AN: I don't own Pokemon.

I know, this isn't the next chapter to Sacred Illusions. I just... I'm having trouble writing it. My grandmother died recently and I haven't been feeling the inspiration for it.

I think it'll help if those who read it tells me why they like the story. It wasn't original, there has been a few before it and I thought I could do better. And, to be honest, I'm not sure I can continue it. Unless some of you can convince my muse that it's worth reading, I won't be able to write it without out it turning into dung.

In the mean time, here's a story, or a part of it, that I had been dying to write. I put it on hold because Sacred Illusions was so popular... and I'm having a little trouble writing the first chapter.

This part would be in the Vermilion City "arc". Each "arc" is three chapters long [it's basically a chapter cut into three parts] and is based on locations, like Pallet Town, and important events, like gym battles.

While there are stories with Ash having a different starter, I haven't seen one with this one before.

That's all for now. I hope you enjoy reading this.


The Vermillion City Pokémon Gym seems a lot more intimidating up close. The exterior has lightning designs crisscrossing all around the building, giving it a wired fence look. The roof looks to be made out of storm clouds in a shape of tall towers. In short; the gym looks like a cross between an electrical storm and a heavily guarded military camp.

Looking at the building wasn't helping calm Ash's nerves.

There are already people coming to fill the seats and watch the next challenger. Most people were putting on bets on how bad the challenger is going to be beaten this time. Ash tugs on his jacket in an attempt to calm down.

A part of him is trying to convince him that this is dangerous and he should run away now. And he agrees… except for a different part trying to convince him to stay.

His heart pumps hard at the mere thought of being anywhere with electricity. The fear he has keeps him rooted to the ground. His whole body is shaking in silent panic as his mind process just what he has agreed to.

He's going into a gym that specializes in electric type, the main contender; a highly trained Raichu. But the raichu isn't the only Pokémon he needs to worry about. According to the trainers, the ones conscious that is, all of the Pokémon the faced are highly trained electric types.

Now looking at the gym and thinking back to the other two he's seen, Ash can't help but wonder if the gym itself is a death-trap. To him, it might as well be.

Ash feels his legs getting ready to flee. To run back to the Pokémon Center and hide, like the coward he is. But then he catches sight of one of the trainers and memories flashed in his mind for just a moment. The feeling of hopelessness came rushing back and Ash remembers wishing for someone to stand up for him.

He remembers very faintly of a tall, intimidating man and a raichu checking in on him… but he can't remember the man or how badly he freaked out with the raichu. In fact, he assumed it was a dream because when he asked, no one believed him.

His mind went back to the people and Pokémon at the Pokémon Center. They are in no worse condition than when he was attacked and even though the medicine is better now than a few years ago, there will always be complications. And maybe, Ash wanted those people and Pokémon to keep fighting, to have hope, when it is so easy to give up… just like he did.

Taking a deep breath, Ash looks at the building again. The fear is still there, the desire to run still burns in his legs and mind, but he refuses to let them take hold.

He takes another deep breath and reminds himself why he agreed to do this. For the young trainers who have been broken physically, mentally and emotionally by this gym. For the Pokémon whose life is on the line because this gym didn't stop until too late. For Nurse Joy who can't do anything because they bully her into silence.

More importantly, he's doing this to show these bullies that not everyone is going to sit by and watch as they continue to ruin lives. To show they can't always hide behind the rules to get what they want. And maybe, show them to never judge someone by their looks.

Ash can feel his starter, his partner, looking at him. He can tell she's wondering what is going through his mind. And, for some odd reason, he knows she's fighting down her past and fears, just like what he's doing now.

Taking his third deep breath, Ash looks at the three Pokémon who came with him. His starter has the same conflict look as he does; fear and fleeing determination. The smallest is both terrified and curious as she doesn't really understand what is going on. The largest, the one who is usually laid back and easy-going, has this firmness in his eyes, one Ash himself doesn't really know what it is. Anger? Determination? Disappointment?

Whatever it is, Ash is glad it wasn't directed at him. Because when the big brother of the group looks up at him, Ash feels all of his fear let go as his mind registers the protectiveness in his eyes. The fear is still there, and is still strong, but Ash feels he doesn't have to do this alone. For the first time in his life, Ash Ketchum fully feels he isn't alone.

"You three ready?" he asks them. The three of them nods, one with uncertainty, one with a nervous swallow and one with firmness. Ash takes a fourth deep breath, adjusted his clothes and says, "Dexter, begin recording."


AN: Good? Bad? Should I write this story?

I can't give too much info without spoiling the story, and I do want to keep some surprises for the story.

Tell me what you think of this and Sacred Illusions. I can only work on one and I need to know which one. Thank you for your support. Please be safe and enjoy you day and life.