Welcome to Chapter 28 of Escape to a Faraway Land. I fear this won't reach my followers, as I believe the site is still having a few issues with sending emails. That being said, I hope you enjoy the chapter that is to come.

Before we start, I feel I should address the various guest reviews I've received since my last update.

(Guest chapter 27 . Oct 9

I really want to see one of the traitors lose I don't care which traitor loses to who Even if you're Having Norman Battle Max But I don't want this to be an easy victory since I don't want a boring match)

This is what the following chapter is about so I hope I don't disappoint.

Now for the various reviews I received from Temporal King. You have given me a LOT to think about with regards to how this story has gone and how I should approach future chapters. All and all, you've made a lot of great suggestions and pointed out things I could've done to improve earlier chapters. My favourite of which was suggesting that Jirachi should've stayed with Max instead of only being awoken for a one time visit. This could've actually done a lot to show that Professor Oak is lying and that Ash had nothing to do with Max's escape. I also agree it might've been better to show a little more of Delia's life behind bars, my only excuse for not doing this was because I wanted to focus on the revenge of this story. Furthermore, I also like how you suggested that Ash's old house should've been vandalized in the time after Ash had fled, would've added to how the world has fallen for Oak's lies. There were a few things I was on the fence with, but I won't voice them here, as they were still good suggestions and you're entitled to give me criticism as a reader of my work. If there are any more suggestions you'd like to discuss, feel free to PM me, I'd love to hear any other ideas you have.

Now, let's get on with the story. Enjoy.


As Diantha walked back to the competitor's waiting room, she couldn't help but feel proud of both herself and Ash. She was proud that she was able to push Ash to his limits and to do her part in proving that not only was Ash an honest trainer, he was also a strong one. She was also proud in how strong Ash had grown over the years and knew that he would do everything he could to clear his name. Even though she had been eliminated from the tournament Diantha wasn't planning to go home as she wanted to stay and watch the rest of the tournament and hopefully see Ash clear his name.

Unfortunately, Diantha's own troubles weren't over, as Serena approached her. As Serena was one of the traitors, Diantha knew Serena would be angered by the words she had spoken to Ash, but as Diantha was an accomplished actress, she also knew she could talk her way through this without make her true allegiance known.

"Serena, how are you?" Diantha asked politely.

"Why did you do that?" asked Serena ignoring the question.

"Do what?" Diantha pretended to sound confused.

"How could you congratulate Ash after he defeated you? He clearly wasn't playing fair. Don't you find it odd that someone who couldn't win a pokémon league can suddenly beat a regional champion?" asked Serena.

"He hasn't battled in a league for seven years, I'd hardly call it a sudden victory and its obvious he's been improving his skills over the years," reasoned Diantha.

"Or he cheated," stated Serena. "Just like he did seven years ago."

"Serena, Ash's pokémon were tested right before he undertook the match. While we may have been able to accuse him of foul play back then, nothing we say can prove he cheated today!" explained Diantha.

"That still doesn't explain why you complimented him on his victory. Especially after everything he's done," argued Serena.

Diantha took a deep breath, "Regardless of what he did in the past, today he defeated me both fairly and honourably. One should acknowledge when they've been defeated. It's good sportsmanship. That is why I congratulated him."

"That still doesn't mean he should be forgiven," stated Serena.

"I never said it did," countered Diantha. "What Ash did to his pokémon is unforgivable, and he is receiving an appropriate punishment. He'll never be able to fully accomplish his dreams while struck in this Region."

"Then why do you think it's a shame he can't challenge you in the Kalos League?" questioned Serena.

"I'm a pokemon champion, it's only natural that I'd want a challenging battle. Ash would provide this if he was allowed to compete in the Kalos League again," stated Diantha.

"Well, as you said he'll never be able to do that after what he's done. Something we should all be grateful for," shrugged Serena.

"Indeed, however today's battle has given me a lot to think about," said Diantha.

"How do you mean?" asked Serena.

"I must admit I find it a little odd, that Ash did as well as he did today. They said he only got as far as he did in his previous leagues through drugging his pokémon. So, it makes me wonder how he got so strong when forced to fight honestly," pondered Diantha.

"He clearly just got lucky," said Serena.

"Perhaps, or maybe there are truths we are yet to uncover," suggested Diantha.

"Like what?" asked Serena.

"I'm not sure, but hopefully I will one day," answered Diantha.

Diantha left leaving Serena confused by what had been said.

With the battle between Diantha and Ash over, the Stralia Region Pokémon League continued. Before long Max would get his battle against his father Norman. This was a battle Max was looking forward to, because it would give him the opportunity to show Norman that not only was he a strong trainer, but he had done so without any help from his so-called family.

The estranged father and son stood on opposite ends of the field staring daggers at each other.

"Well Max, it's a shame it had to come to this, but I see no other way in helping you see that what you're doing is wrong," stated Norman.

Max scoffed.

"That's how I know you're gonna lose. Because I've done nothing wrong."

The referee walked to the centre of the stadium to begin the battle.

"The battle between Max Maple of the Stralia Region and Norman Maple, Gym Leader of the Petalburg City Gym of the Hoenn Region is about to begin. Each trainer will be permitted the use of three pokémon and the battle will be over when all the pokémon on one side of the field are unable to battle," declared the Referee. "Battle Begin."

"Vigoroth go," ordered Norman, a white sloth pokémon appeared before them.

"Norman, do you know what a gym leaders' biggest weakness is?" asked Max adjusting his glasses.

Norman said nothing, so Max continued.

"They always have a signature pokémon and if you know them well enough you can plan accordingly. Kangaskhan go."

The reddish-brown regional Kangaskhan appeared before them. To Max's surprise Norman was unfazed by his decision.

"May told me about the battle you and her had when she first arrived. I'm aware that this Kangaskhan isn't like the ones you'd find in the Kanto Safari zone. It's a fighting type," stated Norman.

"So, May tattled? Why am I not surprised?" sighed Max.

"There's also something you've overlooked," interjected Norman. "While it's true that a Gym Leader has a signature pokémon type, they're also experts in that type, meaning we know how to adapt when put at a disadvantage."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Just because I have the type advantage, doesn't mean I'll win. I've been a trainer for years Norman, I know how the game works," spat Max.

Despite all the 'bad' things Max had done, he was still Norman's son and it saddened him that Max wouldn't call him dad.

"You also forget that I've watched many of your battles, I have a pretty good idea on how you fight. You've never seen me battle before, so you have no idea what I'm capable of," declared Max.

Norman hated to admit it, but he knew Max was right. Nevertheless, Norman was going to do everything he could to defeat Max and prove to him it was 'wrong' to side with Ash.

"Vigoroth use Shadow Ball," ordered Norman pointing.

Vigoroth created a ball of black energy and fired it at Kangaskhan.

"Jump out of the way" ordered Max throwing an arm up in the air.

While Shadow Ball wouldn't have hurt a regular Kangaskhan, as a normal type the same wasn't true for the Stralian Kangaskhan as it was a fighting type. Kangaskhan jumped out of the way just before the move made contact.

"This Vigoroth must've originally been the Slakoth Dad used in his battle against Ash," thought Max remembering the gym battle from many years ago.

"May told me about this creature's jumping abilities. It might have saved you then, but they won't save you now," declared Norman.

"We'll just see about that," countered Max. "Kangaskhan Aura Sphere."

Kangaskhan held out her hand and shot a large blue ball of energy.

Norman knew this attack never missed so dodging was pointless. His only option would be to counter.

"Vigoroth counter with another Shadow Ball," ordered Norman.

Vigoroth did as instructed and fired another black ball of energy. The two attacks collided and cancelled each other out.

Max would have to change his strategy if he wanted to win this. While Kangaskhan had many attacks that could deal a lot of damage against Vigoroth, Aura Sphere was her only long-range attack. Every other attack required her to be up close. This would be difficult, as in addition to Shadow Ball, Max knew this Vigoroth could also use Blizzard. Kangaskhan could only use Aura Sphere a limited number of times and Max had a feeling that every time an Aura Sphere was launched, Norman would counter with Shadow Ball. Max knew that the only way he could win this was for Kangaskhan to take some damage. Max didn't want to do this, but he didn't have a choice.

With Max distracted Norman decided to attack.

"Shadow Ball again," ordered Norman.

Vigoroth launched another black ball of energy at Kangaskhan.

"Use bounce," ordered Max.

Kangaskhan jumped high in the air easily dodging the attack.

"That's not gonna work Max," declared Norman. "May told me you used this strategy against her. No offense to your sister, but I'm not going to use an attack that puts me at the disadvantage. Vigoroth use Blizzard and aim for the sky."

Vigoroth shot a devastating Blizzard towards Kangaskhan just as the creature began her decent.

"Power through it Kangaskhan," pleaded Max.

Kangaskhan braced for impact as the Blizzard made contact. While Kangaskhan was feeling the devastating cold of the attack she refused to let her master down. Before long Kangaskhan struck Vigoroth with a devastating bounce attack, the power increased due to the sheer height of the initial jump.

Vigoroth fell to the ground. Max knew he had to continue before the creature stood.

"Use Focus Punch," ordered Max.

Kangaskhan powered up her fist and hit Vigoroth with a bone shattering punch before the creature could stand. As a normal type Vigoroth took a lot of damage.

"Now finish it off with Cross Chop," ordered Max.

Kangaskhan jumped into the air again, crossed her hands and dealt another bone crushing attack.

Vigoroth couldn't stand.

"Vigoroth is unable to battle the round goes to Max and Kangaskhan," announced the Referee.

"So Norman, what was it you said about proving me wrong," smirked Max.

Norman held out his pokéball and returned the fallen Vigoroth.

"May told me you'd gotten strong, but I'm far from beaten," said Norman, pocketing his pokéball and revealing another. "Slaking go."

A large Sloth like pokemon with brown fur appeared before them.

Max had to be careful with his next move. He initially assumed this was the same Slaking Ash had faced in his Petalburg gym battle, but Max had a feeling this could also be the Vigoroth Ash had fought back then, who had since evolved. Max knew Norman usually reserved Slaking for last, and considering the Vigoroth Max had defeated was a Slakoth when Max last saw his family, he knew it was entirely possible that additional evolving had occurred amongst Norman's Pokémon.

Max knew he'd have to be more cautious if he was going to beat this Slaking. He wanted to use his Septile next, but if this Slaking was who Max thought it was, it could use Flamethrower, which would be absolutely devastating for a Grass Type like Septile, especially in the heat of the Stralian Sun. In addition to this, Max knew that Slaking, while slow, had devastating attack and defence. If he wanted to win, he would need something quick to wear it down. It then hit Max what would be the perfect pokémon for this battle.

He held out a pokéball.

"Kangaskhan return and have a rest," once returned Max pocketed the ball and threw another. "Copperfang let's get venomous."

A large brownish yellow pokémon resembling a snake appeared before them. The creature stared daggers at Slaking as venom dripped from its fangs. Only residents of the Stralia Region knew how deadly this creature was.

"What is that?" asked Norman. Despite not being familiar with the creature, Copperfang sent shivers down Norman's spine.

"Your worst nightmare," answered Max.

Norman had a feeling Max was speaking the truth. If he wanted to win this round he'd have to end it quickly.

"Use Flamethrower," ordered Norman.

Slaking opened its mouth and shot a devastating stream of fire.

"Dodge it," ordered Max with a clenched fist.

Using its agility to its advantage, Copperfang leapt into the air and spun around the Flamethrower. When the attack ended Copperfang was right in front of Slaking.

"Use Scratch," ordered Norman pointing at Copperfang.

Slaking threw down its enormous muscle-bound arm.

"Dodge again and wrap around the arm," ordered Max.

Copperfang leapt up again, just before the attack made contact and tied itself around Slaking's arm.

"Now use Poison Fang before it has a chance to pull you off," ordered Max clenching both fists.

Copperfang opened its mouth and dug its fangs into Slaking's arm. Slaking yelled out in pain as Copperfang pored poison into the sloth's system.

"Get it off quickly," pleaded Norman. He had a feeling that this attack had just cost him the round.

Slaking grabbed Copperfang and pulled as hard as it could, but the snake wouldn't budge. Not only had Copperfang locked its jaws onto Slaking's arm, but by tying itself around the arm, it had made itself almost impossible to remove.

"Untie it first," pleaded Norman. He had a feeling that the longer Copperfang's bite lasted the more devastating the effect would be.

Slaking did as instructed and uncoiled Copperfang from its arm. Once uncoiled, Slaking pulled with all its strength. It took a while, but eventually the snake let go and was thrown across the stadium.

Copperfang raised its head showing it could still battle. But was the same true for Slaking?

"Slaking are you ok?" pleaded Norman.

Slaking said nothing in response but was now breathing heavily and sweating profusely. It had been badly poisoned. If Norman wanted to win this round he'd have to do it quickly.

"Flamethrower again," ordered Norman.

"Evade," countered Max.

Slaking shot another stream of fire, but Copperfang was so agile it evaded without any trouble. This went on for a while. Slaking kept firing flamethrower and Copperfang continued to dodge like it was nothing. With every round that passed Slaking got weaker and weaker from the poison. Norman had a feeling the only way he'd be able to win this was to get up close. This was something Norman was hesitant to do because he had a feeling if Copperfang could land just one more venomous bite it would be over. As the battle continued to rage and Slaking continued to get weaker, Norman felt he had no other choice.

"Get close and use Scratch," ordered Norman.

Slaking moved towards Copperfang. The poisoning made Slaking even slower then normal.

"Poison Tail," ordered Max grinning.

Before Slaking could react, Copperfang's tail glowed a bright purple, it leapt into the air and struck Slaking. The attack was so powerful it forced Slaking backwards.

Slaking was now breathing so heavily the breaths could be heard in the stands.

"Don't give up Slaking we can still win this," pleaded Norman.

Slaking took one last breath before collapsing. The poison had completely drained the creature's body.

"Slaking is unable to battle, the round goes to Max and Copperfang," announced the ref.

Copperfang slithered to Max's side of the field and he patted his mighty serpent.

"Well Norman, that's two for me," smirked Max.

Norman was speechless. Max had defeated two of his pokémon, while Norman hadn't defeated any. Norman had gone into this battle hoping to make Max see sense that defending a 'cheater' was wrong. But not only was Norman failing in his mission, Max was proving his previous statement to be correct, he was better off without them.

Despite this, Norman wasn't giving up. While he'd fallen behind in this match, if he played his cards right he could still win. Norman returned his Slaking and then presented his final pokéball.

"Slaking come on out," said Norman, as another Slaking appeared before him.

"So, he's brought out the stronger one," thought Max smiling. "This should be fun.

"Copperfang you were awesome, but I think it's time to show Norman the big guns. Return," the snake returned to its pokéball, it was pocketed and then Max brought out the pokéball that contained the pokémon he started his journey with.

"Norman, do you remember when I was young. I always spoke about starting my journey with a specific pokémon. Do you remember what pokémon that was?" asked Max.

"Treeko. And you probably would've gotten one, if you had learnt your lesson and turned on Ash," stated Norman.

Max chucked.

"Norman when you know the right people, you can get anything. Septile come on out."

Max threw the pokéball and the final evolved form of the Hoenn grass starter appeared before them.

"A Septile? But how?" asked Norman.

"Like I said, you just need to know the right people," answered Max.

Many in the crowd were equally confused by how Max had the Hoenn grass starter. He hadn't left the Stralia Region in seven years and the Septile line was exclusive to Hoenn.

The Professor's were equally confused as to how this had occurred. Their initial instinct was to look at Professor Birch, as he was the Regional Professor of Hoenn.

"Don't look at me, I didn't give it to him," defended Professor Birch.

They turned to Professor Gidyea.

"I have more connections then ya think. I made a few phone calls and got it down 'ere just in time for the kids tenth birthday," stated Professor Gidyea. He didn't want to say anything that would reveal that it was Professor Sycamore who requested the Treeko from Professor Birch, then sent it to the Stralia Region.

"You snake," spat Professor Oak.

"What can I say, I actually care about the trainers of this region," mocked Professor Gidyea.

Back at the match Norman still couldn't believe Max had been able to get the Hoenn grass starter after fleeing the region.

"Looks like you got the pokémon you wanted after all," commented Norman.

"Yeah, no thanks to you," spat Max.

This hurt Norman. Max was still reminding him how better off he was without his family. Max, however, was done talking to his estranged father, so it was he who made the first move this time.

"Septile, Energy Ball," directed Max pointing at Slaking.

Septile opened it's mouth and shot a powerful ball of green energy at Slaking.

"Take the hit," countered Norman.

Norman knew Slaking was too slow to avoid, but also knew that Slaking had enough defence to take the hit without too much damage. And it did just that.

"Energy Ball again," ordered Max clenching his fist.

While Max knew that Slaking's defence was great it would wear down eventually. Norman however wasn't going to give him that opportunity.

"Earthquake," ordered Norman.

Slaking stomped his feat. The ground shook throwing Septile off his feet before he could finish the attack. Thankfully the ground type move didn't do too much damage to a grass type like Septile.

"Now use Hyper Beam before it has a chance to stand," ordered Norman.

Slaking opened its mouth and shot a powerful beam of orange energy.

"Septile dodge," ordered Max.

Septile sprang to its feet and avoided the beam just before it hit.

"Leap into the air," ordered Max throwing an arm up.

Septile jumped high.

"Now use Leaf Storm," ordered Max clenching his fists.

Septile launched a barrage of razor-sharp leaves directly at Slaking, who once again braced for impact and took the attack without taking much damage.

Max knew he'd have to change up his strategy. While he could wear Slaking out with time, continually attacking could also have a negative effect on Septile. If Max wanted to win this, he would have to up his attack power. Max knew just the way he could do this.

"No more playing around Norman. It's time to show you what me and my Septile are really made of," declared Max before showing a bracelet that had a Key Stone.

"Oh no," gasped Norman.

"Oh yes," smiled Max. "Septile Mega Evolve."

Septile covered itself with energy and emerged a Mega Septile. Max now had the power boost he needed to win this match.

"Still think I support a cheater?" asked Max. "If I did, I doubt I'd have a bond with a pokémon this strong."

Norman wasn't listening. He had to end this before it was too late.

"Slaking use Focus Punch," ordered Norman throwing a fist forward.

Slaking rushed forward with an enhanced fist.

"Stop it with Leaf Blade," countered Max.

Two green coloured blades grew from Septile's arms.

Slaking reached Septile and threw the punch. Septile used the blades to stop the punch just before it landed.

"It's over Norman, even your strongest pokémon is no match for me," declared Max. "Septile Energy Ball again."

Septile pushed Slaking back with the Leaf Blades, opened its mouth and fired another Energy Ball. Due to the small distance between them, Slaking lacked the time to brace for impact. The Energy Ball hit and Slaking went flying across the stadium.

"Leap into the air again," ordered Max throwing an arm up.

Once again Septile launched itself into the air. During this time Slaking stood up.

"Now Solar Beam," ordered Max with clenched fists.

Due to the Region's intense sun, Septile fired the beam instantly. An enormous green beam headed directly for Slaking.

"Counter with Hyper Beam," ordered Norman desperately.

Slaking opened its mouth and fired another beam of orange energy. The beams collided and fought for dominance. Normally a Hyper Beam would've overpowered a Solar Beam, but due to the beam's power increase from the intense sun and Septile's Mega Evolution, the Solar Beam pushed through the Hyper Beam and struck Slaking. The entire arena filled with dust due to the intensity of the attack.

Septile landed within the dust cloud, both pokémon were invisible to their trainers and the people in the stands.

As the dust cleared, Septile was still standing, but Slaking was out cold.

"Slaking is unable to battle, the match goes to Max of the Stralia Region," declared the referee.

Locals and people from Galar and Alola applauded Max's victory, while other regions gave the usual boos and hisses. Max didn't care. All he cared about was telling off his estranged father.

"Well Norman, looks like you failed in proving me wrong. The only thing you proved was what I've been saying all along. That I'm better off without you, Caroline and May. Have fun with your wife and daughter because you don't have a son anymore. As far as I'm concerned, you've never had a son."

Septile walked back over to Max.

"Thanks, Septile, you're the best," said Max patting him on the back. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Max and Septile left, leaving Norman to think about both his defeat and what Max had said. He was ashamed of his son, not only was he still supporting a 'cheater', but he was refusing to acknowledge that Norman, Caroline and May had only done what they had done to help him see that supporting a 'cheater' was wrong. However, he was still proud of him, Max had grown into an immensely powerful trainer who had proved himself worthy of challenging the Pokémon League. And he'd done it without any help from Norman or his family. This saddened Norman, as it had prevented him from seeing Max grow into the trainer he was and it hurt him even more knowing that Max wanted nothing to do with them. His son was gone. This hurt Norman far more than a defeat ever could.


Well it would appear that Max has finally been able to take revenge on his family for refusing to support him in defending Ash. Furthermore, Max has defeated Norman in the best way he could, by showing he's better off without his 'family' and that he wants nothing to do with them.

Thanks for reading, please let me know what you think, all feedback is greatly appreciated.