Okay, this is the last chapter that I have prewritten, so it will probably be a while b4 I update, since ive had writer's block ever since I moved. I just miss texas sooo much… maybe your reviews will help me get over my depression; they always did b4 I moved.

I luv u guys, and if I didn't have all your support, I don't know where id be…

I wanted 2 say something ekse reak fast, then u guys can go ahead n read. Jarkes, nice guess! U were right! I am keeping their plan a secret n ull find out wat it is exactly when they face team rocket.

Oh and to all the other anonymous reviewers thx for ur reviews, they rok!

Anyways, ill stop moping, and blabbing here's the next chappie of Strained Emotions!!

Chapter Six- Setting Out

"Wake up sleepy head," Misty called, nudging Ash lazily with her foot. He didn't budge. "Oh, c'mon, Ash, wake up!" Misty wined, grinning slightly, amused by his same old stubborn attitude. She got down on her knees beside him and gave him a hard shake. "We have a big day ahead of us, and we could all use a little pep talk from you!"

"Still asleep, huh?" Misty asked a sly smile on her face. She motioned for Pikachu to come over. "Then this should get you up!" She looked over at Pikachu and nodded, "Give him a light jolt, Pikachu, not too much, just enough to get him up."

But Pikachu didn't know the meaning of a "light" jolt. He gave Ash such a shock that he went flying nearly five feet in the air, landing hard afterwards, because he was still in his sleeping bag.

Misty laughed as she watched Ash struggle to get the zipper of his sleeping bag down, which had fused shut from the bolt. Eventually, though, he got it just low enough to crawl out. He stood up, black, crisp, and fuming.

"Who's idea was that!?" He yelled, rubbing his head, and looking in Brock's direction. Brock just looked at him, shrugged, and pointed at Misty. Ash stared at her in disbelief, "You told Pikachu to do that!??

"Good morning to you, too" Misty laughed, giving him a good morning kiss on the cheek, causing Ash to blush, "I don't know why you're so surprised, that's I used to always get you up."

"I know," Ash murmured sheepishly, rubbing his head in an embarrassed sort of way, "It's just I thought you might treat me a little nicer since we started dating…"

"Hey, I told Pikachu to give you a light jolt," Misty said, shrugging innocently, "Is it my fault that you've trained him so well that he can't do that?"

Ash laughed as ha pulled on his new cap. "You always know just what to say, don't you, Misty?"

"Let's just say I know how to calm you down, Mr. 'Pokemon Master.'" She smirked as she pulled the bill of his hat over his eyes playfully, and dodged as he lunged at her, making both of them laugh. Ash pulled his hat up and began chasing Misty around the camp as Brock and Kenny watched impatiently from the table. He finally caught from behind, after a good five minutes of running, and spun her around in a circle, his arms securely wrapped around her waist, so he wouldn't drop her.

"Okay, if you two are done goofing around," Brock called, causing Ash and Misty to stop laughing and look over in his directions, Ash's arms still around Misty, "We should probably hurry up and eat so we can set out."

"Oh…right, Dawn…" Ash mumbled, readjusting his hat and looking up at the sky. A brim of light could be seen over the horizon, which Ash understood as a single to act serious. They didn't have much time….

Sunrisesunrisesunrisesunrisesunrise

They ate a rather quick and silent breakfast and Kenny got his things prepared to leave. Brock, Misty, and Ash would all leave shortly after him, but remain out of sight. They wanted to make sure Team Rocket thought they were following their orders, even if they weren't.

"'Kay," Kenny said, putting on his bag, heavy with the weight of their "Pokemon," "I think I got everything." He turned to face everyone, looking determined.

"Don't forget," Brock said, placing a hand on Kenny's shoulder, "We'll be right behind you."

"I know," Kenny nodded, "And don't worry, Dawn and I will be fine. No matter if you come or not," He smirked, but turned so that no one would notice his cheeks flush at the mention of Dawn's name. "I should probably get going now…" He voice trailed off toward the end.

Kenny began walking down the path, waving his arm in the air, as a form of a silent goodbye. Perhaps, if he hadn't been so lost in thought, he would've heard the words of encouragement and "good luck"s his friends were calling after him, and he would've been a little less nervous…

"You think he'll be able to pull it off?" Misty asked dropping the arm she had been waving as she watched Kenny disappear around the corner of the embankment. "He seems a little young to be doing this…"

"Oh, c'mon Misty, he'll be fine," Ash said, throwing an arm around her shoulder reassuringly. "Besides, we were doing stuff way more dangerous when we were their age."

Misty leaned her head on Ash's shoulder and sighed, "Guess you're right, and it is only Team Rocket who, from what I remember, have to be the worst criminals on this planet!" They all laughed, remembering all the times they had heard Team Rocket shout that they were "blasting off again" while they flew through the sky.

"Plus," Brock added as their laughter died down, "In case he needs any support, we'll be there to back him up."

"Right!" Ash agreed, nodding vigorously, and grinning from ear to ear. "Let's get this show on the road!" Ash grabbed his bag and set off toward the trees, before Misty grabbed his arm.

"Ash, you know this is serious, right? Not everything's fun and games." She said, both eyebrows raised at him.

Ash laughed, flashing Misty that dopey, trademark smile of his that she loved so much, "Hey, just because it's serious, doesn't mean it can't be fun, too!" He shrugged.

Misty rolled her at him, giggling. She had to admit, Ash's positive attitude was pretty contagious. She was actually looking forward to fighting Team Rocket!

"Okay, whatever Ash, just stick to the plan," Misty stated, trying to hide her smile. She let go of his arm and let him lead the way through the trees, her and Brock close behind.

If they wanted to stay out of sight, the trees were their best option. After ten minutes of avoiding fallen branches and clothes and hair getting caught in the trees, they finally caught up with Kenny. He stood on the bank of the lake, waiting for Team Rocket to show, a slight breeze ruffling his hair.

The trio stopped some 20 yards away from him, in the shadows of the trees and, they too, began to wait…

Sunrisesunrisesunrisesunrisesunrise

So, that's it for now. Hope u liked it. I'm also excepting ideas for the next chap, since I can't seem to think of any myself.

Oh and jarkes, could u make an account on fanfiction, so I can reply 2 ur reviews? It would make it a lot easier 4 me, and u have had some pretty good ideas 4 my fics, mayb u should try writing ur own. Just a suggestion, but think bout it, k?

Pikachu35