(Happy guest

I don't know if I've said this before but I'll get it off my chest now.

I am really happy about your way to prove Ash's innocence but (you can confirm or deny what I'm about to say next) why do I believe that professor oak will try to discredit the people testing ashes Pokémon when they do turn up clean by saying he either bribed or threatened them?)

Professor Oak knows that the only way he'll succeed is if he can keep getting people to believe and side with him. Given his position, he has a lot of power to discredit others, which he'll keep using to ensure people believe him. Not only that, but because he's a well respected Professor he knows it won't take much to convince others that he's telling the truth.

(Mario 64

I know my idea for may is a little difficult for u to work out but i still think having may secretly help ash is a good thing especially after everything he's done for her since they first met and traveled together and she knows ash well enough to know he wouldn't do anything like this since she was always around him and feels she owes him alot for helping her be the person she is today and just wants to be with ash and be by his side true it take time for him to fully trust her again but like I said he's not the type to hold a grudge or hate and be willing to give second chances and become friends with her again and travel together again I'm sure u can come up with something if u want a reason for him to believe that may never wanted to batery ash here's one I came up with for u the reason may was forced to batrey him because if she didn't do what professor oak says he have some people that are truly loyal to him go to hoenn kidnapp her parents hold them hostage and even brainwash them to do his dirty work he can use a Pokemon that knows hypnosis to brain wash them if she didn't obey her and also frame may for crimes she didn't even do and make sure she retires from being a coordinator and never take part in Pokemon contests again since he knows her dream is being top coordinator which he take away from her that's one reason u could go with its up to u if u have a better idea then I look forward to hearing what your ideas are looking forward to the next chapter have a great day this story definitely getting interesting)

I'll admit that's a decent idea, but given the story I'd probably approach it a little differently if I was going to have May change sides. It's an idea I'll keep in consideration for the future, I'll just have to see where the story goes.

(gallade4life

Finally a betrayal story that does have ashs friend betraying him beacause he is dumb)

I wanted to have a genuine reason for why they might betray him. I'll admit it's still pretty unrealistic given the world of Pokémon, but it still seemed like the best reason to me and I've seen this scenario used quite effectively in other betrayal stories.

Anyway, on to the newest chapter. Even though no one really voted, I decided to do this chapter anyway, because I was having difficulty doing the chapter I was planning. That and I thought it was important that I followed up on this. I hope I don't disappoint. Please let me know what you think.


Dawn's mother Johanna had made her way to the Kanto Region, to fulfill a promise she'd made to Ash. She was currently getting checked by the security of Kanto State Penitentiary, to ensure she had no contraband on her. Johanna felt a little uneasy, she knew there were a lot of dangerous people here and she wasn't just thinking of the prisoners, the guards also made her nervous.

"Well Mrs Berlitz, you're clear. You can go through," said the guard.

"Thank you," stated Johanna.

"I have to say though I find it a little odd that you want to visit this despicable woman, especially considering her son brainwashed and kidnapped your daughter," stated the guard.

"Everyone deserves a visitor, and my visit here isn't a friendly one. I want to make sure she understands the pain I've felt from losing my daughter. I also want to make her feel ashamed for the way she raised her son," lied Johanna.

"I admire you ma'am. It takes guts to do what you're doing," said the guard.

"Can I go now? I don't have much time to lecture this terrorist," said Johanna.

"By all means. Good luck," said the guard.

"Thank Arceus I used to be a performer," thought Johanna

Johanna made her way to the visiting room where she'd be able to talk to an inmate through a window via a phone. She sat down and waited for the prisoner to appear. A few minutes later the prisoner arrived. It was Delia Ketchum. The poor woman had looked better. She now wore an orange prison uniform, and her hair was longer and messier than Johanna remembered.

Delia was surprised to hear she had a visitor. During her whole time in prison, she hadn't had a single visitor. She looked a little worried when she saw that her visitor was Johanna, considering everything Johanna had said in interviews. Nevertheless, Delia was relieved to see a familiar face, so she sat down to talk to Johanna regardless of how hostile the conversation might be. When other visitors saw who had arrived, they were so disgusted by her presence that they immediately left, much to the annoyance of the other prisoners.

"You better watch your back Ketchum, they can't protect you forever," said one of the prisoners.

Once the others had left Johanna and Delia picked up their respective phones.

"Johanna, right? You're Dawn's mother?" asked Delia.

"Yeah, we talked a few times during Ash's Sinnoh journey," said Johanna calmly.

Hearing Ash's name made Delia drop her head in sadness. She prepared for the worst.

"Listen, whatever they've told you about Ash…"

"Delia calm down, I don't believe any of it," said Johanna.

"You don't? But they showed me the interviews you did. You said that Ash was a disgraceful cheater who kidnapped your daughter," stated Delia.

Johanna looked behind her to ensure no one was listening.

"I just said that so people wouldn't be suspicious of me," whispered Johanna. "I actually gave Ash and his friends a place to hide till they could figure out where to go."

"You did? Is he safe?" asked Delia.

"I don't know, I haven't heard from them since they left," said Johanna.

"He's already left? Where's he gone?" asked Delia desperately.

While Johanna believed that the less people who knew about Ash's whereabouts the better, she felt Delia had a right to know.

"He's fled to the Stralia Region. It's a large piece of land down south. It's a new region and Professor Oak doesn't have any influence there. If they made it, they should be safe," said Johanna.

"Thank goodness," cried Delia, this was the best news she'd been given since being imprisoned.

"Ash asked me to visit you. To make sure you were doing ok," said Johanna.

"He's always had a good heart," sniffed Delia. "That's how I know the stuff they're saying can't be true."

"I'll admit I had my doubts when Ash was first accused, but hearing Dawn had sided with him was enough to convince me he was innocent," said Johanna.

"I guess I'm not the only one who's been hurt by all this. You've also lost a child because of Professor Oak," stated Delia.

"We can't think like that Delia," stated Johanna.

"What do you mean?" asked Delia.

"We must remain hopeful that they're still alive and have made it to the Stralia Region. We also have to believe that they're already working on a way to prove Ash is innocent. I don't know how they'll do it, but something tells me Ash will return one day and prove to the entire world that he's innocent. When that happens Ash will prove that Oak was lying. This will ensure you're released from this horrid place and allow us both to get our children back," declared Johanna.

Delia gained new hope and determination from this.

"You're right. Ash has already accomplished many amazing things in his journey. This is just one more obstacle he'll have to overcome."

"Still, it's you I'm worried about. It'll probably take years for Ash to prove he's innocent and I have a feeling things haven't been easy for you in here," stated Johanna.

"Honestly, it hasn't been as bad as you think," joked Delia.

"Really?" asked Johanna.

"Yeah, turns out watching the Pokémon Leagues are one of the few bits of televised entertainment they get to watch in here. Many of the prisoners have seen Ash compete and just from watching him they have a hard time believing he's done the things he's been accused of. In fact, he's actually inspired many of them to be better people. Because of this many of them have agreed to help keep me safe from the people who believe Professor Oak," said Delia.

"What about the guards?" asked Johanna.

"Ironically, they're the ones I have to watch out for. A few have told me in secrete that they believe Ash and by extension me are innocent, but most of them believe Oak and they're determined to make my time in here as hard as possible," said Delia. "Want to hear a funny story?"

"Sure," said Johanna.

"I was put on Kitchen Duty when I first got here. The guards started getting suspicious about how happy the prisoners seemed during mealtimes, then the warden put me in solitary for a week because I made the food too good," said Delia.

"I guess that is pretty funny, but still getting punished for doing something nice seems wrong," said Johanna.

"I guess but being in solitary is where I felt safest. I've considered doing something to get thrown in there again, but some of the other prisoners have advised me to keep the trouble making to a minimum," said Delia.

"Probably a smart move, especially if many of the guards are on Oak's side," said Johanna. "What about that prisoner who threatened you when you got here?"

"Oh, don't worry about her. She talks a big game, but one look from my cell mate and she runs away," said Delia.

"So, you think you'll be ok?" asked Johanna.

"I think so. Getting through the day is hard, but there seems to be enough people in here who believe Ash and will keep me safe, so I have a feeling I'll survive," said Delia.

"Well lets just hope they don't get released anytime soon so they can keep protecting you," joked Johanna.

"I don't think we have to worry about that," said Delia.

"Why not?" asked Johanna.

"Most of the people in here have committed serious crimes and are going to be in here for a long time. Also, if what you said is true, I won't be in here too long, because I to believe Ash will find a way to prove that both of us are innocent," said Delia.

"It's good to see that you're hopeful. You're going to need hope to get through this," said Johanna.

Before they could continue, a guard came in to give an announcement.

"Visiting time will be ending in five minutes wrap it up."

"I'd better go, but listen, I can't promise I'll visit often, but I'll try to visit sporadically until Ash can clear his name," said Johanna.

"No, I think it's best if you make this your only visit," stated Delia.

"What? But I need to show you that you still have friends on the outside. And I promised Ash I'd visit," said Johanna.

"And you've done both by coming today, but something tells me it would be unwise to keep visiting me," said Delia. "I'm guessing you lied to the guards about why you're here?"

"Yeah, I told them I'd come to scold you for being a terrible mother," said Johanna.

"Something tells me that excuse will only work so many times before they start getting suspicious of you. They might figure out that you don't believe Ash is guilty and you've been lying to the media, which could end with you going to prison yourself for hiding and helping a wanted fugitive. Also, you're one of the few people who know where Ash has gone, if they grow suspicious of you who knows what they'll do to get that information out of you. While I'm eternally grateful that you helped Ash, you also need to help yourself," said Delia.

"You're right, I need to make sure the location of your son and my daughter remains a secret," said Johanna.

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine," said Delia. "Stay safe."

"Alright," said Johanna.

"Visiting time is over you all have to leave," said the guard.

Johanna needed to make sure the guards believed she accomplished what she claimed she had come here for.

"I'm sorry about this," she whispered before yelling, "NOW THANKS TO YOU I MAY NEVER SEE MY DAUGHTER AGAIN. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF AND I HOPE YOU ROT IN HERE."

Johanna slammed the phone down and took off.

"She should've been an actress," thought Delia hanging up her phone.

Johanna made her way to the carpark. While she had been more then happy to visit Delia, going there had been terrifying and a part of her was glad to be out. She just hoped she had been convincing enough for people to believe she thought Ash was guilty. Johanna turned back to look at the prison. She really wanted to come back a few more times to see Delia, but knew that would only put suspicion on her, so it was best to keep her distance. Still though, as she got into her car and drove away, Johanna wished she could do more, but what else could she do except sit and wait for Ash to clear his name?

Johanna felt helpless and useless. Not only was there nothing more she could do to help Ash and Dawn, but she had no idea who else believed Ash was innocent. Johanna believed there were more after her talk with Delia, but she had no idea how to find them. She would just have to keep playing the grieving mother who believed Ash had kidnapped her daughter until they were ready to prove his innocence. Little did Johanna know that she wouldn't have to find others who believed Ash, because they would find her. As Johanna was leaving the prison, she failed to notice that a car was following her.

Later that evening Johanna had booked into a hotel room. She was planning to fly back to the Sinnoh Region the next day, feeling it would look suspicious if she stayed in the Kanto Region for too long. She was about to go to sleep when she heard a knock on the door. She looked through the peep hole and was surprised to see who was on the other side. There were two women. Johanna recognised the blond-haired woman as Cynthia, the Sinnoh League champion, but she didn't recognise the woman with dark green hair. Not knowing what they wanted, Johanna opened the door.

"Cynthia, how may I help you?" asked Johanna.

"May we come in?" asked Cynthia.

"Um, sure I guess," said Johanna.

The two entered the room.

"You know I'm surprised to see you in the Kanto Region. In your last interview you said that you were so heartbroken over the loss of your daughter that you barely had the strength to leave your house," stated Cynthia.

"I decided to come to the Kanto Region to remind Delia Ketchum of all the horrible things she's done. I lost my daughter because of her and her son and I wanted her to know just how much pain she and Ash have caused me and other families," lied Johanna. "Personally, I hope she's in prison till she rots."

"We both know that's not true," said the green haired woman.

"What are you talking about of course it's true," said Johanna.

"Johanna Berlitz," said the woman.

"How do you know my name?" asked Johanna.

"I've seen you on TV. But even if I hadn't, I would've learnt your name the moment I saw you. I'm a Psychic. I've read your mind and I know that not only do you believe Ash is innocent, but you helped him escape. I also know where he's gone. The Stralia Region correct?"

Johanna was horrified. Had all their efforts been in vain?

"Who are you?" asked Johanna.

"My name's Sabrina. I'm the Gym Leader of Saffron City."

"So, I'm guessing you're going to turn me in, then tell Professor Oak where Ash has gone?" asked Johanna.

"We would if we believed he was guilty," said Cynthia.

"What?" asked Johanna.

"Your assumption is correct. There are others who believe Ash is innocent. We are among those that do," said Sabrina.

"Why are you telling me this?" asked Johanna.

"isn't it obvious? We also want to prove Ash is innocent," said Cynthia. "And to do that we'll need all the help we can get."

"Because of this we're traveling across the regions to talk to all the powerful people who believe Ash is innocent. They were all gathered at a meeting held by Professor Oak two weeks ago, which allowed me to scan the room and determine who believed Ash, and who didn't," said Sabrina.

"Then how did you know I believed Ash?" asked Johanna. "I wasn't at that meeting."

"We didn't suspect you at first, but we spotted you traveling through this region a few days ago. We were a little suspicious as to why you were here considering what you've said to the media," said Cynthia.

"But with one quick mind scan, I was able to determine why you were here. In this case to visit Ash's mother in prison, which also allowed me to see who you believed," said Sabrina.

"We thought it might be a good idea to let you know that you're not alone and that there are others out there who want to prove Ash is innocent," said Cynthia.

"What do we do now?" asked Johanna.

"We're not sure yet. All we can do for now is go to the other regions and recruit those who believe Ash is innocent. After that we're hoping to come up with a way to prove his innocence," said Cynthia.

"What do you want me to do?" asked Johanna.

"Just keep doing what you've been doing," said Cynthia. "Keep lying to the media. Make them think you believe Professor Oak. That'll throw all suspicion off you and will help ensure that no one else knows Ash's location. I promise to contact you every time we've made progress on proving Ash's innocence."

"Thank you," said Johanna.

Sabrina and Cynthia left so Johanna could go to sleep. Johanna was happy to discover that not only were there other people who believed Ash was innocent, but they were already working on ways to clear his name. She knew it would take a while, but this just made her hopeful that she would see her daughter Dawn again one day.