JC: 200+ Reviews! I'm so happy. All the feedbacks were just awesome. I know some of you wanted Chazz in the last chapter. I'm sorry about that. But you'll get to see him here. I'm gonna bring more tension to the story, especially with Zane around. Jaden is still quiet about the bet and I can assure you that there will be more problems later. By the way, have you seen Gagaga Magician Girl? She looks hot and cute! Can't wait to see her in action!
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 13: Qualms and Tension
Lying on the patch of grass, right beside the tulips in the garden, Jaden held up his Winged Kuriboh card in front of his face. His furry little friend had materialized and was floating around like a butterfly. "You know something, Kuriboh," he muttered under his breath, "it still bugs me somehow." He said he would wait for Alexis until she was ready to tell him about David, but he wished she would tell him very soon. "The guy's obviously bad news to Alexis, what do you think?"
Winged Kuriboh expressed concern as it landed on Jaden's chest. "Kuri! Kuri-kuri!"
There were light footsteps coming his way and the brown fur ball immediately disappeared. Jaden sat up, turning his head only to be greeted by a casual smile and glittering blue eyes.
"Were you talking to a spirit just now?" Mac asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
He raised a surprised brow. "You know about Card Spirits?"
"Sort of…"
Getting up on his feet, he patted his pants before he held up a hand. "I didn't get to introduce myself earlier. The name's Jaden Yuki. I think we're gonna be in-laws in the future," he said cheerfully.
"Pleasure to meet you," she replied, briefly shaking hands with him. "I'm Reggie Mackenzie and I hope you know that Atticus hasn't shut up about you and Alexis since you two got together."
Jaden let out a light chuckle. "Really? Well, Atticus is our matchmaker," he said, scratching the back of his head. "He helped me a lot."
"He likes to poke his nose in other people's business," she said, rolling her eyes, as she let out a sigh. "But all with good intentions."
"Atticus is Atticus." He found it very comfortable to talk to Mac. Though she carried an air of refinement, she was no snob. He knew he would get along with her just fine. "I have a good feeling that you will be wearing the pants in the family once you tie the knot."
Mac smirked. "Oh, do I look very dominating?" she asked.
Jaden realized that he came off as a little rude with his words and gave her an awkward look. "Um…I didn't mean it that way," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just that…"
Mac had to smile. He was terribly cute. "No offense taken. I actually took it as a compliment," she said pleasantly.
"Good to know," Jaden said, offering a small smile. But what I really wanna know is about your brother, he thought anxiously, but decided not to pry.
"Jaden, would you join me for a stroll around the garden?" she asked.
"Sure thing!"
Mac led them both towards the rose area of the garden, and Jaden felt a lump forming in his throat as he continued to wonder about her brother David. Just then…
"You're itching to ask me about my brother, aren't you?" she suddenly asked, as if she read him like an open book. Her eyes were firm as she looked at him, whereas his were open wide in surprise. "I'm no mind-reader, if you're wondering about that. You're just that obvious."
They lapsed into an awkward silence, and Jaden found himself staring at the ground. He sighed inwardly. He supposed that he could never hide his sentiments well from others. "Alexis doesn't seem to be on friendly terms with your brother," he said.
Mac grimaced. "You have no idea."
He stopped walking as his hands fisted. "Did he hurt Alexis?"
She halted, peering over her shoulder to look back at him. "Alexis will eventually tell you," she said. "You have the right to know, but it's not my place to reveal everything. I've gotta respect Alexis' decision."
"I…I understand," Jaden said. The problem between Alexis and Mac's brother was becoming increasingly suspicious to him.
Mac's eyes darted to the rose bush beside her. "Truths are like roses. They have thorns about them."
Jaden's heart skipped a beat. He has yet to tell Alexis about the bet—a truth which would definitely bring her pain. He didn't want to hurt her.
Mac carefully plucked out a rose and brought it under her nose. "And love is much like a wild rose, beautiful and calm, but willing to draw blood in its defense." Patiently she began removing the thorns one by one.
"I'm willing to do anything for Alexis," Jaden admitted, focusing on the rose in her hand.
"Then you're willing to be her thorns," she said, flicking the last thorn away. "You see, Alexis is like a rose, lovely, willful, and enticing, yet unapproachable."
"I'm not gonna disagree with you there," Jaden replied.
Mac took a sniff of the flower before taking Jaden's hand. "Roses have thorns for a reason," she muttered as she roughly pressed the rose into his palm. "Sharp thorns often produce delicate roses." Squeezing the poor flower in his palm, she raised her hand in front of his face, much to his astonishment, and scattered the petals.
Jaden was lost for words.
"No matter what happens, stay with her," she said, patting the boy's shoulder before taking her leave.
Jaden made his way toward his bedroom, looking dismal and worried, as he kept recalling Mac's words in his head. He tried to think of a way to tell Alexis the truth without hurting her, but it was just impossible. He could only hope for her understanding and forgiveness.
Walking into the room, the first thing he noticed was the fact it was so dark. The curtains were drawn close and there were no lights. "I don't remember closing the curtains when I left…" he murmured. Making his way across the room, he reached for the curtains. Just as he was about to move them, he sensed another presence in the room. "Okay, who's there?" he asked, turning swiftly around on his heel. He was then met by a large sheet. "What the?"
"GOTCHA!" three familiar voices exclaimed, as Jaden got enveloped in the sheet and tackled to the floor.
Staggering on the floor, Jaden managed to grab hold of the curtains, letting some light in. He then pushed his three attackers off of him and tossed the sheet away. "Who the heck—" He paused when he took a good look at them. "Jesse? Hassleberry? Syrus?" They were sitting on their butts on the floor.
Syrus rubbed his sore butt as he smiled up to his best friend. "Hey, J, how's it going?" he said.
"Man, Jaden, since when did you get so strong? There were three of us here," Jesse said, offering a mischievous smile.
Hassleberry chuckled. "That's the sarge for ya!"
Jaden slumped his shoulders. "Guys, what kind of a greeting was that? Were you trying to give me a heart attack?"
Laughing, Jesse got back up and motioned over to Jaden's side to give him one hearty slap on the back. "Where's the love, Jaden? We flew all the way here just to see you, ya know?"
"I bet you just came here for the party," Jaden said, feigning a disappointed look.
Jesse winked. "That and some other things," he replied.
"Heard from Atticus that you've been here for a while," Syrus said, walking over to the bed to sit down. "Bet you were living like a prince here."
"Not exactly," Jaden said, opening the curtains further to let ample light in. Seems like they don't know about me and Alexis yet… He wasn't so sure how to bring it up. "So, what have you guys been doing lately?"
The four of them sat down together and talk. They reminisced about their academy days, their big adventures, and all the troubles they got themselves into, while inserting some jokes here and there. Syrus also shared his experience in the Pro League, while Hassleberry talked about the current events in the academy and what he was planning in the future. On the other hand, Jesse enlightened them with his involvement in a thesis with their good friend Bastion Misawa, a former Ra Yellow student with a genius-level intellect.
Jaden was completely engrossed in their stories. He had always believed in Syrus' strength as a Duelist, even when he was so insecure about himself before. His friend Hassleberry had struck him as a rough-and-tumble kind of guy since day 1, but Jaden never doubted his skills as a Duelist and leader. Jesse reminded him a lot of himself, and the guy sure knew what he had to strive for. His friends knew what they wanted in life.
"By the way, J, where's Alexis?" Syrus asked all of a sudden.
"Probably with Jasmine and Mindy," Jaden replied, grabbing three cans of cola from his mini-fridge. "They got here before you guys did." He then handed the cans to his friends.
"Hmm…" Jesse opened the can and took a sip. "Remember the Graduation Party? Alexis was real pretty in that dress. She was like a princess," he said.
Jaden's eyes went wide. "Huh?"
"Too bad for you, sarge," Hassleberry said, grinning proudly. "We all got to dance with the Queen."
Jaden blinked. "Dance?"
"You should have been there, J," Syrus said, taking a sip of his cola. "Chazz sure got an eyeful of Alexis."
Jaden stared at Syrus blankly. "He did, huh?"
"Speaking of Chazz, I heard he's invited too. I last saw him in the Tokyo Pro Circuit. Man, he was kicking ass there," Syrus explained with enthusiasm. "The great Chazz Princeton is making his way to the top and nothing's gonna stop him."
"I read some of his interviews in a magazine," Jesse said, absentmindedly swirling the liquid in the can. "One of his motivations…Well, it's none other than Alexis."
"No surprises there since the guy has a major crush on her," Hassleberry added. "You think he'll try to woo the lady again when he gets here?"
"Not gonna happen," Jaden immediately answered. His tone was quite serious, much to his friends' surprise.
"And what makes you say that?" Syrus asked.
Pointing a thumb at himself, Jaden grinned proudly. "Because Alexis is my girl now."
It wasn't until the afternoon tea that everyone got together, with the exception of Zane, Atticus, and Mac. They've gathered in the veranda extending towards the garden and sat around a white round table. They were served with the finest of tea and delicious snacks. The girls took an immediate liking to the light snacks, especially the biscuits, as the boys enjoyed the small sandwiches and doughnuts.
Jasmine and Mindy didn't hold back with the questions when they saw Jaden. Yes, Alexis had already told them about how she and Jaden became a couple, but they wanted to hear Jaden talk about it too. Jaden had no choice but to comply. Although he had told the guys about it back at this room, they were more than happy to listen to him again. Of course, their teasing came in afterwards, which was rather awkward. He was sure glad Atticus wasn't around to elaborate things further.
"Blair's not gonna like it when I tell her the news about you and Alexis, sarge," Hassleberry said, gulping down a chocolate frosted doughnut. "The girl still has a monster crush on ya."
"It's kinda cute, don't you think?" Mindy said, giggling like a sweet schoolgirl.
"I remember putting Blair on the guest list," Alexis said, setting her cup down. "Is she busy with school?"
Hassleberry nodded. "Projects and stuff…It's tough on her since she's the Sophomore Representative."
"Hey, Jaden, are you the jealous type?" Mindy asked all of a sudden. Curiosity lighted her eyes.
Jasmine smirked, looking interested as well.
Jaden raised a brow. "Jealous type? Uh…Not sure. I mean—how would I know?" he said, taking a bite of a cream-filled doughnut.
Alexis silently sipped her tea, watching Jaden from the corner of her eye. She had seen his jealous side before and she found it fairly charming and amusing to a point.
Syrus nudged him playfully with an elbow. "You were pretty serious when we talked about Chazz wooing Alexis," he said.
Okay, it was a fact that Chazz loved the same girl as he did. However, there was no way in hell he'd let Chazz steal Alexis away. Besides, Alexis' heart belonged to him, he thought proudly. "He's no threat," he finally told Syrus, circling an arm around Alexis' neck. "Isn't that right, Lex?"
She swore her heart almost leaped out of her chest with the sudden contact. But she applauded herself for not blushing in front of her friends and for not stammering when she talked. "Chazz is a friend, no more, no less."
A maid excused herself for intruding and asked for Alexis. "You mother wants to see you, young miss."
"This is probably about the dress," she said with a sigh. She felt reluctant to leave Jaden's side, almost not wanting to remove his arm from her, but her mom was calling and she had to oblige. "I'll be right back."
As soon as Alexis went back inside with the maid, Atticus and Reggie appeared, as if on the cue, strolling in from the garden.
Syrus had hearts in his eyes the instant he laid eyes on the blonde beauty beside Atticus.
"So, this must be your lovely bride-to-be," Jesse said, smiling up to the blonde. "Hi there! The name's—"
"Jesse Anderson, champion of the North Academy," Reggie continued, returning the smile. "Yes, I've heard so much about you. You own the rare and valuable Crystal Beasts. I'd like to duel you myself." She was eying him like some sort of fresh meat.
Jesse scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit shy towards the lady all of a sudden. "Gee, really? Then I'll be happy to please," he said with a chuckle.
"Got sisters?" Syrus questioned, "Or cousins? You could introduce me to some of your friends and—"
"Zane's little brother, I presume?" she said with a giggle. "You're more adorable than your brother."
Syrus pinked in an instant but the color quickly faded. "Speaking of which, where is Zane?"
Atticus worked up a smile on his face. "He's around here somewhere…ruminating…" A memory flashed through his mind and he released a silent sigh. Alexis…Zane…
"Zane?" Alexis expected to find her mother waiting in the study room, but found her old friend Zane Truesdale instead.
"Good to see you, Alexis," he said, flashing an elegant smile. He wore a long-sleeved navy-blue jacket over a black shirt, black leather pants with zippers running down the leg, and black shoes. He also has three silver belts wrapped around his waist.
Her eyes wandered around the room, but her mother was nowhere in sight. "Hmm…You're the one who called me?" she asked, guarding her heart. "Why the privacy?"
"Just wanted to talk to you."
She noticed him absently tapping his knuckles on a wooden desk, making her wonder if he felt nervous despite his normal, indifferent exterior. Zane Truesdale, the infamous emperor of Obelisk Blue and a fan favorite in the Pro League, had always seemed cold and distant, but she knew different. He was not the callous man as people made him out to be. Yes, there was a time when he lusted for power, but he managed to find himself again. Apart from his personality, girls always found him extremely attractive. His blue-green hair was sectioned in three layers as his stunning emerald-blue eyes were positioned directly beneath the bangs of the layer closest to his face. His model-like stature and handsome face was a great asset, though he didn't really care about such things.
"We used to hang out a lot by the lighthouse three years ago. I miss spending time with you there. When you left the island, I was still stuck in the hospital."
She gave the books on the shelves a sideway glance, suddenly not wanting to meet his eyes. "You were in a bad shape." It had always pained her to see Zane suffer through his heart failures. She knew of his heart condition and she knew the cause of it. "Your heart became so weak during your duel with that Psycho-style Duelist. You could have died."
"I have you, Syrus, and Atticus to thank for taking care of me."
Syrus had dueled with the Psycho-style Duelist in place of Zane, as Jaden have told her once, and she was amazed to hear about Syrus' performance. She knew Zane was deeply impressed with his little brother as well. Syrus never stopped loving his brother and he took it upon himself to take care of him while he was recuperating. Of course, she and Atticus volunteered too. She got the chance to bond with him again. "You already thank me more than once," she said, squeezing her upper arm, still avoiding his eyes. "What is it that you really want to tell me?"
"I've got regrets and I've got only myself to blame," Zane said. "We both know the reason why you and I…"
She looked at him this time. "I have Jaden now," she said, fisting her hands.
"I'm not surprised." He managed let out a small smile. "You love him." It wasn't a question.
"Yes…"
"And you're happy with him, right?"
She turned around to hide her flushed face from him. "Of course."
"If I had prevented Atticus' disappearance, would things be different now?" he questioned with a heavy sigh. "But the past is past." He stepped toward Alexis and lifted a hand to her shoulder. "Alexis…"
Alexis remained silent, but the touch of his hand on her shoulder made her warm and fuzzy inside.
"You still remember what I said to you before you left…don't you?"
She wasn't sure how to respond. "Don't make things complicated for me, Zane." Figuring it was time to leave, she started to walk toward the door.
"But I'm glad you're with Jaden," he called out, maintaining calmness in his tone. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
She turned to look over her shoulder at him, giving him a grateful smile.
"Where have you been?" Jaden sounded like the father of a teenager, and Alexis giggled at the question when she approached him. Everyone had left the table except for Jaden.
"I was with…" She paused for an instant before she said, "my mom…" It felt odd somehow. Why was she trying to hide the fact that she just met Zane a while ago?
"Can't wait to see what kind of dress you'll be wearing for the party," he said.
"It's nothing flashy." She sat down on the chair beside him and poured herself a cup of tea. "Where are the others?"
"Atticus took them on a tour."
Alexis looked instantly annoyed. "Atticus as tour guide…" She let out a sigh. "He loves hearing himself talk. Is Mac with him?"
"Yup!"
"Good. Someone has to keep him on a tight leash." She was about to sip her tea when her maid came up to her again.
"Excuse me, young miss," the maid said, bowing courteously. "Master Chazz Princeton had just arrived. He's at the living room, seeking your presence."
Jaden wrapped his fingers around Alexis' free hand, pulling it close to him. "So THE CHAZZ is finally here," he said.
Alexis noted the slight bitterness masked by his cheerful tone and felt a bit charmed. She supposed the teasing and the jealous remarks from their friends had affected Jaden in some way. She could feel protectiveness from him and she liked it. "Wanna go say hi?" she asked him.
"And tell him that we're the real deal?" he said, his brown eyes lighted with glee.
"Try not to pick a fight, okay?"
Alexis and Jaden made their way to the grand living room of the mansion where they saw Chazz Princeton in the flesh. He was standing by the window, looking at the view outside with a scowl on his face, before he noticed them. The sun's light had cast a unique shine on his spiky black hair. He was wearing a black suit over a midnight blue shirt, black pants and shoes. He looked relatively dashing and formal, even with the absence of his tie. A smile quickly surfaced on his face the instant he saw the object of his affection.
"It's great to see you again, Alexis," Chazz said.
"Same here, Chazz," Alexis replied, returning the smile. "Hope you had a nice trip and I'm glad you came for my mom's birthday."
"Hey there, Chazz! Heard you've been doing pretty well in the Pro League," Jaden said as he wrapped an arm around his neck. "Congrats, man!"
As much as he loved receiving praises, letting a rival touch him was giving him the jitters. "Don't get touchy with me, slacker!" yelled Chazz, pushing the brunette away. "And why the hell are you with Alexis?" His finger was almost shoved up Jaden's nose.
"Sure you wanna know why?" Jaden asked teasingly.
Chazz shrugged. "Don't test my patience, slacker."
He glanced at Alexis for confirmation, and she nodded in response. He knew Chazz was not going to like the news, but it had to be done. "Chazz, Alexis and I are kinda together…" he started.
Chazz raised a brow, looking at Jaden as if he was some sort of crazy person. "Mind elaborating that?"
"Alexis is my girlfriend now," Jaden said.
"Your girlfriend?" Chazz couldn't believe it. He turned to Alexis, hoping it wasn't true, but Alexis' eyes confirmed it. "Alexis…" His heart sank. His face darkened. "I knew you had feelings for him…I just didn't want to admit it. I kept denying it." He lowered his gaze to the floor, balling both hands into fists. He absolutely wanted to punch something at that point.
It was clear to Alexis that Chazz loved her wholeheartedly. He looked wasted in a way that went deep. She felt guilty. "I'm sorry, Chazz," she muttered.
"Are you happy with him, Alexis?" Chazz asked, looking into her eyes.
It was Déjà vu, she thought. Zane asked the same question earlier.
Jaden leaned close and held her hand.
Alexis then graced Chazz with a sincere smile. "Yes…I am…"
There was weakness in his eyes and a sullen expression on his face. "I guess it can't be helped then," he said, turning his back at the couple. He was about to walk away when…
"Chazz, hold on for a sec," Jaden said, reaching for his shoulder.
Chazz swatted his hand away and gave him a nasty glare. "I seriously don't want to see your face right now, you Slifer sludge!" he exclaimed. "Now fuck off before I decide to shove my foot up your ass!"
Those were serious fighting words. "Woah, man, chill! It's not like—" Jaden was immediately cut off by Alexis.
"I'm really sorry, Chazz," she said, even though she knew it was not enough to make him feel better.
"Yeah…Whatever…" Chazz rolled his eyes and stomped out of the living room.
When he was gone, Alexis pulled Jaden's ear like an elastic rubber band. "I told you not to pick a fight with him," she reprimanded, releasing his poor ear.
"Hey, that actually hurt," Jaden grumbled like a spoiled child as he rubbed his ear. "And I wasn't trying to pick a fight…Well, not intentionally maybe…"
"To be young and naïve," she muttered, placing a hand over her temple. "Jaden, you have no idea what it's like to get rejected…" She closed her eyes for a second as a memory flashed through her mind's eyes. "Or have your heart broken…"
Her voice was filled with pain, and Jaden wondered whether she was simply feeling sorry for Chazz, or whether she experienced the same disappointment before.
To be continued…
JC: I wanna hug Chazz right now. I didn't want to break his heart. I really like the guy and all. I handled so many characters here. I had trouble coming up ideas for their conversation. I'm still trying to find some other way to fit Blair into the story. I originally wanted her to play as Alexis' rival in the story, but I immediately changed my mind afterwards. I guess she'll make an appearance in later chapters. No David in this chapter, so sorry! He's going to appear on the next one. Be ready for him. Please review! No Flames!