Pokemon - Evil Reborn

Epilogue - A Fresh Start

When I woke up, I found myself lying in a hospital bed. Sunlight was coming through an open window, and I could hear people moving all around. I wasn't in any pain, as far as I could tell. The covers were up to my neck, and two soft pillows were behind my head. With a yawn, I rubbed my eyes with my left hand. Only then did I become aware of something in my other palm. Nelly was sat in a chair beside the bed, her hand in mine. She smiled and squeezed my fingers. "Hello."

"Hey..." I sat up, smiling.

"I told you I'd be there when you woke up."

"Yeah. Thank you."

"How are you feeling?" She asked.

"I feel fine. What happened?" I wondered.

"Well, there was an ambulance waiting nearby, and the medics came and brought you here. I came along, and they just ran some checks. They say you're all right, but you shouldn't try and do too much for a week or two, just in case." Nelly explained.

"Ok, seems fair." I nodded. "What about everyone else?"

"Dad was interviewed right at the scene, along with Janus. Apparently almost everyone there wanted to get on camera to tell you how thankful they were. It's been on the news all day."

"Really?"

"Of course! You saved the world, Toby. You're a hero." She smiled.

"Well I..." I thought about how many people would have seen what I had done. "I don't know how to respond..."

"That's ok. Look, you've got some cards." She pointed at the bedside table. There were so many cards that they all barely fit on the table at all. They were all thank you cards, from complete strangers expressing their gratitude. Some of them even had money inside, and I felt overwhelmed as the notes landed on my lap.

"I can't take this..." I held the money. "It's not right. I didn't do what I did expecting any rewards..."

"I knew you'd say that." Nelly nodded. "When the people came in to leave the cards, they told me that they had put money inside. And I told them pretty much what you just said – that you wouldn't like it. But every single one of them was adamant that you deserve it. They owe you their lives – we all do."

"Hmm..." I sighed. "Well... I..."

There were quite a lot of notes in my hands. The stack was thick, and holding so much at once was dizzying. "I'll give it to charity, instead." I decided.

"That's really generous of you." Nelly beamed.

"I don't need it. Besides, it feels right. Oh, do you want any of it?" I asked, holding the money out to her.

"Oh, no, Toby, but thank you."

"Are you sure? I'll buy you something – anything you want."

"No, honestly, I don't need anything. I already have all I want right here." She squeezed my hand again.

"All right." I smiled, putting the money to one side. "Where is everyone now?"

"They're waiting at home."

"In Fuchsia City? Aw, that's a long way away..."

"No it's not." Nelly giggled. "We're already here."

"Huh?" I was confused.

"We were airlifted here last night. Of course, you were fast asleep the whole time."

"Oh, wow... Ok, when can I leave?" I asked.

Right as I said that, the door was opened and a nurse walked in. "You're free to leave when you're ready." She smiled.