#089 Muk

Muk, the sludge Pokémon. The evolved form of Grimer. From Muk's body seeps a foul fluid that gives off a nose-bendingly horrible stench. Just a few drops of this Pokémon's body fluid can turn a pool stagnant and rancid. This Pokémon's favourite food is anything that is repugnantly filthy. In dirty towns where people think nothing of throwing away litter on the streets, Muk are certain to gather – Nurse Evergreen.

Nurse Isabelle was on her way to visit Nurse Elenor Evergreen in Celadon city for mother's day, which had been recently. Due to minor troubles on the way, Izzy was a few days late, but her mother always understood. Once, they had celebrated Christmas a month late due to trouble at the centre. Despite the inconvenience, Izzy was rather fond of these memories. They made the holidays special. It seemed only fitting to continue this tradition.

Because Isabelle had not shown her mother her newest team members yet, she showed up on her Ponyta. By now, after many hours of travel, Izzy was able to stay comfortably on Ponyta's back, though she still was no master rider. As she'd hoped, her mother loved Ponyta. She had known about Izzy's research and fawned over the healthy fire of her blue mane and the pristine pureness of her coat. Although she wasn't a good rider, Isabelle did know how to take care of a Pokémon. Mother would be furious with her if she neglected any of her Pokémon! With Ponyta grazing in the back garden, and after a quick meeting between Mother and Dewgong, Isabelle was sat down with tea. The ladies had a lot to catch up on, after all. Elenor spoke about thinking of moving to a ranch outside of Celadon, which much more land where she could continue her hobby of rehabilitating Pokémon. It wouldn't be retirement, but definitely one step towards it. She wasn't the youngest anymore, by far. Elenor showed her daughter a journal with nearly a hundred entries so far.

"What's this?" Isabelle asked, flicking through the pages. Pidgey, Geodude, Zubat, Meowth.

"You know that Pokémon professor? Oak? He's asked Pokémon professionals, such as us, to supply him with a short description of every Pokémon known in the Kanto region. Something about his Pokédex project. Anyway, these are the entries I've been writing."

"They're really cool, mother. Do you mind if I use these? You know of my blog. I wanted to document my year here as I work towards my master's degree, and I'd love to use these. I'll credit you, of course. How does Nurse Evergreen sound?" Her mother laughed and agreed easily. Their conversation was interrupted when the telephone rang. It was the Celadon gym, according to the number identification.

"Mrs Evergreen? We need your help! All our plants are dying, and there is this terrible smell like an open sewer. Something's making low, growly noises as well. I think it's some Pokémon. Please come and help us!" The girls from the gym shrieked frantically.

"Don't worry, mother. I'll go," Isabelle offered, overhearing the conversation. She drowned her tea in one swig and stood to get her shoes.

Elenor smiled and told the girls of Izzy's decision. When she hung up, the older nurse sighed. "You'd think they'd seen a Raticate from the way they scream and shriek." Izzy giggled at that as she tied her laces and grabbed her coat.

Because Ponyta could use some rest, Isabelle flew the tiny distance on Pidgeot's back to Celadon gym. As she landed, she saw the chaos. All around her, girls were crying and throwing up, which seemed a bit of an exaggerated reaction according to Izzy.

Erika met her in front of the gym. She, too, seemed a tad annoyed with the hysterics. She wore her black hair in a neat bob, and her robe was traditional and of a muted plum colour. She looked like the image of grace amidst this chaos. Her mother Astrid had trained her well.

"Heya Izz, we've got a loose Muk. No clue how it got in, but the brute can't find the way out. In his confusion, his stench is unbearable. I don't want to aggravate it. Let's just chase it out. Oh, and Izz? It's a poison type." Isabelle nodded with a sigh "I'm aware. But I also know grass types are weak against it, which leaves you with little to fight it. Pidgeot should be able to blow it away with his powerful wings. Do you have an exit planned?"

"Yes. There's an easy route from the back exit to the city garbage disposal. The Muk should be happier there than in my gym."

"Let's do it."

Inside, as she was warned, it reeked. Badly. It smelled like everything that could rot at the same time. Clearly, this Muk was really upset and confused. Like Gloom, they could be very manageable, but tended to smell when upset. Overwhelmed by the smell, Isabelle nearly gagged.

"Sweet lord, your trainers didn't exaggerate after all."

"They're used to Gloom, Izz. I had expected a slightly stronger stomach. But no matter. We have work to do."

The operation didn't take long. Isabelle mostly stood behind Pidgeot, whose gale easily forced Muk to slither where Isabelle wanted it to go. Within quarter of an hour, the girls stood outside as the Muk slimed its own way further, probably smelling the garbage from here.

"I'm so happy I'm not a trainer of yours. I wouldn't want to clean up the grime and have to start the garden over anew."

Erika laughed. "The cleaning will be gross, but we like gardening. We had wanted to try out a new layout anyway, since the Pokémon Centre has need of new medicine. Now we have the soil available, after purifying it."

"Good luck, Erika."

"You too. When all is done, come and visit us again."

"As long as it doesn't smell this badly, I'll be sure to come."

The ladies laughed again and went their own way. Erika went inside, and Isabelle back to her mother's, who had been brushing the Ponyta gently and meticulously. The snow-white fur shone beautifully.

"It's done, mother. A Muk had gotten stuck in the gym," Isabelle announced as she came in again.
"Ah, good. Curious creatures, Muk. They live off garbage, yet they poison the ground they touch. Do you think they can be purified, or will they simply cease to exist once the area is clean again?" Her daughter sat down on the porch and crossed her legs, thoughtfully.

"I wouldn't know. I think that while there are humans, there will be Grimer and Muk. They're very rare in rural areas, so it must be the concentration of people in cities that draws them." Like that, they continued to discuss, bringing in some sources such as articles they had read. Dinner was quieter, with some music playing in the background.