Yo, peeps! How are y'all?! I hope you guys are in good health!

Thank you so much for your support, guys! I got this sudden motivation to update after seeing so many requests from the guests that I should update quick and there were like, too many! Hahah! You guys are so impatient! (Well, I'm too, as a reader, so no worries!)

And yes, I'm not pressured! Thank for your concern, guyssss! ^•^

I won't tell you when the story is ending because I'm too sad myself, one of the coming chapters just might be the last chapter! *sob sob* You never know when the story will end! ╥﹏╥

Hope you guys enjoy this chapter! ; p

Chapter - 36

Unlucky me!

I stirred a little and my eyelids fluttered open. Through my blurry vision, I could make out a light yellow wall.

After some more blinking and regaining my focus, I realised that it wasn't a wall but a ceiling. I looked around and saw that I was sleeping in a bed, wrapped around in a warm white blanket. I was in a light yellow room with some furniture.

I rubbed my eyes as I sat up straight. I looked down to see that I was still dressed in my blue gown. I scratched my head, cluelessly, "Where am I? I don't remember this place..."

My hair looked like a complete mess, as it was still tied up in that side-braid. "I really should take a warm bath," I muttered as I shook my head, annoyed.

Looking around the room, I remembered that I had been carried by someone...

Hearing the voice of air, I opened my eyes slightly. My head felt really heavy and kinda… burning. I shook my head lightly to shake off the pain but it was of no use.

I felt myself being carried by someone, up high in the sky. Not very high, but just above the trees, not touching the clouds. My eyes were starting to burn, so I closed them again.

I wondered who was carrying me... I stirred open my eyes and luckily, caught a glimpse of the white color and I instantly knew that it wasn't Ash or Gary or anyone else but Jack. But why would he carry me? Where was he taking me?

My instincts were telling me that I was being taken away to Team Cosmic's HQ or some place they would keep me as hostage. I wasn't sure. So, I decided to stay awake until I knew that I was nearing the destination.

But it was becoming really difficult for me to keep my eyes open. I really felt like passing out, again but… with great difficulty, I did.

Suddenly, I got an idea. I somehow felt like the place where they will be taking me to won't allow trackers to work. So, I had to work very smartly, now.

"Just a few seconds more and we'll be there. Hang in there, Dawn," I heard a familiar voice mutter to me. I couldn't really listen clearly because of the sound of air and my bad condition.

I didn't care about that, I just wanted to work on my plan. I weakly unclipped my earring and stared at it, without being noticed. The person carrying me was staring ahead and not at me, so I was able to do it pretty easily.

I held the earring, clicked a button, and enabled the tracking mode. A red light flashed up, indicating that it was switched on. I quickly dropped it from my hold, once I felt Jack going farther down to the ground.

Yes, that earring had a GPS system in it. It was also a mini Bluetooth device for us to communicate during the party. We had to use those because we weren't able to carry any type of gadget with us in those clothes.

I couldn't keep it up anymore; I felt my eyelids drop. Slowly, I found myself slipping out of consciousness.

Oh, yeah. Jack kidnapped me.

Fuck.

I looked around and noticed a 'Team Cosmic's symbol on the ceiling. "Shit, so my guess was right, huh?" I muttered, shutting my eyes in frustration.

I placed a hand in my gown pocket, expecting to feel my mobile there. But, to my surprise, it wasn't there! My eyes widened as I started to panic.

Why the hell did he take away my cell?! And wait! Where's Piplup?!

I looked around and saw my mobile was placed on the dressing table, next to the bed. Just when I was about to take it, I heard the door click.

"Tsk," I clicked my tongue as I quickly moved back and sat up properly in the blankets.

"Dawn, you awake, huh?"

Turning my head, I saw Jack carrying a tray with a glass filled with juice on it. He was wearing a black buttoned up shirt, which had a white collar, and blue pants with white sneakers. His hair was still very spiky and, like usual, he had bangs of white hair over his forehead, looking very handsome. It's making me annoyed, though.

My eyes widened in pretense when I saw him, and I asked with a frown, "Jack? What… where are we?! And do you know where Piplup is?!"

So... It's confirmed that he is one of the members of Team Cosmic, huh? But, Dawn, are you sure it's their work? Then, why would he kidnap you, in the middle of Ash's party?! He's obviously working for them!

Jack came and sat down on the chair, next to my bed. He placed the tray on the table as he said, smiling at me, "I'll explain it to you later." He took the tray again and held it out to me. "Here. Have some juice first."

Now I felt like I had to be on guard, because he could poison me or something. "I don't want it," I replied monotonously. What if he befriended me just to take me away when I completely trusted him? Damn, Ash was right. I shouldn't have trusted him so easily! I couldn't help but shut my eyes, completely nerve-wrecked.

"Dawn…," Jack started with a soft look on his face. "Please, trust me. You have been unconscious since last night, you must need some nutrition."

I rolled my eyes. "And whose fault is it that I was unconscious?"

He sighed as he lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry, that was the only way you'd agree to come with me."

"Listen, I don't know why you would bring me here, but I cannot forgive you for betraying me when I had accepted you as a friend!" I snapped, crossing my arms. "And how do you expect me to believe that you didn't poison my drink?"

Jack opened his mouth to say something but closed it. A few seconds later, he took a sip of the juice, making me furrow my eyebrows. "Here, if it was poisoned, then I wouldn't dare drink it," he responded, staring at me confidently. "And trust me, I can never even imagine hurting you! I swear!"

I eyed him, still suspicious, but my thirst had begun to dry my throat. If he says it isn't poisoned and even drank it, maybe it really isn't. I need to quench my thirst, first. "Okay... if you say so," I said hesitantly.

His face brightened as he handed me the cup. Though it felt weird drinking from the same cup as him, I didn't have a choice, did I? I gulped it down desperately.

Suddenly, he took the glass, which still had a few sips left in it, from my hand. I looked at him, confused, as he smiled, blushing a little. He brought the cup closer to my mouth and I knew his intentions. I quickly grabbed the cup from his hands.

Why is he trying to feed me?! Bastard! I narrowed my eyes."I'm perfectly capable of drinking it myself," I said, while gulping down another sip.

He didn't look at me, while saying, "It's just that… I wanted to do this for a long time." For some reason, he was blushing, too!

Damnit, is he a stalker?! A pervert?! A masochist?! Ugh!

I heaved a sigh, annoyed. Now that I think about it, since the beginning he has been acting too familiar with me! "...Jack, do you know me personally? I mean, did we ever meet before?" I asked slowly, raising an eyebrow.

He sighed. "I'll tell you everything later."

That's definitely suspicious...

While I was eating the bread he had bought for me along with the juice, I could see the euphoric grin on his face. He seemed very content and ecstatic about it... I couldn't help but wonder why he was so elated when he was with me...

I muttered, "Thanks." At least, I was able to get some food while being trapped in this place... but, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him!

He grinned. "My pleasure." He put the tray aside and handed me a glass of water. I gulped it down, quenching my thirst.

Man, these clothes sure are a huge handicap, huh? I sighed once more in irritation.

"Um… Jack?" Jack gave me a questioning look. "Is there a bathroom here? I'm feeling really uncomfortable in these clothes... I really need to have a warm bath, too!" I smiled sheepishly. If I have to get my requests fulfilled, then I should try and butter him up, because he seems to have a soft spot for me.

He nodded. "Yeah, there's one here. You can use it anytime, you want. I've prepared a set of clothes for you, too!"

"Um.. actually, I love to wear the clothes which I usually wear, you know..." I said, flashing a nervous smile.

"Hey! No need to worry about those! I've prepared the exact same pair of clothes! It's hanging in the bathroom!" He beamed.

But… how did he know what kind of clothes I wear..? Damn... So, he really is a stalker, huh?

I feigned surprise as I asked, "Really?"

He smiled. "Yup! C'mon, hurry up! Go and take a bath, quick! I wanna show you something!" He extended his arm and I accepted it, pulling me out of the bed.

I had to get my mobile somehow!

When he pulled me, I stumbled at my feet and fell on his chest. I shrieked as my head hit his hard, toned chest. When I looked up, Jack's face was very close to mine. I couldn't help but feel my heart jump because of our closeness. I rarely see any guys up close! It's only been Ash and Gary! He was staring right into my eyes with a wide dreamy smile on his face.

Damn, so irritating!

But, this was my chance!

I noticed my mobile placed on the table behind him. I moved my hand towards the table and slowly picked up my mobile, slipping it into the pocket of my gown. Goodness, I got that, atleast!

After clearing my throat, I said, "Uh… thanks?"

He blushed as he quickly let go of me and moved back. He rubbed the back of his head and didn't look in my direction. He stuttered, with red colour tinted on his cheeks, "M-my pleasure!"

He's acting like how I act around Ash! Then, it's confirmed that he likes me! No way but why?!

He made way for me to enter the bathroom as I faked a smile at him. Before entering, I asked, "Uh… Jack, are there cameras in the bathroom, too?" I pointed at the spy camera on the roof.

He blushed as he chuckled, nervous at being caught. Gosh, this pervert! Ugh, look at him blushing! I thought, frowning, mentally. He waved his hands frantically with guilt. "No! There are no... cameras in there."

I asked, "You sure?" Good things, my back was facing the camera while I could snuck my mobile into my pocket! I don't think that has been captured on camera, I thought, looking at the camera on the corner of the roof.

"Y-yeah!" he said as he pushed me into the bathroom. I shook my head, a bit annoyed at him. Bastard.

After closing the door behind me, I quickly twisted the faucet and let the water flow in the bathtub, so that it would seem like I was bathing. I took a quick glance around the bathroom, unable to believe his words. Surprisingly, he was right. I quickly took out my mobile from my pocket.

Once I typed the pin and unlocked the mobile, I saw that there was no signal. I knew it! There is a signal jammer here somewhere. I tried hacking the WiFi, so that I could at least call them via WhatsApp… but, no luck!

"Damnit!" I cursed under my breath. "What should I do?!"

Then, I took out the mini backpack from the pocket of my gown and clicked a button, enlarging it. I searched through it and found all my gadgets and a set of my clothes.

I'm not wearing any clothes that were given to me by the enemies.

For a test, I picked up the boots and switched them on. But it wasn't working! I tried other gadgets too, but none of them were working! What the heck is going on here?!

I felt so frustrated that I shoved those things back into that bag and clicked a button, shrinking it back into its mini size. I tossed it in the pocket of my jeans, which were hanging.

After unzipping my dress, I slid it down my body and tossed it in the laundry basket. I did the same with my undergarments. When I was done undressing, I slowly stepped into the bathtub, closing the tap.

I could feel my body merge into the lukewarm water, feeling ever so relieved. I felt the heat rush through my nerves, calming every part of my body.

Taking the bottle of shampoo, I squeezed out some of it in my palm and rubbed it across my scalp. After being done with that, I scrubbed the soap on my hands and body.

Being in the water really helped me restore my energy and thinking capacity. I closed my eyes and started thinking about what had happened that day.

I had drank the juice, which Jack had brought for me...when I was mad at Ash. Just then, I started to feel dizzy and lightheaded... It was obviously Jack, because there was no one else around me, except for him. Also, seeing him the first thing when I woke up definitely proves it. So, he brought me here... to Team Cosmic's place.

What if it isn't? It could be just a random place. Though, I feel very crept out about Jack.

But, I'm very sure that this was the base of Team Cosmic, because I remember seeing a symbol in the room, at that camera... and on the ceiling as well.

...What has Jack got to do anything with this evil team..?

Could it be... that he was a member, too? That would explain the reason why he was at that party. But then, again, he could be just one of their pawns being threatened?

But… seeing him so happy when he was in this cage… made me doubt him… because there was no way that he wasn't aware of where we were.

As much as I hated to admit it... but, all evidence pointed out that Jack was one of the members of Team Cosmic.

I trusted him and this is what I get? Damn, I hate myself for trusting him so easily when I had just met him! Although, for some reason, he did look familiar to me! Damn, Ash is definitely going to scoff at me when we meet after this! I shut my eyes in annoyance.

Then, I heard a knock. "Dawn, you done in there?"

Startled, I responded, with volume increased, "Yeah, almost."

I didn't hear him reply. He must have gone away. But… I still can't believe that he lied to me! Actually, he didn't say anything to me, neither a truth or a lie. But he did say that he'd explain it to me later… I hope he tells me the truth.

But… what must be the reason behind Jack being a part of Team Cosmic...? Was he doing it because he was helpless or… with his own will?

Just then, my eyes widened. Wait! What about that statue...? Did they manage to steal it?!

I pulled my wet hair in frustration and annoyance. "Urgh! My brain is going to blow!"

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and leaned on the wall. All the thoughts of the past events raced through my mind. I really wanted to distract myself!

Just then, an image of a smiling Ash popped up in my brain. I quickly opened my eyes in astonishment. Dawn! Why is he being played in your mind!

... Oh, yeah. The stupid me is in love with that jerk.

I heaved a sigh. What am I going to do about this crazy, dumb heart!

After spending some more time in the tub, I decided to get up. I stood up and got out of that thing, wrapping a towel around my body, while taking another one and wiping my hair with it.

Once I was dried up, I removed the towels and pulled on my undergarments. That pervert knew my sizes?! I clenched my fists until veins popped up. Should I just kill him?!

Then, I buttoned my own white shirt over my upper body and pulled the black pants over my long legs. I took that black vest from the hook and inserted my hands in it, buttoning the three buttons, while grabbing my belongings and putting it in my jeans pockets.

When I was done, I exited the bathroom. I was really feeling a lot more comfortable and relaxed, but at the same time anxiousness and agitation were weighing me down. No matter how hard I tried to push aside my thoughts, I couldn't. I was just too worried about those statues.

I sighed as I lifted my gaze, only to be surprised to see Jack seated on the bed. "Jack?" He is clinging on to me, so crazily!

He brightened up when he saw me, as he quickly stood up. He breathed, "Finally!"

"You were here the entire time when I was in the bathroom?" I raised an eyebrow as I started combing my dried-wet hair.

He nodded as he grinned. "Of course! I really wanna show you something!"

I let my hair loose since they weren't dried up yet. I asked, "What is that thing? You seem really excited?"

He flashed a toothy smile as he shrugged. "You won't know it, unless and until you see it!"

I sighed. "Fine. Let's go!" I really hoped it was something useful!

Before I even knew it, I was being dragged away by Jack. I gasped as he tightly held his fingers around mine. For some reason, his hands were really cold, just like... Ash's. The memory of him holding my hand flashed in my brain as a smile filled with grief etched my lips.

He said, excitedly, "I'm sure you'll be very happy!'

I was brought back to reality by his shrill voice. I shook my head, getting rid of Ash's image in my brain. Ugh! Dawn, it's no time to be thinking about your self-assumed lovey-dovey moments!

"Where are you taking me?!" I asked, perplexed. I could see a lot of grunts standing in the hallway, wearing the uniform of Team Cosmic. I couldn't help but wonder what position did Jack hold in this organization... None of them minded him going around with the hostage.

The white-haired came at halt in front of a metal door. Just then, when I was about to ask him where were we... I felt a pair of cold hands wrap around my eyes, blackening my vision. I asked, "Jack, what ..is this?"

"Damn, you're so whiny!" I could feel his presence behind me as he held me by my shoulders, guiding me somewhere. Slowly, I stepped forward, still not able to see anything.

"Are you ready, Dawn?" I heard him ask with a huge amount of enthusiasm. I nodded, completely wary of my surroundings. I couldn't let my guard down, especially when I was in such a dangerous place, filled with my enemies.

Slowly, I felt the hands being removed from my eyes. My eyes stirred open, grimacing slightly at the light. After blinking several times, I finally noticed the display in front of me.

As soon as I saw the thing before my eyes, my jaw dropped and my eyes widened. I let out, "What. The. Hell?!"

It was a huge room with just one huge chandelier, which emitted a dark blue light. There was one found table in the middle of the room with two chairs on either side of the table. There was some food on the table and glasses of wine.

The room was decorated with heart balloons in red and white colours, resting on the black floor. It was giving a very… um… what to say… loving... more specifically, romantic atmosphere?

"Liked it?" I turned my head to see Jack grinning like he was the happiest person and was very proud of his work.

I nodded, agreeing with him, "Yeah! It's awesome!" I have to keep him in a good mood.

Then, he held out his hand and I couldn't help but accept it. He walked me to the table, pulling out the chair and gesturing to me go sit on it. I smiled at him, "Thanks!" Wasn't I dressed in a little too casual clothes for the event? ...Ha, who cares! I just need to get information out of him.

Jack took a seat, in front of me. He blushed a bit as he pointed at the meal on the table. "Let's dig in, shall we?" He questioned.

"O-okay!" I said, as I picked up the fork and knife. It was a dish of spaghetti with meatballs, some vegetable soup and a glass of grape wine. I should fill my stomach, since I know he wouldn't take any drugs this time, since he should know that if he does something, again, I wouldn't ever forgive him.

I glanced at the white bottle filled with purple liquid. Uh… wine? I don't think I should drink, since I could get drunk.

He smiled. "Go ahead." I nodded as I bit onto the first bite, savouring the wonderful mixture of spicy and sweet taste.

While eating, I asked, "Jack... why did you prepare this?"

Scratching his cheek, he admitted, "Because… I wanted to..." Just then, he took the spoon from my hand and I looked at him, confused. He took a piece from my plate and brought it to my mouth, grinning, slightly.

The fuck?! HE IS GOING OVERBOARD, UGH-

Calm down, Dawn... good mood, remember?

I sighed as I forced a smile, opening my mouth, nevertheless. He slipped the contents of the spoon into my mouth as I chewed it, quietly. How I wished to be fed by my boyfriend whenever I watched this scene in the movies. I would be the luckiest person if it was Ash, instead... I couldn't help but let out a sigh.

Suddenly, slow, romantic music began playing in the background. My eyes enlarged in surprise, thinking, shit, don't tell me!

Jack placed the spoon on the plate and got up from his seat, making his way to me. He extended his arm, bowing and I sighed, cursing as loud as I could, mentally, as I accepted his offer. Once I did that, he pulled me towards him as he placed a palm on my waist and the other one holding my hand tightly. As a reflex, I kept my right hand on his shoulder.

For some reason, all this made me feel really... special?

At the same time, it felt too cringeworthy to me. I hated being in the arms of some guy, who belongs to a bad company.

Damn, I felt so much of cringe that I couldn't maintain the fake smile anymore. I sighed, mentally. Only if it was Ash planning something as special as this, then I would die with happiness... Ash, I miss you... I wish you were mine...-

I snapped back into reality when I heard the music volume increase. I felt like pulling the hair out of my scalp and let it bleed! Why was I being so stuck up with Ash?! Why did I keep thinking about him in place of Jack?!

He's already engaged, for God's sake, Dawn!

But I couldn't stop thinking about him! Why?!

Being in love is so tough! Especially, if it's an unrequited one!

Our legs were moving on its own, going just according to the beats and rhythm. I raised my eyebrows as I asked, "Um… Jack, why are you doing all this?" I felt guilty of taking advantage of his feelings.

"You are not enjoying it?" he asked, with a little fear in his voice.

How can I? I shook my head in denial. "No… it's just that... I'm surprised that you are being so nice to me!"

He looked at me fondly as I stared back at him, still not getting anything. He replied, softly, "I admire you… and that's the reason why I did all this..."

I frowned. "Huh?"

He nodded with a deep smile. "Yes." He took the pair of my hands, which were wrapped up by his, and placed it on his cheek, leaning into my touch with his eyes closed.

I blushed deeply, biting my lower lip. Why is he doing this! I'm not used to being touched like this! I-

"Will you stop biting your lip? I don't like it."

I gasped lightly.

That's when I realized that I was biting onto my lip… which Ash didn't like... I couldn't help the smile, etching my lips. He'd definitely say that, again if he saw me do it...

Then, my eyes turned to the boy in front of me and my eyes widened. Was it Ash?! I saw Ash was the one, who was holding my hand and had it on his cheek! I looked at him, stupefied.

I quickly shook my head with eyes shut. After opening them again, I saw it was Jack… not Ash! I sighed, I am just hallucinating, huh?

He can't leave me even in my thoughts!

"Dawn? You okay?"

I was snapped out of my thoughts, by Jack's concerned voice. I looked up and smiled, quickly, "Yeah, yeah! I'm fine!"

He smiled back. "Alright, then." He continued dancing with me, I didn't really feel bad about dancing with him. I was quite enjoying it but at the back of my mind, I had the image of Ash and only him.

And I felt kinda lonely...

After the music was over, we made our way back to the table. When we sat down, I decided to ask, "Jack. You said that you'd tell me why you were here with me. At this place."

He took a deep breath. "Dawn, I-" Just then, his mobile rang and he excused himself as he walked out of the room.

I sighed as I looked around. My eyes fell at one thing, in particular. I saw that there was another door.

What could be in there?

Quickly, I stood up and ran to that door. I twisted the knob and was quite surprised when I felt the door open. Once I opened that metal door and entered it, my jaw dropped in shock and bewilderment.

I just blinked, completely stunned by the view displayed before my eyes.

The entire room was filled with different pictures of mine! Some were huge and some were very tiny! They were in many different outfits! And different hairstyles, too! Even the ceiling was filled with my pictures! And just below that was a bed!

It was just like a Dawn-etorium!

Damn, it seems like I had met a very huge stalker.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I stared at Jack while cursing, in the mind.

FUCK MY LIFE! WHY THE HELL AM I SO UNLUCKY!

That's it for today, guys! What do you think?! Was it thrilling?

And I hope this chapter was enough to meet your expectations! Why do you think Jack is obsessed with Dawn? Any ideas, hmm? And what do you think about Dawn repeatedly thinking about Ash, all the damn time? And at the end, were you as surprised as Dawn when you read that he has a room filled with her pictures? XD

Do you think Jack is the leader of Team Cosmic? Let me know your sweet opinions!

And sorry for not updating earlier! Look forward to the next chapter, bye!