Okay!

So this is the sequel to "You will always have me by you" =D

So before you read this, I advise you read the prequel first… =D

I deleted one of my stories when I realized how futile continuing it was… =D

I re-wrote this and re-posted it since I found out that I really have no talent in writing a romance fic on non-existent couples… =D

But if it turns out to be romantic the way I like it… We'll just have to see… =D

Anyway, I do not own Bakugan or anything associated to it…

Enjoy! =D

Chapter 1

Instilled fear

He woke up with a start. The wind was cool to the skin, the sun was mild and its soft rays made contact with his eyes.

He cringed and shielded his eyes from the blinding rays.

His sky blue eyes caught sight of the sleeping red head beside him. He couldn't help but smile when he saw how peaceful she slept on his shoulder.

He leaned against the back of the tree. His blonde spikes brushed slightly against the bark of the tree.

The red headed girl who sat beside him had his coat wrapped around her. He was genuinely worried about her.

Weeks had passed since his fellow-Vexos tried to eliminate her from his grasp and from his life. She has been living under his protection and they never dared to harm her again.

But these past few days, she would suddenly doze off or fall unconscious in his arms. She would tell him that she was fine, but he was not the one to take risks.

He guarded her heavily. He made sure that she wasn't exhausting herself especially during their 'working hours'.

She was his assistant, his younger sister, his cook, his best friend…

She shifted slightly.

He chuckled and gently shook her shoulder.

"Alice, wake up…" he said in a soft voice.

Alice, the red headed girl slightly opened her chocolate brown eyes. She rubbed her eyes and yawned.

She turned to the blonde beside her and smiled "Good morning, Keith…"

Alice was the only one who he allowed to call him by his discarded name 'Keith Clay'.

"Good afternoon is more like it, Alice…" he corrected as amusement materialized in his voice.

She giggled and stood up.

She stretched out her hand to him, "Well, we still have work to do, so let's go."

Keith, or more accurately, Spectra nodded. He took her hand, like always, and stood up. Holding her hand was so natural for him, as it was for her.

His thoughts swam inside his head. He was thinking too much and it surprised him how he could think up so many things at the same time.

"Keith, are you coming?" asked Alice as she turned back to him.

He caught himself from his excessive zoning out. He was still under the tree and she was under the radiant sun.

"Keith?" Alice called out as she approached him.

He smiled at her as an excuse, "Too much sleep, I guess…"

Alice giggled as she and Keith walked back to his quarters.

"So what are we going to do today?" inquired Alice

Spectra went to his desk and picked up a folder. He knew Alice wouldn't want to do what he had in mind.

Alice tilted her head, "Keith?"

"We're going to work on the parts of the Dimensional transporter system that I designed."

Alice's face fell.

Why do you want to send me home?

Keith turned to her and saw her crestfallen expression. He sighed, "Alice…"

"Am I being a burden to you?" Alice blurted out.

Spectra shook his head as he put the folder down and walked towards her.

"No," he replied "You're not being a burden to me or anyone else…"

'Then why?" asked Alice as she raised her eyes to meet with his.

Don't…

Don't show me your eyes…

Don't make me feel helpless…

Don't make me want to wrap my arms around you…

"Alice," he patiently said as he wiped off the tears that fell from her eyes, "You and I both know that you're not safe here. We don't know what Prince Hydron might do to you… The last time he got his grasp on you, you almost died…" his voice trailed off "And I don't want that to happen Alice…"

"But there's nothing left for me there…" Alice tried to argue, "Here I have you…"

Spectra chuckled, but his smile was wan, "You still have your friends there Alice… You're safer back home… Here you only have me and danger all around you… It would be better if you go back to earth."

Alice looked away. She knew that Spectra did have a point, but she doesn't want to leave.

"Besides, things have become more dangerous," Spectra added.

"What do you mean?" asked Alice.

"Lately, someone suspicious has been sighted," he replied "Guards have been seen unconscious with no apparent reason. We don't know who or what he is and we don't know who or what he's after, and I can't risk you with uncertainty."

Alice nodded knowingly.

The door slammed open and Gus stood there. He was breathing heavily.

"Gus?" Spectra called out.

"Master Spectra," Gus said breathlessly as he tried to bow, "You have to come and see this!"

Spectra turned to Alice and said "Stay here okay?"

Alice nodded, albeit she was half-fearful that Spectra would leave her.

Spectra put his mask and his coat.

The door closed and Alice sat on the edge of the bed. Spectra had brought one for her so they wouldn't have to share.

She lay flat on her back while her mind buzzed with plenty of questions.

Should I go back?

I'm sure my friends will still be there…

But why do I feel like I don't want to go back?

Is it because Keith is the one insisting it?

Why do I want so badly to not go back?

Spectra and Gus arrived at the southern wall of the Vexos headquarters. Gus moved aside to make Spectra see what the source of the commotion was.

Spectra's eyes widened. There was some writing on the wall. It was written in Earth language, so naturally he couldn't understand it.

"Has anyone else found out about this?" asked Spectra in a level tone.

Gus nodded "Prince Hydron has become alarmed. He called for an assembly of all the Vexos. I believe it will start in a few minutes, Master Spectra."

Spectra kept his eyes on the writings on the wall. He turned to Gus and asked, "Were we invited as well?"

"Yes, sir," replied Gus, "Because of your involvement with Ms. Alice, you are required to attend the assembly."

Spectra clenched his fist. He turned away from the wall and said, "Go on ahead. I still have something to do."

"Sir?" Gus was dumbfounded.

Spectra turned to him slightly, "I won't be long…"

He headed back to his room.

They'll probably request Alice to read the writings…

Then again it might just be another trap of that spoiled Prince…

He opened the door and saw Alice intently looking through the folder where his design for the new Dimension transporter system was,

He was surprised to say the least. Was Alice finally resolving to go back to earth?

He hovered over her and saw her working through most of the equations.

Alice turned to him and asked, "What happened?"

Spectra jerked his head back in surprise. He regained his composure and answered, "Prince Hydron called for an assembly."

Alice nodded absent-mindedly, apparently she was too absorbed by the equations she was solving. "I'll cook lunch when I'm done here…"

Spectra nodded as he took out a syringe from the pocket of his coat.

"Actually, it might be better if you stayed here, Alice," said Spectra as Alice turned to him slowly, "I'm sorry, but I can't let you fall into their hands again."

Before Alice could react, Spectra plunged the syringe into her arm.

Alice fell lax into Spectra's arms. He carried her to her bed and covered her with a blanket.

He locked the door to his room and went to the assembly room.

Hydron and the other Vexos were anxious with the writings on the southern wall.

"Well, it's about time you came, Spectra!" Hydron angrily said. He noticed that Alice wasn't there, "Where is that personal assistant of yours?"

Spectra bowed. He replied, "Alice is currently sick, Prince Hydron. She cannot participate here."

Hydron growled, "We're in the middle of a crisis here. How can you keep her from us at a time like this?"

Spectra took his place and said "I am sorry, your highness, but there is nothing more I can do."

"Do you know how crucial this is?" asked Mylene

"I assure you, Mylene, I would bring Alice here, especially since this situation involves the safety and security of everyone…" Spectra said "But as of now, we have to plan a counterattack against this new unknown threat."

Volt nodded, "It seems like a good plan…"

"Then what do you propose we do?" Hydron asked angrily "We are like sitting ducks here who know nothing until it strikes us!"

Shadow chuckled silently, "The spoiled brat's reaching his boiling point…"

"WHAT?" Hydron exploded.

Mylene slightly bowed her head and said "Your majesty, you should not lose your composure. I think, Spectra's suggestion would be the best thing to follow right now…"

Hydron slumped back on his chair and sighed "Fine… But how are we supposed to find out what those writings mean?"

An unfamiliar voice echoed a chuckle heard inside the entire assembly room.

"You pathetic idiots are so clueless…" said the voice, "That message was for all of you Vexos and especially that sadistic Prince…"

Hydron looked around and shouted "Where are you? Show yourself coward!"

"Coward?" the voice echoed "You have the guts to call me coward, Prince Hydron…"

Mylene had her whip ready. Shadow had a pathetic look on his face. Lync hid under the table like a coward. Volt, Gus and Spectra were the only ones who seemed like real men.

"Well as compensation, I will tell you what the writings mean…" the voice said "I mean to make you all suffer… Don't worry; I won't make it quick in any way…"

The voice disappeared with an ominous chuckle.

Spectra was the first one to stand up and he ran back to his room.

Alice!

That's a wrap!

Sorry I know this isn't anywhere near its predecessor…

I'm a little out of my mind right now…

And I'm too absorbed by RPing…

Anyway, please do not hesitate to click the REVIEW button and feel free to convey your deepest darkest thoughts regarding this fic as it is greatly appreciated… =D

chquine_harvinellisse