Sorry about the slow updates ppl, I've been lazy n procrastinating n I had a report I had 2 do 4 history DX. I'll try 2 start updating quicker but we all know that's probably not going 2 happen. XD

Anyway on with strained emotions (I need 2 learn 2 stop blabbing)

Chapter #8- Stranded with You

Flashback

""AAAHHHHHHHH!!!" Dawn screamed as the wind whipped at her clothes as she continued to fall.

"Dawn!" Dawn jerked her head in midair to see Kenny falling beside her, his hand outstretched, "Take my hand! We'll fall together!"

"Ok, Kenny!" She said grabbing his hand and holding it tight, "Don't let go!"

"I wont ever Dawn, I promise."

End Flashback

"Dawn!" Kenny called turning to face, and making sure not to let go of her hand as they continued to fall. (it's a long drop ok!)

Dawn turned to him, the wind rushing past causing tears to stream out of her eyes, but she was to terrified at the moment to even think of closing them. "Yeah, Kenny?!"

"Once we reach the treetops I want you to shut you're eyes as tight as you possibly can, okay?" Kenny looked down at the nearing treetops as he spoke, worry clinging to every word.

"Why!?"

The worry in his voice made Dawn even more nervous, but Kenny turned back to her and replied, "Just trust me!"

Dawn nodded and closed her eyes just as they made impact with the forest. She heard branches crash her and snap all around, but was also aware of Kenny's warm hand still enclosed around hers. She smiled slightly as she felt him squeeze her hand and gently squeezed it back. It felt good to know that he was here with her…

XDXDXDXDXDXDXDXD

"Do you see them Brock?" Ash asked, repeating this question every five seconds or so. He paced in a circle around Brock who was staring into the sky with a pair of binoculars.

"No, Ash, I don't see them," Brock answered, annoyance lingering in his voice as he rolled his eyes slightly. Seriously, Ash worried way too much.

"Ash," Misty said softly walking up beside him and putting her hand on his shoulder.

"I know, I know, quit worrying," Ash chuckled smiling at her weakly, but it only lasted a few seconds before it turned back into a worried frown. "It's just that," Ash continued, looking back towards the sky, "Did you see how far they fell?"

Ash looked at her out of the corner of his eye to see her nod slowly before continuing, his voice beginning to shake, "And if it wasn't for me telling Butterfree to use whirlwind on Team Rockets' balloon, they never would have…" His voice trailed off as he looked back at Misty fully, tears brimming in his eyes.

Misty immediately noticed this and pulled him into a tight hug. "Ash, what happened wasn't your fault. You were just trying to help them, and besides they have each other, and right now that's probably all they need. I'm sure they're fine."

Misty pulled back to see Ash grinning warmly at her. He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her cheek. "Thanks Mist, that's all I needed to hear, and it sounded a whole lot better coming from you."

Brock sighed and lowered the binoculars. "No sign of them. You guys want to set up camp here and wait for them." He looked over at Ash and Misty who looked back at him, "I mean it's better than us getting lost out there to. Besides, Kenny has a map with him."

The couple nodded in agreement and followed Brock as he made his way back up the embankment to gather their stuff. At the top of the hill, all three of them turned on the spot to gaze out at the trees across the sparkling lake, scanning them for a sign of blue or chestnut-brown hair. After a few moments they gave in and, with a long sigh, turned back to the camp.

XDXDXDXDXDXDXDXD

"AHHH!!!" An earsplitting scream reached Kenny's ears as soon as he woke up. He jerked up to find himself on the forest floor, broken branches and leaves scattered around him. He whipped his head in the direction of the scream to find Dawn sitting next to him clutching a mirror.

"Dawn, what's wrong?" Kenny asked, rubbing his aching head slowly.

Dawn whipped around to him, a look of utter horror etched on her face. "Oh, Kenny it's terrible," She looked back in the mirror and groaned, "Look at my hair!!"

Kenny fell forward, but caught himself before he hit the ground, laughing nervously. Dawn could be so unpredictable at times. He looked back at her and quirked an eyebrow, "Dawn where'd u get that mirror anyways?"

Dawn began pulling leaves and broken twigs out of her hair and smirked, not taking her eyes of the mirror, "I carry one with me at all times. You never know when you may need one."

Kenny rolled his eyes and laughed. Of course… He expected that answer from her.

Dawn put her mirror up; having given up trying to fix her hair without Piplup's help, and tilted her head at Kenny, confused. "What?"

Kenny just continued laughing at her expression and shook his head, "Nothing…nothing…" Changing the subject, he stood up and offered her his hand, "So, now what?"

Dawn accepted his hand and let him pull her to her feet. She shrugged, brushing herself off and looking around, "I don't know, get back to the others I guess…"

Kenny felt slightly disappointed by her answer. Truth be told, he was kind of looking forward to being stranded alone with Dawn in the forest. It might be easier to confess when he didn't have to worry about Ash, Brock, or Misty waltzing into the scene.

Dawn noticed Kenny's disappointment right away and decided to add something. "Unless," She began leaning forward slightly so she could look up into his face, her blue hair falling into her eyes, "You want to stay out here for a little bit. I mean," She stood up and glanced around again, brushing her looses hair out of her face, "We're in no rush to get back right?"

Then, she remembered about how the others would begin to worry if they didn't show up, "Well, maybe we are, but it's beautiful out here. Why not take our sweet time about getting back?"

Kenny just grinned stupidly and nodded his head quickly. Anything that has to do with spending quality time with Dawn and he was all for it!

"So, um," Kenny began, twisting his neck from side to side before looking back at her, "First we need to find out which direction camp is. We don't want to start walking and two hours later find out we went in the wrong direction, do we?" Dawn shook her head, smiling sheepishly. Kenny sure knew how to take charge when he needed to.

"'Kay, then," Kenny scratched his head, grinning stupidly again, "How exactly are we going to find out which direction to go?"

With a groan, Dawn fell on her face. Well, so much for his leadership skills…

I apologize if the characters were a bit OOC in this chapter, especially Dawn and Kenny, cuz it's been a while since I watched DP.

Oh well, r&r and let me know what you think. More reviews faster updates. XD

Pikachu35