Remember that sick Eevee from the last chapter? It's come back to haunt Ash...

Disclaimer: I never have nor ever will own Pokemon, or anything else.


(Part VII: Illness) Written by Brock Stone.

It shall always be known that there are few things in life that are constants. Aside from death, taxes, and Team Rocket appearances at inopportune moments, there will always be illnesses. The same can be said for pokemon. Each species of pokemon has its own unique way of showing their illness. Fire types cough and sneeze fire, water types spray water, and psychic types are prone to making machines explode.

"Pii-kaaa-CHUUU!" The loud sneeze shook the windows in the Ketchum household one morning. Mrs. Ketchum and Mr. Mime looked up from their breakfast and coffee to observe a very crisp Ash walk into the kitchen. He was still smoking from the electricity.

"Mom? I think Pikachu caught something at the doctors..." He groaned. Mrs. Ketchum looked at him over the mug. "Are you sure he's not storing excess electricity?"

Pikachu, as well as Raichu and Pichu, are known to spark from their cheeks with colds or when they over-store electricity. If they also have a fever, runny nose, sneezing/coughing, and general soreness, they are sick. Please don't confuse the two, or permanent damage could occur to the cheek sacs.

"Mom, he has a fever, runny nose, and coughing. I think he's sick." Ash replied as he gathered up some supplies on a tray. "Do you have any medicine?"

Just like human colds, a pokemon cold must be waited out. There are no cures, but the proper care can make the experience a little better.

Pikachu rubbed his eyes miserably and sank back against the pillows. His cheeks were painful and felt swollen, and he was irritable at being sick. The electric rodent looked up at his trainer walked back into the room with a tray of supplies.

"Okay Pikachu. I brought some things that will make you feel better..." As set the tray down, then picked up a wet washcloth and put it on Pikachu's forehead.

Cold compresses can ease a fever...just don't use on fire, ground, or rock types.

Pikachu sighed with relief, then felt a twinge in his nose. He tried rubbing it, but the sneeze built. "Kaa-CHU!" A large bolt of electricity hit the raven-haired trainer, and sent him flying. "Pikapi..." Pikachu moaned.

Be warned that the pokemon will sneeze or cough on you, possibly resulting in burns, shocks, and other pains as a result.

Ash climbed slowly back onto the bed, and picked up a purple bottle of medicine. "Here Pikachu, this will help..."

The yellow mouse eyed the bottle and the cup of violet fluid, and turned his head. "Chuuu..." Ash continued holding the medicine in his hand. "Aw come on Pikachu. This will help." The trainer began reading off the label on the package. "'Pokeplus, a pokemon medicine that will help ease the symptoms of a cold. Specially formulated for the Pikachu evolution line.' See, nothing dangerous."

Any brand of pokemon medicine will help with the runny noses and fever of your pokemon. But be sure the medicine suits the species of pokemon. Do not give medicine meant for large pokemon to smaller pokemon, and vice versa. The dosage will be improper.

Pikachu eyed the cup carefully. It looked to be the correct dosage. Just as Pikachu was reaching for the cup, another sneeze came on.

"Piii-Kaa-CHUU!"

Ash sat on the bed; purple liquid dripping down his face as his hair stood up on end from the shocks. He used the back of his hand to wipe it off, and again poured the correct dosage, this time giving it directly to Pikachu.

Sometimes another dosage must be given for numerous reasons.

Pikachu sniffled, and peered at the TV screen from under the washcloth. He felt too sick to pay any attention, but the noise seemed to help. Pikachu felt the beginnings of a sneeze taking root again, and looked for the box of tissues. The brightly-decorated box sat at the other end of the bed.

The noise from a TV may help to comfort your pokemon, as long as the show is not too noisy or bright. Also, be sure to leave a box of tissues within easy access of your pokemon. They just may need it.

The electric mouse began the slow trek over the bed to get a tissue. The washcloth fell off soon after the journey started. It was race against the sneeze as the inches and feet slipped by. The tissue box was in sight, and Pikachu reached for the tissues of salvation...

"I brought lunch."

...And Ash walked in. Seeing the pokemon out of the warmth of the blankets, he set down the food and came to his rescue. "How'd you get over here? You shouldn't be up with that fever."

Pikachu just missed grabbing a tissue when the arms of his trainer scooped him up and put him back under the covers. "There. Anything else, buddy?"

Ash didn't even have time to react as Pikachu's sneeze blasted out his window.

When dealing with sick pokemon, expect to see some type of damage to your property.

It was a few hours later, and Pikachu was feeling much better. He was wrapped in soft blankets, the washcloth back on his forehead. The electric mouse laughed at the antics of the pokemon and people on "Kanto's Funniest Inhabitants", as Ash personally fed him chicken noodle soup (made by Mrs. Ketchum, of course).

"Feeling better, Pikachu?" Ash questioned. Pikachu was about to reply, when he felt another sneeze coming. Ash screamed as the hot soup splashed his face.

Pikachu knew he was back to his old self when he laughed at the way the trainer ran around the room screaming.

Hot soup, medicine, and plenty of tender loving care will make the period of sickness fly by. Pikachu awoke the next morning to find himself perfectly healthy. Ash, on the other hand, awoke to find his other five pokemon sick. One could hear him scream in terror as his pokemon all sneezed in unison.

(End)


Yet another installment of Brock's guide. Next chapter will be either Tracey or another character, I haven't decided yet (much less written it). Maybe Ash again. Any opinions will help.