"What do you think they're doing out there?" May asked Brock, lazily drizzling the syrup onto the remains of her pancakes with her spoon. "Probably just-

Brock was cut off as they heard a yell, followed by a splash.

Tracey was the first one to leap to his feet. "That sounds like trouble, let's go!"

May and Brock nodded, and rushed out the kitchen door, shutting the door behind them, closing in the Pokemon.

Misty's vision blurred as she sank under the water. She kicked out, and broke the surface, taking deep breaths. Ash was gasping, pouring water out of his hat. Misty scowled.

"I hate you."

Ash stuck out his tongue.

And then he looked at her, and she looked at him, and both realised they were sopping wet. And then they both burst out laughing.

Ash stood up and offered a hand to Misty. "Thanks." Misty said shyly, and grabbed it, allowing herself to be hauled up. "What's going on here?"

Misty blushed as red as her hair as she saw Tracey, Brock and May staring at them. "We heard a big splash, and came rushing out to see what is was, but we can see you're OK." May said, turning a little red herself. Misty realised she was still holding Ash's hand, and dropped it quickly. "I gotta go dry off." she said, and ran off towards the house. Ash ran after her, leaving the others bewildered and slightly bemused. He saw her scoop up Marill as she rushed through the kitchen. He caught Pikachu's hand as he hurtled after her, swinging the little yellow Pokemon onto his shoulder. Forgetting he was still wet. He was just behind Misty when a large jolt shocked him.

"Aaargh!" Ash yelled as his hair stood on end. He felt the similar sensation of falling, as his vision darkened and he hit the floor outside Misty's bedroom.

Misty heard a yell and opened her door as Ash landed at her feet. She jumped backwards, expecting him to get up and blush. "Ash?" she said gently. He was out cold. "Daisy!" Misty's sister came running. "What's wrong-aah!" Daisy squeaked, as she raced down the hall. "What did you do to him, Misty?"

Misty was annoyed. "I didn't do anything, Barbie. He was wet and put Pikachu on his shoulders, you figure it out. Just make sure he's OK, got it?" she snapped, and went back into her room, slamming the door.

"Is he OK?" a voice came from behind Daisy. She looked up, (she's on her knees beside Ash) and saw May.

"Oh, hi May. Yeah, he'll be fine. Listen," she lowered her voice a little, and cupped her hand round the side of her mouth. "why don't you go talk to Misty? She needs someone to talk to, and I'm just her annoying big sister. Please?"

May was going to refuse, but she couldn't help but say yes to Daisy's pleading eyes. "I guess so." she sighed.

"Oh, thanks May!" Daisy gushed, and then slapped a hand over her mouth in case Misty heard. She put a finger to her lips, and then blew a tiny silver whistle. May heard no noise, but at once a Blastoise was beside them. Daisy lifted Ash onto it's back, and led it down the corridor to the nursery. May took a deep breath, and walked towards Misty's bedroom.

Misty was furious. How could she have been so stupid? There was only one thing to do. Go alone. Her confused Marill had had a lesson from Pikachu, and it wasn't willing to go back into the Pokeball. She threw her secret supply of food from her bedside drawers into her backpack, along with her Pokeballs, and some empty ones. She was ready. She walked calmly into her en- suite bathroom to get dressed. Then she heard a knock on the door. "Misty?"

It was May.

May opened the door nervously. "Hey Misty." Misty just stared at her, standing in the middle of the room, her hair soaked and wearing a long fluffy pink towel with a seahorse on it. "I'll just be a minute." she answered, and walked into her bathroom.

May fidgeted with her gloves. "Uh, Misty, is anything wrong?"

Tears pricked Misty's eyes. Yes! You're travelling with my best friend and brainwashing him with that bimbo act!

"No. Of course not. Why do you ask?"

"You just seemed a little upset earlier."

No duh! "Well, I was just embarrassed about being soaked in front of you guys."

"So you're OK?"

OK? If gut wrenching love was OK, then yes! I'm fine. If my mom hadn't left with my two older sisters, yes, I'm fine. If you had never met Ash, I'd be FINE! "May, I'm fine."

"Ok, if you're sure." May left the room as Misty broke down sobbing on the bathroom floor.

Poor Misty. R&R. Please.