Welcome back. I was going to post this last weekend, but I feel sick and didn't do much writing. Nevertheless, I hope this chapter turned out well. Please let me know what you think, especially if you can spot some not so subtle clues I've given about the chapter that will come next.

I also want to give a personal thank you to everyone that has provided feedback, as this story now has over a hundred comments, making it the first story I've written to achieve this. Thank you so much, your feedback has been highly appreciated.

I hope you enjoy the chapter and I'll see you next time.


Ash and friends had decided to go get lunch after their reunion with the traitors. They sat at a table together at the Pokémon Centre.

"Well, that was pleasant," said Gary breaking the silence.

"Yeah, it looks like the last seven years hasn't been enough for them to realise how ridiculous the accusations were," said Clemont.

"What do you expect they were stupid then and they're stupid now," said Bonnie.

Ash noticed that Brock looked sad.

"Brock you ok?" asked Ash.

"Yeah, I'm just, I'm thinking about what Misty said about my family," said Brock.

"I'm guessing that wasn't easy to hear," said Dawn.

"No, makes me wonder if I should have done what Ash suggested and gone back when I had the chance," said Brock.

"Brock, I know this will be hard but we have to keep moving forward. Once this is all over, your father will be freed and your family can reunite," said Ash. "I just hope we're not to late to save them."

This brought back Brock's spirit.

"You're right, we've come too far to back down now and honestly, I'm so proud of them for standing up for what's right," said Brock.

After they'd ordered lunch, someone came into the Pokémon Centre.

"Dawn?"

Dawn turned.

"Mum," squealed Dawn jumping from the table and running to embrace Johanna.

"Mum, I missed you so much," cried Dawn.

"I've missed you too Dawn. I can't believe you're all grown up now," said Johanna happily.

At that moment some of the traitors, Kenny, Iris and Cilan came in.

"Johanna watch out," called Kenny.

"We haven't been able to convince Dawn that Ash is guilty," stated Iris.

Johanna had had enough. She was tired of pretending that she thought Ash was guilty. She didn't care if she'd be exiled from the Sinnoh Region, she wasn't abandoning her daughter again.

"I never believed that nonsense," stated Johanna.

"Wait you believe Ash is innocent?" asked Iris.

"But what about everything you said about how Ash brainwashed and kidnapped Dawn?" asked Kenny.

"That was all an act so the media would leave me alone," admitted Johanna. "Also don't you find it a little to coincidental that they were spotted only one town over from where I live?"

It didn't take a genius to figure out what that meant.

"You helped them escape?" choked Kenny disgusted.

"Of course I did. Dawn told me Ash was innocent and that was enough for me to believe it," stated Johanna.

"You traitor. How could you side with Ash purely on Dawn's word?" asked Iris.

"Because even without Dawn's word I had doubts over whether any of this nonsense was true," said Johanna. "And just so you know, not only did I help Ash escape, but I also visited his mother in prison to let her know he was alright."

This infuriated the traitors.

"Then I hope you like hot weather, because after everything you've told us you won't be stepping foot in the Sinnoh Region again," stated Cilan.

The traitors left fuming.

"Mum, you didn't have to do that," said Dawn.

"Yes I did, I needed to show them that there were others who believed Ash was innocent," stated Johanna.

"Do you know of anyone else who believes I'm innocent?" asked Ash.

"I know a few, but I've been instructed to keep their identities secret as someone else will be revealing their identities to you," answered Johanna.

"I see," said Ash. "While I'd prefer to know sooner rather than later, if they want their identities kept secret for now I'm more than happy to wait.

Johanna sat down with them to hear all about their journey in the Stralia Region.

At his lab, Professor Gidyea was busy deciding the line ups for the upcoming tournament.

"Maybe inviting everyone who qualified in other regions was a dumb idea," stated Professor Gidyea, who still had a large number of contestants to work through.

His intercom buzzed.

"Yeah Sheila?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"Someone's here to see you," stated Shelia.

"Tell 'em to come back later I'm very busy."

"They say it's important," said Sheila.

"Then by all means send 'em in," said Professor Gidyea sarcastically.

"Alright they're coming in."

"I was being sarcastic," retorted Professor Gidyea.

"Tell that to them," said Sheila.

Professor Gidyea groaned and scratched his eyes as there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

The door opened revealing a woman with dark green hair.

"Look I'm sorry ya came all this way, but this really isn't a good time. I have a lot of work to do before the tournament starts," stated Professor Gidyea.

"Believe me it can wait," she said.

"Really? Because I think people will be annoyed if I have ta postpone the tournament by a few days," stated Professor Gidyea.

"Believe me what I have to tell you is more important," she insisted.

"Hang on. I recognise you," Professor Gidyea surfed through the league's contestants. "Sabrina of the Saffron City Gym correct?

"That's right," she confirmed.

"Well, what could a Gym Leader have to tell me that's so important?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"I know the identity of everyone who believes Ash Ketchum is innocent," declared Sabrina.

"Really and how would you know that?"

"I'm sure you've read my file. You should know I'm a Psychic," stated Sabrina.

"I know you're a Psychic Trainer, but that doesn't necessarily mean you yourself are one," stated Professor Gidyea.

"Well believe me I am," responded Sabrina.

"Oh please what kind of an idiot do you take me for?" asked Professor Gidyea. "If you're a Psychic what colour am I…"

"Orange," interrupted Sabrina.

"Ok good guess. What colour am I…"

"Purple," stated Sabrina.

"What now?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"Yellow," stated Sabrina. "And before you try to test me with how many fingers you have behind your back, I have things to say."

Professor Gidyea was impressed. How did she know what he was going to test her with next?

"When Ash first came to this region, you immediately tested his pokémon to see if the rumours were true. You tested his Pikachu first and found nothing, but upon testing his Charizard you realised something was amiss," stated Sabrina.

"How did she know which ones I tested first?" thought Professor Gidyea.

"I told you I'm psychic," said Sabrina answering his thoughts. "You tested each of Ash's pokémon and while many of them tested positive for performance enhancing drugs, you realised Ash couldn't have been the one who drugged them, because none of them had been with him during the time the accusations began, and they were drugged with a substance only Professors' have access to. And if you still don't believe I can read minds you wanted to study an Alolan Raichu right after you finished testing Ash's Pikachu."

Professor Gidyea saved his work and turned off his computer. Whatever Sabrina had to say was more important than the competition.

"Alrigh' you have my attention," stated Professor Gidyea. "Please have a seat."

Sabrina sat down.

"So can ya tell me if my hypothesis was correct?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"Yes. It was Professor Oak that drugged Ash's pokémon," stated Sabrina.

"I see. Can you tell me who else believes Ash is innocent?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"I can do better than then that," Sabrina withdrew a slip of paper. "I've got a list so you don't forget."

She placed the paper on the table and slid it over to Professor Gidyea. He picked it up and examined the contents.

"Hmm, if I'm honest I was hopin' there'd be more," said Professor Gidyea.

"We all did, but it's better then nothing," stated Sabrina.

"Agreed and it's good to see there are a few Champions who believe him," stated Professor Gidyea. "They'll make quick work of most of the contestants 'ere. As will the Elite Four Members of other Regions."

"Don't forget though Oak has a greater number of champions and Elite Four Members on his side and something tells me Diantha, Cynthia, Stephen, Flint and Agatha can't beat all of them."

"Not only that, I'm guessing most of ya want to keep your identities secret until we can turn the battle in our favour?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"Pretty much, especially considering Professor Oak is more likely to open up to people he thinks are on his side," said Sabrina.

"Agreed, I just hope he doesn't suspect any of ya," stated Professor Gidyea.

"Don't worry. I'm the only one he has any reason to suspect," replied Sabrina.

"Why's tha'?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"Considering I read your mind, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I read Professor Oak's mind and discovered the truth from the start!" explained Sabrina. "You might also be wondering why I haven't turned him into the police?"

"The thought had crossed me mind," stated Professor Gidyea.

"In simple terms he's come up with a number of ways to discredit me and my abilities and if I testify I'll go to prison for being in cahoots with Ash," sighed Sabrina.

"I see. Ya think people would believe him if he tried to discredit you?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"Unfortunately, yes. While many have witnessed my abilities, many also are sceptic over the existence of psychics, so it'll be easy for him to convince others I'm a fraud," stated Sabrina.

"Damn," Professor Gidyea was angry they'd lost their best chance to discredit Oak. "You sure he doesn't suspect anyone else?"

"For now, but he's gotten a little paranoid since arriving here," suggested Sabrina.

"So he should be. This is my region not his so I call the shots," Professor Gidyea declared. "Maybe we could use the paranoia to our advantage? Do you think there's anyone he'd reveal the truth to?"

"Only one comes to mind," mussed Sabrina.

"Really, who?"

"Look for the name Paul on the list," suggested Sabrina.

Professor Gidyea quickly found the name.

"Paul of the Elite Four from Sinnoh? What make 'im so special?"

"Are you aware of the history he has with Ash?" asked Sabrina.

"Not really," stated Professor Oak. "Ash hasn't talked much abou' his past since moving 'ere. I think it's been too painful for him to talk about."

"Can't say I blame him," said Sabrina. "Anyway Ash and Paul were rivals during their time in Sinnoh."

"I vaguely remember them competing. I saw it on telly. He's the bloke with purple hair righ'?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"That's right, but I'll feel in the blanks. They were more then just rivals, they hated each other, but from what I've learnt they gained a mutual respect for each other when Ash beat Paul in the Sinnoh League," confirmed Sabrina.

"Ok?" queried Professor Gidyea.

"To keep a long story short, no one has ever suspected that Paul might be on Ash's side, let alone that he was the one that let Ash escape," stated Sabrina.

"Somethin' tells me tha' still won't be enough to get Professor Oak to confess," said Professor Gidyea.

"Actually, it might."

"How so?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"While most are convinced he simply agreed with Professor Oak over Ash, others including Professor Oak seem to think he doesn't actually care and that he just wanted to ensure Ash was banned from competing!" explained Sabrina. "Therefore, I think Paul is the only one Professor Oak may be honest with, as he may believe that Paul won't care if Ash is innocent he just wants to ensure he can't compete."

"I'm guessing Paul is the last person people think would side with Ash?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"More or less. No one thinks Paul wants to help Ash," clarified Sabrina.

"Have you discussed this plan with 'im?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"I have and he's willing to take the risk," said Sabrina.

Professor Gidyea sat back in his chair and thought about this.

"It's a bit of a long shot, not to mention dangerous, but it seems to be the best option we have," sighed Professor Gidyea.

"You want me to tell Paul to go ahead with the plan?" asked Sabrina.

"Yeah, and I'll let Ash know what's happening," said Professor Gidyea.

"Good, but you show Ash the list. It'll look less suspicious that way," recommended Sabrina.

"Probably for the best. If anyone see's you hand it to 'im, then Oak'll know for sure your worken' against him," agreed Professor Gidyea. "I just hope Oak doesn't do anythin' drastic while he's here that'll put the region in danger."

"We both know you're not actually worried about that," stated Sabrina.

"What do you mean?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"I already know your entire plan, including some allies you've been keeping secret from everyone but Ash and his friends. Allies that'll hopefully stop Professor Oak from moving against this region," answered Sabrina.

Professor Gidyea was about to retort when there was a buzzing on his intercom.

"Professor Gidyea, the Professors are requesting your presence," stated Shelia.

Professor Gidyea advised Sabrina to keep quiet, just in case an enemy was listening.

"What do you mean Professors?" queried Professor Gidyea, pressing the intercom.

"I mean every residential Professor. Professor Oak has already spread the word about you giving Ash asylum and they're not happy you're protecting a wanted fugitive!" explained Shelia.

"Figures," said Professor Gidyea.

"Apparently, they want to negotiate a deal with you," stated Shelia.

"Give me five minutes and send em in," said Professor Gidyea.

"Actually, they want you to meet them somewhere else," stated Shelia.

"Where?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"The Kanto Embassy," revealed Shelia.

Professor Gidyea scratched his chin. This complicated things.

"They probably want to meet me in a place where I have no jurisdiction," whispered Professor Gidyea.

Sabrina nodded.

"Alright, tell em I'll get there as quickly as I can," said Professor Gidyea.

"As you wish," concluded Shelia.

Professor Gidyea got up from his desk and put on his lab coat.

"You know you could be walking into a trap, right?" suggested Sabrina.

"I considered that, but even if they're in a place where I have no power, I doubt they'll try to harm me while they're in this region. I'm also curious to see just how far Oak is willing to go if I don't hand over Ash," stated Professor Gidyea. "You have any idea?"

"Unfortunately, no. It's been a while since I read his mind and something tells me he'll have changed his entire strategy since Ash revealed himself," replied Sabrina.

"I was just thinking the same thing," said Professor Gidyea. "I better get going. Tell Shelia to show you the back door. You're less likely to be seen there, but I'd also recommended making sure you're not followed. Shouldn't be a problem for you as a Psychic."

"No, anyone on Oak's side would be a fool to follow me, because I'd know they were there in an instant," agreed Sabrina.

"Well, I'd better get going. Don't want to keep the Professors waiten," stated Professor Gidyea leaving his office.

Sabrina stayed behind and would leave shortly after to make sure no one suspected they were in contact. As Professor Gidyea went through the building a million and one questions raced through his. What did they want? Would they try to make a deal with him to hand over Ash? Or would they threaten violence? His thoughts were interrupted, as he passed the habitat.

"Hey, Surfer Raichu. What did I tell you about playing nice with the other pokémon?" asked Professor Gidyea.

Inside the habitat, there was an Alolan Raichu using its psychic powers to play keep away with the Stralian Raichu's favourite toy.

"I said you could stay in the habitat with the natives, but only if you play nice. Now give the Stralian Raichu his ball back," ordered Profeddor Gidyea.

The Alolan Raichu did as he was told and dropped the toy.

"Good. One more muck up and you'll be back in with the pests," threatened Professor Gidyea.

While Professor Gidyea didn't normally allow introduced pokémon in the same habitat as the native one's he was eager to see how Raichu's from different regions interacted. Sadly, the Alolan Raichu was a little too playful at times, which caused problems for both Professor Gidyea and the other pokémon.

Professor Gidyea was out the front door when he felt something brush against his leg. The Corgi looking pokémon known as Yamper from the Galar Region had dropped a ball at his feet wanting to play fetch.

"Not now Yamper, I'll play with ya later," promised Professor Gidyea.

Disappointed Yamper took the ball and ran off.

"Professor Gidyea," called a voice.

Professor Gidyea sighed. Everyone seemed to have an issue he needed to fix.

An Officer Jenny riding a Rapidash from the Galar Region approached him.

"What is it Officer Jenny?"

"I've been getting a lot of complaints about how Ash Ketchum's been granted asylum in this region and that he's allowed to compete in the upcoming league. They're demanding for his immediate disqualification and arrest!" explained Officer Jenny. "They refuse to believe that he was declared innocent upon arriving here."

"Look if anyone gives you more trouble just tell them that I'll publicly address their concerns shortly, before the tournament begins," stated Professor Gidyea.

"Yes sir," said Officer Jenny before trotting off.

"Professor Gidyea?" called Ash.

"What now?" Professor Gidyea turned to see Ash and friends approaching. They were followed by a woman that looked like an older version of Dawn.

"Kids whatever it is, it's gonna have to wait, I have things to do," stated Professor Gidyea.

"But Professor this is important," declared Bonnie.

"I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait," responded Professor Gidyea.

"Please Professor it'll only take a minute," pleaded Dawn.

"Alright what is it?" sighed Professor Gidyea.

"This is my mother, Johanna," Dawn gestured to the woman that looked like her. "She helped us escape when Ash was accused."

"Nice to meet you, but what's so important that it can't wait?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"She made her true allegiance known to the traitors and now we fear she can't go back to the Sinnoh Region!" explained Dawn.

"I don't mean to be rude, but do you know how foolish that was? You could've waited until we had the upper hand against Oak, then you wouldn't be in this situation," stated Professor Gidyea.

"I know, but I haven't seen my daughter in seven years, and I wasn't going to abandon her in her time of need," Johanna replied.

"Not only that, you've always made it clear that we could lose this fight and if that happens, I might have to go the rest of my life without seeing my mother," Dawn added.

Professor Gidyea rubbed his eyes.

"Let me guess, you want me to see if I can have asylum granted for ya mum as well?" asked Professor Gidyea.

"That's what we were hoping?" answered Dawn.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do, but I can't deal with this right now."

"Why not?" asked Max.

"Because the other Professors have requested me presence and I don't wanna keep em waiting," stated Professor Gidyea.

"Why do the other Professors want to see you?" asked Clemont.

"I'm not sure exactly, but whatever it is, it can't be good," sighed Professor Gidyea.

"Do you think they're going to demand for you to let them arrest me?" asked Ash.

"Most likely, but I swear to you by Arceus, that's not going to happen. Professor Oak is about to find out that this region has more allies than he realises," Professor Gidyea revealed.

"Wait you mean?" asked Ash.

"Yeah, let's just hope they'll be enough to keep Professor Oak at bay." Professor Gidyea looked at his watch. "Look I've really got to go, but here's what I'll do about Dawn's mother. I'll call Officer Jenny while on me way to the Kanto Embassy and I'll request she give Johanna a protective detail for while she's in the region, hopefully that'll stop anyone from another region trying to arrest her. I'll look into potential asylum for her when I ge' back."

"Thank you Professor Gidyea," said Johanna.

"No worries. Just be safe. We got a lot of enemies in this region right now, so it's important we stay safe," Professor Gidyea instructed.

Professor Gidyea was about to head off when he remembered something important.

"Oh, Ash, before I go you should take a look at this," he handed Ash the paper Sabrina had given him.

"What's this?" Ash turned it over in his hands.

"A list of all ya allies back home," answered Professor Gidyea.

"How'd you get this?" asked Gary.

"Sabrina," Professor Gidyea confirmed.

"Of the Saffron City Gym?" questioned Ash.

"The very same," answered Professor Gidyea. "She confirmed my suspicions about Professor Oak."

"Well, I guess if anyone would know who is and isn't lying it would be her," stated Brock. "But why hasn't she come forward with the truth?"

"Believe me I asked her the exact same question and its better for all of us that she stay quiet for now," insisted Professor Gidyea. "Anyway, I'd better get to the other Professors. Give that list a thorough look, but don't approach anyone, we're hopin that Professor Oak might open up to one of them if he thinks they're on his side."

As Professor Gidyea left, the group decided to go to the hotel where contestants were staying so they could look at it in private.