(Guest chapter 21 . Oct 8
Yay Now if only Norman or Caroline Or somebody else on Oak's side would hear his confession or better yet have it be broadcast live for everyone there to hear.. Oh well May is filling guilty About not listening to her brother and that's awesome)
Well, I felt the best way for her to get redemption was to hear the truth and come to the realization that she joined the wrong side.
(Guest chapter 21 . Oct 9
It is true it be hard for ash to believe may that he is incent but ash is not the type to hold grudges or actually hate someone even if it's his worst enemy but he dose believe in second chances and give her a second chance even though it take a while for ash to fully trust may again and fix there friendship so what she can do to make up for it is to tell ash everything she knows especially what she just overheard in time ash and may can be friends again like they used to back then also could you add more pearl shipping moments between ash and dawn since we really haven't seen very much of the. For quite some time please and eventually also end up together)
I think May will need someone to vouch for her to ensure Ash believes her, but don't worry I'm working on it. Regarding Ash and Dawn, the reason I haven't shown many moments between them is because I didn't want it to be the main focus of the story. That being said I've realized I've neglected an important aspect of this story, which I'm hoping to fix in upcoming chapters. I hope I don't disappoint.
(Guest chapter 21 . Oct 9
When may sees ash and tries to talk to him at first he may not believe her right away but after seeing how upset emotional and sad she is he can't help but comfort her and decide to give her a chance and listen to what she has to say and let her join his group)
I still think it would be hard for Ash to believe her at this point in the story, but Ash is a kind hearted person so I could see this happening at some point. I'll see what I can do.
All competitors for the Stralia Region's Pokémon League and Grand Festival were boarding planes to Sail City, the most iconic city of the region. While most had to fly commercially, Ash and his friends were given special treatment for their protection. The Region had leant them a private jet that allowed them to travel without having to worry about being harassed by other Trainers and Coordinators. It also allowed for safer travel for Dawn's mother.
"Well guys, looks like the time has finally come," stated Ash, peering out the window he could see they were close to landing.
"Yeah, kinda hard to believe after all this time," sighed Dawn.
"I just hope we're strong enough to win," Clemont added.
"Even if we're not, we're still going to show them how a true Trainer or Coordinator raises their pokémon," said Brock.
"Not only that, but the list also shows we have a few champions and elite four members on our side. That greatly raises our chance for victory even if we aren't the ones who win," mused Gary.
"True, but I hope they don't go easy on us just because they're on our side," said Ash.
"What do you mean?" asked Clemont.
"We might be here to prove my innocence, but I still want to have a few good battles," answered Ash. "Truth be told I'm hoping for a rematch against Diantha and I wouldn't mind battling Cynthia either."
"Would go a long way to prove you've gotten to where you are through honest hard work," stated Gary. "But remember Ash this is serious."
"I know but is it so wrong that I want to have a bit of fun during this?" remarked Ash. "Another trainer I'd like a rematch with is Paul."
"You've already beaten him," interjected Brock.
"I beat him once. He beat me every other time. Also, he's become a member of Sinnoh's Elite Four, meaning he's much stronger then when we last fought," stated Ash.
"Ash, we understand your desire for a good match, but we're doing this to prove you never cheated. It's important we don't forget that," reasoned Clemont.
"I haven't. My pokémon are being tested after each battle to prove I'm playing by the rules and every battle I win brings us one step closer to proving Professor Oak lied!" replied Ash. "I just hope I get to have a lot of good battles with tough trainers and if I can beat them, it'll further prove I never cheated."
"I'm with Ash," Dawn slipped in. "Zoey might be on our side but I'm also hoping she doesn't go easy on me if we face each other in the Grand Festival."
"Yeah, what's so wrong with having some fun while we're here?" asked Max.
"No point in having revenge if we can't have fun doing it," agreed Bonnie.
Brock, Clemont and Gary sighed.
"You know Ash we expect this behaviour from Max and Bonnie, but you're an adult, you should act like one," stated Gary.
"This is serious. We can't afford any mistakes during this competition," repeated Clemont.
"I know this is serious. I've been treating this seriously ever since this began. Is it so wrong that I'm excited for a few battles?" asked Ash. "Trainers from all over the world are competing. I haven't been this excited for a Pokémon League since my first in the Kanto Region."
Clemont and Gary still thought Ash wasn't taking this seriously enough, but Brock decided to interject.
"You know what, he's right. For many trainers this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. They're getting to face not only the strongest trainers of the Stralia Region, but the strongest of the entire world. It might be a long time before there's another tournament like this, you can't blame Ash for being excited."
Clemont and Gary knew Brock was speaking the truth.
"He does have a point. I myself have been eager to test my strength against trainers from other regions. I just hope I've spent enough time training, considering I've been focusing much of my time on inventing," stated Clemont.
"Hey, I'm in the same boat," said Brock. "I've only caught one new pokémon since arriving here and most of my focus has been on becoming a Pokémon Doctor. If anyone should worry about not being strong enough it's me."
"You'll do fine Brock. You definitely gave us a run for our money when we were earning our badges," stated Max.
"I'll be honest, even I'm looking forward to the league," Gary added. "While Pokémon Research is my passion, I'm actually excited to compete in another league. Especially considering I haven't competed in one since the time Ash and I were in the Johto League."
Gary faced Ash, "Speaking of which, you better bring your A-Game Ashy Boy. I don't plan to lose to you like I did before."
"You're on Gary, but I'm telling you now, I'm not going to lose," declared Ash.
They smiled and laughed before fist bumping.
"He's not the one you have to worry about," warned Max. "If anyone's winning this league, it's gonna be me."
"Or me," declared Bonnie. "We already beat you at your gyms. Who's to say history won't repeat itself?"
"Don't forget Bonnie, we were restricted to using pokémon of a specific type during Gym Battles," Clemont clarified.
"Yeah, if we meet in the League, you'll have to face us at our best," stated Brock.
"That shouldn't be a problem," said Bonnie.
"Yeah, we were trained by the best so I know we can beat the best," declared Max.
Laughter filled the plane.
Professor Gidyea looked up from his work and smiled at the group. He was glad they could have a few moments of laughter before the league began, because the battle ahead would be a difficult one.
"Is that Sail City?" asked Johanna peering out the window.
"Yup, speaking of which," Professor Gidyea turned to the others. "You lot might wanna take ya seats, because we'll be landing soon."
"It has an enormous harbour," commented Johanna.
"One of the many things it's known for," stated Professor Gidyea.
Johanna then spotted a weird looking building.
"What's the building that looks like an old-fashioned sailing ship?" she asked.
"Ah, that's the Sail City Opera House," Professor Gidyea stood up and handed her a pamphlet so she could have a better look. "That's actually where we plan to hold the Grand Festival. It's known for its amazing performances, so we deemed it the best place to hold the region's first Grand Festival."
"Amazing, for such a young country you have some amazing sights," said Johanna.
"Indeed. Probably why we get more sightseers than trainers as tourists?" commented Professor Gidyea. "If fact we're actually hoping the tourist industry will get a lot bigger if we manage to win."
"Well then prepare for a lot more trainers, because there's no way we're going to lose," declared Ash.
"Your confidence is admirable mate," Professor Gidyea grinned.
"This'll probably a silly question but have you all been here before?" asked Johanna.
"Been here? I live here," stated Ash. "This is where my gym is."
"Max and I stopped here along the way while we were earning our badges," said Bonnie.
"They also hold contests for those trying to enter the Grand Festival, so I made a stop here as well while I was travelling the region," Dawn piped up.
"We try to visit whenever we can," said Gary. "Unfortunately, that isn't very often. I spend most of my time at Professor Gidyea's lab helping him study this Region's pokémon."
"I live up in the Far Northern Central area of the Region, in a place called Frontier City," said Brock. "If you thought it was hot when you arrived, I don't recommend visiting me in the summer, the whole city feels like it's on fire."
"You also can't go to the beach as its riddled with native Sandile and its evolutions," warned Gary.
"I'm not complaining it made catching one super easy, especially with Brock as my legal guardian," joked Max.
"Might I remind you, you nearly got eaten that day," stated Brock.
"Yeah, but I didn't and there aren't many Krookodile's that dare challenge me now," gloated Max.
They laughed at this, because Max's Krookodile was becoming the unofficial ruler of Krookodile's in Frontier City.
Clemont felt he should tell Johanna about where he and Bonnie lived.
"As for us, we live in the capital of a small island in the far south. It's called Cold South City and it's the exact opposite there, because it can be freezing even during the summer."
"I'm amazed freezing, and this region can exist in the same sentence," stated Johanna.
"Believe us it gets cold, especially in the south, but it feels like summer all year round in the north!" Ash explained.
"Summer all year round? I bet that would be heaven for a lot of people," sighed Johanna.
The plane landed.
Due to Professor Gidyea's connections he was able to get them out of the airport quickly with few angry glares coming their way. He had also arranged for transportation to take them to where they would be staying.
"Righ', just head to the hotel and give the staff ya names and they should show ya to where ya stayin'," said Professor Gidyea.
"Does he always talk like this?" whispered Johanna to Dawn. She found it difficult understanding Professor Gidyea's accent.
"You get used to it and he tones it down when he does public speaking," answered Dawn.
All but Ash got into taxis.
"You sure you want to stay at ya gym instead of the hotel?" asked Professor Gidyea.
"Yeah, you never know I might get some last-minute challengers who want to compete in the League next year," stated Ash. "I won't get disqualified for that right?"
"Nah mate, any battles that happen inside ya gym will be official Gym Battles," assured Professor Gidyea. "That bein' said, I'm gonna have an officer keep an eye on ya gym till the tournament, just in case someone tries to attack it."
"Sounds good," Ash turned to his friends. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
They waved goodbye and took off to the hotel, while Ash caught another taxi to his gym.
Little did they know there were two separate traitors who were watching them closely. They didn't know what the other was up to, but each had something they wanted to discuss with either Ash or one of his friends.
Ash's friends quickly made it to their hotel. It was quite flash as the Region wanted to make all its competitors feel welcome in the upcoming games.
To accommodate Johanna's difficult situation, they allowed her to share a room with Dawn for the duration of the competition.
"Well, I might not be able to watch the Grand Festival live, but at least I'm able to watch from somewhere comfortable," joked Johanna placing her bag on one of the beds.
"Yeah, sorry about that Mum. We're safe as citizens of this Region, but you're technically a fugitive and we fear officials from other regions will be less hesitant to arrest you," stated Dawn. "There's no need to worry though, if everything falls apart, Professor Gidyea should be able to grant you asylum as he did with us."
"You know I don't like you using those words Dawn, as they make me worry more," joked Johanna. "But in this case, I think you're right, I hope it doesn't come to that as you should all be allowed to travel wherever you please."
"I know and we're not worried about that," stated Dawn.
"You're not?" asked Johanna.
"No, we decided a long time ago that even if we lose this competition, it won't matter too greatly," Dawn looked out the window. "It's true we won't be able to travel to most of the world, but we're safe in this Region and we're proud to call it our home. Most of all we'll have each other, which is all we really need."
Johanna wiped a tear from her eye. She was proud of her daughter. "You've grown up so much since I last saw you. I just wish I could've been there to see it."
"I had to grow up quickly after we fled. I'm just glad this Region allowed me to enjoy my childhood," Dawn turned to her mother. "I know being exiled from the Sinnoh Region will be hard, but believe me, you'll never find a finer Region than this to be trapped in."
Dawn and Johanna talked for a while, mostly discussing Dawn's strategy for the upcoming Grand Festival. Johanna was impressed and was eager to see Dawn perform, then asked a question she had wanted to ask for years. "You know, you never told me why you were so quick to believe Ash was innocent?"
"Because I knew the accusations were nonsense," Dawn said bluntly.
"That's not what I mean," countered Johanna. "From what I was told no one was manipulated into betraying Ash, they merely trusted Professor Oak's integrity. They believed the words he spoke were the truth. Why did you believe Ash was innocent?"
"Because he's my friend, he deserved the benefit of the doubt," replied Dawn.
"Those who betrayed him were also his friends once, but they believed Professor Oak over him," stated Johanna.
"Just shows they weren't true friends," said Dawn. "Gary, Brock, Clemont, Bonnie, Max and I are his true friends."
"Perhaps, but I feel there were greater reasons why you all chose to believe him over Professor Oak," queried Johanna. "I can't speak for Clemont, Bonnie and Max, but Brock travelled with Ash longer than anyone else and Gary and Ash have known each other their whole lives. It's not too hard to believe they would believe Ash over Professor Oak. But why did you blindly believe Ash over the word of a respected Pokémon Professor?"
Dawn blushed, answering Johanna's question more fully than with words.
"You spoke about him a lot after you parted ways. You also said you regretted not going with him after he completed his Sinnoh Journey," suggested Johanna.
"I had my own journey to follow," replied Dawn.
"And you gave it up to defend him?" questioned Johanna.
"I wasn't going to abandon him in his time of need," stated Dawn.
"No of course not, what kind of friend would you be if you did?" Johanna questioned gently.
"Mum, this isn't the time to talk about this," Dawn desperately wanted to change the subject.
"When will be the right time? You've been in this Region for seven years and you never thought to tell Ash how you felt?" asked Johanna.
"We've had more important things to worry about," answered Dawn. "Besides how do you think Ash would feel if he found out I sided with him because of that, instead of simply believing he was innocent?"
"I don't think it should matter why you sided with him. What's important is that you did," confirmed Johanna. "You all had your reasons for siding with Ash. Your heart told you he was innocent, and you followed it. That's nothing to be ashamed of. One might say it made you blind, but it led you on the right path."
"What do you suggest I do?" asked Dawn.
"Go to him and tell him how you feel. You sided with Ash because you believed he was telling the truth. I think its about time you told him the truth about why you chose to side with him," suggested Johanna.
"And what if we doesn't feel the same?" asked Dawn tentatively.
"Even if he doesn't wouldn't you prefer to go into this competition without regret?" Johanna ventured.
Dawn knew she was right but was still hesitant.
"Yes, I would, but I can't right now. It's not the right time," Dawn sighed.
"As I said before, when will be the right time?" queried Johanna.
"I don't know, but regardless, I can't do it now," stated Dawn. "I'm not going to leave you by yourself, when half the world is wanting to arrest you. Our allies might be in this hotel, but so too are our enemies. If I leave they might attack while you're vulnerable."
"Dawn, I don't think we have to worry about that," soothed Johanna. "Not only is Professor Gidyea having this place monitored around the clock, I don't think anyone will attack me out of fear of disqualification."
"So you're happy if I leave you by yourself, while I go tell Ash how I feel?" asked Dawn.
"Yes, I'll be fine," stated Johanna. "Besides it gives me time to research this Region. If I'm going to be exiled here, I better learn more about this place."
"Well, if you're sure," Dawn headed for the door. "Just promise me you won't leave the room till I get back."
"I promise," stated Johanna.
Dawn headed for the lobby where she found a familiar face waiting for her, one she had known from her childhood, Kenny.
"Dawn," he blocked her path.
"Kenny, get out of my way," ordered Dawn.
"I just want to talk," pleaded Kenny.
"You lost your right to talk to me when you betrayed Ash," stated Dawn. She walked around him, but Kenny continued to block her.
"Dawn we shouldn't have to fight each other like this," argued Kenny. "We're friends."
"No, we're not," spat Dawn. "Not anymore anyway."
Kenny ignored this.
"You need to open your eyes and see the facts," stated Kenny.
"I did see the facts and I've followed them for the last seven years," responded Dawn.
Dawn pushed past Kenny and headed for the door.
"We both know that's not true," called Kenny. "You didn't follow Ash because of facts. You just refused to believe he was guilty because of how you feel about him."
Dawn turned and glared at him.
"You think I don't know? I've always known," stated Kenny. "Isn't that why you decided to support him in the Sinnoh League instead of going on a journey with me? Isn't it also why you decided to follow Ash despite all the evidence supporting his guilt?"
"So what if I did?" retorted Dawn. "I may have followed him blindly, but it allowed me to give him the benefit of the doubt, which gave him enough time to prove his innocence."
"No, it didn't, it just continues to blind your judgement," argued Kenny.
Dawn groaned
"Kenny my decisions in life are none of your business. Also why do you care so much about why I sided with Ash?"
"Because I love you and he's holding you back," admitted Kenny.
"What?" questioned Dawn.
"I love you Dawn, I always have. That's why I wanted you to go on a journey with me, so we could be together," stated Kenny. "But for some reason you fell for someone you'd only known for half a year over someone you'd known your entire life."
"That's what you're angry about? That I chose Ash over you?" queried Dawn.
"Why wouldn't I be? Didn't you feel a connection between us while we were growing up?" asked Kenny.
"Not really," stated Dawn plainly. "I always thought of you like a brother."
The colour drained from Kenny's face.
"What? How can you say that?"
"I don't know I just never thought of you as anything more than a friend," admitted Dawn gently. "And honestly Kenny if that's the reason why you sided with Professor Oak then you're way blinder than I am. It sounds like you only betrayed Ash to ensure I'd stay away from him."
"That's not true. Professor Oak proved Ash was guilty," claimed Kenny defiantly. "He showed us what was in Ash's Pokémon's system's. All of them were drugged. That's why I want to help take Ash down and I'm appalled that you refuse to listen to reason. I'm even more appalled that you would fall for someone like him."
"You guys made that argument when you first arrived and as we said, Professor Oak didn't tell you everything," stated Dawn.
"What does that mean?" asked Kenny.
Dawn didn't see any harm in telling Kenny the truth, mainly because she knew he wouldn't believe her.
"Ash didn't drug his pokémon, Professor Oak did," stated Dawn.
To Dawn's surprise, Kenny started laughing.
"Professor Oak drugged Ash's pokémon? Very funny. No offense Dawn, but that might be the dumbest thing you've ever said," spat Kenny. "Is that what Ash claimed when his pokémon were tested by this Region's Professor? If so, I honestly can't believe you believed that."
"Ash wasn't aware of the drugging when we first arrived. He didn't find out about it until his pokémon were tested. The results convinced Professor Gidyea that Professor Oak was the real culprit," said Dawn.
"Wait, can't you see what's happening?" demanded Kenny. "From the moment you stepped foot in this Region you've been lied to by both Ash and the Regional Professor. I don't know how he did it, but the Professor of this Region is clearly in cahoots with Ash and they want to do everything they can to discredit Professor Oak and help Ash cheat his way to the top. For all we know Professor Gidyea was the one that supplied Ash with the performance enhancing drugs."
Dawn rolled her eyes, "Kenny do you ever stop and listen to what you're saying? Ash hadn't even heard of this Region when we chose to come here. That's the main reason we came here, because it was a young, unknown Region and most people beyond its borders didn't even know it existed."
"But that just proves my point. Ash lied about knowing about this Region to hide his partnership with its Professor," stated Kenny.
Dawn was flabbergasted, "I'm not even going to respond to that because you've clearly lost your mind."
Not wanting to hear anymore nonsense, Dawn left the lobby. Kenny chased after her.
"Dawn please the evidence is so obvious," pleaded Kenny. "I'm begging you, help us take down Ash and prove to the world that he's a fraud. It's the right thing to do."
"No, the right thing to do is prove the innocence of the falsely accused," retorted Dawn.
Kenny ran in front of Dawn.
"He wasn't falsely accused, he's guilty," stated Kenny. "I've given you all the evidence you need to see he's guilty, why do you insist on defending him?"
"Because I've seen actual evidence that proves he's innocent," stated Dawn.
"Dawn please," begged Kenny. "I'm trying to help you. I'm trying to stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life."
Dawn was losing her patience, "You're the one who made a mistake. One you continue to make by siding with Professor Oak."
Kenny started to tear up, "Dawn, I'm only trying to save you because I love you."
"Well, I don't love you Kenny my heart belongs to someone else," responded Dawn.
Dawn walked past Kenny for what she hoped would be the last time. Kenny turned around with tears of anger in his eyes.
"That's it, if you won't come willingly, I'll drag you to the Sinnoh embassy by force where you'll be arrested for treason," Kenny removed a pokéball.
Dawn turned and crossed her arms.
"I'm not afraid of you Kenny."
"You will be," he threatened.
In truth Dawn had no interest in engaging in a battle as she knew it would end in her disqualification from the Grand Festival. If Kenny got himself disqualified, Dawn felt that was just one less obstacle she needed to overcome.
"Oi, what's going on 'ere?" demanded an Officer Jenny exiting her squad car.
Kenny realised what he was doing and quickly pocketed his ball to avoid disqualification.
"Nothing Officer Jenny, just a friendly discussion between two old friends," smiled Kenny.
"Good, because if I see just one attack come from you, you'll be out of the competition," warned Officer Jenny, before turning to Dawn. "You alright?"
"Yes, I knew his threats were empty," answered Dawn.
Officer Jenny nodded and continued her patrol.
"Now if you'll excuse me Kenny, I have places to be," Dawn turned to walk away, confident Kenny wouldn't block her path again. "Oh, and just so you know, you didn't have a chance with me before and you definitely don't have one now."
Dawn walked away, leaving a heart broken Kenny sobbing on the steps of the hotel.
Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you think. I was originally going to make this the chapter where the tournament began, but I realized that I hadn't focused on the romance aspect of this story and I felt it was important to include before I got to the revenge. I hope I didn't disappoint. The next chapter will show the beginning of the competition. There won't be a battle, but I will be revealing the first battle that will take place against one of the traitors. I have a feeling the matchup will surprise you. Stay tuned to find out.