Title- Golden Heart

Summary- It was not such a bad idea to visit a small town, if you get to meet an interesting person. "Hahaha…..that's funny!". "Hey, what are you laughing at?!". Hmm…. you have found something afterall…. Modern AU. SxA DxR and more. RnR!

A/N – Hello everyone! I know I'm updating slowly lately… But hey! I'm trying! So here it is! I'm really glad that there are many people who are reading and liking my other stories too! Thank you so much for that!

And Thank you very much for reviewing the previous chapter(s) as well! I hope you enjoy this one too! Review at the end! ^^

Disclaimer- I do not own Bakugan Battle Brawlers…

Chapter 37

No One's POV

"Will you stop leaning on me? Why are you standing near me!" Ace half whispered-half yelled at Mira.

"And why are you near me! Just shut up and go sit in the van" Mira shot at him.

"I don't take orders from you, Mira-chan" retorted Ace with sarcasm.

"Ace dear…" said Mira. "We have to leave as soon as they get Mr. Sheen in the van" she continued.

"Runo! Stay close to me! There might be dangerous animals around here" Dan whispered loudly causing Runo to roll her eyes.

"Yeah… Look at Mr.-I-will-protect-you. Taking advantage of the darkness" commented Billy causing the others to snicker.

"May be he was talking about himself" commented Ace while Billy, Julie and Mira giggled.

"Dan, stop holding my hand! Are you that scared?!" exclaimed Runo.

"Wow… Dan. You started already…" shot Ace and smirked.

"Shut up, Mr. Cool-Wanna-be! Everyone knows you think inappropriate things about Mira!" Dan shot back. There was silence for a few seconds…

"W-What?! Julie! You spread that rumor, didn't you?" Ace snapped with a red face which was hidden due to the darkness.

"Sorry to interrupt your lovely talk but… we are on a mission right now" Fabia cut in while Ren chuckled at her before saying, "Don't you think they are funny and interesting?". Fabia couldn't help but agree.

"Wow! This is so romantic and exciting! We are with our lovers and on a mission!" exclaimed Julie.

"Who said we are lovers!" exclaimed everyone except Billy, Keith and Baron, glaring at Julie who sweat dropped.

"I think we all should go and sit in car, ready to leave. There is no point in standing here. With your voices, you'll blow our cover" said Ren while handing Keith a handkerchief and small vial. There were chorus of agreements and Julie's "Yeah. There are mosquitoes buzzing here anyway". The others left to either sit in car or van while Dan, Baron, Keith and Ace stayed behind.

"Admit it, Ace. You are scared to admit you like Mira" Dan said to Ace. Both were standing a foot behind Keith and Baron.

"You should admit that you like Runo for a long time now but was too stupid to realize" Ace shot back.

"Oh? And you realized? And you didn't even deny you don't like her. Ha! FYI, I already asked Runo on a date! Yosh!" beamed Dan. "Why don't you ask Mira? We'll go on double date? Sounds good?" he continued.

"You do know I'm right here, ne, Dan? You suggest something like that which involves my sister in front of me…uh… standing behind me?" asked Keith. Both Dan and Ace shivered at Keith's voice. Baron sweat dropped at them.

"Uhh… right. Sorry… Ace, you have to take permission from the Big Bro here" said Dan. Now all the three sweat dropped at Dan.

"I'm going to get the van…" Ace said, shaking his head before leaving the 'venue'.

"SSHHHH! Someone's coming!" whispered Baron who was standing in the front beside Keith, both ready to 'attack'. He glanced behind and saw a smirking Dan. They all inhaled deeply and put on their masks.

"Are you sure we have to wear this black… rubber… masks…?" whispered Dan. Keith rolled his eyes before replying.

"Mind you… We are not going to a masquerade ball"

Meanwhile…

"So these are the ones?" questioned Shun. His face turned stoic again as he glanced at the handcuffed men. "So they confessed?" he asked as he went in further. His fists were clenched, noticed Klaus and sighed.

"Not yet. As you predicted… Klaus-san. They work illegally for money" explained Inspector Lahar. "Hey, Jack! Please take them back" he added. The man named Jack took the handcuffed men out of the room.

Shun followed them with his eyes and saw them glaring at him and Klaus. Once they were out, Shun closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. He unclenched his fists and glanced at Klaus. Giving him a nod, he sat beside him on a spare chair.

"Your friend has just arrived before you and is waiting. How did you know they might be involved? I mean, you told us to capture them without any evidence" asked Lahar, looking at the men sitting in front of him.

"My friend here… was the one who informed me. Now explain" stated Shun, pointing his thumb at Klaus, with an uninterested look. Klaus rolled his eyes.

"Well… I happen to hear them…" said Klaus and crossed his arms across his chest. And then he continued…

Flash Back…

Klaus was on the way back to the hotel he was staying. Being a good friend, he had offered… more like insisted Alice to come with him to stay at the hotel but she declined his offer. She had told him she wanted to be by her grandfather's side. He had made sure she leaves first and goes inside the hospital before he left. But something was bugging him. The men he crashed into, when he was about to reach his car.

"Hey, watch it!"

"I apologize. Are you alright?" asked Klaus.

"Tch. Hey! She went inside just now. Seems like that old man hasn't woke up yet" said the stronger and taller one.

"No need to yell. Just follow her" said the one Klaus had crashed into as he followed the big man, paying no more heed to Klaus.

'Those people…' thought Klaus, frowning. 'Something seems off with them. The one who went inside just now is Alice…Were they talking about her- Should I tell this to Kazami? I can't just leave it unattended…'

End of Flash Back….

"…Then I enquired around a little bit and found out that those two hang around the hospital for two to three days now. So I thought if they are taken into custody, we might get a clue or know if they are involved" explained Klaus. Shun sighed.

"For that… you called me here?" asked Shun, glaring at Klaus. He stood up. "Well then… Inspector Lahar, please inform me if there are any leads" he added before leaving. Klaus smirked and followed him out, thanking Lahar.

Once outside, Shun slowed his pace for Klaus to catch up. He put his hands in his pockets and "Tsk"-ed. He looked clearly annoyed. Klaus step in beside him and shot a glance at Shun.

"How impatient are you, Kazami? Well, what if they really are involved in Dr. Michael's accident?" Klaus questioned. Shun ran his hand through his hair and glared ahead.

"Then I don't know what I'll do. What's bothering me is… why Alice chose to lie to me" said Shun. "If she had a problem, she should have told me. Since I confessed to her, she has become more distant" he muttered to himself but Klaus heard it clearly.

"Hmm… May be she lost the trust in you?" Klaus pointed out and smirked.

"Tsk. Why am I even telling you anyway? And what's the real thing you called me here for, Klaus?" asked Shun, shooting a knowing glance at Klaus who was still smirking.

"Not bad, Kazami. Well, the thing is… I visited Alice" Klaus stated smugly and Shun stopped in his steps. "She was so NICE to me… when I comforted her…" he added, looking up at the night sky. Shun rolled his eyes then hit the back of Klaus's head… "OWW!"

"I'm so jealous, yeah" stated Shun with an uninterested look. "What did she say?" he asked, looking serious while Klaus chuckled.

"Some things… lot of thinks… this and that… Anyway, I called you to meet because I wanted to see your reaction when you hear this" said Klaus, looking at Shun who frowned. "She's leaving to Russia" he spoke with seriousness. Shun sighed relieved.

Klaus sweat dropped. "What's with the sigh?! You are not panicking" said Klaus, glaring at Shun.

"Nice try. I might have panicked if she had said she hates me or… she's going to marry you. Besides, I would believe it if she tells me herself. I won't let her marry you, by the way" said Shun and chuckled, indicating he was joking at the end.

"Whatever… Kazami. And what if she's being threatened for something?" asked Klaus turning serious.

"That is highly possible, of course. And she won't tell us… unless… Anyway, go home. I have to be somewhere…" Shun said, removing the car keys from his pocket.

"Ahh… Going to meet A-chan? Are you going to stop her from leaving?" asked Klaus, causing Shun to pause.

"Stop calling her that. And who am I to stop her?" said Shun.

Klaus could feel the sadness in his voice at the end. 'If only you knew…' thought Klaus and sighed as he knew… 'Even if I tell Shun that Alice loves him, he would think I'm joking or making fun of him…'

"I didn't expect you to give up that easily" said Klaus instead. Shun shrugged with nonchalant expression but Klaus knew better.

"Aaa… I didn't expect her leave because of me either. Who knew we'll talk like this… It's strange I'm not feeling weird talking to you" Shun looked up at the sky. 'At least I should clear up the problems she had to face because of me… before she leaves that is' he thought, sighing.

"I must agree with you on that one" Klaus added.

"Hn… And thanks for… you know…" Shun added, walking ahead towards his car. Klaus blinked and stared at Shun's back then smirked.

"Oh? Can you repeat that, Kazami…? What did you say?" asked Klaus, giving a small grin.

"Not gonna happen, Klaus" stated Shun, giving a lopsided grin over his shoulder to Klaus. "And call me… Shun" he added before entering his car, leaving Klaus surprised for a moment. Klaus smiled as he realized what his 'new friend' meant.

Meanwhile…

Sheen glanced around the area to find no one around. He was carrying a black briefcase with him. "They are late" he muttered, frowning. The wind picked up causing the rustling of trees and blew leaves around.

Sheen saw a shadow behind him and was about to turn around when a cloth was forced over his face covering his mouth and nose. Sheen's eyes widened and he struggled to break free but the masked man behind him was strong. Sheen could feel himself losing consciousness and his struggled seemed futile.

Once Sheen's body went limp, he fell down on the ground and Keith made no move to catch him. He motioned his comrades to come out with his hand and sighed. He was slightly unsure if this could work. Dan and Baron came out to help carry Sheen to the van which was parked a few meters away by Ace, as it couldn't be brought near Sheen due to the fencing of the shrubs.

"I'll take the briefcase" said Keith.

"You just don't want to carry the body! I mean Sheen-san" said Dan and glared at Keith who shrugged and moved towards the unconscious Sheen. He grabbed Sheen's hands while Baron held legs and lifted Sheen up above the ground.

"Man… He needs to go on a diet" commented Dan while Baron nodded affirmatively.

Keith chuckled then glanced around to check if the coast is clear… But then his eyes widened when he saw someone coming their way. He ran past Dan and Baron without warning, causing them both to look at Keith's back questioningly.

"What happen to-… What the…! Let's go, Baron!" exclaimed Dan, looking behind Baron as if he had seen a ghost. He released Sheen's hands on impulse causing the unconscious body to fell on ground again while Baron still held Sheen's legs. He grabbed Baron's hand and dragged him, following Keith hurriedly.

Now… Mr. Sheen was again lying on the ground knocked out…

On the other hand, Keith jumped in the woods soon followed by Dan and Baron while the van that was on standby was already out of sight. The inexperienced kidnapper trio were in panic and ran past the trees, still wearing masks. Soon they found themselves on the other side, on the border of highway. A car was already waiting for them few meters away.

"You stupid! First open the door!" exclaimed Runo when Dan tried to get in the car through the window. Runo opened it for him and he literally dived inside smacking his head with Runo's forehead. "OWWW! You IDIOT!"

"You guys look really stupid with those masks!" Billy cut in and started the car. Julie agreed and held in her laugh but it came out anyway when she looked at the three.

Dan, too panicked to react, saw that Keith and Baron were already sitting across him, panting hard like him. Billy had already hit the road and was laughing at the masked trio who looked ridiculous in their masks. The three removed their masks, gasping and panting. Runo rubbed her aching forehead while Julie sat on the passenger seat.

"T-that… was… (Gasp)… close…! Too close!" said Dan between his panting. Julie passed them water bottle and sat back, giving the boys some space. Dan took the bottle and drank some. Keith exhaled deeply.

"Yeah…" agreed Baron and sighed relieved.

"What was she doing there at this time of the night?!" Keith suddenly exclaimed and rubbed his temple.

"You… mean it was really her…? I thought I was hallucinating!" added Dan while Baron had no clue as he was just dragged away by Dan. Runo and Julie glanced at each other than at the boys.

"No… there's no mistake. It was Alice…" said Keith.

"WHATTT?!"

Meanwhile, back at the Lakeside…

Alice ran towards the man lying on the ground in the dark. "Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed as she bent down to check him. "Wake up, Sir! You alright?" she tried with a slight panic, shaking the man by shoulders. "He looks unconscious. What should I do? There's no one here…" she looked around, frantically.

'Looks like those people were trying to rob him. Or were they kidnapping him…? I think I should call some people from hospital!' thought Alice.

She glanced around and saw the briefcase beside him. The unconscious man grunted, getting Alice's attention. She shook him again roughly this time. The man opened his eyes in slits… barely opened and squinted at the shadowed figure above him.

"Hey! Can you hear me? Sir?" continued Alice.

Sheen could see it was someone with light hair trying to talk to him. Due to the exposure to chloroform, he was feeling dizzy with a heavy headache. His sight was blurred then it was completely dark.

"Let me take you to the hospital! It's just five minutes away!" exclaimed Alice as she helped the man to sit upright. She put his hand over her shoulder and supported him to stand and grabbed the bag in other hand that was around his back. She was struggling to keep her balance as the man was much taller and heavy than she was.

"It's just around the corner. We'll be there in no time" she spoke while taking three heavy steps and dragged him with her while the man was already unconscious. And they were yet to cross the road. "Hey! Wake up! Sir!" exclaimed Alice when the man's whole weight shifted on her. And only two minutes had passed… When….

There was a screeching sound of breaks on the road causing Alice to stumble a little along with the man. The car had stopped in front of them. The only thing between them was the shrubs. The door of the car opened revealing a familiar person…

"Alice?! What are you-…"

"Thank goodness! Don't just stand there! Help me!" exclaimed Alice when she saw it was none other than Shun.

Shun ran towards her side after looking at the man supported by Alice, surprised. He was shocked to see Sheen but led the man towards his car anyway and dumped him roughly on the back seat. The man was out cold.

"Come on, he needs to get to the hospital!" said Alice, standing near the passenger seat door but paused when she saw Shun didn't make any move. "Shun?"

"Relax, Alice. He's just unconscious. He'll wake up soon… may be" stated Shun, looking at Alice. Giving an 'I-don't-care' look, he locked his car instead.

"Really…? Nothing major…? So he'll wake up in sometime then? No need for hospital?" questioned Alice staring at Shun who nodded at her. "That's a relief… I was so scared" she added and sighed relieved.

"I need to make a call. Wait a moment" said Shun as if giving an order and walked away, pulling out his cell phone from pockets. Alice, not knowing what to do, looked around. Her eyes landed on Shun and she could feel her heart running faster.

'What is he doing here? Was he just passing by…? I should make an excuse and leave soon. What if those guys are still around… I can't be seen with him. And definitely not after talking to him like that… Isn't he angry at me? He seems his usual self…' she thought. She shook her head when his voice snapped her back. He was already done talking on the phone…

"What's in the bag?" asked Shun, pointing at the briefcase in her hand as if they were having a casual conversation.

"Oh! I don't know. It was lying near him" she replied and shrugged looking around, trying to act cool. "Will you please thank Mom-… Shiori-san for me…? She sent me clothes with Jin-san earlier today…" she added awkwardly.

"You can still call her Mom, you know. And thank her yourself" he replied.

Alice looked at the ground. 'So… he's mad at me… Well, I deserve it' she thought and sighed. 'I guess… I should just leave. I don't think apologizing to him will lead to anything. I don't deserve to be forgiven anyway…'

"Do you… know him?" he asked, staring at her causing her to snap back.

"No… I saw him a while ago… He was lying on the ground…" replied Alice and turned to look at Shun. "I saw some people were trying to kidnap him but when I called out to them, they ran off…"

"Are you kidding me?! What if they had attacked you instead? Are you an-… You are an Idiot!" exclaimed Shun. Alice looked at him surprised at his outburst.

"But he needed help! No one was around besides me so-…"

"That's the point, Alice! What were you doing out there at this time of the night when no one was around?!"

"…"

"Alice… Why must you? Why do you have to care? If you get hurt, it'll hurt me too… I can't help it" said Shun, closing his eyes and exhaled deeply.

Alice looked at him, her eyes widening with each word he said. 'He had always been honest about what he feels… yet I… Isn't he mad at me? Even I am mad at myself. He didn't deserve to be treated like how I treated him… Yet he's here… talking about my safety…' she realized as she stared at him.

Shun opened his eyes and continued, "I'm not mad at you. And I told you already… You are bad at lying. And terrible, when you are scared"

Alice looked at him with a shocked expression while Shun merely gave her a lopsided smirk. 'How did he…?' she thought. His smirk widened as if telling her that he could read her like a book.

"Oh! It's late! I should go back! Hehe" she added, uncomfortably glancing around when she noticed Shun was looking at her, his gaze unwavering.

Shun had an urge to chuckle at her poor attempt of changing the subject but restraint himself and focused on her tense movements. Before Alice could take a step, he stopped her by grabbing her hand.

"Stop"

'Oh no…'

To be Continued…

A/N – I can't believe Keith did that to Dan and Baron! Haha, kidding! It was kinda funny, no? Well… tell me what you think about the overall chapter! As usual, Review, Fav or Follow! Thank you! ^^