to the edge of the bed, where he got caught by Jaden.

Hauling his collar, Jaden glared straight into his eyes. "You bastard! I'm gonna knock your teeth down your throat!" He swung his fist at Harrington's face and dropped him on the floor. He had intended to kick him senselessly when Alexis suddenly clutched his upper arm with one hand.

"Don't waste your energy on a jerk like him, Jaden," Alexis said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Harrington was curled up like a ball on the floor, obviously suffering from the damage he had received. "Y-You…Slifer Slacker…you're gonna regret this…" he managed to say, wincing.

"You should press charges against him, Lex. I want this bastard punished for what he did to you—and for what he tried to do." His voice rose as he pictured unwanted scenes in his head. "Harassing you like that…I can't stand the thought."

This was a new low for Harrington, Alexis thought. He failed to win her hand in marriage three years ago and now he tried to force himself on her. He was seriously desperate. He had to be thought a lesson and she knew one way to do it. "He's a bit drunk, but let's settle this in a way we know best," she announced, as Harrington looked up at her in his aching form.

Jaden figured out what she was thinking and immediately thought of a brilliant idea to punish Harrington at the same time. "This is going to be sweet." He glanced down at the tennis player. "You better get your game on, Harrington, coz you're about to get your butt kicked."

Kaiba Dome. That was the venue Jaden chose. To settle things with Harrington, Alexis had decided to have a match with him. If Harrington won, Alexis would become his fiancée, but if Alexis won, then Harrington would have to give up on her. Alexis had Harrington signed the written agreement on paper as proof. Of course, Jaden was a bit uncomfortable with the deal, but he was confident in Alexis' skills as a Duelist. She was strong, always had been and always will be.

The duel started off splendidly in Alexis' favor. She was able to dish out 2000 points of damage to Harrington on her first turn. Harrington wanted to deal great damage to her, but Alexis countered his moves before he had the chance to play his monster and spell. When it was Alexis' turn again, she called out her ace monster, Cyber Blader (ATK: 2100).

"Now dance! Cyber Blader, attack him directly with Skate Blade Slash!" Alexis declared, as Cyber Blader skated across the field with deadly elegance. Harrington, with only 2000 Life Points left, had no monsters, spells, and trap cards to defend. Alexis had made sure to wipe the field clean before the attack.

When Cyber Blader's attack connected, Harrington's points were reduced to zero, making Alexis the winner.

Harrington dropped onto his knees. The look of distraught had dented his face. "No way. How could I have lost?" he muttered grimly.

"Game and match!" Jaden uttered as a bright, mocking smile curved the corners of his mouth. "You got wooped, man. Losing in two turns? Wow…That wasn't even a challenge."

Not bothering to spare one glance at Harrington, Alexis walked up to Jaden. "That was a load off my chest."

"You know, it still bothers me," Jaden said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, let me hit him. One punch and that's it."

She sighed contentedly. "Well, have fun with it," she said, starting towards the exit. "I'll meet you outside."

"Alexis, wait! Give me another chance!" Harrington got up to run after her, but he was stopped by Jaden. "Outta my way, slacker!"

Jaden shook his head in dismay. "Dude, you already lost. Why don't you just give up? Besides, it's so obvious that Alexis isn't interested in you."

"I don't need to hear that from you!"

"You're only making yourself look bad, Harrington."

"Shut up!" Harrington was surging with rage. "Just you wait. I will make Alexis mine no matter what it takes."

"Obsessive much? As if Alexis would pick a perverted guy like you…" Jaden stated, slipping one hand into his pocket.

"If you hadn't come, I would have done her in real good. I was almost there…I almost had her lips."

Jaden said nothing, just gave him a cold glare, and then grabbed him by the collar.

"Hit me and I'll press charges, you moron," Harrington said with a mocking smile.

Releasing him, Jaden turned his back at Harrington and began walking away. "Hitting you won't be enough though…" He paused, peering over his shoulder to look back at Harrington, a mischievous smile surfacing. "You need to be punished real good."

"To hell with your threats. You can't keep me from Alexis."

"Probably not…I can still protect her though." He took out a recorder from his pocket and pressed the play button.

"If you hadn't come, I would have done her in real good. I was almost there…I almost had her lips."

His words played back again, and Harrington was ready to lung himself at Jaden.

"Hope you're ready for your punishment, man." Jaden pointed a finger at someone standing behind Harrington.

"Give it—"

"Touch her again if you dare and I'll make sure life will be hell for you," a deep, cold voice interrupted, carrying an air of confidence and dominance.

Feeling a chill down his spine, Harrington nervously turned around only to come face to face with one of the most powerful and influential man in the Duel Monsters Game World. Harrington turned pale in an instant. Fear lurched as he felt his soul being sucked in by the man's icy blue stare.

"If you hadn't come, I would have done her in real good. I was almost there…I almost had her lips."

Jaden played it over again before tossing it to that MAN. Jaden had planned this. He had specifically chosen Kaiba Dome to be the sight of Alexis and Harrington's Duel in order to get in touch with that MAN quickly. He spared no details with regard to what happened between them back at the hotel. Sure enough, he could tell that the MAN cared about Alexis to a certain extent. "Good luck, man, coz you're gonna need it," Jaden said with a chuckle as he walked off.

"As if I'd let Harrington win," Alexis muttered to herself. She had won the duel fair and square with perfect Life Points. She didn't give Harrington the chance to strike once. Well, she had to admit that she was a little ruthless in their duel, but it felt good to release all the anger. It was wrong of Harrington to force himself on her. Love was based on trust, respect, and honesty, not betrayal and threat. No woman in her right mind wanted a man who would attempt to harass her and she would never fall in love with a man who was so full of himself.

Harrington Rosewood was the complete opposite of Jaden. Jaden was the caring, easygoing, and open man she had always admired. He had evoked feelings in her that she had never experienced before.

"You should press charges against him, Lex. I want this bastard punished for what he did to you—and for what he tried to do. Harassing you like that…I can't stand the thought."

She felt a hot flash of color suffuse her cheeks. She remembered how angry he'd been. He did care a lot about her. But he cared only as a friend, she reminded herself bluntly. Still it made her happy knowing that.

I love him. It was easy to admit it to herself, yet difficult to confess.

Jaden was running out of the dome to join her beside his parked motorcycle. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Lex," he said ever-so-casually.

"Hope you didn't kill the guy." She knew how much Jaden wanted to beat Harrington back at the hotel.

"Just one punch, like you said," he replied, chuckling. "Hey, let's hit the arcade. I feel like playing today."

He was such a burst of energy. Of course, his energetic character was one of the things she loved about him. She sighed silently, turning her back at him, as she grabbed her helmet. She wanted to tell him that she loved him. But she already knew that her feelings won't be reciprocated. It was a painful realization. Defiantly, she thrust the confession from her mind and glanced back at him. "I need to unwind myself, so the arcade sounds good."

"Sweet! Then let's—" He stopped when Alexis reached out her hand. "Umm…Alexis?"

"Give me the keys."

Jaden blinked in surprise. "Huh? You're gonna drive?"

Alexis grimaced. "What is it? Do you have a problem with women drivers?"

"It's not like that." Leaning forward, Jaden showed off a very boyish yet charming smile that had undoubtedly made her heart race. He pulled out the key from his pocket and placed it in her palm. His hand lingered on top of hers as he stared into her eyes. "Drive safely, okay?"

She quickly looked away. "Don't worry. I can drive pretty well, you know," she said, and was pleased at the feigned calmness in her voice. She drew back her hand and turned to the vehicle.

"You know, I've been wondering about this for a while… What if I lost to that stupid Harrington back then? Would you have accepted his proposal?" Jaden suddenly asked.

Alexis paused and said nothing.

"Sorry! Didn't mean to bring it up," he said, scratching the back of his head.

"I would have flat-out rejected him," Alexis replied, smiling brightly at him. "I would never fall for a guy like him." She mounted the vehicle and put on her helmet. "Besides…" Her eyes swept over his blue-accented black shirt and washout gray jeans and smiled. "I'd pick you over him any day…" She muttered that in a low voice.

"Huh? Come again?" Jaden asked curiously.

Alexis sighed. "Just hop on." She was kind of thankful that he didn't hear her last words. It would have caused some awkward moments between them.

Jaden and Alexis arrived at Atticus' suite that late afternoon thirty minutes after he called them. Atticus said that it was important, which gave Alexis a bad feeling. Atticus has a knack of getting her into trouble, and she just hoped it wouldn't be one of those days where he'd play matchmaker. Jaden guessed that Atticus was going to tell Alexis that he'll be tagging along with them on their trip.

"Oh, sissy, did you tell Jaden here about our trip?" Atticus was pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"No," said Alexis without enthusiasm. It saddened her to think that she was going to leave Jaden soon.

"You know, I got mail from mom and she said that we could bring a friend along. Since Jaden's our friend—"

Alexis smiled. "No objections here." She turned to Jaden and said, "Come with us. I'm sure you'll like it there."

"A trip to where?" Jaden had to pretend he didn't know anything or else Atticus would be in trouble.

"To our private island," Atticus replied cheerfully. "Say yes, J, and I guarantee that you'll see my sis in a swimsuit."

Alexis sighed, frowning. "Oh, please… Don't lump Jaden in the same group as you."

"Sounds tempting, but I don't think I could afford it," Jaden said with a chuckle.

"Did you think we'll make you pay for it? Everything will be free," Atticus said.

Of course, Jaden already knew that, but he couldn't help but smile like a little boy who had just received the present he wanted for Christmas. "Well, in that case, I'm going."

Alexis' heart skipped a beat. A wonderful smiled etched her face. She couldn't measure how much excitement and happiness she felt.

"Then that's settled." Atticus went to his closet and pulled out a semi-formal outfit. "All right! Time to get ready for my dates since the meeting's over."

Alexis raised a brow. "Dates?"

"One of them is currently taking up medicine. She's a hottie. Red hair, green eyes, and beautiful complexion. She's so smart and sophisticated. We kind of share the same tastes in food and music. The other one's her friend, who's kinda shy and reserved but still a cutie."

"I couldn't care less about your dates and I can't believe you're going to date two girls at the same time."

"Well if you put it that way…" Atticus said breezily. "Hey, J, wanna tag along? You can have my other date? I'm sure you'll like her." He winked an eye.

It took extraordinary restraint for Alexis to keep from driving her fist into Atticus face. "Obviously not," she said dryly. Jaden was not interested in dates and girls—that much she could tell. She knew Jaden would decline.

Jaden smiled mischievously. "A double date…hmmm? Sounds—"

Clutching his upper arm, Alexis glared straight into his eyes. "You're not going," she said coldly as she hauled him towards the door. "Go do whatever you want, Atticus, and leave Jaden out of it." She released him from her grasp as she opened the door, and then made her exit.

Jaden was about to follow when Atticus grabbed his shoulder. "Look, man, I'm not going on any date. You know how I feel—"

"Someone's protective…I can say that things are going to be smooth for you from this point on." Atticus laughed, his brown eyes sparking with excitement.

To be continued…

JC: I just wanted Alexis to beat Harrington but didn't want to write a long, tiring duel. Sorry… And for those who are curious about what happened to Harrington after the dome? I'll leave that to your imaginations. What do you think that MAN would do to him? Alexis' parents will be appearing in the next chapter. I don't think you'll like the father very much. Well, I can't say more. You just have to wait and find out in the next chapter. Thanks for reading. Please review and no flaming.