FicWad

I actually have two versions of the next chapter, that I'm still trying to decide on using. There is a way out of the predicament that doesn't involve splattering fried pichu all over the landscape, if you think about the general nature of pokemon. The 'Sploded Pichu chapter was more fun to write, just because death, action and gore usually is. However, after the death scene the story would kinda have to realistically stop. Much as I love Mel, and wish that she was resilient against all things, I think discovering the death of not only Bolt, but Matt and Adam (let's face it, with that much electricity in the air and Bolt exploding Adam and Matt are courting death, and most certainly complete paralysis if they survive) would completely traumatize her for life.

The Non-'Sploded Pichu chapter is less fun, as I have to deal with shocked ten year olds, and the angst factor seems contrived. However, if I don't want the story to descend into complete angst for the rest of it (rather than minor angst for a chapter) and ruining forever a little girl's chance to take on the world, I probably should let Bolt survive.

Bottom line, I'm still trying to decide between the two. From my reviewers and beta, so far I've got two votes for letting Bolt survive, and one vote against (this was just based on gut feeling, rather than any attachment to realism on their part). I'm leaning toward using the lop-hole that I left for myself, and letting him live, even though the writing for the survival chapter isn't as entertaining.