Book 2: Rise to Fame!

Chapter 2: Return of Old Friends & Foes

Sorry for the long update guys, school has been hell. Anyways I'm going on a snowboarding vacation to Quebec for a few days. Here is the long awaited update for those of you who still care. As for the next update, maybe in late January once I'm done my exams.

Italics = words spoken

Normal font = thoughts/events

POV = point of view

Turn = POV during a turn & beginning of their turn

Unknown POV

"Hey boss do you really think that picture is worth something?"

"Of course, I'm on that picture"

"Just remember, stick with the plan"

"Yha, yha you don't have to remind me"

"Hey remember what happened last time? You messed up!"

"You don't have to tell me. I know what's at stake."

"Just remember, you're a part of the Princeton image."

"I know." A duelist in his early twenties looked down at his duel disk. He has spiky black hair and a black trench coat. "Things are going to be different this time."

Narrator's POV

She tasted good, like strawberries. Her scent was like was the sweetest thing he ever smelled. Her lips were was soft as anything he's ever kissed, not that he's kissed a lot of things mind you, though on the occasion he has kissed his reflection in the mirror. He couldn't help himself, his smile was too contagious. He placed his hands on her hips and slowly moved them down to her thighs. His eyes slowly opened, what he saw was not Alexis but his rather his pillow. He quickly sat up on the bed, looked around, his room was empty except for his wet pillow and himself.

What was he just dreaming about? Why were his hands searching around her body? Why did he feel blood rush down to his pants? Jaden had been stumped before but what just happened left him confused. He sat there thinking about what just happened but in the end his mind still drew a blank. He was about to go back to bed when his hands touched his own saliva on the pillow. He took the pillowing casing off and dropped it into the dirty laundry bin below his other shirts. He was worried Alexis would see and worry something was up. That was the last thing he wanted, Alexis worrying over him.

He then walked into the bathroom, gave himself his a casual smile and washed his hands. He then heard the door to the small house open. He immediately thought he was being robbed but his fears soon subsided when a tall blonde girl walked in holding a large brown paper bag containing groceries. Alexis remembered Jaden's appetite so she went out to stock her fridge.

Jaden's eyes weren't fixated on the food between Alexis's hands like he normally would have back at duel academy but on her face; in all those years, he hadn't appreciated how beautiful her features were. It took awhile for Alexis to notice she was looking down, tired from walking to the grocery store and back. Jaden couldn't stop starring until he noticed Alexis blush a little. He wanted to do something but couldn't think of anything. After a few moments, he noticed her body was slightly slumped against the door frame and how strained her arms were from carrying the groceries. So he took them out her hands, Alexis didn't really notice it until she felt her arms lighten.

"Thankyou Jaden, I appreciate the help but I can handle it."

"It's nothing Lex" Giving her a smile.

Alexis wanted to protest because she knew she could handle it, she was always independent but the smile that Jaden gave her reassured her that his intentions were genuine. That he wasn't just doing this for the same reasons other guys have in her past. They all helped her here and there but somehow she knew they were all after one thing…. Her.

A few times she gave in, the next morning she woke up with a pain between her legs that yanked her back down to reality. She always woke up alone, in a cold bed by herself. There was that one time when the guy has the audacity to have breakfast before he left giving her a look that made her feel used but helpless most of all. In those days, her life was spiraling downward and she was unable to stop it.

Flashback

Alexis was walking out of a tournament arena after she had just lost another match. She didn't know why but somehow, she had lost part of herself when she left to study abroad. If she knew she would lose soo much: her friends, her life, her dreams, the part of herself that loved dueling, and of course Jaden. She tried to put that behind her, to make a new life but somehow it hadn't worked as she planned. Studying in America didn't turn out to be glamorous; in fact it was the exact opposite. The life of luxury which she sought disappeared along with the thrill of dueling. Alexis had lost everything but her looks and her two best friends: Mindy and Jasmine. But that brought little closure as she lost duel after duel. She kept telling herself to continue, that Jaden would never give up but the truth was, Jaden was gone and whatever she had while they were together, he took it with him whether he knew it or not.

Sometimes she would hate him for what he did, but all that anger turned to tears. She knew he didn't mean to, if only she…. If only she told him how he felt it might've been different but there was no turning back now. She and Jaden lost contact a few months after they left duel academy, they tried to keep in touch but the distance made her sad every time he wrote so she stopped answering. She tried her best to move on, telling herself Jaden was the past that Michael was the future. Yes Michael her boyfriend of two months. He was the top of his class at Duel Academy America. And Captain of the football team. He was as muscular as any guy she had ever met. Alexis felt safe in his arms but she had the eerie feeling that he was after one thing. The same thing every guy at duel academy was after. Of all the guys she met, Michael treated her the best, bought her most of the things she wanted and fend off all the other guys that were after her.

As Alexis approached, the exit, she noticed Michael standing at the exit. She slowly walked towards him. All she wanted to do was to go home and sleep on it. Michael opened his arms to her and hugged her. Alexis was slightly relieved to be in his arms, he has been there for her more or less. He was always telling her how much he loved her and she was starting to believe him.

He drove her home.

"Don't worry about it Alexis. With a little help from me you'll be dueling like a pro in no time" Said Michael cockily.

Alexis never liked how cocky he was. Jaden was confident but never cocky the way Michael was. She stopped herself from thinking about Jaden, the more she thought about him, the more she regrets her decision to leave. They pulled up to the girls dorm.

"I'll walk you up Alexis." Said Michael in a sympathetic voice.

"It's alright, I can handle it."

"No I insist Alexis. I'm here for you"

Alexis was in no mood to argue, she was tired and exhausted so she let him walk her up to her room. When they got up there Michael insisted they go inside he had something he wanted to talk to her about. Alexis was too tired to resist so she gave him and let him inside. As soon as she closed the door, he grabbed her waist and kissed her on the lips. Alexis immediately pushed him off

"Come on Alexis, we've been dating for over two months now." Stated Michael

"I know Michael, I'm not just ready." Said Alexis grabbing the opposite arms with her hands. She looked to her side and then down.

"Alexis…" Michael approached her slowly with his arms out in front of him.

"GET AWAY FROM ME!" shouted Alexis. He could see the fear in her eyes. Mindy and Jasmine rushed in both holding baseball bats giving a fierce look towards Michael.

"Alright I'm leaving," Michael left the girls dorm in a hurry leaving Alexis sitting on her bed shaken.

Alexis always convinced herself that Michael was different. She kept telling herself that he was different, that he wouldn't be like the others. It wasn't the first time someone had tried to take advantage of her. First was Curtis, he was the first guy that asked her out when she came to America. She said yes thinking it couldn't hurt to make some new friends but after only a month he got needy and slept in her bed, even though they didn't do anything she felt uncomfortable having his hands so close to her. It was the same story with a few other guys after him… then came Michael, he seemed different. He waited for more than a month but something kept telling her that he wasn't the one and she knew why. She just couldn't let go of Jaden.

She didn't even know where he was but that didn't matter, the impression he left on her was always at the back of her mind. She knew that he wouldn't be coming back but that didn't stop her from hoping and wishing everyday that he'd come back for her. Then Michael came into her life. He seemed so much like him, well maybe not captain of the football team part but he was the best duelist at the academy and he always seemed cheerful. So she decided to take a chance and say yes when he asked her out, after all she liked what she saw.

But after what he just did, Alexis didn't know who to trust anymore. Mindy and Jasmine both sat beside her and put their arms around her.

"Just forget about him Alexis. He wasn't worth it." Said Jasmine.

"Yha, you'll fine someone with those looks Lex. Don't worry. Half the school would bend down for you Alexis." Added Mindy.

As soon as she arrived in Duel Academy America guys asked her out left right and center. But she knew better than to say yes. But eventually they wore her down and she gave in. She never meant for any of this to happen, to leave Jaden but at the time she thought it was the right thing to do. And now she regretted it. From that point on, she never trusted any guy she met, no matter how nice he seemed.

End of Flashback

Alexis didn't realize it but she moved out of the doorway and sat on the side of a bed. The sound of Jaden walking up the stairs quickly ended Alexis's flashback. Jaden stood at the top of the stairs starring her.

"Hey you alright Lex?" said Jaden. He had those brown puppy eyes that showed he was truly worried about her.

"You smell. Go take a shower Jaden" Joked Alexis. She didn't want to worry him, after all he just got back. But somehow she knew that even if he got worried, Jaden would get through it. He always been able to see the bright side of things.

"You love the way I smell, I know you do Lex" Jaden gave her one of his signature smiles and a wink. Alexis blushed and threw him a towel over his head. She felt a wave of relief go through her. He's back she thought.

"I love you Alexis" Jaden walked into the shower with a towel over his head. He walked straight into the door frame.

"Owww" moaned Jaden. Alexis sat there giggling for awhile. Oh how clumsy Jaden could be at times. She always missed that part about him. The towel fell of Jaden's head revealing a disgruntled brunette with bronze streaks through his hair. His hand on his forehead where it hit the frame of the door.

"Come on big guy" Alexis helped Jaden into the shower.

"Sure you don't want to come in Lex?" Alexis was awestruck by his question, maybe she didn't have to educate him after all. Then she realized how inappropriate that question was and slapped him.

"Owww. What was that for Lex? I was just offering to help you take a shower, didn't have to slap me that hard." Jaden took of his cloths, threw them over the shower curtain and turned on the water. Alexis was instantly sorry she slapped him, his intentions were still good but the way he phrased it made him sound like the other guys in her past. She felt bad for slapping him, he just wanted to help.

"Hey Jay, I'm sorry."

"It's alright I'm sure you had a good reason to slap me." He gave her another one of his signature smiles. Now Alexis was sure he didn't know what he was doing.

Alexis's POV

How the hell am I going to educate him about girls. I love you Jaden but sometimes…. Sometimes I wish you knew a little more. I'll figure out a way to get through to him somehow.

Jaden's POV

What was that slap about. Man girls can be so weird at times. It's been awhile since I had a nice shower like this, it feels nice to have a place to stay. Oh shit, my cloths are still at the hotel. Damn I'm going to have to go back for them. Meh no worries I'm sure their all there, after all who would want to steal some old cloths anyway. I'll drop by at the end of the day and get them I guess, no biggie.

Alexis's POV

He sure is taking his time, maybe I should go check up on him just to be on the safe side. Just then the water turned off. Moments later, Jaden walked out with a towel around his waist. He put on a bit of muscle since the last time she saw him but he was still kind of scrawny looking and his hair is all wet. Hmmm he'd look better in a white shirt. Where are his cloths anyway? I know he travels light but he must have some things that he. Unknowingly,

Narrator's POV

Alexis blushed a delicate shade of pink which Jaden saw and mimicked. He rubbed the towel through his head and then shook it like a dog. Somehow it made it look normal, brunette with gold stripes.

"Hey Jaden where are your cloths? I didn't see them lying around anywhere." Alexis was searching the room for a bag or something that he carried but couldn't find anything.

"I leave for a few years and you don't even change your cloths now?" Alexis was teasing Jaden, he opened his mouth but didn't know what to say. It was partially true, he didn't really carry much on him except his dueling deck. But that didn't stop him from sticking out his lips disgruntled slightly but in a jokingly way.

"I left them at a hotel" he finally admitted. Jaden didn't want to tell her at first because he knew she'd tell him how irresponsible he was but he couldn't think of good excuse.

"We better go pick them up." Said Alexis, she was going to tell him how irresponsible he was but she resisted, she knew it was pointless trying to get through his thick head. Jaden will always be Jaden and there was nothing she could do to change that. Besides she had a feeling something wasn't right at the hotel, it wasn't like her to be paranoid but she couldn't help herself, something was up, she could feel it.

Jaden was surprised by Alexis's answer, he thought he was going to get lectured.

"I thought you'd like to go out since we don't have a duel until tomorrow." Jaden didn't want to go back to the hotel, the thought of work didn't go well with him even if its just packing a few things.

"We might as well get it over with." Suggested Alexis.

"But Lex….." interjected Jaden.

"No buts, you smell big guy" teased Alexis, she didn't want Jaden to procrastinate.

"Pshhhhh no I don't, I just took a shower." Jaden liked procrastinating, it was his day off with Alexis.

"Jaden, you know you'll have to get your stuff eventually" stated Alexis. She really didn't like the way Jaden procrastinated on everything, even though she knew she couldn't change her, she had to try. It was for his own good.

Jaden knew Alexis was right, whether he liked it or not he only did have his cloths that he was wearing. He smiled at Alexis, kissed her on the forehead and said

"Alright Lex, if that's what you really want to do" Jaden said yes and agreed but in his head he thought about carrying the luggage all the way back toe Alexis's bungalow. The thought sent shivers of fatigue through his legs and arms but he didn't complain. Alexis deserved better than that, in fact how was he ever going to be good enough for her if he didn't become the King of Games and win that prize money. The thought of not being good enough for her was like a dagger through his heart. He loved Alexis as much as a man can love a women but did she feel the same way? She did say she loves me. Jaden's head at this point was over flowing with thoughts, he decided to give it a rest, and thinking wasn't his forte.

She was surprised when Jaden agreed and pleased, he could be so stubborn at times. His new found responsibility made her smile even if its just a small task of retrieving his things.

Jaden threw on his smelly cloths from the days before and headed out. Alexis took his head for a moment and kissed him gently on the lips. Even though it wasn't the first time, his body felt tense, his eyes slowly went from wide open and stunned to closed. They both smiled at each other and Alexis lead the way out of the building.

Jaden's POV

What was that feeling I just had when she kissed me? She's beautiful, carrying, and a great duelist, am I in love? Dammit I'm blushing, move body, stupid legs move!

Alexis's POV

I think I'm finally use to kissing Jaden. He's not as strong as the other guys but definitely Jaden. He's so innocent, not like all the other guys. And that smile, yes that's definitely why I love him. Crap I'm blushing.

Narrator's POV

They both stood there starring at each other for a second not knowing what to say just appreciating the moment. Jaden was getting nervous.

"It's this way" he interjected.

Alexis knew suddenly realized she was starring and walked down the stairs to join him. They both walked down the road, the hotel Jaden was staying at was just a few blocks down from Alexis's small bungalow.

Thoughts raced through Alexis's head as they walked down the street. She wanted to ask him so many questions. She resisted the urge when they first meet but this is a best as time as ever she thought. She was about to open her mouth but Jaden beat her to it.

"You're probably wondering where I've been all this time." started Jaden. And he was right, Alexis was wondering where he had been all this time, what he'd been doing and most of all if he missed her. Jaden started again.

"After I left Duel Academy, I traveled decided to travel the world. I saw things, and met new people. It was an amazing experience Alexis, I wish you could've been there with me."

Alexis's POV

Did I just hear him say he missed me? Crap I think I'm blushing, he probably missed his other friends too. Stop being so selfish Alexis.

Narrator's POV

"Right after I left, I went to Canada. I heard stories about how dueling was just starting there. I taught there for a few months at Duel Academia Canadien. The students reminded me of myself. But after a few months, there was an accident at the academia and it had to be shut down. They didn't tell us anything; apparently it had something to do with the shadow games what ever those were."

Alexis couldn't believe what she'd just heard. She studied the shadow games in a selective course. It was only available to certain people, Jaden probably wasn't enrolled because of his grades. They were dangerous, lose one and you lose your life. Alexis started to worry but just looking beside her gave her some relief. Jaden was talking happily about his past. Part of her was sad because he had had such a good time without her, it made her almost jealous. She tried to dismiss that thought was much as possible; it wasn't like her to be jealous. Stupid girl she screamed in her head, you should be happy he had such a good time. Alexis did her best to fake a smile. Jaden continued telling his story.

"After Canada I went to Europe, dueling there had started quickly after Japan went international. The tournaments there were still in their infancy though; it was mostly just street battles. Then the depression came, those were hard times. There were less and less duels until dueling went completely underground. I spent a few months making my through the underground. I meet this girl name Marie Von Toitroffle."

That's when Alexis's heart sank. She was starting to get teary.

"She let me stay at her place for awhile, I wish I could've repaid her somehow but I had to leave. There was nothing left for me in Munich. We're still friends though. She wants to meet you Alexis, apparently I described you as an amazing person."

Alexis immediately smiled and blushed a little. This was returned by Jaden. Both players smiled at each other knowing what they had was special.

"I moved back to Japan and meet up with your brother Atticus. He said something about going to see you and I hesitated. I haven't seen you in so long I didn't even think you'd want to see me anymore."

Alexis's POV

How could he think I didn't want to see him. He was the only person that kept me going through all this time. Sometimes Jaden can be so harsh sometimes even if he didn't mean to.

Narrator's POV

"But something told me you wanted to see me. I thought about going to see you for a long time Lex. I wanted to real bad, missed you a lot. More than words can describe. Sometimes I'd stay up late looking into the night sky and I'd see your face smiling at me."

Alexis couldn't believe what she'd just heard, she'd stay up late and see Jaden in the sky smiling at her and saying Get your Game on Lex. Even though he wasn't there to comfort her, she still felt some sense of relief knowing he was out there somewhere.

"In the end I decided to go see you Lex, I missed you too much. I didn't know where you were though. Thankfully your brother knew where you were. He gave me your address in America. I didn't have a lot of money so I started saving up for the plane ride. I entered a few small tournaments and earned enough to go see you after 2 months but it was a one way trip you see. So it was a all or nothing sort of thing. I hesitated because I didn't know what it was like. I didn't know anyone there. But something told me I should go, I really wanted to see you Lex. Whether you wanted to see me or not I was determined to find you."

Alexis heart felt warm, she could feel it thumping in her chest threatening to break out. She wanted to stop right there and hug him and tell him how she felt but she resisted the urge. Jaden can be unpredictable at times.

Alexis's POV

Was he saying that he missed me so much that he had to see me? No stop being so selfish, you know better.

Narrator's POV

What Jaden just said made Alexis happier than she'd been in years. No guy she ever knew could make her feel the way Jaden did. It was more than just his clumsiness, it was the truth behind what he says and of course that smile. Yes she could never get that out of her head, that goofy smile with the stupid catch phrase. She longed for it.

"The plane ride wasn't all bad, the flight attendants were nice and I didn't have much to take with me. When I arrived in America, I found the place frightening. People were always in such a rush. I eventually found my way to New York where you live. It was night when I got there so I found a bench in this huge park and decided to spend the night there. And that's when you woke me up, I thought it was a dream at first but I was so happy to see you Lex. I missed you so much.

Alexis was on the verge of tears at this point. Jaden just told her what she wanted to hear for years. She was happy and sad, Jaden left her for years but now he was back. Alexis held back the years with all her might. She hated being seen as weak around other people, especially Jaden. She had a lot on her mind.

Just then, Atticus popped around the corner out of a alley with a huge smile on her face and a guitar strapped to his back.

"So you two finally together?" he asked Jaden and Alexis who both looked at each other not sure how to answer.

"We're not together" they both said in unison. Alexis immediately slapped Atticus knowing him down. He stood back up with a red imprint of Alexis's hand on his face.

"Oww sis you didn't have to slap me so hard. So anyways guess what?" Alexis's said in a extremely cheerful tone. Alexis hated that, every time it was something stupid.

"I'm facing you tomorrow in the tournament sis" stated Atticus with a huge smile on his face attempting to hug his little sister. Alexis hadn't expected it. She didn't think anyone besides Jaden and her were in New York.

"Syrus and the others were here too. They all entered the tournament."

Alexis was shocked, she stood there thinking about all the years she spent at duel academy. Those guys were Jaden's best friends but also hers.

"Oh and I also saw Chazz and a couple of his goons walking out of the hotel down the street smirking, I'm glad you never went out with him, he creeps me out" stated Atticus in a confident manner even though he helped him ask her out at one point. He was ashamed of that but that was in the past now, he never did dwell on it.

"Jaden, isn't your stuff at that hotel?" asked a worried Alexis. She had a uncanny feeling something was wrong.

"We better hurry over, you never know what The Chazz is up to" stated Alexis. The trio quickly walked up the street and into the hotel.

What will Chazz do with the picture?

What is he doing with his brothers?

Who is Jaden facing tomorrow in the tournament?
Will his friends be the barer of bad news?

Will Jaden lose his way in the tournament?
Does Chazz have another plan to get Alexis?
What are his friends doing in New York?
Why am I asking you guys these questions?

Well we'll find out in the next chapter, well at least a few of these questions will be answered. Once again reviews are appreciated. Tips to help me write are also appreciated. Sorry once again the chapter took so long but I hope you enjoy it oh and this time I'm accepting ideas, just message me. :) I'll try and do another shorter update before the break ends. And Thanks for Reading!