~~Hello readers, I'm back with a new chapter.
I don't own anything from Bakugan.
Only my original characters belong to me.~~
My academic assistant Julie, her daughter Mira, and I had just arrived in the gym for PE.
My friend Dan sat with a group of other kids.
We were all waiting for the PE teacher.
Even though Julie and Mira were sitting next to me, I didn't feel nervous at all.
My Bakugan friend Preyas was resting peacefully inside my pocket.
I felt safe and secure with him by my side.
Preyas was the miracle that I had been searching for since I started going to school.
A few minutes later, our PE teacher arrived.
After taking attendance, the PE teacher gave a quick lecture on the rules and regulations.
He then instructed us to head to the locker rooms.
I reluctantly followed Mira and Julie into the girls' locker room as soon as we stood up.
Once inside, we were allowed to choose our own lockers.
Thankfully, I chose a locker that was far away from Mira's.
"Hey Preyas, you have to go inside my backpack until PE is over. I promise to put you back into my pocket after I change out of my gym clothes," I thought.
"Don't worry Sioku, I'll be just fine. You and I can communicae telepathically from far away," Preyas replied.
"Really? That's wonderful," I said with a smile.
"Sioku, you don't have to worry about me separating from you. I will be right by your side no matter where you are," Preyas assured.
"That's a relief," I replied.
I placed the Bakugan into my backpack and then retrieved my gym clothes.
The outfit contained blue yoga pants and a plain blue T-shirt.
Once I had changed into my gym clothes, I followed Mira and Julie back to the gym.
Fortunately, they didn't say a word to me.
The PE teacher stood in front of his class and said. "We are going to the field today. Once there, I will test you all on how well you run the mile."
Everyone except me groaned in disappointment at that.
I couldn't help but giggle at their reactions.
He then led us out of the gym.
Once outside, we followed him up to a huge football field at the top of a steep hill.
The field was surrounded by a chain-link fence.
My classmates and I lined up near the gate.
I decided to talk to Preyas while waiting for the signal to go.
"Hey Preyas, I am about to start running soon. Are you ready for this?" I thought with excitement.
"You bet I am, I can't wait to help you. This will be great," Preyas replied with joy.
"Awesome! the sound of Your energetic voice would really be appreciated since it gives me hyper energy," I added.
"Good luck Sioku," Preyas replied..
We all started running as soon as the teacher blew his whistle.
"Let's go Preyas," I thought with determination.
"You can do this partner! I'm right here with you," the Bakugan replied with enthusiasm..
The sound of Preyas' lovely voice gave me a major boost of hyper energy.
Without thinking, I bolted passed a few students.
The wind blew through my hair as I continued running at full speed.
I thought about my favorite episode of Bakugan Battle Brawlers in order to keep my hyper energy going.
The battle between Marucho and Frosch played in my mind.
Remembering Preyas' emotional moment with Marucho before his evolution helped my hyper energy stay at its highest level.
I finished a whole lap in one minute.
"You're doing a great job Sioku! Keep up the good work," cheered Preyas.
"Thank you Besty," I replied joyfully.
My energy began to decrease as I started to run my second lap around the field.
I immediately felt the pain in my legs caused by the strain I was putting on them.
My heart pounded rapidly in my chest.
I slowed my running pace down to a jog.
"Preyas... I'm losing my energy," I thought breathlessly.
"Don't worry Sioku, I'm still here. Remember to take a break whenever you need to," Preyas said smoothly.
"Thanks for the advice Preyas," I replied.
As I was jogging my second lap, Dan caught up to me.
I couldn't help but smile at him.
"Hello Dan, it's nice to see you again. How are you?" I started.
"I'm good, how about you?" he replied.
"I'm starting to feel a bit tired from running my entire first lap," I answered.
Dan chuckled before he said wid admiration. "I can tell, you already look exhausted. I saw you speed passed those other people. Sioku, you looked like you were flying across this field. What in the world gave you all of that energy?"
"Preyas," I answered briefly.
"That sounds like the perfect explanation for your hyperactivity. Sioku, is your Bakugan with you right now?" Dan continued.
"No sir, I stored Preyas away in my backpack. He'll be safe in there," I assured.
"That was a smart idea since you still want to keep him hidden. Drago is floating next to me," he said happily.
I curiously looked up to see Drago calmly hovering above Dan's left shoulder.
"Awe, your Bakugan is adorable! I wish I could let Preyas do that," I replied cheerfully.
"I'm sure you'll find the time to do so," Dan reassured.
He then pointed to his Bakugan and said. "Hey Drago, you should introduce yourself to my friend."
Drago stared at me and said politely. "Hello mis, my name is Drago. I am a Dragonoid Bakugan."
I grinned at him as I replied. "It's a pleasure to meet you Drago. My name is Sioku."
"I am pleased to meet you as well Sioku. how has your Bakugan friend been adjusting to this world?" Drago continued.
"Preyas is doing very well here. Even though we have only known each other for a few hours, Preyas and I are already close friends. I love him so much," I answered cheerfully.
The tone in Drago's voice came out serious as he said smoothly. "That's wonderful Sioku, I'm glad that you two have bonded. However, Preyas really needs your emotional support. You will find out why when he is ready to reveal his story to you."
I looked at Drago confused as I replied. "Are you serious? Did something bad happen to him in the past?"
"Yes, and that's all I can tell you. You should be able to know very soon since Preyas trusts you Sioku," the Dragonoid answered.
"I understand," I said quietly.
The time I spent with Dan and Drago was pure bliss.
I completely forgot about my recent panic attack in computer class.
Dan grinned at me as a thought crossed his mind.
"Hey Sioku, I have an idea. You and I should have a race to see who finishes this mile," he said competitively.
I smiled at the thought of us racing together.
"Oh you're on buddy," I replied.
"Ready? go!" Dan hollered before he took off ahead of me.
I immediately bolted after him.
We ran through our third lap at full speed.
Both of us wanted to win the race.
"You can do it Sioku! Don't give up!" Preyas called out.
"Thank you Preyas," I replied with a smile.
I began to slow down as I reached the starting point of my final lap.
My energy started to decrease even further.
I panted heavily as sweat dripped down my forehead.
My heart pounded even faster than before.
The throbbing pain in my legs was becoming too much for me to handle.
I really wanted to quit and just walk the rest of my fourth lap, but I was afraid that Julie would see me and make a rude comment.
"Oh Preyas... I'm in so much pain. I used up most of my energy during those last three laps. I can't go on anymore," I thought breathlessly.
"It's okay Sioku, you can still finish this mile. I believe in you," Preyas said encouragingly.
"Thanks Preyas, but my body is totally exhausted. I might pass out if I continue running like that," I argued.
"Calm down Sioku, I know how you feel. I've been in a situation similar to yourse," Preyas said smoothly.
I paused for a moment before I replied. "Hold on Dearest, really? What do you mean?"
"I'll tell you the whole story later. Right now, you need to focus on your mission," the Bakugan answered firmly.
The recent conversation I had with Drago echoed in my mind, causing me to pause.
"Hold on Preyas, Drago mentioned that to me while I was talking to him. He said that you needed my emotional support," I said suddenly.
"That is true Sioku, but I cannot tell you my story right now. It will have to wait until we are by ourselves," Preyas replied.
Judging by the serious tone in Preyas' voice, I could tell that he has had a difficult past as well.
However, I decided to let it go for now.
"You're right Preyas, I've got a mile to finish and a race to win. Thank you for the encouragement," I said confidently.
"Go get it Sioku!" Preyas hollered.
I used the hyper energy in Preyas voice in order to push myself forward.
"I won't let you beat me Dan! This victory will be for Preyas!" I shouted as I ran passed him.
"Drago and I will get there first!" Dan shouted back.
"Show him how it's done Sioku!" hollered Preyas.
"You got it buddy," I replied in agreement.
Dan and I continued running until we simultaneously reached the finish line.
"It looks like both of us won," Dan said happily.
"I totally agree," I replied.
The PE teacher smiled at us and said proudly. "Congratulations you two, your time was five minutes. Both of you will receive an A for your effort."
"Thank you sir," Dan and I replied in unison.
We then started making our way toward the benches.
Suddenly, a wave of dizziness crashed into me.
My body started to sway with each step I took.
"Wo... Sioku... are you all right?" said Dan as he grabbed me by the arm.
"No," I answered plainly.
"What's wrong?" Dan asked with deep concern.
Without warning, I collapsed to the ground with a hard thud.
I was instantly pulled into the dark void of unconsciousness by exhaustion.
Dan and Drago gasped in unison.
"Sioku!" Dan called as he dropped to his knees.
"Daniel, what's the matter?" asked Drago.
"My friend just fainted," Dan answered in distress.
"Don't panic Dan, i understand that this is a frightening situation. Try your best to stay as calm as possible," Drago urged.
Dan lightly shook me and said frantically. "Come on Sioku, please wake up."
There was no response from me.
I lay motionless on the ground.
Julie heard all of the commotion and rushed over to us.
"Oh no... that crazy lady is going to make this situation even worse," Dan thought hopelessly.
"What are you going to do about this?" asked Drago.
Without a word, Dan inconspicuously turned on his phone's video camera.
"What is going on here?" she demanded.
Dan straightened himself up and glared at her.
"I don't know if you care, but your student just passed out. She needs help," Dan answered with frustration.
Julie paused abruptly as she stared down at me.
The sight of me laying on the floor made her furious.
"She doesn't look passed out to me. Her eyes are just closed," Julie said in disbelief.
"Say what? Sioku collapsed right in front of me! You weren't here to see it happen!" Dan yelled back.
Julie ignored Dan and grabbed me by my shirt.
She roughly shook me back and forth and screamed. "Sioku Marie! Open your eyes this instant! I know you're faking it!"
I began to shiver slightly, but I still remained unconscious.
Dan angrily pushed Julie away from me and hollered. "Hey! What do you think you're doing with her? Can't you see that this poor girl is actually passed out?"
Drago silently watched the situation in awe as he hovered above Dan.
The Bakugan felt bad because he didn't know how to help his friends.
Julie carelessly dropped me back on the ground before she grabbed Dan by his shoulders and squeezed them tightly with rage.
Dan groaned in pain as he tried to break free of her grasp.
"Daniel... no!" cried Drago.
"Don't worry about me Drago, I'll be fine. Trust me," Dan assured.
The Dragonoid didn't seem convinced, but he just went along with it.
"Listen up boy, don't you ever put your hands on me! Do I make myself clear?" Julie shouted in his face.
Dan only shook his head at that.
Julie shoved Dan away from her as she released him.
She continued to stare down at me with a look of burning hatred in her eyes.
"Get up Sioku!" the woman screamed again.
The sound of Julie's booming voice caused me to jolt.
Dan frantically shifted his attention back to me.
"Sioku... Sioku... please come back to us. Drago and I are right here for you," he said desperately.
I started to twitch in response to Dan's voice.
"I wish Sioku had Preyas with her," he said to Drago.
"I know, having Preyas around would have been very helpful in this situation. Their bond is already really strong," Drago replied.
Dan gently lifted me into his lap and held me close.
"Please wake up Sioku," he whispered in my ear.
I slowly opened my eyes and saw Dan holding me tightly.
He soothingly stroked my hair as I snuggled into him.
"Dan... what just happened to me?" I asked weakly.
"Oh Sioku, I was really worried about you. You passed out after the mile," Dan answered smoothly.
I gratefully returned the embrace.
"I'm sorry for making you worry about me. My body is exhausted because I overdid it," I said remorsefully.
"You don't have to apologize," Dan replied softly.
Julie pointed down at me and said sarcastically. "Look who finally decided to wake up. I knew you were faking it this whole time. You would do that for the undeserved attention and sympathy."
My heart began to race with anticipation.
Dan glared at her in annoyance but didn't say anything back.
He wanted to give me a chance to explain the situation.
I stared up at Julie and replied calmly. "Mis Julie, please wait a minute. I really did faint after I finished the mile. I put too much strain on my body."
Julie roughly grabbed my shoulders before she ripped me out of Dan's arms.
Dan sat in silence wearing a stunned expression.
I trembled violently under her grasp.
"I don't want to hear your silly excuses. You're coming with me. Get up," she ordered sternly.
"Yes ma'am," I said quietly.
I used all of my strength and will power to force myself back on my feet.
My body desperately wanted me to stay down, but I pushed through the pain as I stood up on my shaking legs.
I used the hyper energy from Preyas' voice as a major boost of adrenaline.
My heart pounded rapidly in my chest as I breathed heavily.
Dan protectively stood behind me and said apprehensively. "Wait Sioku, please don't go with her. You need medical help right now. Let me take you to the infirmary."
Before I could respond, Julie used one of her hands to push dan onto the ground with full force.
My face saddened as I watched him fall.
Dan crashed to the ground with a thud.
"Daniel! Are you all right?" shouted Drago as he floated down to the boy's shoulders.
"I'll be fine Drago," Dan answered as he pulled himself up off the floor.
Julie glared at dan and said bitterly. "I don't know who you think you are boy, but I will not allow you to help this little brat skip her next class."
Dan glared back at her and replied defensively. "Excuse me? Sioku is not a brat. I would never convince her to skip class."
"I'm still taking her," Julie grumbled.
I stared at Dan wearing a somber expression."
"Sorry Dan, but I don't want to see you get hurt again. I'm doing this for your own safety. Besides, I'll still have somebody watching over me when you go to your next class. I'll be all right," I said weakly.,
I then forced myself to start walking with Julie.
Each step hurt badly, but I fought against the pain.
"Sioku... no!" Dan cried as he stood up.
He ran after Julie as she dragged me away.
My legs throbbed in agony even more as I attempted to keep up with Julie.
Tears of exhaustion flowed from my eyes.
I tried to save my strength by breathing deeply.
The only thing pushing me forward was my hyper energy that I had stored away in the back of my mind.
I didn't notice Dan and Drago who were following right behind us.
"Daniel, Sioku is in no condition to defend herself right now! You and I have to help her!" Drago called after him.
"I know Drago, let's go!" Dan shouted back.
They continued to chase Julie and me.
"We're coming Sioku!" Dan hollered in my direction.
I started to perk up when I heard his voice.
"Dan... Drago..." I whispered.
Julie began to lead me off the field.
I felt another wave of dizziness crash into me.
Chills covered my body at an alarming rate.
The shaking in my body intensified.
I panted heavily as the sweat continued to drip profusely down my face.
"Sioku! Quit acting like a baby!" Julie yelled furiously.
I let out a yelp as I jumped in fear.
"Did you not hear what I just said? I'm not falling for that little nervous act of yours!" She yelled again.
I flopped to the ground in response.
A coughing fit suddenly came over me.
I gasped for air as I tried to calm myself down.
My chest felt like it was on fire.
There wasn't any energy left in my weakened body.
Fortunately, I didn't pass out again.
I was still able to keep my eyes open and stay alert.
"Sioku Marie! I'm done playing this stupid game with you! Stand up! " Julie screamed.
I wanted to tell Julie that I couldn't move.
However, my intense fear prevented me from doing so.
I was curled into a ball as I lay still.
My breathing grew shallow as I resisted the urge to drift off.
Much to my relief, Dan and Drago caught up to me.
Dan's eyes widened with horror when he spotted me laying on the ground a second time.
I stared up at him with a pleading look.
"I'm here Sioku," Dan reassured.
The boy turned to Julie with an infuriated glare and hollered. "What the heck have you done to Sioku? Did you make her have another panic attack?"
"No, she is just acting like a selfish child at the moment! Stay out of our business!" Julie shot back.
Dan lifted me into his arms and shouted fearlessly at Julie. "No! I won't let you hurt Sioku anymore!"
Julie grabbed the collar of Dan's shirt and screamed back. "I've had enough of your nonsense boy, put the girl down immediately!"
Dan bravely freed himself from Julie's grip before he hollered sadly. "I will not listen to anything you tell me to do! Sioku doesn't deserve to go through any of this pain! You are done pushing this innocent girl around!"
I twitched in response to the commotion.
"You're going to be okay Sioku, I won't leave your side. Please try to relax," Dan said softly.
Our PE teacher heard all of the yelling and rushed to the scene.
He had a worried look on his face.
"What happened here?" he asked firmly.
A sigh of much needed relief escaped Dan before he answered. "Sioku passed out after she finished the mile. Her energy is low as well."
"Thank you for telling me. Please take her to the nurse immediately," the teacher instructed.
"Yes sir," Dan responded.
Before the teacher could walk away, Julie stood in front of him wearing a frustrated expression.
"Are you seriously going to let them get away? My student is faking her illness," she said with disappointment.
No she isn't, I saw how bad Sioku looks in her friend's arms. She is clearly sick, and there is no denying it. That girl could either end up seriously ill or dead if she doesn't get medical help," the teacher explained sternly.
Without a word, Julie walked away from the conversation.
Dan secured me over his shoulders before he took off in the opposite direction.
I closed my eyes before I drifted off into the darkness.
He then carried me down the steep hill and toward the nurse's office.
"Hang in there Sioku," he whispered.
On our way there, Julie intercepted him by a brick pillar.
"Dan resisted the urge to freak out since he was only focused on helping me.
Julie handed my backpack to Dan before she walked away.
Dan quickly proceeded to walk toward the infirmary.
Once there, Dan opened the door and then rushed inside.
A friendly female nurse met him by the front desk.
"Good afternoon young man," she greeted politely.
"Same to you ma'am," Dan replied.
"How may I help you today?" the nurse continued.
"My friend Sioku Marie collapsed after she finished running the mile," Dan answered as he pointed at me.
The nurse looked down at me with a worried expression.
"Please come with me to the bed. We'll get her situated right away," the nurse said before she led Dan into a room in the back of the building.
"Yes ma'am," Dan replied briefly.
The nurse gently closed the door behind us.
Dan carefully laid me down on the bed.
"I'm still here with you," Dan said as he patted my shoulder.
He then sat down in an empty chair beside the bed.
Drago hovered above his shoulder.
The nurse quickly began her examination.
I shivered as I felt her medical equipment come in contact with my skin.
"You're okay Sioku," Dan assured.
After filling out some paperwork, she turned to Dan and asked. "Pardon me young man, what is your name?"
"Dan Kuso," he simply answered.
"Dan, did anything else happen to Sioku?" the nurse continued.
"She had two panic attacks today," Dan answered sadly.
"Do you know what caused them?" she asked with concern.
"Sioku's academic assistant Julie has been harassing and yelling at her all day," Dan answered with a frown.
In the midst of their conversation, I woke up and looked around the room.
Dan gently took my hand and said with a relieved smile. "Hey Sioku, how are you feeling?"
"I've been better," I whispered back.
Dan squeezed my hand in reassurance and said smoothly. "Don't worry Sioku, the nurse is taking good care of you. You'll feel better in no time at all."
The nurse filled an IV bag with liquid medicine before she hooked it up to a machine.
She then cleaned my arm with a disinfectant wipe.
Afterward, she searched for a vein.
I gasped with fear when I saw the IV machine secured on a metal pole to my left.
My body began to tremble again.
I tried to hide the fear by turning away.
Dan leaned closer to me and asked softly. "What's wrong Sioku?"
"I have an uncontrollable fear of medical equipment," I answered brokenly.
Dan smiled at me and said in a happier tone of voice. "Have no fear Sioku, I know exactly what you need. May I look inside your backpack for something?"
"I don't mind," I answered with a smile of my own.
Dan let go of my hand before he opened up my backpack.
A minute later, he pulled out a familiar object before he closed my backpack.
He then handed it to me.
My face lit up with joy as I stared down at my bakugan.
I started to forget about the medical situation I was in.
"I knew that would help you take yourc mind to a better place," Dan said as he patted my head.
"You're the best," I replied joyfully.
"Oh Preyas... I missed you so much. I'm so glad you're here," I said softly.
"I missed you too Sioku. Where are we right now?" Preyas replied telepathically.
"We just arrived at the infirmary. Dan took us here after I collapsed on the field," I answered.
"Sioku, are you serious? How did that happen?" Preyas said frantically.
"Calm down Preyas, I'll be okay. I just ran too fast during the mile run," I answered gently.
"I'm glad to be next to you again," the Bakugan added.
"I love you Dearest," I thought as I embraced him.
Once she found a vein, the nurse cleaned a needle before she attached it to a long tube.
I stared at Preyas in order to distract myself.
The nurse then inserted the needle into my arm before she wrapped it up.
Preyas watched but didn't say anything.
Deep down, I knew that he was curious.
"Don't worry Preyas, I'm still okay," I promise," I reassured.
I silently winced at the stinging pain.
"You did great Sioku," Dan praised.
"Thank you Dan, I wouldn't have been able to get through that so easily if you and Preyas weren't here with me. I love you guys," I whispered.
The IV machine produced a repetitive beeping sound as soon as she powered it up.
I tightened my hold on Preyas as I started to feel scared.
"I'm sorry Preyas," I thought nervously.
"It's all right Sioku, I understand that you're in a scary situation. Please talk to me whenever you need to," Preyas replied.
Hearing Preyas' voice again helped me relax.
"Sioku, this medicine will hydrate your body. I'll be back to check on you in 20 minutes," said the nurse.
"Thank you ma'am," I replied.
She then exited the room.
Dan stood up from his chair and said. "I'm sorry Sioku, but I have to go now. I'll see you soon."
"Thank you for bringing me here," I replied sincerely.
Dan waved at me before he took his leave.
Preyas and I were now alone in the room.