Mysterious Rescuer

Ash had been in the hospital for about a week now. There had been no changes in his condition. Brock, Misty, and Mrs. Ketchum had taken turns watching over Ash. They would occasionally talk with him and hold his hand in the hopes that some of what they were saying would reach him.

Professor Oak hadn't been around as much as the rest of the group. He stopped by about once a day just to make sure everything was alright. Most of the time he was doing work with the local pokémon professors, and doing studies on the indigenous pokémon of the reigon. That night he walked into the room to visit with Ash and the others.

"So how are your studies going Professor?" asked Brock.

"Oh they are going well. I came to tell all of you that I have to return to Pallet town soon. If any of you would like to take the flight back with me I'll be leaving tomorrow morning at 10."

"Well thank you for everything you've done Samuel, and I hope to see you soon," said Mrs. Ketchum.

"If you don't mind Professor Oak, I think that I'd like to stay here a little longer," Tracey commented.

"Are you sure Tracey?"
"Yes."

"Well, alright then. If any of you need anything just give me a call. I should be around the lab most of the time."

Just as Professor Oak was walking out the door Misty recalled the question she had meant to ask a week earlier.

"Wait Professor before you go I have a question for you."

"What's your question Misty?"

"I was just wondering if you knew who it was that brought Ash to the hospital?

"What do you mean, I thought you did?"

"No when we got here he was already here."

"Well how does that work out?" asked Tracey in a perplexed manner.

Misty and Brock began explaining the events that had happened in the mountains. How Ash had saved Pikachu from the avalanche, how they had searched for him, and how they had found out about Ash's whereabouts at the police station.

"Well now that is odd," commented Tracey.

"Now who exactly told you Ash was at the hospital?" asked Professor Oak.

"Well strangely enough we saw Team Rocket there, and they're the ones that told us."

"Well that is strange. I'm sorry that I can't spend more time on the question, but I have to rest up for the flight back tomorrow. I hope that everything goes well for all of you."

With a wave and a gentle smile Professor Oak left the room. Mrs. Ketchum followed Professor Oak to get in a few last words before he left.

Mrs. Ketchum walked into Ash's room a bit dazed. She looked like she was about ready to fall asleep on the spot.

"You look rather tired Mrs. Ketchum," Brock commented.

"No I'm fine. Anyway somebody should keep an eye on Ash," Mrs. Ketchum said in a sleepy whisper.

"I'll keep an eye on him Mrs. Ketchum. Why don't you go get some rest?" Misty said.

"Thank you Misty. I think it's about time that I got some rest," Mrs. Ketchum said as she got up and left the room. Brock stood at the doorway.

"They sure do make a cute couple don't they?" Brock commented.

"Yeah, Misty sure is a good friend to Ash" Mrs. Ketchum commented.

She looked back into the room one last time. Misty was holding Ash's hand talking softly to him as he just lay there. Mrs. Ketchum walked down the hall with a smile on her face. Seeing Ash with friends that cared so much brought great joy to this mother. Brock followed her down the hall.