The Beautifly Effect

Chapter Twenty-One -- Pandemic

Two weeks later, on a remote island off the coast...

There was trouble brewing, he could sense it. Living where he was, the radio was his only link to the rest of the world. While he did not listen to it often, it was useful for keeping him aware of anything that might impact his isolated existence. The rest of the world was oblivious of him, and that suited him perfectly.

He switched on the radio. Its sound did not pierce the gloom of the cavern that he had turned into his abode.

"'This is Matt Nichols, science reporter for Goldenrod Radio, with a special report on the present crisis. I have with me in the studio today Professor Elm, one of the foremost Pokémon microbiologists in the Johto region, who has kindly agreed to give us some his time.

"Professor Elm, can you tell us about the Pokérus epidemic?'

"'Thank you Matt for the introduction. I might start off by explaining to the listeners that Pokérus is an airborne virus, and it can cause what is usually a mild disease in Pokémon. Most Pokémon species can get the disease, but even among the most susceptible species, many Pokémon don't show any symptoms because they have enough immunity. Those that get the disease normally recover within a week or so.'

"'Can humans get sick from this virus?'

"'No worries there, Matt. Human beings are one of the species on this planet that are completely immune.'

"'That's a relief. So Professor, can you explain why the current epidemic is so severe?'

"'What we're seeing now is a mutation of the regular virus. There's an unfortunate combination of two factors involved. Firstly, the new form of the virus causes a far more serious illness, so severe that most of the Pokémon that catch it die within three or four days. Secondly, the virus is different enough from the regular virus that it's not detected quickly enough by the Pokémon's immunity I mentioned earlier. Putting these two factors together means that we have a deadly plague on our hands.'

"'So can anything be done?'

"'Unfortunately there is no know cure for most viral infections. Normaly we can try and alleviate the symptoms and increase the likelihood of survival, but there are so many Pokémon falling ill that we don't have the resources. The only other possibility open to us is developing a vaccine, and in fact a number of research groups around the world are working hard on this even as we speak.'

"'That reminds me of Samuel and Gary Oak. Weren't they developing a Pokérus vaccine?'

"'Indeed they were, but as many people might know, Professor Oak retired following the untimely death of his grandson Gary. While their work was eventually picked up by others, unfortunately, the delay couldn't've come at a worst time.'

"'Are you saying...'

"'Yes, if the Oak research had continued, chances are that the situation would not have reached the pandemic stage we're witnessing now. But I believe we digress.'

"'Yes, Professor. So how long before a vaccine is ready?'

"'One group here in Johto already claims to have a prototype, and other groups in the world say they're close behind. The difficulty is that it needs testing, then it has to be mass produced, and a worldwide vaccination program has to be established. In total, the best we can hope for is several weeks befoe the spread of the disease begins to be arrested.'

"'Several weeks!?'

"'I'm afraid so. In the long term, the world will eventually recover, but there will be implications.'

"'Can you explain to us what implications you're envisaging?'

"'Most scientists are concerned that some of the rarer species will die out. But even for those that survive the disease, there will be disturbances in the ecosystem that will put further strain on some species. Carnivorous Pokémon will have a shortage of food, for instance. And it's not just the natural environment. Many Pokémon species are used to provide us with food, clothing and even medication and other chemicals. Some Pokémon assist us with their strength and other unique abilities. When all this support is diminished, we're going to find ourselves in a very difficult situation.'

"'You're not painting a rosy picture, Professor. What about Pokémon used in sport, and the various Pokémon leagues around the world?'

"'To be honest, I'm not sure. We'll have to wait and see how things turn out. What we can expect, though, is that many trainers will lose Pokémon in which they invested considerable time and effort. Most trainers have close relationships, even friendships, with Pokémon that will soon die. There'll be a lot of grieving, disillusioned and despondent trainers out there--I'm not sure how the Pokémon leagues will cope with that.'

"'Professor Elm, we've run out of time for this segment, so we're going to have to finish off. On behalf of our listeners, I'd like to thank you for your time and co-operation. This is Matt Nichols, and you're listening to Goldenrod Radio.'"

With a wave of a finger, the radio cut out. So, the world and its Pokémon are facing an epidemic. That was tragic for them. But his Pokémon were immune to the Pokérus. He would find a way to use this to his advantage.