Chapter 3- New Deal

The images came to Ash in quick succession, the screams from the crowd were fresh in his mind, the images of the pokemon lying on the floor, the images all flashed quickly in his mind. Suddenly Ash woke from the nightmare, he panting heavily and desperately needed a release. He reached over to his night stand and grabbed the half empty bottle of whiskey, he chugged the remaining bit of it. The initial burning the drink caused was followed by a soothing numbness that he chased each day.

Ash looked over at Pikachu who was watching him with concerned eyes "What the hell are you looking at," He said drunkenly, Pikachu turned his back to him "What, you think it gets easier that I can just forget? I'll never be able to forget, I'll never get these fucking images out of my head."

He looked back down at the bottle and finished off the last remaining drops. After he finished he slid back down into the bed and passed out. The empty bottle slid from his hands and accompined the other bottles on the floor.

The next morning Ash awoke with a pounding headache, and a nauseous feeling in his gut. His body ached as he roses from the bed, this happened after each fight and he wasn't sure how much longer he could endure this kind of punishment. He was in his twenties yet he already had knee problems and fractured his back on more than one occasion. While he appeared normal he felt as if his body had been aged fifteen years.

Now, rubbing his head, he reached down and picked up his leather jacket that he had thrown on the floor and put it on. Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder as he walked out the door.

Ash drove back into the city and returned to the Pokémon Center. 'I really hope she didn't need to call.' Ash thought to himself as he walked down the hallway. He arrived at May's room and knocked on the door. He heard May unlatching the lock then swing the door open. She was wearing the same clothes from the previous night, she looked fine for the most part except for her eyes which were puffy from crying. "Are you coming in?" She asked.

Ash shook his head "Actually I was going to go and get some food, and I was wondering if you'd like to join me." May's lips twitched a little "Sure, what kind of food?" "Well, I was thinking ice cream." "Ash it's seven thirty in the morning." Ash shrugged his shoulders "Yeah I know, but ice cream taste good any time of the day."

Together they walked out into the sleepy city. The sun had just begun to peak over the skyscrapers giving the city a nice orange tinge. As they walked May kept her distance from Ash "What are you doing back there?" Ash asked noticing that she was falling behind. She looked around nervously "I'm sorry." She said quickly catching back up. Ash looked at down at her, she was trying hard to avoid eye contact with him. "What's the matter, are you ashamed to be seen with me or something?" He said in a tone harsher than he intended. "No! Sorry, please don't be angry." She said clinging onto his arm. Ash was taken aback by this "Woah, no I'm sorry. I honestly didn't mean to sound like I was upset, I just didn't want you to fall behind is all."

May remained latched onto his arm, he could feel her shaking "If you like we can go back, it's ok if your uncomfortable." "No, I'll be fine, lets just keep going." She said with her head down still.

As they walked down the street Ash thought about Serena. She'd often hold onto his arm as they walked down the street, although it was out of love and not fear like May was doing. Though it had been a long time since they'd gone out, in the months before breaking up with him she was always busy, Ash had always wondered what exactly she was doing, but now he knew.

Ash brought them to a small park in the middle of the city, on the edge of there was a small ice cream stand that was just opening. The shop owner was surprised to see customers so early "You kids are early aren't ya." He said. "Yeah, we thought we'd start the day off right with some ice cream." The shop owner smiled "Well you came to the right place. What'll you have?" Ash thought for a moment before answering "I'll take chocolate, and what about you May." May looked up at Ash before quickly glancing back down "I'll have the same." She said in a hushed tone. "Are you sure?" Ash asked with some concern. He was beginning to worry about her. May just nodded in response.

After getting their ice cream they began to walk on one of the paths in the park. Ash looked around and smiled at the birds chirping in the tree's, and the smell of from the grass that was cut early in the morning. Ash turned to see if May was enjoying herself but found she was looking down still and hadn't touched her food. "May, would you prefer if we sat?" He asked. May nodded and Ash brought them to a small bench over looking the pond. As they sat May accidentally tipped over her cone sending a blob of ice cream onto Ash's lap. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed. Before Ash could tell her it was nothing to worry about May had begun to clean the mess. She was frantic and kept muttering "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," over and over again. "May it's alright." Ash said trying to calm her. But May kept on cleaning. "It's ok you can stop." Ash said, "No it's my fault." May replied. Tears were failing from her face "May stop." He said reaching out and grabbed her hands. "Please don't hit me!" She screamed trying to cover her face.

Ash was stunned by the outburst and sat there for a moment "Hit you? Is that what you thought I was going to do?" May looked at him, her body shaking "Do you think I'm Drew?" He continued.

"No." She said in a hushed whisper. "Look, I'm a mess, I've done things, horrible things, but I'm not so far gone that I would strike you over a fucking ice cream cone."

"I'm sorry. I know you're not Drew, I just…" She trailed off. Ash put a hand on her shoulder, "It's alright, don't worry about it." He didn't want to press the issue. Instead he sat there quietly with her letting her regain her nerves. Ash watched the pond for what seemed liked hours until May finally spoke up.

"Ash, what's it like?" she asked "What's what like?" he replied, May hesitated before continuing "You know, doing what you do." Ash thought about this question, he had never really told anybody what it was like in the arena, not even Serena. After he was done fighting he'd lock those images away and never speak of them.

"Horrible, honestly. I mean when I'm fighting it's not for fame or glory, all I'm trying to do is survive." Ash began thinking back to all the battles he had fought in the arena. His heart started to race when he remembered those gruesome moments when it was either him or the other guy.

"Does it pay well at least?" She asked, Ash burst out laughing "No! Not at all." He said trying to stifle his laughter. "Then why do it?" Ash shrugged his shoulder's "Because I'm a fuck up. Plus I'm obligated to fight until they decide to release me. If I break that contract, well let's just say it doesn't end well for those who break contracts."

"Do you think you'll ever be released?" She asked. "Probably not, they'll use me until my body is completely broken down. Then they'll send me away." Ash remembered how Simon told him that they'd have a use for him the future, perhaps it would be an opportunity for him to get away. "Come on, let's get back to the pokemon center." He said getting up.

As they walked back to the center May no longer clung to him, instead she walked next to him, and did so with confidence.

Nearing the Pokemon center Ash spotted Officer Jenny, next to her were two fellow officers. He felt a sinking sensation in his stomach, he knew why they were there. "Hey, uh, lets go back to the park, I think I left my wallet there." Ash said trying to sneak away. But Jenny had spotted him. "Mr. Ketchum." She said sternly, and began to approach him.

Ash froze in place, in his mind he debated whether or not he should attempt to run. He would have, but the only ting stopping him was the thought of leaving May by herself.

Jenny stopped in front of him "Relax Ketchum, we just have a few questions that need answers." Ash breathed a sigh of relief "I'm not really interested." He said. "Well that's to bad, you're going to anyway. First, why do have May Maple with you?" Ash shrugged his shoulders "What concern is that of yours?" "Because a missing persons report was filed for her yesterday." "He didn't kidnap me." May interjected "Hmm, well even still we need to investigate the matter further." Officer Jenny pulled out a pair of cuffs "Is this necessary?" Ash asked as the cuffs wrapped around his wrists "Standard procedure." Jenny said.

The other two officers grabbed May by the arms "Come on." One of them said tugging at her "Wait, I'd rather go with him!" May said trying to break free. "She said she want to go with us, let her." Ash said taking a step forward. Jenny grabbed Ash by his collar "Listen you two, the last thing I want is a scene to unfold in the middle of the street. So if you want to see Ash again visit him at the station, got it?"

May looked to Ash for guidance "It's ok, do as she say's, I'll be fine." The two men lead May away down the street. Jenny took Ash to her patrol car and pushed him inside. Ash watched from the window as May was dragged around the corner.

The two officers lead May to a street corner where Drew was waiting "She's safe and sound just like we promised." One of the officers said handing May over to Drew. Drew embraced May in tight hug "Thank god, I was worried sick." He said squeezing her even tighter. "Drew, I can promise you that Mr. Ketchum will be punished to the fullest extent of the law." Drew nodded at her "Thank you officer, I'm glad to hear it." He opened the limo door and hurried May inside.

The officer tipped his hat to him then walked off down the street.

Drew entered the limo and took a seat next to May. She glanced up at him, he had a black eye, bruised chin, and on his nose was small bandage. May looked away and smirked to herself.

The ride was silent with Drew glaring at her all the way back to the hotel. As they neared the hotel May started becoming fearful of what he might do once they were alone.

Drew flung open the door to their hotel room and shoved May inside "You think I look funny May!" he screamed shoving her again "No Drew I-." "Shut up!" he screamed shoving her against the wall. May raised her hands to try and cover her face, Drew grabbed them and pinned them against the wall. "Ash isn't here to protect you this time." He hissed. May closed her eyes waiting for the first punch to come.

But it never came she opened one eye and saw Drew staring at her. He leaned in close to her "You know I still won the Grand Festival last night." "I know I watched you on T.V." May replied, trembling against the wall. He looked her up and down then slowly leaned in towards her, May turned away snubbing his kiss.

Drew slowly let go of her "You want to be with him then fine, I don't need you anymore" he said turning from her "I had your stuff packed before you arrived I want you gone when I return." He walked out the door and slammed it behind him.

May stood there for a moment in complete shock, when she decided to enter he room she found Drew to be true to his word. All her stuff was packed and placed on her bed. May looked at the piles of bags and decided it would be best if she packed as much stuff as she could into one bag.

As she rummaged through her stuff she came across a framed picture of her and Drew standing outside the Golden Rod City Contest Hall. Etched in the frame were the words "Forever" She walked over to a nearby window and hurled the photo out into the street below, then zipping up her bag she walked out of the room turning the lights off behind her.

Ash was thrown into the back of a patrol car and taken to the Police station and brought into an interrogation room. He sat there for hours bored out of his mind, to the left of him was a large one way mirror were the officers watched him. Finally Officer Jenny walked inside, she was holding his file and flipping through the many pages it contained. She tossed the file onto the table in front of Ash and took a seat in front of him.

"So Mr. Ketchum, assault and kidnapping, those are two very serious crimes you've committed you're looking at maybe fifteen years in prison." Ash couldn't help but laugh "Come on you know the kidnapping charge is bullshit, May admitted as much." Jenny smirked at him "You know what's even worse, owning a Pokemon without a license, and using that Pokemon to fight in illegal games." Ash's face suddenly turned pale. "A charge like that will put you away for fifty years, at a minimum."

Ash looked away from her, Jenny smiled at him and leaned in close to him "You can't beat these charges Ash, but there is an alternative." Ash glared at Officer Jenny with hatred. "I don't know what the hell you're talking about, I don't compete in any of those sorts of competitions." Jenny rolled her eyes "Ash we have irrefutable evidence you compete," She said producing a photograph of him in the arena "Unless you have some sort of explanation for this then we got you." She said.

Ash felt sick to his stomach and for a moment felt like he was about to throw up. He took a few moments to compose himself before responding "Ok, what is it you want?" "We need you to testify against some of the bigger fish in the organization, the leaders." "But why me, I'm not in a powerful position." "Yes, but you were dumb enough to get caught, and all we need is for you to identify the faces of those in power."

Ash thought over the options "If I do this, I get to walk free?" Jenny nodded "Yes, like I said we have bigger fish to fry."

Ash thought about the option, he'd probably end up in a ditch if he agreed. Under any other circumstance he would have said no, but something else inside him compelled him to agree "Ok, I'll do it." Suddenly the door to the room opened, an officer walked inside "Jenny." He said "What!" "He's free to go." Jenny looked at Ash who was equally surprised. As Ash got up Jenny leaned into his ear and whispered "Just go on like nothing has happened, when we're ready we'll come and get you."

The officer led Ash back outside where he found James and Pikachu waiting for him. Ash ran to Pikachu, the little Pokémon happily leapt into his arms. Ash looked up at James "James did you do this?" Suddenly a black limo pulled up next them James opened the door and motioned for Ash to get inside. Ash entered the limo and found Mr. Simon waiting for him.

Mr. Simon was seated across from him reading the paper and smoking a cigar. When James entered the limo and shut the door the car began to drive. "Beating up celebrities, that's a new one." He said throwing the paper to Ash's feet; Ash looked down at the paper. On the cover in big bold letters "CRAZED MAN ASSAULTS TOP COORDINATOR!" Ash looked back up at Mr. Simon "So I guess you broke me out, how?" Mr. Simon grinned at Ash "You can't do what I do Ash without making friends with the law first." Ash felt a sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach, perhaps that's why Jenny felt the need to whisper in his ear.

"Well thank you for releasing me" Ash said. Mr. Simon took a long drag on his cigar "Please Ash, don't think I released you because I'm charitable man, I have an offer for you." Ash was intrigued by this "What is it?" he asked, Mr. Simon took another long drag on his cigar "I want you to fight the number two contender in the arena this weekend. Now normally I wouldn't be asking you, but unfortunately the other fighter passed away in an unfortunate accident." Ash ran a hand through his hair, unsure about the offer "How much will it pay?" He asked "Don't you want to know who you're fighting first?" Mr. Simon asked "You already told me, I'm fighting the number two contender, I just want to know how much it'll pay."

"One hundred thousand dollars." Ash nearly fainted, James glanced at him "Remember to breath kid." "So do we have a deal?" Mr. Simon asked "Your damn right we have a deal!" Ash exclaimed Mr. Simon grinned at him "Excellent, now you'll need to meet here for the fight, it's being held in a bigger arena and farther away from the city." Mr. Simon handed him a small business card with the address and name of the building "00184 Colosseum." Ash looked up from the card at the sound of clanking and saw Mr. Simon pulling out three glasses and a bottle of scotch. He poured each of them a glass "Cheers gentlemen." He said "Cheers!" James and Ash replied in unison.

Simon dropped Ash off in front of the Pokemon center, he thanked Ash for saving the fight before letting out of the limo. "Hold on kid, I'll be out in a minute." James said shutting the door. "Do you think he spoke to the cops?" James asked Simon "Doesn't really matter now does it. He won't be around much longer." James nodded before exiting the vehicle.

Outside the hotel May hailed a cab and returned to the Pokémon Center. As she was about to walk inside a limo suddenly arrived outside the building. Ash stepped out and ran to her, May was shocked to see him but embraced him in a hug.

"Ash, how on earth did you get out of jail?" She asked, Ash let go of her "I had a friend bail me out." He said. Suddenly James approached the two "Kid I want to see you in the gym in an hour, ok?" Ash nodded. James glanced over at May and extended his hand "Names James," he said May shook his hand "May," she replied. James glanced back at Ash "Remember, one hour kid."

He walked away from the two and disappeared down the street. Ash looked back at May who was watching him nervously "You ok?" he asked looking her over, making sure there were no fresh bruises. "Well actually I was wondering if maybe I could stay with you for a while." Ash was stunned by the question "Are you sure May?" he asked "Of course I am." Ash wanted May to stay with him, but he wasn't oblivious to the fact that he wouldn't be able to provide her with much. But Ash relented "Well alright," he said taking her bags.

The three of them rode back to Ash's apartment so May could get settled in. When they arrived at his place May was shocked at it's decrepit condition. Ash led her up to his room and opened the door for her, when she walked in the strong stench of whiskey punched her in the nose. Piles of clothes littered the floor and the sink in the kitchen was filled with dirty dishes.

May turned back around to Ash "You hate it I know," he said May shook her head "It's fine," she said trying to sound positive. She sat on the squeaky bed, Ash closed the door and took a seat next to her "You know I got this fight coming up, it's going to pay me one hundred thousand dollars, I figure with that kind of money I could fix this place up or buy a new place." "But you'll be fighting in the arena again." She said Ash nodded "Who knows maybe for the last time; with one hundred thousand dollars I might be able to get my license back."

May looked over at Ash "Just please be careful," Ash grinned at her "I promise," he said getting up. "I've got to go and meet up with James, in the meantime feel free to make yourself at home." Ash walked out of the apartment and down into the street.

May watched from the window as he left on his motorcycle. Turning back to the room she walked back over to the bed she accidentally kicked a bottle of whiskey under the bed. She knelt down and looked under the bed. Beside the empty bottle of whiskey she saw a small metal box.

She pulled the box from under the bed and set it in her lap; she debated whether or not she should open it. Her curiosity got the better of her and she unlatched the metal box. Placed neatly on top of the box was a news paper clipping from five years ago "Trainer has licensed revoked after Kalos League!" A picture of Ash was placed above the article, taking the article in her hands May began to read it "After having his Pokémon endure constant needless abuse and torment from his opponent, Pokémon Trainer Ash Ketchum has been judged as unfit to continue training Pokémon." The article wasn't very specific on what had exactly transpired; only that Ash was declared as unworthy to train Pokémon. May set the paper aside and continued looking through the box. Underneath the newspaper article was a framed picture of him and all his Pokémon outside of Professor Oaks Lab. He looked around fifteen in the photo and actually looked happy. May smiled at the picture and set it back down into the box along with the newspaper article. Closing the box she slid it back under the bed.