My Heart Skipped A Beat {Chapter 7}

I didn’t sleep much that night. I tossed and turned on the hard little bench exposed to the nights razor sharp air and the banging and clanging of Mr. Briney below me. Aron had jumped up into my arms and he was now sound asleep, as were Wingull and Combusken, who were curled up at the foot of the bench. Carefully removing Aron from on top of my arm, I took off my big cardigan and laid it gently over his back. I watched him for a second after sitting up, smiling at how peaceful he and my other Pokémon looked, before surveying the scene before me. Mr. Briney was still working below. I sighed. It had been a good few hours now and we were still stationary. I noticed Steven opposite me. He had his back to me, having taken off his jacket and using it as a blanket instead. He was curled up slightly and breathing deeply. I stared at him, feeling oh so lucky. I had never met such as nicer guy as Steven. Even Lance, who I had known since I was around three, couldn’t even compare with Steven. They were even the same age but yet completely different. I stared out over the back of the boat and surveyed a beautiful scene before me. The sky was pitch black sprinkled with stars around a vast moon which was a crystal white orb in the sky, casting light like a spell over the surrounding tiny islands. It was a truly beautiful sight to behold. I had to capture it. I got up and walked to the open back of the boat, sitting on the edge and letting my bare feet dangle into the cool waters. I reached for my journal on the bench and began to draw the amazing landscape before me. I carefully outlined the ripples in the water, the only disturbance in the sea, apart from the crashes and coughs from Mr. Briney below me. But who can hear pictures anyway?

I suddenly felt a presence behind me and looked up. No one was there but I felt someone sitting themselves down next to me, their legs also dangling into the water.

“Hi,” said Steven, softly.

“I thought you were asleep,” I said, quietly but suspiciously.

“I thought you were asleep!” he said and I smiled. He glanced down at the picture I had drawn in my book looking extremely impressed.

“I didn’t know you drew,” he said, without looking away from the book.

“Just a little,” I made to close the book but he put his hand on the other side and pulled it back.

“No, no, can’t I see what else you’ve drawn?” he said, smiling slightly.

“No! It’s crap!” I said indignantly, “Besides, it’s my diary.”

Steven blinked.

“Where girls write down all their feelings?”

“Oh, that type of diary!” I laughed at his sudden epiphany, “Ok, I’ll make you a deal: I get to see the drawings in the back, not the other stuff in the front-”

“Good, because I mean it this time when I say I’ll scorch you!” I said, stroking Combusken as I said this and she preened slightly although still fast asleep, “And what is your return part of the deal?”

“I shall surprise you someday,” he said, shooting me a seductive smile that made my heart melt and my cheeks tint themselves pink.

“Deal,” I sighed, dreamily and passed him the journal. He winked at me as he took it out of my hands and started looking from the back. I peered over his shoulder, as I hardly knew what was in there myself. There was Torchic, balancing on the bed post back at the Pokémon centre in Petalburg, then there was the Nincada with the Cut master back in Rustboro, then there was a beautiful sunset which I seemed to recall from the trip on the way to Dewford from the back of Mr. Briney’s boat, then there was a fisher man posing with a silly smile on his face, holding up a particularly large Magikarp.

“I wonder if he knew when he caught it that they are useless,” I grinned and Steven laughed as he turned the page. I glanced at the picture before diving for the book.

“No! Steven! Not that one! Please?!” But it was too late. The page was already open displaying the sketch I had completed earlier on the boat trip. I couldn’t see Steven’s face as it was facing the picture of him, with the tilted head, the defined cheekbones, the spikes in his hair, the look of deep thought and the sliver mysteries that were his eyes. I began to justify, feeling the colour in my face rising at an alarming rate.

“I told you it was crap, I was bored and you just had that look on your face and I just had a sudden inspiration and you weren’t moving, and I just thought I’d do it because I was bored and-”

“I like it,” said Steven and he looked up at me, and his eyes looked into mine. I could see he wasn’t lying. He seemed a little flustered but happy at the same time, “You’re an artist, Jen; you see inspiration, you take it. Of course, I, obviously, inspire you very much so,” he sat up straighter looking proud in a mocking sort of way. I poked his stomach and he deflated like a balloon laughing slightly.

“Yeah, don’t get to happy, Mona Lisa!” I retorted and he laughed.

I put the journal away and we talked for a while. It felt like most of the night had passed when the boat started up again.

“Finally!” I said and Steven nodded his agreement.

“We’re ready to go, kids! Hold on tight, now!” said Mr. Briney and Steven spluttered.

“Mr. Briney, no! Wait-”

The engine gave an almighty roar and the boat jerked to life. I grabbed the edge of the boat next to me as the boat jumped and Steven did the same as the boat set off. We were dangerously close to falling in. Trying not to laugh too much, we both clambered back up onto the deck.

“Want to hit the cabin?” asked Steven.

“Hell, yes,” I panted, picking up the sleeping Aron and Wingull and walking into the cabin with Combusken and Steven following behind.

About five hours later, I was on the coast of Slateport, well-rested with clean clothes and Steven by my side.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Briney!” I said and Steven shook his hand.

“Good luck with everything, lass!” yelled Mr. Briney over the roaring engine of his boat. I waved until I couldn’t see the retreating stern anymore and felt a rush of affection towards the fearless old sailor.

“He’s a good man,” said Steven, and I nodded.

“Well, we’re in Slateport now,” I said and then, “Time to deliver the package!”

“Package?” Steven looked confused, “I’m not following.”

“I swear I told you,” I said, looking at him. He shook his head so I explained, “The Devon goods I recovered from Team Aqua? Your dad asked me to deliver them to Slateport because he didn’t want the Shroomish guy to get mugged by them again.”

“I’m sorry, ‘the Shroomish guy’?” Steven spluttered with laughter. I grinned a little sheepishly.

“Well, when I met him in Petalburg woods, he was looking for Shroomish and he never told me his name so it just sort of stuck.”

“Harry,” sniggered Steven, “He’s a bit hopeless. Bless him,” he added, fondly. I grinned and we walked up the beach, being challenged to battle by a few eight-year-olds who were surprisingly strong for their age, before reaching a large stone town with a huge market. My mouth fell open at the selection and Steven groaned.

“Shopping!” I exclaimed.

“You have things to do first,” he said, quickly. I looked longingly over my shoulder as we walked to the ship museum as Steven lead the way. I looked around the place as we walked. It was so big, bigger than Rustboro, with not many houses but many shops. There was also a Pokémon fan club and a huge hall which Steven informed me was a contest hall, a chance for trainers to show off their prized Pokémon. We were nearing a huge, grand building which I gathered was the museum when Steven, gently but firmly, put his hand on my arm. I blushed.

“What is it?” I asked, painfully aware that his hand was still on my arm. He didn’t seem to have noticed though, as he nodded his head straight ahead of where his grey eyes were looking. I looked too. A large group of people were milling around the entrance, all wearing the same uniform; blue jeans and a pirate style T-shirt.

“Team Aqua,” he said, quietly.

“What the hell are they doing here?” I said, suspiciously.

“Must have something to do with the package,” said Steven, “Come on; best to avoid them when you’ve got it on you. We’ll try the shipyard first.” We doubled back to another big building, a little small and rougher looking that the museum, and entered to find a technician stressing over a complex-looking blueprint.

“Hello,” I said, nervously walking up to him as Steven hung back. He looked up looking bemused.

“Hello, yes, can I help you?” he asked, evidently preoccupied, that was until he noticed the package in my hands.

“I’m looking for Mr. Stern?” I continued, nervously.

“Captain Stern? That’s not me I’m afraid. He’s in his office at the museum. It’s probably better you hand them straight to him,” he said, hurriedly and then bent back over the blueprint with his hand on his forehead. Taken aback at the abrupt shunting, I left with Steven and headed once more to the museum. The crowd had disappeared. My doubts vanished as I thought the museum receptionists must have chivvied them away. I began to walk towards the museum when, once again, Stevens hand gently stopped me.

“I’ll go first,” he said, calmly, “You stay behind me.”

“But even if they are inside they can’t do anything?” I said, slightly confused at the seriousness that had hit Stevens face. He looked into my eyes once again and my heart fluttered.

“Jen,” his voice was drenched with concern, “I know those grunts you faced back in Rustboro were mere ammeters, and you faced them off with aplomb as you were only a trainer for less than two days; that’s talent,” he said, and I flushed with delight, “but that’s not where it ends. Team Aqua are dangerously strong, and their ideas even more so. But the most dangerous thing about them is their lack of conscience. No, listen to me, Jen,” he squeezed my arm a little as I sighed, “I mean it. They are ruthless when it comes down to it and I need you to be careful. I… I don’t want you getting hurt…” his eyes flicked away from my own and I saw him blush. It was the first time I had seen him do so and I was slightly taken aback.

“Ok,” I said, quietly and he straightened up, still not looking at me and began walking in silence towards the museum. We stepped through the doors and walked past the front desk before the receptionist said, “Uh, Excuse me?!”

“Oh, right, sorry,” I stuffed my hands in my pockets searching for the entrance fee, until I saw Steven placing both fees on the desk.

“You didn’t have to do that, you muppet?” I smiled, slapping his arm playfully. He looked down at me and smiled, slightly. Why did he always have to make himself look so gorgeously seductive all the time?

“Call it repaying my debt for the ice cream,” he said, softly and I laughed. We looked around the huge ground floor. Everywhere we looked was littered with Aqua grunts. I felt a bit uneasy after what Steven had said to me. He didn’t say anything but I could tell where we were going. We walked passed the grunts straight for the stairs up to the next floor.

“Hey! You! Stop right there!” We spun around. My heart plummeted as I saw the same two grunts I had defeated back in Rustboro. Taking the lead from them, all the other grunts turned on us and drew out pokéballs, advancing closer.

“Hold your ground, don’t touch your pokéballs yet,” breathed Steven, in my ear and I didn’t move or speak. Steven on the other hand looked around, “I don’t want any trouble.”

“Bullshit!” spat the grunt who had stolen Mr. Briney’s Peeko, “If you’re with that slag, you must want something more than a look at some ship!” I felt my face burn. Steven backed up slightly and I mirrored him.

“Tell me,” he said, slowly, but I could hear something else in his voice, something that scared me, something I had never heard before: anger, “Do you know who I am?”

“Is that a trick question?” a grunt yelled and all of their pokéballs popped open in unison. About forty Pokémon, all of the either Poocheyna, Zubat or Carvanha, were released into the hall, all looking menacingly at Steven. I was being ignored. This scared me even more, as I cared for Steven. I threw caution to the winds. I did not react well when in a state of panic. I stepped in front of Steven and drew out all three of my pokéballs.

“If you want to so much as touch him, I’ll crush you,” I spoke in a menacing tone. I felt Steven sweat drop behind me as all the grunts started laughing.

“Hmm, one on forty-three. God, what a challenge!” said one of them, quaking with sarcastic fear. Steven out his hand on my shoulder.

“It’s Ok, Jen, I’ll deal with these idiots, you go on and find Captain Stern,” he said softly in my ear.

“Are you sure you’ll be Ok?” I asked, worriedly. He raised his eyebrows at me.

“What are you, my mother?” he said, smirking. My stomach growled again and I punched it.

“Go,” he said and he gently pushed me aside and up the stairs. I didn’t look back as I was scared what I would see and sprinted up the stairs. I finally reached the top floor and looked around. It was completely empty except for one man in the corner with short brown hair and thick glasses, pondering over what looked like a very old model of a submarine. I walked nervously up to him.

“Captain Stern?” I asked and he looked up.

“That’s me,” he said, “How can I help you?”

“I have the goods you ordered from Devon,” I said and I held out the package. Sterns eyes widened.

“My dear girl!” he exclaimed and he took my hand in both of his and held it tightly, “Thank you so much! This is great! Oh, how can I ever thank you?” There was a loud crash and screams were heard from the ground floor. The floor shook and I looked towards the stairs and then back at Stern who looked utterly bemused.

“Ok, Sir,” I spoke, quickly, “we need to get the hell out of here. Team Aqua are downstairs trying to seal of the exit as they are after those goods. Is there any other way out of here?”

“Only right into our open arms!”

I spun around. My heart faltered. Two adults stood there, both tall, both in slightly smarter uniforms than the grunts downstairs and both seemingly more strong by aura alone.

“Hand over the good if you know what’s good for you,” said the woman, smoothly, in a completely calm voice which radiated danger from every letter of every word.

“Not without a fight,” I breathed; my voice seemed to have left me. My stomach rumbled and I punched it as per usual. The woman smirked.

“Don’t be stupid,” she scoffed. The man stood silent, his face half in shadow, but his piercing black eyes never left my face.

“I’m not,” I said and my hand reached for Combusken’s pokéball, as she was my strongest Pokémon.

“I beg to differ,” she smirked reaching for her own pokéball. I threw mine into the air and Combusken was revealed looking angry as hell that I was being insulted by this menacing woman.

“As you wish,” she said, blankly and her pokéball revealed a huge dark grey Pokémon with a black mane and tail with red eyes and sharp teeth. It howled and I felt my spine shiver. My pokédex told me this Pokémon was the evolution of Poocheyna; Mighteyna. Mighty just about covered it.

“Combusken, Bulk up!” I yelled and Combusken began to swell slightly.

“Mighteyna, Howl!” said the admin woman and the Pokémon howled again.

“Combusken! Double Kick!” I cried. Combusken jumped into the air with her left leg ready to strike the first blow.

“Dodge and slam,” stated the admin. She seemed almost bored. Mighteyna dodged and proceeded to slam straight into Combusken’s side causing her to fly across the room and hit the opposite wall. She looked badly shaken up.

“Baby!” I shrieked and she cried feebly before passing out. My mouth fell open. A one hit KO!

“Didn’t I tell you that you were stupid?” snorted the admin as she watched me run over to Combusken but I barely heard her. Combusken was crumpled and broken for the first time since I had had her. Anger ripped through me. I returned Combusken and released both Aron and Wingull at the same time before running at the admin. Slightly taken aback, she looked at me, shocked before I slapped her hard around the face. A split second later the male admin had grabbed me around my waist a picked me up with ease, strapping my arms to my sides with his impeccable strength. I kicked and wriggled hard and he looked a little surprised.

“You’re damn light,” he said and I wriggled all the more. I stopped just in time to see the piercing emerald stare of the female admin as her own hand, bigger, firmer and stronger than my own came crashing into my face. The blow was strong. I felt dazed as a searing sensation attacked my cheek. I felt a drip of something. She had ripped open the cut I had sustained in Granite cave not but a day ago. She suddenly leant in close to me, though I could barely see her due to blurry vision.

“Don’t you EVER touch me again,” she said, so quietly but so dangerously at the same time. She straightened up. “Take her to the boss,” she said to the admin holding me, and her hand settled around my throat and slowly began to tighten it‘s grip. I was too dizzy to protest. I started to feel hungry as my head started to spin. My lungs were screaming for air as her cold fingers squeezed harder and harder. Darkness began to descend and I closed my eyes.

I slowly began to come back to consciousness after what felt like years. My senses however took a little longer to recall themselves from their slumber. I didn’t dare open my eyes in fear of who would see or what I would see, but I let my other senses work their way around me. I could feel I was sitting in an upright position against some sort of box it felt like it. The ground was wooden floorboards and covered in dust and dirt. I couldn’t hear much except the same screams which I had been hearing last time I been conscience, except more distant, as though there were several ceilings between me and the noise instead of just the one. The air tasted dank with age and the disturbance of the recent events. It felt good though as it passed now safely and uninterrupted into my deprived lungs. I was still discomforted. I had to see where I was. I opened my eyes to a squint. The room was dark and crowded with old boxes piled up around the edges, also covered with grime. I opened my eyes to their fullest extent and I saw the silhouette of a tall man, seemingly over six foot, standing with his back to me in front of the only source of light in the room which was a tiny window. My stomach growled and I went to punch it as usual, but my hands wouldn’t come. They were tied firmly behind my back. I tried to stand but my feet had also been tied together. I looked up to see the man turning around to look at me.

“W-who are you?” I stammered, “W-what’s going on? W-w-where the hell am I?”

The man smiled. He was wearing a black suit with an open shirt revealing the top of his toned chest. His face was unshaven and his hair was black and short and on top of his head was a familiar blue bandana with a white emblem on it.

“I am Archie, the leader of Team Aqua,” he said in a low, chilling voice, “You have been taken up here to stop you interfering with our plans.” He was surveying me with a curious and calculating look and I didn’t like it.

“Where’s my Pokémon?!” I whispered, fear tearing my voice apart.

“Somewhere where you can’t get them from in here,” he answered, smirking, bending down beside me. I struggled more and more, desperate to get out of these ropes. There was a flash and something hard slapped across my cheek. Slightly dazed, I looked round to see Archie’s hand paused, in mid air, at the place where it had made contact with my cheek.

“There we go,” he said, gently, “Now, you are not to struggle again, yes?” I spat out the blood in my mouth at his feet before looking just to the left of his face. I felt sick to look at him.

“Now,” he continued, “I want to know what was the purpose of the good that you gave to the Captain.”

“I don’t know, I was only-” I began but was interrupted by another slap across the face.

“I would advise you strongly not to lie to me,” he growled.

“I’m not fucking lying, you prick,” I coughed, past caring about what happened to me. I was too tired. I coughed more, “I was asked to protect the package after your grunts tried to - and failed to - snatch it back in Rustboro. I don’t know what they were or what they were for, I was just asked to deliver them.”

Archie regarded me with the same calculating look. He leant closer to me and his breath smothered me.

“I believe you,” he said, more quietly and more menacingly still, “but let this be a warning to you; do not mess with Team Aqua’s noble affairs. We are committed to expanding the sea for the good of Pokémon and humans alike. Don’t stop the revolution to help the world become a better place. Why don’t you join us? We could sure us a hot little trainer with strong Pokémon like yourself?” I felt sick.

“I will join you the day Mount Silver freezes over,” I hissed.

“Mount Silver?” He laughed and my face burned, “A true Johto girl.” And his face was against mine, his hands on my leg, groping hard, his lips forcing themselves on my mouth. I wrenched my head away and stared horrified at the man before me. He grinned at me in a thuggish fashion.

“Stubborn,” he said, rubbing his jaw line slightly, “You would be good with us.” And he stood up and left the room. I heard a door slam and a key turning in a lock. I was trapped. I drew my knees up to my face and began to cry. I had been violated. How could he do that to me?! I felt sick with myself, dirty, contaminated, a whore. All the memories of before were running back to me, my time in Kanto where everything went wrong, the move to Johto where everything was meant to get better but didn’t.

I closed my eyes and howled.

* * *

Wait for it, I thought as more attacks continued to fly from the grunts. A Carvanha managed to whip one of it’s sharp fins across my chest before it was blown backwards my Skamory. Aggron looked at me and roared. The time was now and I bellowed, “AGGRON! EARTHQUAKE!”

The ground began to shake at an alarming rate. The grunts began to buckle as did their Pokémon and displays began to fall and ominous cracks appeared in the walls. The earthquake was very strong. On and on went the shakes for a good three minutes, the force of the attack causing two marble pillars to collapse and all the grunts to be knocked unconscious along with their Pokémon. I had also fallen from the force of the quakes. Aggron came over to me as I got up, my legs shaking slightly. I looked around at the havoc I had caused, at the fainted Pokémon, the grunts, the broken displays and the receptionists also unconscious. I felt guilt wash over me like a bucket of cold water. If this is what damage I had caused to the ground floor, what had happened to the floors above? I knew Jen had been kidnapped as I had heard her screaming before the battle really got going. Fear shook me hard as I thought of what Archie could be doing to her several floors above. I knew that man all too well and considering his history with me…

“Come on, Aggron! Skamory!” I yelled and I sprinted towards the staircase.

cliffhanger :o
well you'll have to wait for chapter 8 to find out what happens!
rate and message please: it gives me reason to keep going :P