~~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 still mid afternoon at Zenoheld's house.

Zenoheld had just introduced me to his masked friend named Spectra.

I had also told Spectra and Zenoheld one of my most traumatic stories from the past.

Zenoheld, Spectra, and I were relaxing on the couch while Hydron played rough with two of the dogs.

I watched gleefully as Hydron wrestled with both dogs on the kitchen floor.

Dryoid and Farbros nipped at Hydron playfully as he ruffled their fur.

Spectra's dog Helios sat still in my lap with his head on my shoulder.

Having my friends around helped me stay relaxed.

I enjoyed holding one of the dogs while watching Hydron play with the others.

Spectra put a gentle hand on my back and asked. "Sioku, how are you feeling?"

"I'm okay," I whispered.

"That's good," Zenoheld chimed in as he patted my head.

I blushed wearing a joyful expression.

Zenoheld noticed my pink cheeks and laughed in adoration.

The masked man smiled and continued. "Do you want to see something funny?"

I simply nodded in response.

"Come here Helios," Spectra commanded.

Helios didn't move from his spot.

The dog acted as if he didn't hear Spectra.

I laughed before I said. "Helios, your master is calling you."

The dog lifted his head but still didn't move.

Helios stared intently at his master.

"Watch this," said Spectra as he wrapped his arms around Helios' body.

I sat still with an anticipated look.

The dog glared at Spectra with annoyance and started to growl.

I laughed and stared at Spectra with a surprised expression.

"Why in the world is Helios growling at you?" I asked in confusion.

"My dog doesn't like to be bothered whenever he is helping somebody," Spectra answered as he released his grip on Helios.

I rubbed the dog's back gently and complemented. "You're such a loyal dog. Spectra is very lucky to have you."

Helios yawned in response.

"How did I get so lucky to have such wonderful friends like all of you in my life?" I asked with a bright smile.

Zenoheld and Spectra smiled back.

In the midst of our conversation, Hydron came running into the living room followed by Dryoid and Farbros.

I giggled at the sound of the dogs' heavy panting.

The dogs barked and chased Hydron in circles around the wooden coffee table.

"Be careful Hydron!" shouted Zenoheld who wore a tense expression.

I immediately perked up at Zenoheld's hollering and grinned.

"That man is so dreamy," I thought with a sigh.

Hydron quickly dropped the rubber ball in his hand and responded. "Oops, I'm so sorry Father. Are all of you okay?"

I stared at Hydron's face and couldn't help but laugh at his remorseful expression.

He looked as innocent as a toddler.

Dryoid picked up the ball using his mouth and carried it down the hall.

"We're fine," I answered briefly.

"I just didn't want the other dogs to jump all over Sioku and Helios," Zenoheld continued.

"Helios could snap at one of them and start a huge fight," Spectra added.

"Has he ever done that to another dog before?" I asked curiously.

"Yes, it happened because Hydron was playing too rough with Dryoid and Farbros near him one time. Helios got into a big fight with Farbros. Fights between big dogs like these three are not easy to break up," Spectra explained.

"That sounds really rough," I said.

Farbros calmly climbed onto the couch and sat down in the space between Zenoheld and me.

"Welcome back Farbros," I said while petting him.

The dog let out a soft sigh.

"Farbros might be tired after playing with Hydron," replied Zenoheld.

The bearded man put his arm around Farbros in a loving way.

"I want to try riling these dogs up one time," I added with a grin.

"I would gladly teach you how to do that," Hydron offered.

"We should do it outside though," I replied.

To my surprise, Dryoid walked slowly over to the couch with the squeaky ball in his mouth.

"Give me the ball Dryoid," I said with a playful smile.

The Golden Retriever dropped his ball on the ground and wagged his fluffy tail.

He stood patiently while staring at me.

I picked up the ball and squeaked it to get Dryoid's attention.

Dryoid continued to stare at me and whimpered.

"Go get it," I said while throwing the ball.

Dryoid turned around and chased the ball down the hallway.

I couldn't help but giggle at that.

"Sioku, my dog loves to play fetch. He'll do it all day," said Hydron.

"My furry friend Pegasus plays fetch too," I replied.

A long period of silence passed by.

I snuggled up to Helios and closed my eyes in deep thought.

The Yellow Lab's fur felt soft against my skin.

Farbros lay asleep in the space beside me.

Spectra petted Helios under his floppy ears.

"You're such a good therapy dog," he said softly.

Another long period of silence passed by.

"Sioku, do your Bakugan know about Julie?" asked Zenoheld.

"Yes sir, Preyas doesn't like Julie at all. He's afraid of her," I answered sadly.

"That's understandable," Hydron added.

"Pardon me Sioku, but may I have a brawl with you?" Spectra chimed in.

"Of course, but you'll have to battle with Akwimos. I'll slowly try to get Preyas to watch," I answered happily.

I nudged Helios gently and said. "Come on boy, let's go outside."

Helios lifted his head and shook off.

I couldn't help but giggle at that.

Helios then hopped down onto the floor.

"Please excuse me Zenoheld, Spectra and I are going out to the back yard. We'll come in after our brawl," I said.

"Have fun," he replied.

"Hold on Sioku, may I watch your battle?" asked Hydron.

"You sure can, just follow us outside. Dryoid and the others can come too if they want," I answered as I stood up.

Hydron then led Spectra and me out the back door.

Dryoid and Helios rushed after us while panting and wagging their tails.

We strolled down a grassy path that led to an open field.

"The weather is still beautiful today," I commented.

"It's the perfect day for a brawl," replied Spectra.

The dogs turned away and began to run laps around the yard.

Hydron pointed to a brawling arena and said. "My father and I have brawls out here all the time. Feel free to battle as long as you want to."

"Thank you Hydron," I replied graciously.

Spectra and I stood at each end of the arena.

I then pulled both of my Bakugan out of my pockets.

They hovered in ball form on either side of me.

Preyas remained silent as he looked around the yard.

"Hello mis Sioku, what's happening?" greeted Akwimos.

I immediately perked up at the sound of Akwimos' voice.

Akwimos' positive energy instantly brightened up my mood.

"Hi Akwimos, would you like to have a brawl with Pyrus Helios?" I replied with the same amount of enthusiasm.

"Cool is the rule mis Sioku, I would love to have a brawl with him. This will be fun," Akwimos answered with glee.

I smiled brightly as I pulled Akwimos into a tight hug.

"I just adore your bubbly personality," I complemented.

"Thank you very much mis Sioku, I love your sweet personality. I'm so glad to be here with you and your little dude," Akwimos replied.

Preyas caught sight of the brawling arena and immediately hid behind me.

He shivered anxiously against my back.

After releasing Akwimos, I carefully turned around and grabbed Preyas.

"Come here Love," I said soothingly.

The Bakugan started to shake violently in my hands.

I held Preyas affectionately against my chest in order to try and sooth him.

"Hey Dearest, are you all right?" I asked softly.

"No Sioku, please don't send me out there. I don't want to fight," Preyas answered fearfully.

I hugged my frightened companion tighter and sed gently. "It's okay Preyas, Akwimos is going to battle Helios. Do you think you can watch?"

"I'll try," Preyas whispered shyly.

"Thank you so much Dearest, I'm really proud of you. You're taking a big step toward conquering your fear. I'll be right here with you through the entire brawl," I said while rubbing him in a gentle way.

"I appreciate that," Preyas replied quietly.

Spectra turned on the brawling arena and called out. "Gate card open!"

He then threw a card down and said. "Gate card set."

Preyas climbed onto my shoulder and stared down at the arena with a hint of fear in his expression.

"You'll be okay Preyas," I reassured.

Spectra released his Bakugan and called out. "Bakugan brawl! Bakugan stand! Go Pyrus Helios!"

A huge grin stretched across my face when I heard Spectra raise his voice.

My heart raced with joy at a fast pace.

I almost couldn't contain my excitement.

"Oh wow, this man is gorgeous. Brawling against him is a huge honor," I thought dreamily.

The Pyrus Bakugan grew to its full size which was a huge dragon with spikes on its shoulders, horns on its head, and colossal wings.

"Wow Spectra, your Bakugan looks really cool. I like him a lot," I said with a look of admiration.

"Helios and I have been together for a long time now," Spectra replied.

I released my own Bakugan and shouted. "Bakugan brawl! Bakugan stand! Go Aquos Akwimos!"

"Cool is the rule dude," said Akwimos as he grew to his full size.

I became speechless while staring spellbound at the merman.

"Akwimos looks absolutely stunning outside of his ball form," I thought while blushing.

Preyas glanced at Akwimos and then turned away.

"Hey mis Sioku, what are you blushing for?" asked Akwimos as he noticed my pink cheeks.

"You look beautiful," I answered out loud.

My face immediately turned bright red after I said that.

I buried my face into my sweater in an attempt to hide it.

Hydron laughed hysterically at the sight of my red cheeks.

"Sioku looks like she's in love," he teased.

"Cut it out Hydron," Spectra responded with a stern look toward the boy.

"He's okay," I assured.

Preyas began to tremble with fear when he saw both Bakugan outside of their ball forms.

A wave of terror washed over him.

He became restless and jumped back into my arms.

"Come here Preyas," I said soothingly while embracing him.

The Bakugan shivered violently in my arms.

Preyas looked up at me and replied timidly. "I'm sorry Sioku, but I don't think I can watch this fight. Seeing those huge Bakugan brawl might trigger a flashback."

I placed my hand over Preyas and started rubbing him in a comforting way.

"Calm down Dearest, I'm right here. I've got you," I reassured softly.

Preyas snuggled against my chest for comfort.

I thought about pacing around with Preyas, but our Bakugan had already been released.

Spectra looked at me concerned and asked. "Is your other Bakugan all right?"

"No sir, my Preyas is terrified. He may not be able to watch this battle," I explained.

"That's understandable, watching our brawl might be too much stress for Preyas to handle. He has already made progress by watching Helios and Akwimos grow to their full size," Spectra said calmly.

"You're right Spectra," I replied softly.

Preyas slowly started to calm down as I held him tight.

I carefully slipped Preyas into my pocket.

Preyas closed his eyes and fell asleep.

"Rest well Preyas," I thought.

"Mis Sioku, is your little dude okay?" asked Akwimos.

"Yes, but Preyas can't watch this battle. I don't want to overwhelm him," I answered.

Spectra played the first card and called out. "Ability activate, General Quasar!"

Two-hundred Gs were added to Helios' power level which brought his total up from 600 Gs to 800 Gs.

Akwimos was then knocked backward by a blast of fire.

"Nice shot dude," Akwimos complemented as he pulled himself up.

I played a card and called out. "Ability activate, Heal Wave!"

My Bakugan's power level rose from 900 Gs to 1,200 Gs.

Akwimos unleashed a massive wall of water that washed over Helios.

Spectra played another card and shouted. "Ability activate, Void Stream!"

Four-hundred Gs were extracted from Akwimos' power level which brought it down to 800 Gs.

Both Bakugan now had the same power level.

Preyas sensed the battle going on from inside my pocket and became restless.

His body started to heat up.

I affectionately placed my hand over the frightened Bakugan and thought smoothly. "Calm down Preyas, I'm right here."

Preyas remained silent in response.

"What's wrong Sioku?" asked Spectra.

"Preyas freaked out again," I answered calmly.

I played another card and called out. "Ability activate, Shadow Pincer Double!"

This ability transferred 300 Gs from Helios to Akwimos.

Akwimos' power level rose to 1,100 Gs, and Helios' dropped to 500 Gs.

Before Spectra could play another card, my phone started to ring in my bag.

I pulled the object out and unlocked it.

My mom's name popped up on the screen.

"Please excuse me Spectra, but I have to take this. We might continue brawling in a few minutes," I said.

"Take your time," Spectra replied.

I put the phone up to my ear and said. "Hello Mother, what's up?"

"Hi Sioku, I would like you to come home. You need to start preparing for school tomorrow," Kara answered on the other end.

"Okay Mother, I'll ask Zenoheld to take me home as soon as I go back inside the house. We should be there soon," I replied.

"That's fine, I'll see you then. Please stay safe," Kara said before she hung up the phone.

I then placed the object back into my bag.

"I'm sorry Spectra, but we have to end the brawl. My mom wants me to go home," I said remorsefully.

Spectra turned off the battle arena, and both Bakugan reverted back to their ball forms.

I picked Akwimos up and said with a smile. "Welcome back Akwimos, did you enjoy your brawl?"

"You know it," Akwimos answered cheerfully.

"Don't worry Sioku, I understand that you have important business to attend to. I would be happy to have a brawl with you the next time we meet," Spectra replied smoothly.

I decided to check on my Preyas since we were still outside.

"Come here Preyas," I said while carefully lifting him out of my pocket.

The shy Bakugan woke up and opened his eyes.

"It's okay Preyas, the brawl is over now. We are about to go home soon. How are you feeling?" I continued softly.

"Very tired," Preyas answered with a yawn.

"You're going to be all right little dude," assured Akwimos as he hovered next to us.

I gently slipped both Akwimos and Preyas back into my pockets.

Spectra picked up Pyrus Helios and then led me back inside the house.

Hydron and the dogs followed behind us.

Dryoid and Helios ran circles around Hydron while whipping him with their tails.

"Watch this Sioku," said Hydron as he grinned at me.

I stared up at the boy in response.

Hydron pointed to his dogs and commanded. "Let's go."

He then raced both dogs into the living room.

I giggled at the sound of their nails sliding across the tile floor.

The dogs panted heavily while running after Hydron.

Spectra led me into the living room where all of the commotion was happening.

Zenoheld sat on the couch reading a book.

He didn't pay any attention to the chaotic scene going on around him.

I laughed hysterically as I watched Dryoid hop into Zenoheld's lap and start licking his face.

Farbros lifted his head and let out a low warning growl.

Dryoid barked loudly in Farbros' face.

"Get down Dryoid," scolded Zenoheld with an irritated look.

Dryoid slid off of Zenoheld's lap and shook off.

Zenoheld dropped his book down on the couch and glared at his son with frustration.

"Darn it Hydron, go rile these dogs up somewhere else!" he hollered.

I hid my face and giggled to myself.

Zenoheld's hollering lit a spark of hyperactivity in my mind.

Hydron laughed out loud before he responded. "Yes Father, I'll take Dryoid to my bedroom."

"I don't think this is funny Hydron, you know better than to get the dogs wound up in here. Many accidents have happened in this room because of your careless behavior," Zenoheld said sternly.

My smile widened as I listened to Zenoheld's voice.

Hydron bowed his head and replied. "I understand, Father."

Dryoid and the boy then disappeared into another room.

Spectra whistled at his dog and commanded. "Helios, come over here."

Helios calmly walked up to Spectra while wagging his tail gently.

"Good boy," Spectra praised as he petted the dog's head.

I strolled over to the couch where Zenoheld and Farbros were sitting.

Farbros lay asleep with his head in Zenoheld's lap.

The large dog looked absolutely adorable.

I grinned at the sight of his droopy face.

Zenoheld looked up from his book and smiled at me.

"Hello Sioku, how was your brawl with Spectra?" he greeted.

I sat down on Zenoheld's other side and answered. "Our battle was fun, but my mom called me in the middle of it. She wants me to go home so I can start getting prepared for school tomorrow."

"I'll take you home right now," said Zenoheld as he set his book down on the coffee table.

He nudged Farbros gently to wake him up.

Farbros lifted his head and shook his ears.

"You're so cute Farbros," I said while ruffling his fur.

Farbros yawned in response.

"Let's go outside Farbros," urged Zenoheld.

Farbros slid onto the floor and shook off.

I grabbed Zenoheld's hand and helped him get back on his feet.

"Thank you Sioku," Zenoheld said graciously.

"No problem," I replied as I hugged him.

I then gave Spectra a hug and said. "It was nice meeting you Spectra, I had a lot of fun with you and Helios today."

Spectra returned the embrace and replied. "Same to you Sioku, I enjoyed talking to you. I hope we'll be able to meet again sometime."

Helios calmly squeezed himself in between Spectra and me.

"Hi Helios," I said as I ruffled the dog's fur.

Spectra gently petted Helios under his floppy ears.

The dog licked my face in return.

I put my arm around the dog and said. "You're a good dog Helios, thank you for helping me cheer up."

Helios laid his head on my shoulder and sighed.

"Are you ready to go Sioku?" asked Zenoheld from behind me.

"Yes sir," I answered while releasing my friends.

Helios lowered himself to the floor and shook off.

I then turned around and joined Zenoheld by the window.

"I'll be back in a half hour," said Zenoheld to Spectra.

"Hydron and I will be just fine," Spectra replied.

Zenoheld took my hand in his and led me out the front door.

I blushed internally at that.

Zenoheld's kind gestures always gave me a sense of safety and security.

Farbros followed behind us while wagging his tail.

I giggled at the sound of his tail tapping on a few objects along the way.

"Good bye Farbros," I said as we exited the house.

The dog sat down by a chain-link fence.

Zenoheld helped me get situated in his car before he climbed into the driver's seat.

I waved at Farbros as we drove away.

"You really like my dog, don't you?" asked Zenoheld as he smiled at me.

"Yes sir, your dog has a loving personality. I look forward to my next visit with all of you," I answered while returning the smile.

Zenoheld patted my shoulder lightly and said. "I'm glad you had a good time with us. You are more than welcome to come back to my house."

"Thank you sir," I replied graciously.

I stared out the window and slipped into my thoughts.

"Mis Sioku, are you all right?" asked Akwimos.

"Yes, how about you?" I responded.

"I'm okay, do you know how your little dude is doing?" Akwimos continued.

"No, but I'll ask him. Thanks for your concern," I answered sincerely.

A brief period of silence passed by.

"Hey Preyas, how are you feeling?" I asked telepathically.

"Tired but fine," Preyas answered softly.

I reached into my pocket and affectionately held onto Preyas.

"Don't worry Dearest, we'll be home soon. You and Akwimos can rest in my bed while I prepare myself for school tomorrow," I said smoothly.

"You'll be all right little dude," Akwimos added.

Preyas started to relax as he sank into my touch.

A long period of complete silence passed by.

Fifteen minutes later, Zenoheld parked his car into the driveway of my apartment.

It was now late afternoon.

I was pulled out of my thought process when the car came to a complete stop.

Zenoheld and I then hopped out of his car and proceeded into the apartment building.

I could hear Pegasus barking and whimpering as we walked up the steps that led to my place.

"My dog is crazy," I said to Zenoheld.

"He's cute as well," the man replied.

Zenoheld knocked on the door closest to the stairs.

"Come in," answered Kara from inside.

I opened the door slowly and entered the apartment with Zenoheld following behind me.

Pegasus immediately raced over to us while barking crazily.

I lowered myself down to the little dog's level.

"Come here boy," I said.

Pegasus jumped into my arms.

I hugged the dog close to me as he fanned me with his bushy tail.

Pegasus looked up at Zenoheld and started barking at him.

"You stop that," I scolded while tightening my hold on him.

Pegasus continued to stare up at Zenoheld and whimpered with excitement.

"Shut up dog," Kara commanded.

I buried my face into Pegasus' fur and giggled to myself.

My mom pointed down at me and said. "Sioku, please go put that dog in your bedroom."

"Yes ma'am," I responded as I stood up with him still in my arms.

I then carried the hyperactive dog into my bedroom and closed the door behind me.

Pegasus ran circles around my legs as soon as I set him down on the ground.

"Settle down Pegasus," I said with a look of annoyance.

The dog shook off and then hopped onto my bed.

Akwimos heard the commotion and laughed.

"My dog is hyper right now," I thought.

I carefully lifted both Bakugan out of my pockets and set them on the bed as gently as I could.

"Akwimos, will you please watch Preyas until I come back?" I asked quietly.

Akwimos snuggled next to Preyas and answered. "Of course mis Sioku, I would love to watch over him. Your little dude will be safe with me."

"Thank you Akwimos, you're so helpful to me. I love you and Preyas so much," I said with love.

"I love you too mis Sioku," Akwimos whispered.

I turned around and walked quietly toward the door.

Then I exited my bedroom while Pegasus wasn't looking.

Without hesitation, I rushed back to the living room where my mom and Zenoheld were waiting.

"I apologize for keeping you guys waiting," I said breathlessly as I approached them.

"No worries," Kara replied calmly.

Zenoheld pulled me into a gentle embrace and said. "Welcome back Sioku, I missed you."

"I missed you too Zenoheld," I replied while returning the hug.

We could hear Pegasus whimpering and scratching on the door of my bedroom.

"Stop that Pegasus," scolded Kara.

I couldn't help but giggle at that.

Zenoheld noticed my smile and laughed along with me.

"Our dog is hyperactive," I commented.

"He reminds me of my son's dog," replied Zenoheld.

I turned to my mom as a thought crossed my mind.

"Excuse me Mother, has Pegasus gone outside recently?" I asked curiously.

"Yes Sioku, Lynn took the dog for a walk before you came home. He should be fine," Kara answered smoothly.

I backed away slowly as Zenoheld and I released each other.

"Good bye Sioku, I'll see you tomorrow after school. Enjoy the rest of your day," he said with a smile.

"I'm looking forward to it, thanks for letting me hang out with you today. Have a good night," I replied graciously.

Zenoheld exited our apartment and closed the door behind him.

I watched out the window as he drove away.

"You may go let Pegasus out now," said Kara.

Without a word, I walked back to my room and opened the door.

Pegasus immediately bolted into the living room while panting and wagging his tail.

"Settle down dog," ordered Kara.

Pegasus hopped onto one of the couches and laid down.

I sat down on the couch next to him.

The dog curled up next to me and closed his eyes.

I slipped into my thoughts while petting him softly.

"Akwimos, is Preyas all right?" I asked telepathically.

"Don't worry mis Sioku, your little dude is just fine. He's asleep next to me," Akwimos answered.

A long period of silence passed by.

Pegasus lifted his head when he heard the sound of a door opening.

I looked toward the open door and saw Lynn walking down the hall.

Pegasus jumped up and started wagging his bushy tail.

I took the dog into my arms and held him close.

"You need to settle down," I said firmly.

Pegasus shook his head in response.

Lynn entered the living room and approached the couch where Pegasus and I were sitting.

Pegasus broke free of my embrace and placed his front paws on Lynn's shoulders.

Lynn gently ruffled the dog's long fur.

"Good afternoon Lynn, how was your day?" I greeted with a smile.

"My day was good, how about yours?" Lynn replied.

"I hung out with my friends and Zenoheld today," I answered gleefully.

Pegasus hopped off of the couch and stood by Lynn's side.

He followed Lynn as she strolled into the kitchen.

Kara looked at me and said. "Sioku, I looked at your job application earlier this morning. I will allow you to work at the cafe with your friends after school and on the weekends. However, I would like you to return home before dinnertime."

I smiled at her and replied. "Thank you Mother, you have my word. I promise to work hard at both school and my job."

She then handed me the paper and added. "You may fill out this form and bring it back to the cafe after school tomorrow."

"Thanks again, I know that this job will help me take my mind off of the stressful situations," I said as I took the paper from her.

"You have a good point Sioku," Kara replied before she walked away.

I sat down in front of the coffee table and started working on my application.

"Mis Sioku, is everything all right?" asked Akwimos telepathically.

"Yes Akwimos, I'm filling out a job application right now. Are you and Preyas okay?" I thought.

"Your little dude and I are just fine mis Sioku. I was just checking on you," Akwimos answered.

My thought process was interrupted when I heard Pegasus run across the living room while growling.

I watched Pegasus with curiosity as he sat down by the window.

He sat still and continued to growl at the window.

"What in the world is that dog growling at?" I asked out loud.

"A car might have just passed by," answered Lynn.

Pegasus lowered his head and let out a sigh.

Once the application had been completely filled out, I stood up and rushed back into my room.

Pegasus panted heavily as he raced after me.

He then hopped onto my bed and began digging under the covers.

I gasped with worry as I watched my dog run around in circles.

"Pegasus, be careful!" I shouted with a concerned look.

The dog stared up at me with a confused look as he laid down.

"Have no fear mis Sioku, I've got him. Preyas will be safe with me," Akwimos assured.

"Thanks Akwimos, what would I do without you?" I replied with a relieved expression.

Akwimos moved Preyas to another spot away from the dog.

"Don't freak out little dude, you're going to be all right. I promise," he whispered to Preyas.

I smiled joyfully as I saw the two Bakugan still on my bed.

"Hello you two," I greeted cheerfully.

"Hey there mis Sioku, what's happening?" replied Akwimos.

I blushed and giggled at his response.

"You and Preyas always know exactly how to make me happy," I said with a grin.

"That's good to hear," Akwimos replied as he grinned back.

After placing the paper into my school bag, I walked slowly over to my bed.

I lightly placed my hand over the sleeping Bakugan next to Akwimos.

"Hi Preyas," I greeted softly.

Preyas opened his eyes and stared wearily at me.

I felt his body tremble slightly.

"Come here Preyas," I said as I picked him up.

I then started to pace around my room while holding him tight.

Akwimos rose from my bed and floated over to us.

The curious Bakugan hovered close to me as he observed my interaction with Preyas.

"It's okay Preyas, your brawler's got you. I'm right here," I said soothingly.

Preyas heard my voice and started to relax in my embrace.

The shy Bakugan's weary expression changed into a content smile.

"You're so adorable Preyas," I complemented while rubbing him softly.

Akwimos smiled proudly at me and said. "Mis Sioku, your little dude is very lucky to have you in his life. I have no doubt that he will start brawling again soon."

I smiled back at him and replied quietly. "Thanks Akwimos, I appreciate the kind words. Preyas and I are also lucky to have you here with us."

"You're very welcome mis Sioku," Akwimos whispered.

I carefully sat down in the chair next to my window while keeping a tight grip on Preyas.

Akwimos hovered beside me as we watched the sunset through my window.