~46 Safe Now Little One

~~~🌺~~~
~Paige's pov~

Muffled voices passed above my head, scratching nails through my mind. Stop that, that hurts. I thought, the nails merely dug deeper, squeezing my brain to the point I thought I may throw up - although it would most likely just be dry reaching, I hadn't eaten anything in longer then I can remember. The nails squeezed again.

I let off a muffled groan, hoping it would somewhat help ground my reality. Where was I? It didn't feel like a metal floor as I'd become accustom too, it was too soft. Was I dead? No, I hurt too much for that - waaaay too much. That, and I was hungry, a dead person would not be hungry.

~It's okay too open your eyes little one, you're safe now.~ A soft voice reassured, a gentle touch accompanying it.

Slowly, as not to worsen my headache, I opened one eye and peeped up around me. The light was blinding, my vision staticky, everything fuzzy. Gardenia hovered above me, a peach fuzz like effect dusting her edges - as if I were looking at her from underwater - she was smiling lovingly down at me, relief reflected in her pale red eyes. ~Good evening Paige.~ She purred, gently stroking the side of my head. ~My, this is the most awake you've been for a while.~

I shut my eye again, the light hurt my head. :Where are we?: Even in my head, my voice didn't sound like me, it was horse, tired - hurt.

~Lillycove City hospital. We arrive here two days ago, you've been sleeping for five - you've given everyone a bit a fight but the doctors removed you from the Intensive Care Unit yesterday, they said you'd be fine.~ Gardenia explained, continuing to stroke my cheek. ~You're safe now.~

:Is everyone okay?: I asked, even my head voice head coming out a whisper.

~Yes, Milly is with Mikayla and N at the police station and then they are going to get supplies since we exhausted what we had getting to Lillycove from the middle of nowhere. Jessica is with Jake having a talk in a crowded place somewhere with Jessica's sister.~ My Gardevoir spoke softly, stroking my head continuously as she explained where everyone was - wait a minute- why is Kay in Hoenn? I hate missing out on everything.

My heart leapt up my throat. :Nichole knows I'm here?:

Gardenia was quiet for a moment, her hand never pausing. ~Not exactly, she's been calling Jessica repetitively and eventually she caved and agreed to meet up her on the conditions she came without a weapon or her Pokémon, Jessica could bring a friend and Nichole returned her Pokémon to her. Since Nichole took them when we were taken, Kay wasn't able to get them when she got us. Everyone else is on standby just incase things go squewif.~

:So everyone's okay?: I confirmed.

My Gardevoir rubbed my head, messing my hair. ~Apart from your injuries, everyone was just tired and hungry. N had a few bruises but he'll be fine.~

:And what's wrong with me? If I slept through five straight days it must be bad. Am I gonna die again?: I shuddered at the thought, sending ripples of pain through my body, I wish the light was dark enough so I could open my eyes again.

~No, you're time will not be up for a long while yet little one. You've woken up a little here and there, enough to take food and water just fine and to be frank, a lot of it is simply heavy fatigue. You haven't slept much in three weeks, you weren't eating a lot and your body simply became overwhelmed with pain from a shock collar designed for larger Pokémon and harsh beatings.~ Gardian explained in a gentle tone. ~Other then that, you had a broken rib, three fractured ribs, two broken fingers, your throat is bruised, swollen a little burnt from where the shocks were administered and a mild case of arrhythmia.~

:Arrhythmia?: I inquired, searching my brain for any recognition of the word but finding none.

~Irregularly heart beat, the shock collar interfeared with your bodies natural electrical pulses.~ Gardenia went quiet for a moment. ~Honestly, how weak you were is what saved you, had you're heart been able too, it could have sped up to the point it would have given you a heart attack or something just as bad - it just couldn't because your body was too weak to let it.~

After a moments pause, I cracked my eyelids and peered up at Gardenia for a moment before shutting them again. :Did umm... N tell you...?:

~Yes, we know that you were... dead... for a couple of minutes. We're all very greatful N knew CPR and responded quickly.~ Again Gardenia went quiet for a few seconds. ~Let's not talk about that for now, it is not something you should be concerning yourself with at this time.~

:Are all my Pokémon here? Are they all safe?: I asked, feeling my heart rate rise, pumping pins and needles through my brain.

~Samurai went with Jake and Jessica since she was quite nervous about meeting up with her sister which is why they're doing it in a crowded place. Champ is having a nap, Gummie and Angel are hovering about 15 centimetres from your face and Milly is looking after Miku, we've been trying to keep her away, she's a little too young to be going through this as much as she has.~

I remained quiet for several minutes, letting the peacefulness of my surroundings calm me for once, although it wasn't very calming - I was in a hospital after all. There were people milling around in the halls, yelling in the distance and the constant uneven beeps of a heart monitor. :If where in Lillycove, will Team Aqua come to hurt me?:

Gardenia paused, I could feel her thinking before she responded. ~No, I don't think so... I'm pretty sure Team Aqua knows we're here but from what I gather, Team Plasma stays out of Lillycove. N and Kay have gathered a lot of Data on the both of them, it's why N allowed himself to be caught in the first place. The two organisations have some sort of agreement - I don't know the full extent of it but you should be safe here for now.~

There were a few minutes of silence, my brain dance above the precipice of sleep, twirling around as it I'd tip over the edge at any moment. ~You should rest now little one.~

~If I go to sleep again, promise I'll wake up?~ I asked, feeling my mind edging off.

Gardenia chuckled softly. ~Yes Paige, I promise, you're not dying...~ I felt her mental wince. ~Well... not anymore. You'll have to take some medication for a few weeks, stuff to help your heart and for the pain but you'll be fine now, promise.~

:Okay, tell Samurai and Miku I said hi.: I asked, seeking out out Gardenia hand to hold. :and everyone else too... and don't leave me alone, please.:

Gardenia took my hand, kissing it softly. ~I will and I won't leave your side--~

The slight squeaking of the door slowly opening cut her off, I flinched, squeezing Gardenia's hand. :Who is it?: I whimpered, too frightened to open my eyes.

~Jessica and Jake, you're fine little one.~ My sister Pokémon confirmed. ~Samurai is here now too.~

I gently peeked out from under my eyelids. Jake sat on the opposite edge of my bed from Gardenia, gently resting a hand on my shoulder. "How you doing there Paige, feeling any better?"

For a moment I just stared at my friend, he looked tired - as if he hadn't been sleeping - before I shook my head. I turned away slightly, looking past him at Jessica, then down at the styrofoam container in her hands - it smelled nice and my tummy was absolutely empty. I looked back up at Jessica who was smiling knowingly. "Do you want my leftovers Paige?" She asked rhetorically.

After a brief pause, I slowly nodded. Jessica chuckled as she brought over the little hospital table while Jake slipped out of the way. "You're welcome to them." She smiled cheerfully as Samurai sat down next to his sister, my other Pokémon hovered around their heads, except Champ, he sat crouched on the bed frame.

With a fuel for food, I struggled to sit up on my own, crying out when my body disagreed with the movement. Angel let out a mewl of distress as Gummie helped lay me back down as she tutted nervously.

~No, don't push yourself Paige, you don't have the strength for that yet.~ Gardenia scolded. ~Here.~ She gently picked in a small controller beside my head. I flinched slightly, flashes of the controller Getsis used to shock me flashing through my head.

:Don't, the collar!: I cried, pulling the blanket over my head as if it would protect me from the vial thing.

Gardenia breathed out softly, pulling away the blanket, ignoring my yelp of fear. ~Paige...~ She gently took my hand and placed it on my neck, I resisted, it would shock me if I touched it. ~It's gone.~ My fingers felt a material much different to that of the shock collar and I noticed how they were notably looser. ~They're just bandages Paige, your neck is bruised, swollen, cut and burnt. The bandages are to keep the ointment in place while your neck heals but I promise, the collar is gone.~

My Pokémon gave me a few seconds to catch my breath before cuddling up to me. ~You are safe now little one, we won't let anything hurt you.~ She soothed, wiping away my tears and resting her forehead against mine. ~You're safe.~

:And hungry.: I replied, trying to smile as I hugged her back. :I'm sorry for freaking out, I don't know what came over me.:

~You're tired, sore and hungry. The past few weeks have been tough on your psyche, you need time to rest and heal, it's okay if you startle at things that remind of what he did to you. Now, let's get some food in your tummy.~ She smiled, lightly tickling my belly as Angel nuzzled my side.

It turns out the controller by my bed simply adjusted the angle of the top of said bed, something I should have really known from my last visit to the hospital. I watched calmly as Gardenia adjusted the bed and Samurai as he wheeled over my little table to eat from.

:How did I get in my 'jamers?: I asked as Jessica handed over her leftover - my stomach cried like a baby Wailmer. :Quiet you, you're getting food in a moment.:

~I changed you into something you'd be more comfortable I just after we escaped from Team Plasma's base.~ Gardenia explained, gently stroking my hair as I poked around what Jessica had brought me. ~Your other clothes were torn and smelled bad so I threw them out, we'll get you something new soon enough.~

Fidgeting uncomfortably, I looked down at the food only getting colder in the tacky styrofoam box. :So no one touched the no-no square?: I inquired, still feeling irked about how Ghetsis had touched me.

Gardenia chuckled with a nod, obviously trying to soften the mood. ~No one touched the no-no zone, I don't think anyone would get away with touching you there with their spine still intact if Samurai ever found out.~ She said as I popped a couple of of cold chips in my mouth as a distraction.

~I can vouch for the accuracy of that statement.~ Samurai added smugly, gently nuzzling my cheek as he cuddled me close - although his affections were made slightly awkward by me trying to eat. ~I'm so happy you're okay little one.~

Lightly pushing my Pokémon away, I took another bite of the burger in my hands. :Me too, tell Jessica I said thanks, this is a really good burger.:

Gardenia relayed my comment, Jessica smiled in return. "No worries, better then it going to waste." She said although her tone didn't match the sincerity of her words. She was - distracted. Although with all that was happening, who could blame her.

Laying back against the bad, I munched on a couple more chips. :What's going to happen from here Dina? How long until I can leave?: I asked, looking between Samurai and Gardenia.

Gardenia smiled softly, although I could feel her hesitance. ~Let's not worry about that right now, let's just move one step at a time.~

Looking between Samurai and Gardenia, I frowned deeply. :You both know it makes it worse when you're not straight with me.: I pouted. :Is it really that bad?:

~No Paige... it's just, we don't exactly know, it's not exactly like people come into the hospital with injuries like yours routinely. It's a complex situation and you're best off not worrying yourself with it, you're safe and the doctors will look after you, promise.~ Gardenia explained softly, kissing my forehead gently.

Hugging myself momentarily, I glanced up at my shiny Gardevoir. :Okay... I'll try.: I promised, taking two bites from my burger.

~That's my big brave girl.~ Samurai praised, stealing a chip and eating it himself. I whacked his arm softly, glaring at him with a pout.

This was my meal. :My food, I haven't eaten anything in a week. Stop stealing it before I eat you instead. I will.: I grumbled, shoving three more chips in my mouth. :Why can't I feel my legs?:

~Drugs.~ Gummie burst out in her you're-not-paying-me-enough-attention voice before either Samurai or Gardenia could respond.

My elder Pokémon gave a momentary glare, clearly both trying to be more sensitive then Gummie could be. ~To put it simply, yes you're on pain medication affecting your pain receptors directly but they also have a slight numbing effect. Nothing's wrong with your legs.~ At least Champ was silent from his perch on the end of my bed.

:Oh...: I replied, muffling a yawn by taking a large bite of my burger. I didn't want too sleep yet, even though my head still really hurt... Like would someone please take the hammer away from whatever invisible entity is pounding on my skull please?

Gardenia gently brushed back my hair. ~Finish that up and then go to sleep Paige, you're not strong enough to handle this much excitement.~ She warned, continuing to play with my hair.

:Oh alright.: I huffed, taking two large bites of the burger, devouring the last of it. :I haven't been a bother to anyone have I? Holding the others up on their travels or anything?:

~No nothing like that.~ Samurai stated. ~Everyone has been resting lately and giving statements to the police. Not a bother to anyone.~

:Oh-kay then.: I replied, plopping the last few chips in my mouth before I yawned. :I'm going to sleep now.:

~Alright little one, rest up, we're not going anywhere so rest easy.~ Samurai smiled as Gardenia lowered the bed once more to its proper angle. ~You're safe now little one.~ and I was out like a light.

~~~~~~🌺~~~~~~
Word count: 2535

Well my hiatus took substantially longer then expected... I haven't been well and work has been far more stressful then i guessed. The assistant manager got sick so I had to cover I all I asked for was one afternoon off because my cousins were over and I wanted to do something with them because I only get to see them 5 or 6 times a year but I wasn't even allowed that! My boss didn't care that I almost fainted when closing the store and I've had a three day long migraine so the end is rushed a little but I wanted to push something out for you all.

Anyway, please vote, comment and keep on reading on.

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top