~~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 early evening at my house.
My two Aquos Bakugan friends and I were sitting in a chair in my bedroom.
Akwimos hovered next to me while Preyas rested in my arms.
Complete silence filled the room as we relaxed in the dark.
I stared down at Preyas with an adoring expression as he slept peacefully in my embrace.
"Mis Sioku, your little dude always looks content with you. I couldn't help but notice that you act so motherly toward him," Akwimos whispered.
With a proud smile, I pulled the other Bakugan toward me and responded. "Oh Akwimos, I really appreciate your kindness and honesty. You always have something to say that will brighten up my mood."
"I'm glad I could make you happy," Akwimos said as he snuggled against my side.
In the midst of our conversation, I heard my mom calling for me.
"I'm coming Mother," I called back.
I stood up carefully and then walked slowly over to my bed.
Akwimos quickly followed after me.
I gently set Preyas down in my bed.
Akwimos laid down beside him.
"I'm sorry Akwimos, but my mom needs me. Will you please watch Preyas again?" I said quietly.
Akwimos looked up at me and answered. "Of course mis Sioku, your little dude will be in good hands."
"Thank you Akwimos," I said as I lifted Pegasus into my arms.
Pegasus fanned me with his bushy tail.
"No problem mis Sioku," Akwimos replied as he snuggled next to Preyas.
I turned around and carried the dog out of my bedroom.
Pegasus woke up and looked around the hallway.
"Go on buddy," I said as I gently set him down on the floor.
Pegasus shook off and ran into the living room.
The jingling sound of his collar made me laugh.
My younger sister Lynn met me in the living room.
"Hi Sioku, Mom is in the kitchen. We're about to make dinner," she greeted.
"Thanks Lynn," I replied as I walked away.
Pegasus followed me into the kitchen.
My mother Kara pointed at the small dog and commanded. "Pegasus, get out."
Pegasus walked back into the living room and settled down on the couch.
"My dog is so adorable," I thought with a grin.
"Your furry friend definitely has your energy," replied Akwimos.
Kara stood by the stove stirring a pot of boiling water and veggies with a wooden spoon.
She placed a lid over the pot and looked at me.
"Good evening Mother," I greeted as I approached her.
"Hello Sioku," Kara replied.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" I asked with a smile.
"I would like you to set the table," Kara answered.
"You got it," I said as I skipped away.
"You're in a happy mood tonight," Lynn said to me.
"I can't wait to see my friends at school tomorrow," I replied cheerfully.
First, I straightened up the table cloth by unfolding it.
Pegasus saw the table cloth moving and immediately hopped down from the couch.
He barked loudly while repeatedly running back and forth under the table.
"Pegasus! Knock it off!" hollered Kara from the kitchen.
I couldn't help but giggle to myself.
"Akwimos, I wish you and Preyas were here to see this. My dog is trying to chase the table cloth," I said telepathically.
"I can hear all the barking from inside your bedroom," Akwimos replied cheerfully.
Once the table cloth had been straightened out, I lifted Pegasus into my arms and then carried him over to his kennel.
"You need to settle down," I said as I set him in front of the open door.
Pegasus reluctantly stepped inside the cage.
I locked the kennel and then went about my business.
"Thank you for putting the dog in there Sioku," said Kara.
"No problem," I replied briefly.
I then went into the kitchen and grabbed three glass cups from a cabinet.
After filling them with ice and watter, I set the cups down at each seat.
I then laid silverware down on a few napkins.
Lynn looked at the table and said to me. "You did a nice job Sioku."
"Thanks Lynn," I replied.
I stared at Pegasus and slipped into my thoughts.
"Hey Akwimos, how is Preyas doing?" I asked telepathically.
"Your little dude is still relaxing with me," Akwimos answered.
I smiled and thought. "Thank you Akwimos, I really appreciate all of your help."
"It's my pleasure mis Sioku, I will always be there for both of you. You can count on me," Akwimos responded.
I was instantly pulled out of my thoughts when my mom said. "Dinner is ready."
Lynn and I immediately walked into the kitchen.
Kara handed Lynn and me a bowl of hot soup.
"Thank you Mom," we said in unison.
"You're welcome girls," Kara replied before she turned away.
Lynn and I then situated ourselves at the table in the dining room.
Kara joined us a few minutes later.
She sat down across from Lynn and me.
The three of us ate our meal in silence.
Much to our surprise, Pegasus fell asleep in his kennel.
We were relieved to finally have a break from his constant barking.
After dinner, Lynn and I cleaned up the kitchen.
I washed and dried the dishes while Lynn put the leftover food away and wiped down the counters.
As soon as our chores were done, I immediately rushed down the hallway and into my bedroom.
Akwimos looked up from my bed and grinned at me as I entered the room.
"Good evening Akwimos," I greeted while returning the smile.
"What's up mis Sioku? How are you doing?" Akwimos replied enthusiastically.
I closed the door behind me and answered. "I'm okay, how is Preyas doing?"
"Your little dude is all right," Akwimos said with a smile.
"Thank you so much for watching him," I replied smoothly.
I walked carefully over to my bed and sat down.
Akwimos rose into the air and floated toward me.
"Hi Akwimos," I said softly as I pulled him into a hug.
Akwimos snuggled against my chest in return.
A long period of silence passed between us.
I looked over at Preyas who was still asleep.
He looked peaceful and adorable as ever.
"Akwimos, do you have any fears?" I asked quietly.
"Not that I can think of," Akwimos answered casually.
"That's good to know," I said as I released him.
I then grabbed Preyas as gently as I could and held him close to me.
Preyas began to twitch as he sensed me.
"It's okay Preyas, I've got you. I'm right here," I said soothingly.
"Mis Sioku, is your little dude all right?" asked Akwimos.
"Yes Akwimos, Preyas almost got scared until I reassured him. He will be fine," I answered quietly.
I held Preyas tight and sang a song to him telepathically.
Preyas heard my voice in his sleep and relaxed.
Akwimos blushed as he stared at me with admiration.
"Hey Akwimos, what are you blushing for?" I asked with a smile.
"Your singing voice is still beautiful as ever," Akwimos answered in a cheerful way.
I set Preyas back down on the bed and said to Akwimos. "I'll be back here with you two as soon as I'm done with my night routine."
"It's all right mis Sioku, Preyas and I will wait for you. You don't have to worry about us," Akwimos replied as he laid down next to the other Bakugan.
I stood up and then got ready to take a quick shower.
Akwimos watched with curiosity as I grabbed a set of pajamas out of my dresser.
I quickly made my way into the bathroom and took a shower,
After my shower, I dropped my dirty clothes into the laundry basket.
Then I sat down at the vanity and started brushing my wet hair.
Akwimos looked up from my bed and greeted. "Hello mis Sioku, welcome back."
I smiled at him and responded. "Thanks Akwimos, how are you and Preyas doing?"
"Your little dude and I are just fine," Akwimos answered with a yawn.
Once all of the tangles were out of my hair, I returned to the bathroom and brushed my teeth.
Then I returned to my bed and settled in for the night.
I gently picked Preyas up so I could situate myself without startling him.
"I'm here now Preyas," I said softly.
Preyas snuggled against my chest as I pulled the covers over us.
Akwimos floated over to me and joined us.
Complete silence filled the room as my companions and I lay still in bed.
We drifted off to sleep after a few minutes.
Unfortunately, Preyas' dream wasn't peaceful at all.
~Preyas' Dream: No POV~
Preyas and his former brawler Kiera were strolling down a busy street in the city.
Kiera grabbed her Bakugan roughly and glared into his eyes.
Preyas flinched in fear at her harsh gesture.
His body started to tremble.
"Remember Preyas, you will brawl whenever I tell you to. Do I make myself clear?" she barked in his face.
"Yes ma'am," the Bakugan answered timidly.
Kiera squeezed Preyas tighter in an aggressive manner and shouted. "Don't you pull that nervous act with me!"
Preyas closed his eyes tightly and floated along side his hot headed brawler.
Before they could proceed, the same boy who Kiera met at the park approached her.
"Hey kid, what do you want?" Kiera snapped.
"I'm sorry mis, but I just want to have another battle with you. May I?" the boy responded calmly.
"Sure, knock yourself out. I have nothing to gain from it," Kiera answered with a disinterested expression.
The boy released his Bakugan and called out. "Bakugan brawl! Bakugan stand! Go Darkus Hydranoid!"
The Dark attributed dragon immediately grew to its full size.
Preyas' eyes grew wide with horror as he caught sight of the huge dragon.
His entire body trembled violently, and he couldn't control it.
The Aquos Bakugan thought about saying something to his master, but he remembered those harsh words that she had spoken to him before her opponent showed up.
Preyas brushed it off and put up a brave face.
Kiera glared down at her Bakugan and said sternly. "I hope you're not getting scared, Preyas."
"Absolutely not ma'am, I have nothing to be afraid of. Just watch," Preyas replied bravely.
She released her Bakugan and called out. "Bakugan brawl! Bakugan stand! Go Aquos Preyas!"
Preyas turned away from Hydranoid as he grew to his full size.
His expression was filled with terror and reluctance.
Kiera unclipped the strap from her bag and held it up to Preyas' back.
"Quit acting like a baby and face your opponent!" she demanded furiously.
Preyas obeyed his brawlers commands and stared into Hydranoid's eyes.
Kiera gave Preyas a look of slight approval and said. "That's a good Bakugan, now attack!"
Preyas' whole body shook violently as he stepped slowly toward Hydranoid.
This behavior only fueled his brawler's anger toward him.
Kiera raised her strap high in the air and then struck Preyas' back with it.
Preyas stumbled backward but didn't make a sound.
The younger boy's face drooped with sadness as he watched the horrifying scene.
"Attack now or I'll do it again!" Kiera shouted in Preyas' direction.
"Yes... ma'am," Preyas responded weakly.
Before he could try to make the first move, Preyas crashed to the ground with a hard thud.
Kiera heard the noise and stomped over to her now motionless Bakugan.
She whipped him with the strap once more and hollered. "Aquos Preyas! Get up right now!"
Preyas felt the stinging pain but didn't respond.
The wounded Bakugan slowly began to slip into the dark void of unconsciousness.
"That's it Preyas, I've had enough of your foolishness. You really are a useless Bakugan. I'm leaving you behind," Kiera grumbled before she marched away.
~End Dream~
Preyas let out a frightened scream as he shook himself awake.
His eyes shot wide open, and he frantically scanned the area for any signs of danger.
Akwimos was startled out of his sleep and looked at Preyas.
"Hey little dude, what's going on?" he asked with a worried expression.
Preyas only stayed in one spot while panting heavily.
"Sioku! Sioku!" he called out.
"Try to calm down little dude," urged Akwimos.
I heard Preyas' hollering and woke up.
His body shivered violently against my chest.
I immediately knew that something wasn't right with him.
Akwimos looked at me with a frantic expression and said. "Hey mis Sioku, I apologize for all the commotion. Your little dude is freaking out."
"I know Akwimos," I responded softly.
Akwimos leaned against my shoulder and watched Preyas from a distance.
"Come here Preyas, I still have you. Sioku's right here," I said while holding him close to me.
Preyas heard my voice, but he didn't show any sign of improvement.
"Hey, Preyas, please come back to me. You're in a safe place," I said softly.
I continued trying to sooth the distressed Bakugan by rubbing him gently.
"Mis Sioku, what do you think happened to the little guy?" asked Akwimos.
"He probably woke up from a bad dream. This is the first time that I've seen him wake up from a nightmare," I answered quietly.
I curiously looked at the screen on my alarm clock, and it red 1:30 AM.
"Is there something you can do to help him?" Akwimos added.
"I would walk around with Preyas, but it's late. I'll figure something out," I whispered.
"Good point mis Sioku," Akwimos whispered back.
Preyas lay still on my chest as he tried to control his heavy breathing.
"Calm down Love, you'll be okay. I promise," I reassured.
I placed my hands over Preyas in a loving way and telepathically sang a song to him.
Akwimos let out a dreamy sigh as he heard my singing voice in his mind.
Preyas let the soothing melody sink into his mind and slowly began to calm down.
I smiled as I watched his condition improve.
He was finally able to breathe easier after the song.
"Wow mis Sioku, I think you've done it. Your little dude looks much calmer now," Akwimos said with a smile of admiration.
"My singing voice really seems to work on him," I replied with a smile of my own.
I waited patiently for Preyas to pull himself together.
Preyas looked at me with sad eyes.
"I'm sorry Sioku," he said brokenly.
I started to rub the Bakugan in a soothing way and replied smoothly. "Hey, it's okay Preyas, you didn't do anything wrong. Everyone has a bad dream sometimes."
"Can you tell us what happened?" Akwimos chimed in.
Preyas hesitated for a moment before he answered. "I was... with my former brawler. She whipped me with the strap of her bag during a brawl because I got scared of my opponent."
My eyes widened with shock mixed with fear as I took in his painful explanation.
"Oh Preyas, that sounds awful. Has Kiera ever done that to you for real?" I responded softly.
Preyas only shook his head.
The frightened Bakugan shifted anxiously as he remembered the events from his nightmare.
I felt his body start to tremble again.
"You're okay Preyas, I'm not going anywhere. I won't leave your side," I assured while tightening my hold on him.
"Mis Sioku, is he going to be all right?" asked Akwimos.
"Yes Akwimos, please don't worry too much. I just need to calm him down," I answered gently.
I continued to hold Preyas and reassure him through telepathy.
Preyas eventually settled down and fell asleep in my arms.
"Sweet dreams Preyas," I whispered softly.
I let out a quiet yawn as I adjusted my position.
Akwimos looked at me and said. "Pardon me mis Sioku, but I wouldn't mind watching over Preyas tonight."
"I appreciate your offer Akwimos,but are you sure?" I replied with a concerned expression.
Akwimos smiled at me and answered in a cheerful tone of voice. "No need to worry mis Sioku, I've got it covered. Your little dude will be in good hands."
"I trust you Akwimos," I said as I placed my hand on him.
"Good night mis Sioku," Akwimos replied.
I held Preyas close to me and closed my eyes once again.
The complete silence in my room allowed me to drift off to sleep.
~Morning~
I woke up to the constant beeping sound of my alarm clock.
"Good morning mis Sioku," greeted Akwimos.
"Same to you Akwimos," I replied with a yawn.
Preyas heard the beeping and woke up wearing a weary expression.
He started to shiver and breathed heavily.
I held the timid Bakugan close to my chest in a loving way.
"Calm down Preyas, I'm right here. It's okay," I assured soothingly.
Akwimos looked at me and asked. "Is everything all right mis Sioku?"
"Yes Akwimos, Preyas just got scared of my alarm. He'll be fine," I answered smoothly.
I reached over to my bedside table and turned off the alarm.
The screen on my alarm clock red, 7:00 AM.
Preyas began to relax as soon as the silence in my room had returned.
"I wish I could relax more with you Preyas, but I have to get ready for school. Akwimos is going to stay with you until I'm done," I said gently.
Preyas only nodded in response.
I released my hold on Preyas and slowly climbed out of bed.
Akwimos moved to the empty space beside Preyas and laid down beside him.
"You'll be all right little dude," he said softly.
Preyas remained still as he watched me.
"I'm still here Preyas," I reassured.
Before I could get ready, I played my favorite Anime soundtrack on the computer.
The soothing music kept Preyas relaxed.
He yawned and fell asleep next to Akwimos.
First, I changed out of my pajamas and into a school uniform.
Then I sat down at the vanity and started to brush my messy hair.
I sang along with one of the songs as I styled my hair into two long braids.
Akwimos' face turned bright red as he grinned at me.
I burst into laughter at the sight of my Bakugan blushing.
"You're so cute Akwimos," I complemented.
"I love your singing voice mis Sioku," the merman responded.
Our conversation was suddenly interrupted when my phone started ringing on the desk beside me.
Dan's name popped up on the screen.
"Excuse me Akwimos, but I should take this. I'm sorry," I said remorsefully.
"Go ahead mis Sioku," Akwimos replied before he turned his attention back to Preyas.
I set my phone to speaker and answered. "Good morning Dan, how are you?"
"Hi Sioku, I'm doing well. How about you?" Dan replied.
I let out a heavy sigh and then answered. "I'm okay, but my Preyas woke up from a nightmare several hours ago. He had a bad dream about his old brawler."
"Sioku, that doesn't sound good. Is he okay?" Dan asked with deep concern.
"I spent almost an hour calming him down, but he is okay now. Akwimos is watching him while I get ready for school. He stayed awake during the rest of the night to monitor Preyas for me," I explained.
"Wow Sioku, that Akwimos of yours is a helpful Bakugan. You're very lucky to have a friend like him who will assist you," Dan responded with admiration.
"I agree, Akwimos is always looking out for Preyas. He loves him as much as I do," I said happily.
"I look forward to seeing you at school today," Dan replied.
A brief period of silence passed between us.
"I'm excited to see you at school too. I need to finish getting ready now. I'll see you there," I said.
"Bye for now," Dan replied before he hung up the phone.
After looking in the mirror one last time, I quickly packed my school bag.
Then I walked over to my bed where the Bakugan were still resting.
Seeing them snuggled up together made me smile with adoration.
"Are you two ready to go?" I asked smoothly.
"You know it," answered Akwimos.
I giggled while watching him rise into the air and float toward me.
"You're so adorable," I said as I pulled him into a hug.
"You look cute as ever mis Sioku," Akwimos replied with a blush.
I slipped Akwimos into my pocket and then grabbed Preyas as gently as possible.
Preyas began to twitch nervously in my hands.
"It's okay Preyas, don't be scared. Your brawler's got you," I said soothingly.
Preyas heard my voice and relaxed almost instantly.
I carefully slipped the Bakugan into my other pocket.
"Let's go you two," I said as I walked toward the door.
I opened my bedroom door and headed down the short hallway.
Pegasus' whimpering could be heard from the living room.
I hurried over to his kennel and unlocked the metal door.
Pegasus immediately started running circles around me.
"Come here boy," I said while picking him up.
The dog excitedly fanned me with his bushy tail.
I rushed over to the front door and grabbed a leash off the hook.
After hooking the metal end onto Pegasus' collar, I set him down on the floor.
Pegasus shook off with excitement.
"Let's go outside," I said as I led him out the front door.
Pegasus ran along side me as we quickly descended the stairs.
I pulled him out the door as fast as possible to prevent him from disturbing our neighbors.
The weather was a bit cold, and there were many clouds covering the sky.
Pegasus and I strolled leisurely down the quiet street.
I used the opportunity to check on my Preyas.
"Hey Preyas, how are you feeling?" I asked telepathically.
"Tired but fine," he answered quietly.
I let out a heavy sigh and thought. "I really wish I could spend more time with you today, but I have school."
"I'll be okay Sioku, please don't stress over me. This isn't the first nightmare that I've had," Preyas replied.
I smiled proudly and thought. "Oh Preyas, you are such a worrier. I am so proud to call you and Akwimos my guardian Bakugan."
"I love you Sioku," Preyas replied.
I was startled out of my thoughts when Pegasus began to growl and pulled on his leash.
He was staring at a lady passing by and wanted to bark at her.
I tugged firmly on the leash and scolded. "Stop it Pegasus, you're being a bad dog."
The dog whimpered at me in response.
"What's going on mis Sioku?" asked Akwimos.
"My dog is at it again," I thought with a sigh.
I immediately turned around at the fence and walked home as fast as I could.
Once inside the building, I picked Pegasus up and carried him up the stairs and into my apartment.
I set him down and unclipped the leash from his collar as soon as we entered the house.
Pegasus shook off and then settled in on one of the couches.
I looked toward the opposite couch and saw my mother sitting there.
"Good morning Mother," I greeted with a smile.
"Same to you Sioku," she replied.
"Have you seen Lynn?" I inquired.
"She's in her bedroom getting ready," Kara answered.
"I'll go set the table for us," I added before I walked away.
I immediately went into the kitchen and began my activity.
First, I grabbed three glasses out of a cabinet and then filled them with ice water.
Then I set the cups down on the table at each seat.
Lastly, I laid silverware neatly on a few napkins.
Kara looked at the table and smiled in admiration of my work.
"You've done a good job Sioku," she said with a look of approval.
"Thank you Mother," I replied graciously.
She then made her way into the kitchen and began her breakfast preparations.
I sat down in one of the chairs and slipped into my thoughts.
"Hey Preyas, are you okay?" I asked telepathically.
"Yes Sioku, please don't worry too much about me. I want you to have a good day at school," Preyas answered.
I was startled out of my thoughts when Lynn entered the dining room.
"Good morning Lynn," I greeted casually.
"Hey Sioku," Lynn responded briefly.
She then joined Mom in the kitchen.
I watched as they cooked food on the stove.
"Sioku, will you please grab some plates for us?" asked Kara from the kitchen.
"Of course Mother," I answered as I stood up.
I rushed into the kitchen and set three plates on the counter.
Kara then started to set hot food on each plate.
"You two may grab your plates now," Kara said before she stepped back.
"Thanks Mom," Lynn and I replied in unison.
We then made our way to the dining area and situated ourselves at the table.
Kara joined us a few minutes later.
The three of us ate our meal in silence.
The silence was soon broken when Pegasus began to bark at the window.
Kara glared at the dog and hollered. "Pegasus! Get away from the window!"
I couldn't help but burst into laughter at that.
My Bakugan laughed along with me.
Pegasus ran around in circles while whimpering.
"Settle down boy," I said firmly.
Pegasusshook off and laid down under my chair.
After breakfast, Lynn and I cleaned up the kitchen.
I washed the dishes while Lynn wiped down the counters.
Once our chores were done, I went back into the restroom to finish my morning routine.
"Mis Sioku, are you all right?" asked Akwimos.
"Yes Akwimos, I am just fine. I just hope Preyas will be okay today," I answered telepathically.
"Your little dude will be all right," Akwimos assured.
My thought process was suddenly interrupted when I heard a knock at the door.
"Come in," I said.
The door slowly opened to reveal Lynn standing in the entrance.
I stepped away from the sink and then walked back into the living room.
"Sioku, where is your sister?" asked Kara as she looked at me.
"She's in the bathroom," I answered while plopping down on the couch.
Pegasus hopped up on the couch and laid down beside me.
I petted the dog softly and slipped into my thoughts.
"Rest well Preyas," I said telepathically.
Preyas yawned in response to my voice.
A long period of silence passed by.
Pegasus lifted his head as soon as he heard the bathroom door open.
"It's just Lynn," I said while petting him behind his ears.
The dog stood up and then shook off.
I took him into my arms and carried him over to his kennel.
"Be a good dog," I said while placing him inside.
Pegasus lowered his head and sighed.
I locked the cage and then waited patiently by the door for Lynn to arrive.
Lynn came out of the restroom a few minutes later.
"Have a good day at school girls," said Kara.
"We will," replied Lynn.
"You do the same Mother," I added.
Lynn and I then exited our apartment and hurried down the stairs.
Once outside the building, Lynn and I waited for the bus to arrive.
The bus pulled up to the curb and stopped.
I could hear the faint sound of Pegasus barking at the engine.
"My dog is crazy," I thought with a smile.
"I'm glad you have him," replied Akwimos.
Lynn and I boarded the bus as soon as the doors opened.
I sat directly behind the driver, and Lynn sat in the middle with her friends.
My Bakugan companions and I remained silent as we listened to the constant chattering around us.
All was going well until somebody tossed an empty water bottle across the isle.
A boy sitting in the seat opposite of mine threw it toward the back of the bus.
The bus driver looked at him and said sternly. "Young man, don't do that again or I'll write you a bus ticket. Do you understand?"
The boy simply nodded in response.
I hid my face and giggled to myself.
The kid who caught the water bottle twisted it very hard until the lid popped off.
I burst into laughter at the loud sound it made.
"Sioku, what's going on?" asked Preyas.
"Somebody is about to get in trouble. You should listen," I answered telepathically.
The bus driver grabbed a device and spoke into the microphone. "Whoever did that will receive a bus ticket as soon as we arrive at school
The entire bus went silent at that.
"These things happen all the time," I said telepathically.
"I bet," replied Akwimos.
"That was a funny distraction," added Preyas.
"I'm glad to hear you perking up," I said with a smile.
My Bakugan and I stayed quiet during the remainder of the bus ride.
We arrived at the school ten minutes later.
People began to get off the bus as soon as the doors opened.
I waited for everyone to pass by before I exited the bus.