As usual Pixel wished that he was back at home sitting amongst the familiar humming of his machines. Looking around at the faces he couldn't help but feel mildly apprehensive and with good reason. Trixie shuffled her feet with impatience. 'So truth or dare, what's it going to be?' Trixie asked with relish, presenting Pixel with the ultimatum feared by teenagers everywhere. Pixel went quiet as he attempted to work out which option might be the safest bet. After a few seconds he gave up glumly, realising with Trixie and Stephanie together, nothing was safe. 'Come On!' Trixie demanded impatiently.

'Ok… umm … dare' Pixel chose, silently praying that they wouldn't think of anything life-threatening.

At his words Trixie, Stingy and Stephanie immediately huddled together. Excited whispers and muffled laughter emanated from the bunched trio but even straining his ears Pixel couldn't make out what they were plotting. After an agonizingly long wait, they broke apart, eyeing him fiendishly. Stephanie cleared her throat to deliver the challenge.

'Pixel, we dare you…' she paused, stringing out Pixel's discomfit for as long as possible, '…to go skinning dipping in the lake' she finished with glee. Pixel heard Trixie snigger and his heart sunk in his chest.

'Unless you're too chicken' Trixie taunted. Laughing, she flapped her arms and made loud clucking sounds.

Pixel's expression clouded over. He reached out for a glass bottle sitting to one side and took a big swig, hoping that they didn't call liquid courage for nothing. He shuddered involuntarily as the hard spirit scorched his throat on its way down. Then, coming to the conclusion that he'd never be able to live it down if he backed out this time around, his expression became resolute. 'I'll do it!' he said determinedly, and without giving himself the opportunity to change his mind, he hastily set off in the direction of the lake whilst the rest of the group followed speedily on his heels.

Approaching the lake they slowed to a halt, mesmerised by its tranquil beauty. The crescent moon with its array of twinkling companions was perfectly reflected in its still black depths. They stood there taking in the magical sight until Stingy, obviously not remotely interested in the prospect of catching a glimpse of a naked Pixel, began skimming pebbles across the water's surface.

Aware that he couldn't put it off any longer, Pixel turned to face the two girls standing beside him.

'Cover your eyes' he instructed.

Giggling, they obediently hid their eyes with their hands.

However, not trusting them for an instant, Pixel ducked behind the refuge of a nearby bush. He removed his headset, placing it carefully on a branch and then wriggled out of his clothes, dumping them into a dishevelled heap. After double-checking to make sure the bush would hide him from view he ran down to the water's edge and plunged in. The water was cool and he couldn't help but shiver slightly.

'How is it?' called Trixie, rushing down to the edge.

'Chilly' Pixel admitted.

He bobbed about for a bit then decided to attempt the butterfly stroke that he had seen demonstrated on TV the other day. He tried for a few minutes before giving up, embarrassed that he might simply be making a fool out of himself. Turning back towards the shore he squinted, trying to make out his friends, but to his surprise he couldn't them anywhere.

'Trixie?' he shouted.

'Stephanie?'

Stumbling out of the water he immediately dashed over to the bush. A shock went through him as his clothes were nowhere to be seen. Panicking he ran around the bush a couple of times just in case, but it was no good, they were definitely not there.

Picking up the nearest available item he made his way cautiously home.