How To Give A Pokemon A Bath, and other tips to raising Pokemon. Written by Brock Stone.
It was a bright and sunny day in Pallet Town. It was also the day when I decided to write this book, to help all of the trainers out there with handy tips on pokemon care. You see, it all started when...
"Ash Ketchum! I don't want Pikachu in this house until he gets a bath!" Mrs. Ketchum shouted, just before Ash and Pikachu were able to run across the hardwood floor to the living room. She had caught them off-guard, with her back still to them. She was washing the breakfast dishes.
"But Mom, I don't see why he needs one. He's clean."
Maybe our definition of clean was different from Ash's. Pikachu was filthy, coated in a fine layer of dust and grime. Dried mud was caked between the toes on Pikachu's hind feet, and burrs clung to his tail and his fur.
"No butts, Mister! He's filthy!" Mrs. K continued to wash the dishes.
"But-" Ash's mom whirled around, mini fires dancing in her brown eyes. Soap dripped from her hands. "GIVE. HIM. A. BATH!" She growled slowly.
It was quite surprising how fast her kind demeanor could change into one that could rival a Gyarados. So it was no surprise that her son chose the coward's way, opting to avoid a confrontation that would result in a loss. So Ash tracked down a large bucket, like ones that were once used with a washboard to wash clothing. And he also found a decent supply of washcloths and sponges. Now the only thing he needed was...
"Mom? Where's the soap?" Ash rummaged through the cabinet that usually housed the pokemon bath soap. The only thing he managed to find was a bottle of fabric softener and car wax.
"It's in the cabinet under the sink." Mrs. Ketchum shouted up the stairs.
"It isn't here!"
Now Pikachu, who rather hated baths, had hid the bottle of soap in a place where he was sure no one would be able to find. He sat on the side of the tub, a knowing look on his face, and watched as Mrs. Ketchum joined the search. They took out every single bottle and container in every single cabinet and they still couldn't find the soap.
"Now what do I do?" Ash asked hopefully. Mrs. Ketchum sighed, then handed him a bottle of her peach-scented shampoo. "I suppose you can use this for today.
Pikachu fell into the tub.
Now step one was to track down all of the supplies. Step two was to prepare yourself for the bath. If your pokemon happens to be of the electric types, please hope that it is one who enjoys baths. Pikachu is no such pokemon. This type is quite dangerous, as electricity and water don't mix. Even wearing rubber boots and gloves will not help you. But it wouldn't hurt to be hopeful.
Ash stood in a pair of rubber boots, holding the bucket in his hands. The shampoo, a brush, a pair of rubber gloves, and washcloths sat inside like some odd gift basket assortment. He took these outside to the backyard, and then carried out a bucket of hot water and brought over the hose.
Now we move on to step three, which is to track down your pokemon. If your pokemon is of the bath-loving variety, great. But as I've said before, Pikachu is not. As such, a pokemon like that will come up with clever hiding places.
"Pikachu?" Ash looked under the couch. Two glittering black eyes stared intently at him from the spot just out of reach. The electric mouse grinned, and waved cutely at Ash.
"Come on out, Pikachu." The Pokemon wouldn't budge.
If your pokemon chooses to hide in a place that is just out of your reach, you will need a great amount of cunning to get it. One solution is to bribe the pokemon with something it likes or loves.
"Oh Pikachu..." Said Pokemon looked back at the bottle of ketchup in Ash's hands. "If you come out, I'll give you the entire bottle."
Pikachu slid out from under the couch, sitting in front of Ash. "Gotcha!"
The yellow pokemon zapped Ash with a thunderbolt, then grabbed the ketchup and dragged it back under the couch.
And please, if your pokemon is an electric-type, do NOT remove your gloves/boots at any time, even when bribing it.
Pikachu was still eating the ketchup when it heard a noise. He turned to look at what it was. Ash had brought in the new vacuum cleaner, one that had high-powered suction action and a nice long plastic hose. Pikachu could see Ash grin at him before switching on the vacuum and sliding the tube towards him. The electric mouse's tail was sucked inside, and Pikachu was pulled out. Ash held Pikachu triumphantly above his head.
He didn't notice the pokemon zap the vacuum until it was too late. The machine exploded, covering everyone and everything in the room with dust and dirt. He stood dumfounded as Pikachu hopped to the floor and ran off.
One other little tip before you continue. Don't gloat!
Ash chased his pokemon throughout the house, and Pikachu knocked down as many objects as he could to trip his trainer up. Pikachu stopped at the top of the stairs and waited. Ash ran towards him, and dived. Hands outstretched, he went to grab the pokemon, only to find that Pikachu wasn't there.
And Pikachu watched as Ash fell down the stairs.
Also, watch your step. Your pokemon is not an idiot.
Pikachu sat on the kitchen counter, and watched Ash walk in. His trainer had traded in his clothes for a caveman-like toga, and a large bandage was wrapped around his forehead. The trainer held a broom in his had.
"Ash smell Pikachu." Ash grunted, then noticed Pikachu sitting on the counter. He raised his broom, and the two were off again...
Pikachu couldn't believe that Ash had trapped him in a net, and used the broom handle to carry the bundle. Ash dumped the pokemon into the tub and began to massage the shampoo into the fur. He carefully removed the burrs, and finally rinsed Pikachu off. He finished by toweling the mouse off, and gave Pikachu some pokemon treats.
His mother arrived home from shopping not long after. "My! Isn't he clean!"
Ash beamed. "Yup! I'll say I did a pretty good job..." His mother entered the house, and screamed at the mess that greeted her. Mr. Mime stood frozen, a coating of dust dulling his colors. Random broken objects littered the floor, and small ketchup stains covered the floor. She turned around to face her son.
"I can explain..."
"ASSSSSSHHHHH!"
Remember, pokemon have feelings too. Treat them gently during and after their baths to ease the following baths. Do not skimp on bribery; it is your friend. And don't forget to clean up after yourself, or you will face the wrath of your mother/guardian/landlord/etc.
(End)
Just a small chapter. It might take me a long time to update again because of school...