Ash and his friends spent the next week hiding in Johanna's basement. Dawn's assumption had been correct. It had been such an obvious hiding place that no one had even come by to ask Johanna about their whereabouts or whether Dawn had tried to contact her. Joanna had also avoided suspicion by telling the media that Ash was a horrible individual who had brainwashed and kidnapped her daughter. Thankfully this got the media to leave her alone, as they believed she was distraught over the disappearance of her daughter. Johanna kept the group fed by doing a big shop that could feed them all for a while. When asked why she was buying so much she claimed that she didn't have the mental strength to leave the house with her daughter missing and so she wanted to limit her trips to the grocery store.
Everyone else spent their time trying to figure out where they could go to be safe. The search seemed hopeless because Professor Oak seemed to have influence in nearly every region. There just had to be a place where Ash and his friends could seek refuge.
One night Joanna and Brock came down to the basement carrying a large meal. Johanna closed all curtains and blinds at night, so everyone could come up out of the basement. This allowed Brock to help Johanna with the cooking among other household duties. It was still recommended they stay away from the windows and keep quiet, because they didn't want to risk being spotted. Because of this they all still ate dinner in the basement so they could speak freely.
"So Mum, any more news?" asked Dawn.
Johanna had been watching the news throughout the day to keep them updated on what was happening.
"Unfortunately, yes. They've put a bounty on Ash's head, giving the entire world more incentive to find him," said Johanna.
"What about the rest of us?" asked Clemont.
"They've announced you'll be forgiven for your crimes, but only if you agree to testify that Ash is guilty," stated Joanna.
"Well we'll never do that," said Gary, as everyone else at the table nodded in agreement.
Ash decided to ask a question he'd been dreading, but he needed to know.
"Have they said anything about my mother?" asked Ash.
Johanna lowered her head in sadness.
"She's been arrested and sentenced to life in prison for treason," stated Johanna.
"What?" asked Ash in complete shock.
"She's been accused of defending you, allowing you to escape and now they're saying that she was the one who supplied you with the drugs for your pokémon in the first place," said Johanna.
"I can't believe this. How can they do this do her? She's done nothing wrong," said Ash. It was one thing to accuse him of cheating and pokémon abuse, but to say his mother helped him was just horrible.
Dawn was sitting next to Ash and put a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry Ash. She didn't deserve that," said Dawn.
"Don't worry about it. It just gives me one more reason to prove my innocence. No matter how long it takes I'll prove to the world that I never drugged or abused my pokémon," declared Ash.
"Have they said anything about a boy called Max Maple?" asked Brock.
Johanna had to think about this, as she had never met Max.
"I do remember them mentioning a boy by that name who was present when Ash was accused. They said he also refused to believe Ash was guilty and tried to escape with him."
"He did, unfortunately we couldn't get to him as there was an army of Pokémon Trainers standing between us," said Ash. "What's happened to him?"
Johanna sighed.
"He's been banned from ever becoming a Pokémon Trainer. His parents have also expressed their disappointment in him for supporting Ash. They've even sent him to a military academy to teach him a lesson about supporting cheaters."
"I guess that's not so bad. At least he's not in prison," said Gary.
"Maybe so but being a Pokémon Trainer was Max's dream. To be told he's been permanently banned must be heartbreaking for him," said Brock.
"I wish there was something we could do for him," said Bonnie sadly.
They all knew there was. They had to prove Ash was innocent. Unfortunately, they had no idea how they could do this. Even if Ash turned himself in and agreed to have his pokémon tested, Professor Oak would likely find a way to forge the results to ensure Ash was found guilty. Their only option was to keep running until they found a solution.
Sensing the tension at the dinner table, Johanna decided to change the subject.
"Have you found a place to go where Professor Oak won't find you?" asked Johanna.
They'd been dreading this question. They knew they couldn't hide at Johanna's forever and finding a place to hide from Professor Oak was crucial.
"Unfortunately, no," said Gary.
"Professor Oak seems to have influence over the entire world, making it impossible for us to find a place where we won't be immediately arrested," said Ash.
Brock however believed there was one place they could go. It was risky, because Professor Oak was still a well-known researcher there, but he'd never visited the region and had no connection to the head Pokémon Researcher. At this point, he didn't feel they had any other option.
"I might have a place we can go," said Brock. "The Stralia Region".
"The Stralia Region? I've never even heard of that place," stated Gary.
"It's a relatively new region. It was only declared an independent nation a few years ago. Not only do they lack a Pokémon League, but they don't even have a full set of gyms yet," stated Brock.
"Wow, they are a new region," said Dawn.
"It's a big place, but very underpopulated, because much of the land is a desert," said Brock.
"I've heard of that place. I've read there's a lot of powerful and unique pokémon," said Clemont.
"Oh, there are. They say the poison types are among the deadliest they've ever seen. And the rock types may as well be steel types," said Brock.
"Sounds like if they did establish a Pokémon League, they'd be very tough to beat," said Dawn.
"They would be, but the pokémon are so difficult to catch that most trainers have to work super hard just to get a full team," said Clemont.
"Are any of these pokémon cute?" asked Bonnie.
"Surprisingly quite a few are, but that doesn't make them any less deadly," said Brock.
"I'm sold let's go," said Bonnie.
"Hold on," said Gary. "How do we know my grandfather doesn't have influence over this place as well?"
"Well, I did as much research as I could on the place," said Brock, who had been using Johanna's computer for research during the few moments they were allowed upstairs. "Not much is known about the place and none of their battles have been broadcast in the main regions. Few people outside its borders even know of its existence."
"Do they have a professor there?" asked Ash.
"Yeah, some guy called Professor Gidyea. From what I can discover he's never left the Stralia Region, because he'd dedicated his life to studying its pokémon. He's never met Professor Oak, Elm, Birch or any of the other Professors of the main regions, meaning this could be the one place where none of them have any influence," stated Brock.
"I can't help but feel there's a downside to all this," said Clemont.
"While the Stralia Region's news isn't broadcasted to the rest of the world, they do receive news from the rest of the world," said Brock.
"Meaning they've likely heard about the accusations made against Ash," stated Dawn.
"Exactly," said Brock.
"Then I think that option's off the table. We can't go anywhere where the lies may have spread," said Gary.
"I agree we should keep looking," said Clemont.
"Alright, I'll continue looking tomorrow," said Brock.
Ash however felt differently.
"No. I say we take it," declared Ash.
"Ash don't be stupid. It's too risky," said Gary.
"It'll be risky no matter where we go," said Ash before turning to Brock. "You've looked all over the world for a place to go and this is the best option you've come to, right?"
"That's right," confirmed Brock.
"Then I say we go for it. We've already established that Professor Oak is known throughout the entire world. Because of this, I'd say it's safe to bet that there isn't a place in the world that hasn't heard of him or the lies he's spread about me. But as Brock said, the professor of this region has never met Professor Oak meaning he's the least likely to blindly believe his claims. Maybe, just maybe, he'll prefer to make his own judgement," stated Ash.
"Is that a risk you're willing to take?" asked Clemont.
"It is," said Ash.
"Then it's a risk I'm also willing to take," said Dawn. "If Ash thinks this is our best option, then I say we go for it."
"So do I," said Bonnie.
Gary, Brock and Clemont, still didn't know if it was worth the risk. Unfortunately, neither of them could see another option. They had a feeling that no matter how much they looked, the Stralia Region would remain their best option.
"I travelled with you through four regions. I don't see the harm in travelling through another," said Brock.
"This would give me the opportunity to study some exceptional pokémon," said Gary.
"And those wide-open spaces would be a great place for me to test my experiments," said Clemont.
"So, you guys in?" asked Ash.
"Of course we're in Ashy-Boy," said Gary.
"We're in this together and there's no way we're abandoning you now," said Brock.
"Thanks guys you're the best," said Ash.
"Well, now that you guys know where you need to go, you'd better prepare for the trip. I'll make you some meals to eat while you're travelling," said Johanna.
"Mum, before I leave, I have to ask. Are you ok with me leaving? You likely won't see me again for years," stated Dawn.
"I have a feeling it doesn't matter what I say. You'll go regardless, because there's no way you'll abandon a friend during their time of need," said Johanna.
"You got that right," said Dawn proudly.
"But I want you to promise me that you'll stay safe and only get into dangerous situations if absolutely necessary," said Johanna.
"I promise Mum, there's no need to worry," said Dawn.
"You know saying that only makes me worry more," said Johanna, causing everyone to laugh.
The group spent the next day packing, with the plan to leave late that night. They knew this was their best option to travel as it would make them more difficult to find. They estimated it would take them a few days to get to the Stralia Region, so they made sure to pack as many supplies as possible for both themselves and their Pokémon. Brock and Johanna spent most of the day preparing food, while everyone else packed. After they were finished, they decided they should get some rest. They had a long journey ahead and would need to reserve their strength. After most of the lights had gone off in Twinleaf Town, the group thanked Johanna for everything she'd done and planned to set off to the nearest beach so they could make the trip to the Stralia Region. Their destination would be Sandgem Town. They'd have to be careful though, because that was where Professor Rowan lived and they had a feeling he'd report them to Professor Oak in an instant if he saw them.
Before they left however, Ash had something he needed to ask Johanna.
"I know you've done so much already, but there's something I was hoping you could do for me?" asked Ash.
"Sure Ash name it," said Johanna.
"Could you visit my mum in prison? I know it's a long way to go and I know it could put suspicion on you, but I want her to know she's not alone. I'd also like her to know we escaped and that we're safe," requested Ash.
"Ash I will gladly visit your mother. As you said though it's a long way for me to travel, so visits may be rare," said Johanna.
"That's ok. I just want her to know that others out there know that both of us are innocent," said Ash.
They said goodbye to Johanna and set off towards Sandgem Town. It was only the next town over so they had a feeling they could get there before day broke. Unfortunately, it would still take them a few hours to get there on foot, so they sped up the trip by riding on Brock's steelix. They knew it was risky to travel on such a large pokémon, especially considering Steelix wasn't exactly silent when he moved, but they knew that they needed to get away from the mainland as quickly as possible. Once they reached Sandgem Town, Brock returned Steelix and they started to carefully make their way to the beach on Rout 219. Unfortunately, something went wrong. Just as they were exiting Sandgem Town they heard alarms go off. They didn't know how or when, but someone must've spotted them while they were going through Sandgem Town. They had to leave now. It was now or ever.
"RUN," said Ash forgetting the need to be quiet.
They all sprinted to the beach. The ocean was in their sight. They all believed they were home free when suddenly a yellow-coloured thunder attack struck before them blocking their path.
"So, running away? Pathetic," said a voice.
They turned and saw a boy the same age as Ash with medium length purple hair approach them. He was accompanied by an electivire.
"Paul," said Ash angrily.
"So, we meet again Ash? I must say it's been a while," said Paul. "You know, I couldn't believe it when I heard you'd been cheating in all your Pokémon Leagues. I knew you were pathetic, but I didn't think you were that pathetic."
"I don't have time to deal with you Paul. Whatever you've been told is a lie. I never harmed my pokémon. But I guess that doesn't matter to you. You're probably just happy I've been banned from all Pokemon Leagues and want to ensure I'm captured so my pokémon will be confiscated," accused Ash causing Paul to scowl.
In the distance they could hear people getting closer. If they didn't leave now, they'd be found.
"Now look, I'm leaving so I can find a way to prove my innocence. I don't want to fight you Paul, but if you're gonna stand in our way you give me no choice," said Ash removing a pokéball from his belt.
"Not a smart move Ash. Do you really think the people looking for you won't hear us if we battle? They'll find you more quickly, than it'll be all over," said Paul.
"Well sadly you're not leaving me with any other option," said Ash.
Paul looked behind him. People were getting closer to their location. If Ash didn't leave now all hope of proving his innocence would be lost. To the surprise of everyone else, Paul pointed towards the sea.
"Go, now before they spot you," said Paul.
They couldn't believe what they were hearing. Why was Paul letting them escape? Out of all of Ash's rivals Paul had arguably disliked Ash the most, so had the most incentive to ensure he never competed in another Pokémon League. Unfortunately, they didn't have time to figure out why.
"Thankyou," said Ash before the group darted for the ocean.
They knew it would be dangerous to use Ash's charizard for travel, as it always had an active flame burning on its tail, which would make them easy to spot even at night. Instead, they had decided to travel using Gary's blastoise, Brock's marshtomp and Ash's noivern. Gary, Clemont and Bonnie would ride on Blastoise, Brock on Marshtomp, while Ash and Dawn would ride on Noivern. They released the pokémon and immediately headed out into the ocean.
A few people from a nearby search party came to the beach, just as Paul observed Ash and his friends disappear into the dark horizon. The people in the group included Misty, May and Kenny.
"Paul, did you see them? Someone mentioned that they heard noises coming from this direction. They also said they saw a thunder attack go off," stated Kenny.
"No, I didn't see anything. I thought I saw one of their pokemon, but it was just a pathetic magikarp that was stuck on the beach," lied Paul.
"So, it wasn't them?" asked Misty angrily.
"I'm afraid not," lied Paul.
They were all furious that it had been a false alarm.
"Well, wherever Ash is we have to make sure he's found and punished for his actions," growled Misty.
"To think he has the nerve to call himself a trainer after everything he's done," said May.
"Agreed. I may have pushed my pokemon a little too hard, but I would never drug them. That's just pathetic," said Paul.
The group left the beach to continue their search for Ash in Sandgem Town.
It had been easy for Paul to convince people that he'd believed the accusations made against Ash. Because of his rocky history with Ash, most just assumed he'd happily help ensure Ash couldn't compete in another league.
This wasn't the case however. Ash had always lectured Paul about the importance of loving and treating pokémon with kindness, meaning it seemed very suspicious that he'd suddenly been accused of giving his pokémon performance enhancing drugs. Paul immediately knew these accusations were false. While Paul had disliked Ash and didn't necessarily agree with his training methods, he also knew that Ash was an honest person who would never intentionally harm his pokémon. Because of this Paul was determined to uncover the truth and not just because he wanted a rematch with Ash so he could prove he was the tougher trainer. Paul had gotten to know Ash fairly well through their rivalry and had a feeling there were other people out there who had managed to see through the lies like he had. Paul had watched the televised broadcasts of the most recent Unova and Kalos Leagues and already had a good idea about who he needed to find.
Thanks for reading, please let me know what you think. The next chapter will focus on the Journey to the Stralia Region, which will be based on my home country of Australia.