~~Hello readers, I'm back with a new chapter.
I do not own anything from Bakugan.
Only my original characters belong to me.~~
It was now mid afternoon.
I had just exited my last class of the day.
People were running around in all directions.
"The school day is finally over," I thought.
"That's a relief," replied Preyas.
I followed a large crowd of students as they headed toward the bus ramp.
There were a few busses parked in a line in the parking lot.
I boarded one of the busses and then sat in the seat directly behind the driver.
"This bus will take you and me back home," I said to Preyas.
"I am excited to return home with you Sioku," Preyas replied.
A heated argument between two girls suddenly broke out in the seat across from me.
I looked out the window as the fight raged on.
The yelling was loud enough to catch everybody's attention, even in the back of the bus..
In that moment, everyone went quiet except for those two girls from across the isle.
"You've got to hear this Preyas," I thought.
"What's going on?" the Aquas replied.
"A cat fight," I answered before I laughed.
The argument escalated into a fist fight in a matter of minutes.
Everyone watched the fight with anticipation.
"Both of you quit it!!!" screamed the bus driver as she jumped into the fight.
I couldn't help but laugh at the anger in her voice.
Once the driver had broken it up, both girls were escorted off the bus by a school officer.
The peace had returned once again.
Everyone went back to talking amongst themselves.
"That was crazy Sioku," said Preyas.
"It happens all the time," I replied.
"Are you serious?" Preyas asked in surprise.
"No joke," I answered.
The buss took off as soon as the doors closed.
I slipped into my thoughts as I listened to the constant chattering around me.
Preyas rested peacefully inside my pocket.
Twenty minutes later, the bus pulled into my driveway.
I quickly exited the bus as soon as it came to a stop.
My younger sister Lynn stepped off the bus before she met me by the curb.
"Hi Sioku, how was your day?" she greeted.
"My day was okay, how about yours?" I replied blankly.
"My day was good. I'll race you to the house," Lynn said playfully.
"You're on sis," I replied with joy.
Then I ran straight to the front porch with Lynn following behind me.
Lynn and I could hear Pegasus barking excitedly as we approached the door.
Lynn slowly opened the door for us.
Pegasus panted with excitement as he ran toward me.
"Hi buddy," I said cheerfully.
The dog wagged his bushy tail as he rested his front paws on my knees.
I happily lifted him into my arms.
Pegasus licked my face in response.
Lynn closed the door behind us after I carried Pegasus inside the house.
She then made her way into the dining area.
I gently set Pegasus down on the floor before I entered the living room.
Kara sat down on the long couch while watching Tv.
"Good afternoon Mother," I greeted.
"Hello Sioku, how was school today?" Kara continued.
I let out an exhausted sigh before I explained. "I have both good and bad news for you. The good news is, I met a boy named Dan Kuso. Dan and I became friends right away, and he has been helping me all day. The bad news is, I had a major panic attack in computer class because of Type to Learn. Then I passed out during PE after I ran the mile. Dan literally carried me to the infirmary because my body was exhausted."
Kara's calm expression changed into one of shock as she said with deep concern. "Really? Sioku, please be honest with me. Did Julie do anything to help you?"
"No, Julie just brushed it off and accused me of faking all of my symptoms just to skip class. The PE teacher had to step in and convince Julie that my body was really drained. She also yelled at me for smiling and called me an embarrassment. Julie mentally brought me down with painful insults whenever she got the opportunity. Worst of all, she pushed Dan on the ground for trying to help me. Dan has videos of Julie's awful behavior," I answered with a frown.
Lynn jumped up from her chair and chimed in. "Sioku, are you serious?"
"Yes," I answered briefly.
"That doesn't sound right. I always thought Julie was a nice person," Lynn said sadly.
A long period of silence passed between us.
I stood still with anticipation as I waited for her reaction.
Kara let out a disappointed sigh before she said smoothly. "Don't get upset Sioku, I believe you. However, I never expected that Julie would harm you or anybody else in any way. I would like you to get those videos from Dan and send them to me."
"Yes ma'am, may I please meet him at the park? I can get those videos for you while I'm there with him," I replied.
"Of course, that would be very helpful to me. Please take the dog with you," Kara answered.
"I need to change out of my school clothes first. Thank you Mother," I said with a smile.
Pegasus happily ran around in circles before he hopped onto one of the couches.
He then laid down on the shorter couch and sighed.
I gently rubbed behind his ears.
"Watch this Preyas, my dog is about to go wild. I know exactly how to make him hyper," I thought with a smile.
"This should be interesting," Preyas replied.
I looked at Pegasus and grinned.
"Let's go outside," I said playfully.
Pegasus immediately perked up and started running around again.
"Get down dog!" Kara commanded.
I couldn't help but giggle at that.
Pegasus shook off with excitement before he hopped down onto the floor.
His tail fanned me as he ran circles around my legs.
"Take that dog outside before he has an accident in the house," said Kara.
"I'm on it," I replied as I picked him up.
I quickly carried Pegasus into my bedroom and then closed the door behind me.
"Welcome to my room Dearest," I said with love.
"Sioku, why are you in a hurry?" asked Preyas.
"Pegasus needs to go out," I answered.
I carefully lowered Pegasus to the ground.
Pegasus began to sniff the floor.
I looked sternly at the dog and shouted. "Pegasus! Don't even think about it!"
Pegasus looked up at me in response.
"What's going on?" asked Preyas.
I gently pulled the Aquas Bakugan out of my pants pocket and answered. "Pegasus was about to relieve himself in here."
"That doesn't sound good," Preyas added.
I gently setPreyas down on my desk before I walked over to my closet and opened it.
Preyas remained still as he looked around my room.
He then stared at Pegasus who was sitting by the door.
"Are you okay Preyas?" I asked as I looked at him.
"Yes, I'm just looking at your dog. He is really cute," Preyas answered.
"I'm glad you like him," I said joyfully.
I changed into jeans and a regular T-shirt before I slipped on a pair of tennis shoes.
After closing the closet, I rushed back to my desk.
"Come here Preyas," I said as I grabbed him.
I then placed him into my pocket.
"Let's go Pegasus," I said as I grabbed my bag.
Pegasus shook off in response.
I lifted the dog into my arms before I exited my room.
"Sioku, I need you to be back by 5:00. We will make dinner around that time," Kara said as I entered the living room.
"Okay Mom, Pegasus and I will see you in two hours. I won't be late," I replied.
"Have fun," Kara added.
I grabbed a leash off of the hook and then clipped the metal end onto Pegasus' harness.
"Let's go boy," I said as I set him down.
The dog shook off with excitement.
I happily exited the apartment with Pegasus running beside me.
"Sioku, where are we going?" asked Preyas.
"We're meeting Dan and Drago at the park," I answered telepathically.
Pegasus and I walked leisurely down the block until we reached the street corner.
After crossing the street, Pegasus and I arrived at the entrance to a park.
We waited patiently by the front gate.
A few minutes later, I spotted Dan walking toward me.
I smiled and waved at him.
Pegasus wagged his tail wildly and tugged on the leash as Dan came closer.
"Settle down," I commanded firmly.
The dog only tugged harder and started barking.
"Pegasus! I told you to settle down!" I shouted sternly.
The dog started to whimper in response.
I firmly pulled him toward me and held the leash tightly.
"Sit," I ordered.
Pegasus sat down by my feet.
"Preyas Love, I appologize for all of the chaos. My dog just got too excited when he saw Dan," I thought.
"That didn't bother me," Preyas assured.
Dan grinned as he approached Pegasus and me.
Drago hovered above his shoulder.
"Hello Sioku, I'm happy to see you again. Your dog looks cute," he greeted.
"You're looking well Sioku," Drago added.
I pointed down at Pegasus and replied. "Thanks Drago, I'm glad to see both of you as well. This little knucklehead right here is Pegasus. He won't bite you," I replied.
Dan opened the gate before he led me inside.
"Thank you good sir," I said with a smile.
Dan only smiled back.
We sat down on a wooden bench that had flowers growing underneath it.
Pegasus dug around in the grass before he laid down.
Without hesitating, I lightly lifted Preyas out of my pocket and placed him in my lap.
"Preyas, this nice boy is my friend Dan Kuso," I said as I pointed at him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Dan. I am Aquas Preyas," the Bakugan greeted.
"Same to you Preyas," Dan replied.
Preyas stared down at Pegasus who was fast asleep.
Dan put his arm around me and said smoothly. "Sioku, how have you been since we left school?"
I lovingly snuggled into him.
"I've been fine," I answered quietly.
"I'm so glad to have Preyas out here with us. He needs the fresh air," I added.
A brief period of silence passed between us.
I reached into my bag and pulled out my phone.
"Speaking of school, will you please send me those videos of Julie? My mom wants to see them," I said calmly.
"Sure," Dan answered as he retrieved his phone.
After sending the videos, Dan pointed at Preyas and said with concern. "Hey Sioku, your Bakugan is very quiet today. Is he all right?"
"Yes, he's just looking down at Pegasus. Preyas is really starting to like him," I answered.
"I like your dog as well," Dan said happily.
"I should tell you about Preyas' situation before I forget," I replied.
"I almost forgot about that," Dan said suddenly.
I went on to explain the whole story of my Bakugan's past to Dan.
Dan sat still as he listened attentively.
The heartbreaking story about Preyas and his previous master stunned him beyond words.
"I apologize if I made you upset," I said sadly.
"Don't worry Sioku, I am only concerned about your Bakugan. He never should have been with a hideous girl like Kiera. Now that you mention it, I did recognize her in class today. I invited Kiera into my online group chat as soon as she became a brawler. At first, everything seemed to be going well. Everyone was getting along and having fun. A few days later, Kiera started picking fights with the other girls for no reason. She would also insult Preyas in front of us. Worst of all, Kiera constantly cyber bullied the youngest member of our group. The oldest member removed that girl from our group after he yelled at her," Dan explained.
"Oh Dan... I'm so sorry. Dealing with that evil girl must have been very rough for all of you," I said sympathetically.
Another long period of silence passed by.
Dan stared up at Drago as he said in a cheerful tone of voice. "Would you like to have a friendly brawl now?"
"You bet I would," I answered with joy.
"All right!" Dan hollered.
I laughed out loud in response.
Pegasus woke up and shook off.
As soon as we stood up, Dan excitedly led Pegasus and me to an open field.
"Field open!" Dan called out as he turned on the brawling arena.
My eyes widened with joy at the sight.
"Gate card set!" Dan called again as he threw a card down on the field.
He then released his Bakugan and shouted. "Bakugan... brawl! Drago... stand!"
The Pyrus Dragonoid instantly came to life.
I gasped in amazement as I stared at it.
"Wo, that creature looks awesome!" I hollered with glee.
"This big guy is my best pal," Dan replied.
I released my Bakugan and called out. "Bakugan... brawl! Preyas... stand!"
"Hold on Sioku! Please don't put me in there! No no no!" Preyas cried once he was released.
Preyas' plea startled me into utter shock.
I was both scared and confused.
The Aquas Bakugan panted and trembled violently as he stood in one spot.
A look of terror became present in his features as soon as he saw Drago floating in front of him.
"You'll be okay Preyas," I assured.
Preyas stared at me with a pleading look.
"Preyas doesn't look so good," said Drago.
"Sioku, what's up with your bakugan?" asked Dan.
"I don't know Dan, I've never seen him act this way. Preyas might be under post traumatic stress right now" I answered fearfully.
"I think you're right," Dan whispered.
This new situation surprised me in a fearful way.
I didn't know what to expect.
"Preyas? What's the matter..." I said with a pause.
I immediately became speechless as I caught sight of the humanoid Chamaeleon.
Even though Preyas wasn't as big as Drago, he looked absolutely stunning outside the orb.
"Oh my gosh... this Bakugan is gorgeous," I thought with a dreamy smile.
I quickly pushed those feelings away in order to find out what was wrong with Preyas.
"Preyas, please talk to me. What just happened to you?" I said smoothly.
My Bakugan remained frozen in place.
"Preyas Love, I need you to come back to me. Listen to my voice," I said gently.
"It's all right Preyas," Drago added softly.
Preyas looked at me but didn't move.
Seeing the panic-stricken look on my best friend's face broke my heart.
I just couldn't let him stay like that any longer.
"I'm sorry Sioku, but this isn't a good time to brawl. Your Bakugan is in no condition to fight," Dan said as he closed the battle field.
"You're right Dan," I replied softly.
Both Drago and Preyas instantly reverted back into their ball forms.
Preyas' breathing became shallow as he lay still in the thick grass.
I carefully knelt down on the floor next to my Bakugan.
He looked absolutely terrified.
Seeing one of my best friends so afraid tugged at my heart emotionally.
"Come here Dearest, it's all over now. I've got you," I said soothingly as I gently grabbed him.
Preyas remained still and silent.
He shivered violently in my hands.
"Hey, hey, I'm right here Preyas, calm down. I won't let anyone hurt you. You're safe with me," I reassured as I rubbed the orb in a comforting way.
The Bakugan still didn't respond.
I affectionately held Preyas close to my chest and started walking around the area.
Pegasus calmly strolled beside me.
"Good dog Pegasus," I praised.
Dan stared at me in admiration and said warmly. "Wow Sioku, I've never seen anybody care for their Bakugan like that. You and your Preyas are as close as you two can get."
"I love this little guy so much. Preyas is one of my best friends," I replied as I tightened my hold on him.
A long period of silence passed by.
I continued to walk around while holding Preyas.
Preyas finally started to calm down.
I telepathically sang one of my favorite songs to him.
The melody soothed him enough to relax in my embrace.
Dan slowly walked up to me with Drago hovering above him.
"Hey Sioku, is your Bakugan all right?" he asked softly.
I stared up at the concerned boy and answered. "Yes Dan, Preyas is asleep. Thank you for ending the battle for him. You saved my Bakugan's life."
"You're very welcome Sioku, your Bakugan's reaction to Drago caught me by surprise. I can't imagine what would have happened to your Preyas if Drago attacked him," Dan replied quietly.
We cautiously made our way back to the wooden bench and then sat down.
Dan placed his hand over my Bakugan and said remorsefully. "Preyas, this is Dan Kuso talking to you. I apologize for scaring you earlier."
I put my arm around Dan's shoulders and assured. "It's okay Dan, I'm sure he's not mad at you. Please don't be sad."
"Thank you Sioku," he said gratefully.
"The only person we have to blame for this whole situation would be Kiera," I whispered in Dan's ear.
"Preyas is very lucky to have a kind-hearted person like you as his partner," Dan whispered back.
"I would say the same about you and Drago," I said with a bright smile.
"I appreciate the kind words," he replied.
In the midst of our conversation, Pegasus let out a low growl and then began to bark loudly.
Preyas woke up and opened his eyes.
Fortunately, the noise didn't bother him.
He actually seemed amused by my dog's behavior.
"Hi Preyas," I said softly.
The Bakugan stared wearily at me.
"I'm still here Dearest," I reassured.
"Sioku," the Aquas whispered.
Yes Love, are you okay? How are you feeling?" I continued gently.
"Tired," Preyas answered briefly.
"I know Preyas, I'm really sorry for sending you into a battle. I didn't know that you were afraid of brawling," I said sadly.
Preyas took a deep breath before he replied. "Please don't blame yourself Sioku, this mess is all my fault. I forgot to mention that in the infirmary."
"It's all right Preyas, you can tell me later. You just need to rest and relax right now," I said in a happier tone.
I curiously scanned the area to find out what my dog was barking at.
A lady was walking through the grass field with a medium sized dog following behind her.
I quickly slipped Preyas into my pocket and then picked Pegasus up.
"I'm sorry Preyas," I thought.
Preyas yawned in response.
Pegasus whimpered as he kept looking at the big dog.
I gave Pegasus a firm tap on his nose and commanded. "Stop that right now."
"What's going on?" asked Dan.
"My dog almost got himself into trouble again. He tries to challenge bigger dogs to a fight whenever we go for a walk," I answered.
"Your dog has a lot of energy," said Drago.
"He reminds me of myself," I replied.
I set Pegasus down on the floor as soon as the lady and her dog vanished from my sight.
Then I checked the time on my phone.
My lock screen read: 4:45.
"Excuse me Dan, but I have to go home now. I'll see you and Drago at school tomorrow morning," I said with a small smile.
"We'll see you there as well Sioku," he replied.
"Have a good night," Drago added.
I waved at them before I walked away.
Pegasus and I quickly walked back across the street and up the block toward our apartment.
Luckily, Preyas didn't mind the rush.
I hung up Pegasus' leash as soon as we entered.
Pegasus ran around in circles before he hopped onto one of the couches.
Lynn and my mom were watching Tv in the living room.
"Hi Sioku," Lynn greeted.
"Good evening Lynn," I replied.
"Hello Sioku, thank you for returning early. I would like to speak with you in my bedroom," said Kara.
"Of course Mother," I replied as I walked toward her.
Kara stood up before she led me down the hallway and into a large master bedroom.
She then closed the door behind us.
I sat down in a rolling chair while Kara sat on her bed.
"Sioku, thank you for sending me those videos. I didn't realize how bad Julie had been treating you at school," she started.
"I don't blame you at all," I replied sincerely.
Kara cleared her throat before she continued. "I have already filed a report to the authorities. Julie has been arrested and taken into custity by the police."
A feeling of instant relief washed over me.
However, I refused to make a comment about it.
A brief moment of silence passed between us.
"Pardon me Mother, but do I still need an academic assistant?" I asked curiously.
"Yes, I spoke to a man 30 minutes before you returned home. Don't worry Sioku, he is very friendly. His name is Zenoheld, and he is very excited to meet you tomorrow," she answered happily.
I smiled as a feeling of joy coursed through my body.
The news made me feel emotional in a good way.
I started to feel excited about meeting my new academic assistant tomorrow morning.
"Thank you Mother," I said quietly.
"You're most welcome," Kara replied.
I slipped into my thoughts while staring at the vase of roses which decorated Mom's desk.
"Sioku, it's time to go make supper now. Please meet me in the kitchen," Kara said as she stood up.
"Yes ma'am," I replied.
I followed her out the door and down the hallway.
Pegasus met me in the living room.
I playfully ruffled his fur.
He nipped at me in return.
I wanted to play rough with the dog in order to provide another distraction for Preyas.
~Time Skip to After Dinner~
It was now early evening.
My mom, Lynn, and I were cleaning up the kitchen.
I washed the dishes while Kara put the leftover food away and wiped down the counters.
Lynn wiped down the dining table.
I couldn't stop thinking about the news that I had received earlier in Mom's bedroom.
It almost made me forget that Preyas was still in my pocket.
The Bakugan had been asleep since Pegasus and I left the park.
Once our chores were finished, I led Pegasus into my bedroom and closed the door behind me.
Pegasus hopped onto my bed and laid down.
I gently set Preyas on my desk before I changed into my pajamas.
"I'll be right back Dearest," I assured.
Preyas stared at Pegasus who was asleep on my bed.
I was both surprised and relieved when he didn't freak out.
However, I didn't want to leave him there for long because of the brawl incident at the park.
Then I rushed into the bathroom to brush my teeth.
That man named Zenoheld was still fresh on my mind.
Afterward, I grabbed Preyas before I climbed into my bed next to Pegasus.
Pegasus was curled up under the covers.
I situated myself carefully in order to keep both of my companions calm.
"I've got you Preyas," I said soothingly.
The Aquas looked at me in response.
I held the Bakugan close to me in a loving way.
He seemed to be much calmer now.
Preyas closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
"Sweet dreams Preyas," I said softly.
Complete silence filled my room as I lay still.
A few minutes later, I drifted into the darkness.