Misty raced through the doorway, slamming the door behind her. Her clothes were soaked. Her hair, having fallen out of its ponytail, stuck to her face as it dripped water onto the ground. She breathed heavily, leaning over to catch her breath. That was close-too close. She'd heard people claim they saw their lives flash before their eyes when placed in a near-death situation, but she'd never been one to believe the saying. Until now. Until she'd somehow become a target to a more dangerous and violent Team Rocket.

She lifted her head to scan the room for Ash. He was leaning against the wall with his hand pressed against his side. His breathing was more labored, and his face was scrunched up, his eyes closed. A few drops of blood hit the floor as she stood, frozen. He looked down at the stained floor before tilting his head to meet her eyes, his face instantly morphing into a cheerful grin.

"So, slight problem..." Slowly, he lifted his hand, turning his palm to face Misty. Red covered his hand as if he'd stuck it into a vat of paint.

Then, before she could say a word, he crumpled to the ground.