Chapter 6- The Colosseum

James slowly made his way up the old flight of rickety stairs leading to Ash's apartment, the rotting steps strained under him after every step he took. "Kid could really use an upgrade," he thought to himself as he approached the paint chipped door. Reaching out he knocked. He waited for a moment, and when he failed to get a response he pounded on the door "Come on kid we got to go!" He screamed.

He waited a few more seconds for Ash to respond "Damnit kid we've gotta go," he mumbled to himself. As he reached out to slam on the door a third time it suddenly unlocked and opened.

Ash stood in the doorway with Pikachu holding onto his shoulder, he was dressed in his usual black leather jacket and blue jeans. "Kid what the hell-," James began "Shhh! James, May's sleeping."

"I'm sorry kid, but we've gotta to go." He said in a low whisper, Ash ran a hand through his hair and glanced back at May. She was sleeping so peacefully on Ash's bed with a smile across her face she stirred a little before letting out a sigh.

Ash held up his index finger to James "Give me one sec," Ash said. James nodded and watched as Ash crept over to May, leaning down he gently kissed her on the forehead.

Ash had to quickly pry himself away, knowing that if he lingered there any longer he might not have the nerve to leave. Returning back to James Ash exited the apartment closing the door as quietly as he could behind him.

He looked up at James "Let's get this over with," he said with determination.

James led Ash down to the front of the apartment were a pristine black limousine was waiting for them. "Well this is a nice surprise," Ash said entering the luxury car. "Courtesy of Mr. Simon," James replied getting in, he tapped Ash on the shoulder "Hey, you got that card with the address kid?" he asked Ash nodded and pulled out the crinkled card.

James snatched the card from him "The driver won't know where the hell we're going without this." James clambered on up to the front of the limo and slipped the driver the card. The driver studied it for a moment before nodding approvingly. Putting the vehicle in gear the driver began to accelerate forward.

As James returned to the backseat he found Ash had already begun to pour himself a glass of whiskey from the mini fridge seated next to him.

"Give me that!" James exclaimed seizing the bottle from Ash and hurling out the window. "What the hell James!" Ash screamed "Look, I need you on your toes today kid, and you're to lose when you drink," James growled pointing a finger at Ash "Besides it might do your liver some good."

Ash crossed his arms and huffed out like a spoiled little kid. "I bet The Spider gets to drink before he fights," Ash mumbled under his breath.

The drive to the Colosseum was a long one, going far beyond the city limits and into what seemed like the middle of nowhere. Ash looked outside his window towards the bleak scenery "James are you sure were going in the right direction?" Ash asked. "Uh I think so," he said sharing Ash's confusion "Driver!" James yelled "Are we going in the right direction?"

The driver looked up at his mirror and nodded "Yes sir, in fact were here." The driver pulled in front of a small shanty little shack with a tiny white sign that read "11004 Colosseum," James and Ash traded confused looks.

Stepping out of the car they walked down a short dirt road leading up to the small shack. "Hmm, I was expecting something bigger, you know like a Colosseum." Ash said scratching his head. A fierce wind suddenly rolled in kicking up a miniature dust cloud.

Ash walked up to the decaying shed and tried the door. It creaked loudly as Ash pulled on it; suddenly another strong gust of wind came by ripping the door out of Ash's hand and slamming it against the side of the shed.

Ash's eyes widened as he looked inside the shed he turned back to James "It's an elevator," he said James ran up beside him and found the interior of an elevator, red carpeted floors, stainless walls and inside a single unlabeled button.

Ash turned back to the limo driver and waved him off, the driver nodded and took off barreling down the road honking his horn.

Ash cautiously entered the elevator with James, reaching out her pressed the button and the three began their descent.

Ash felt a wave of anxiety wash over him as the elevator continued to make its descent. The elevator stopped abruptly before sliding the doors open, revealing a long tunnel.

Ash took a step outside. The grey light from the ceiling reflected dimly off the concrete walls giving the tunnel an eerie feeling, "Place gives me the creeps," James said. At the end of the tunnel a steel door stood, Ash approached it, his footsteps echoing loudly.

As they neared the door the sound of people talking and laughing with one another became clearer. Ash grabbed the stainless steel door handle, and yanking it opened the door.

Beyond the door Ash was shocked to see hundreds upon hundreds of people, waiting inside a lavishly decorated lobby. Just like the restaurant the lobby was filled with wealthy business men, dressed in their fancy tailored business suits. They sat on couches enjoying a glass of wine or taking long drags on their cigarettes. They chatted with each other without a care in the world as if it were something you would normally do before going to watch two men try and kill each other.

Ash was appalled at the sight of these people. In the arena, where he usually fought he would never witness the crowd outside the stands. He was spared the sight of the people's camaraderie with one another.

Seeing all of this now enraged Ash. "Look at these people how can they sit here and laugh while two men prepare to die, how can anybody watch this." James glanced over at Ash surprised at his sudden angry outburst "Don't forget kid, these people are the reason you're getting paid."

Ash looked back at the crowd of happy people, as he scanned over the people he caught sight of Mr. Simon who was watching him from the bar. He wore the same grey suit that he had worn the first day they met, and in one hand was a freshly lit cigar and in the other a glass of scotch.

As soon as Ash made eye contact with him Mr. Simon set aside his scotch and waved them over. "Hey kid there's Mr. Simon," James said pointing out what Ash had already seen.

"No kidding." Ash walked forward and began maneuvering his way through the thick crowd, Pikachu kept a tight grip on his shoulder as Ash continually bumped into people, rattling the little Pokémon.

The people paid little mind to Ash, for they were to drunk and to wrapped up in their own conversations about who was going to win the fight, that they didn't even notice Ash walking by.

Finally Ash released himself from the suffocating crowd and approached the bar were Mr. Simon stood. He snuffed out the cigar on the counter.

"Mr. Ketchum please, come with me," he said almost robotically. He directed them through series of long narrow hallways far from the confined lobby. "Are you nervous Mr. Ketchum?" Mr. Simon asked glancing back at him "Yea a little," Ash replied as they turned the corner. Ahead of them was another door with a sign that read "Athlete Room," "Well Mr. Ketchum I'm sure anybody would be nervous, especially considering the odds you'll have to overcome." Mr. Simon said as he opened the door. "Your new locker room," Mr. Simon said as Ash passed him.

The room was definitely a step up from Ash's old locker room. The center of the room was taken up by a beautiful reflecting pool surrounded by intricately hand carved blue marbled pillars. There was the absence of a ceiling above the pool allowing the sun to peer inside and warm the water.

The walls of the room were white with streaks of gold running across the top and bottom; couches with bowls of fresh fruit set next to them were placed neatly throughout the room.

Ash tried his best not to marvel at all the luxury that stood before him by reminding himself why he was here.

Suddenly the doors slammed shut. Ash whirled around and saw Simon and his security guard "You disappoint me Ash." He said "What the hell are you doing?" "You've been speaking with the police, even made allies with Officer Jenny." "No, I don't know what you think you know, but I've remained loyal." Simon chuckled at this "Ash, we're not fucking stupid. I know you've speaking with Jenny I know your sweet girlfriend wore a wire at dinner, I know all of this."

"Well then what's stopping you from killing me right now?" Ash asked. "Twenty-thousand people are what's keeping me from killing you, all of them paid good money for this spectacle. Plus I want to see how your sweet girlfriend reacts when The Spider pops your head open." "May? She's here?" Ash said, his heart began to race "Oh yes, she struggled when we came for her, but she's all bound up now and has a front row seat to the show, and once your dead she'll join you." Ash tried to charge at Simon but his security guard pulled out his gun and pointed it at him "Use that energy Ash, that fiery spirt is what could keep you alive." Mr. Simon left the room with his security guard. As soon as they left Ash turned back to James "We have to get out of here." He said "Kid, there's only way out." Ash slammed his fist against his locker "Damnit they have May!" He screamed. "Listen kid, you've speaking with the cops you told them about this fight and gave them the address. Its possible that they could find you in time." Ash turned and faced James "How'd you know that?" "Because kid, I've been doing the same thing." Ash clenched his fist "Did you rat me out to Jenny?" James nodded "You old bastard!" He grabbed James by the collar and slammed him against the locker "Why James, why'd you do it? Because of you I'm about to die, May's about to die!"

James spoke softly and quietly to Ash "Listen I want to do right by you, I couldn't take the fact that each time you stepped out of the arena you looked even worse. I've lost too many fighters, and I didn't want to lose you to." Ash was moved by James words and released him "I suppose all that doesn't matter anymore. Unless Jenny arrives within the hour I'm a dead man." "No kid, you're not. You can win this, and don't worry about Jenny she's a smart girl and she'll find us."

The Spider rose from his bed at the sound of someone pounding violently on his door "Who's that?" A beautiful topless blonde was lying next to him; she sat up allowing the sheets to fall exposing her breasts. The Spider rubbed his eyes "I don't know," he said walking over to the door. Unlocking the door he opened all the way.

His trainer stood in the doorway, peaking inside he was pleasantly surprised to see a naked woman lying in The Spiders bed, she covered herself when she saw him staring. "You need something?" The Spider asked, his trainer looked up at him "Yes, your armor is prepared and your Pokémon ready. You have ten minutes before the match begins I suggest you use that time to dress yourself."

The Spider glanced back at the girl then back at his trainer "Give me a few seconds." He said. His trainer nodded. Shutting the door The Spider went back over to the woman, who smiled at him warmly.

"I've got to go." He said . Letting go of the sheet she wrapped her arms around him "I love you so much." She said kissing him. "Don't worry, I'll return, I promise," he whispered.

The locker that contained Ash's armor was surrounded by a U shaped metal rod with a black curtain hanging on it. Ash pulled the curtain full circle around him before opening the locker. Inside the locker his armor hung limply on various coat hangers.

Ash slid out of his leather jacket and black shirt, then reaching inside the locker he retrieved the freshly washed white cotton T-shirt. Ash pulled the shirt over him before reaching for the white jacket. The blood stains were wiped clean from it and the torn wrist had been patched up completely.

He finished zipping up the jacket and moved on to his long piece of metallic armor painted with his signature yellow lightning bolt, which looked as if someone had added a fresh coat of paint to. Once fully armored he looked inside the locker for his weapon.

It was situated towards the back of the locker, grabbing it he held it close to his face. He couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship that had gone into creating such a weapon, originally it had belonged to James who used it when he fought in the arena many years ago.

James had hardly ever spoken about his time in the arena, probably for the same reasons as Ash, but on the rare occasions he did he would do so bitterly.

Ash lowered the weapon down by his side. Slamming the locker door shut, he stepped outside of the makeshift changing room. Ash found James waiting for him, a half smile formed on his lips "Alright kid it's time."

Mr. Simon led Ash, James, and Pikachu to another room. Ash observed that the room was as plain as could be, that it was nothing more than a square room with brown walls and large inclined staircase leading into the arena.

Beyond the staircase Ash could hear the earth shattering roar of a massive crowd far bigger than any he had ever encountered, whether in the arena or in a Pokémon League battle. "Do you hear that crowd Mr. Ketchum? Wonderful isn't it. When you die it will be the last thing you hear, I can't imagine a better way to go. Dying to the sound of thunderous applause."

Ash gave Mr. Simon a disgusted look "Now now, don't give me that look. You have only yourself to blame. Though it should be of some comfort that your lover will be watching, if you want to see her then look to the luxury box above the stadium." With that Mr. Simon turned to leave, but stopped and placed a hand on James shoulder "It looks as if you'll have to find a new fighter." He said before leaving. As he left James turned and spat on the ground Simon had stood on.

With his heart racing Ash glanced at James for some reassurance "Good luck kid," He said patting him on the back.

An announcer's voice suddenly filled the air "Ladies and Gentleman! Prepare yourselves for a historic matchup between two of the most ruthless trainers the Colosseum has ever seen, witness these two fighters clash in a titanic battle in which only one will return!" The crowd roared with approval. "Ladies and Gentlemen the Colosseum is proud to give you the contender, Ash Ketchum!"

Ash took that as his cue to charge forward up the staircase and into the blinding sunlight. A roar of cheers greeted him as he stepped out onto the warm sand. Ash looked around in awe at his surroundings.

True to its name the stadium was colossal, rows upon rows stretched endlessly up into the sky, filled with masses of people who let out deafening shouts at the sight of him. Not only was this stadium massive, but it was ingenuously disguised.

Hidden by the surrounding mountains the stadium was further camouflaged by sandstone seats that had been carved out of the mountain stone making the Colosseum difficult to find not only from the ground but also from the air.

Another peculiar thing Ash noticed was that the higher up a person was seated the poorer they appeared "I guess watching two guys beating each other to death is something we can all come together and enjoy." Ash thought to himself.

Placed just above the sands of the arena was a large room similar to the one in Ash's stadium. Seated inside were the familiar black silhouettes of nameless men, and in the center was a May. They made no attempt to hide her from him. She was seated on a chair, her hands bound to her sides. She looked at him with a terrified look. From the shadows Mr. Simon emerged beside her and waved at him. Ash had to tear himself from looking at them and focus on what lay ahead. His heart was already racing and a deep hatred began to take him over.

He was suddenly overcome with the fierce stench of burnt popcorn that rolled over him, causing his stomach to churn.

"Ladies and Gentleman the man we've all been waiting for, please welcome, The Spider!" A thunderous roar from the crowd shook the stadium as The Spider triumphantly walked out from his gate. Creeping beside him were his two hideous Ariados. He waved pleasantly to the crowd with his one free hand while holding his shield in the other.

"Alright Pikachu you know what to do." Ash said "PIKA!" the little Pokémon replied with tenacity as it leapt off of his shoulder, its cheeks sparking with electricity.

The Spider unsheathed his sword and readied himself for battle. He waved to crowd which caused them to cheer with approval. Even though this was a match between two "prestigious" fighters, there were still no formalities between them, just fight and hope you don't die.

Suddenly a loud droning sound filled the stadium the match had begun.

Without a moment's hesitation Ash began his assault "Pikachu use thunderbolt!"The little Pokémon instantly leapt into the air and shot out a blinding electrical current from its body. It exploded near The Spider throwing a thick cloud of sand everywhere.

Ash was unable to tell if The Spider had been affected at all, the crowd sat silently on the edge of their seats in suspense. Suddenly The Spider emerged from the cloud of sand walking casually with a smile on his face. The crowd roared with delight at this. "What the hell, that attack should've hit him." Ash thought to himself.

Ash attempted the attack again "Pikachu use thunderbolt!" Pikachu once more leapt into the air shooting another intense electrical attack at The Spider. Suddenly an Ariados slid in front of the Spider its, body glowing bright blue.

The Ariados shielded The Spider using protect, negating Pikachu's attack completely. The Spider grinned wildly at Ash "Quick Attack," he muttered suddenly the Ariados switched from defense to offense and launched forward with blazing fast speed. It rammed its body into Pikachu, throwing it like a rag doll across the arena.

The little Pokémon slammed into the walls of the arena and let out a cry of agony. The crowd cheered wildly at this. Some people who were seated above were Pikachu had landed, rose from their seats to get a better view of the injured Pokémon.

Now The Spider was upon Ash swinging his sword down at him, Ash rolled backwards narrowly avoiding the attack "Stay away from him!" Ash thought to himself "Easier said than done!" He thought as he dodged another blow.

One of The Spiders Ariados who had been waiting patiently for its chance to strike suddenly sprang forward from the walls of the stadium, the Ariados nearly pounced on Ash but was halted by Pikachu who had recovered from the previous attack and now intercepted the Ariados with a powerful head butt sending it crashing into the ground.

The Ariados let out an ear piercing scream as it tumbled onto the sand. "Ariados string shot!" The Spider screamed the first Ariados shot a stream of white webbing towards Pikachu "Dodge it!" Ash screamed. Pikachu managed to thrust itself into the air flipping backwards and away from the danger.

The crowd cheered approvingly at the spectacle. The Spiders grin was now replaced by a look of angry frustration.

The second Ariados had managed to recoup from its injuries and now stood beside The Spider waiting for an order.

"Use sticky web on the rat!" he ordered. The Ariados obeyed, and spewed a volley of webbing at Pikachu who tried, in vain, to dodge them.

Two of the webs smashed into the little Pokémon flinging it back into the walls of the arena and pinning it in place. Before Ash could react The Spider and his other Ariados were upon him "Quick attack!" The Spider screamed.

The Ariados lunged violently at Ash tackling him with such force that he nearly blacked out. It slammed him onto the wall with a loud thud. Ash hollered in agony as he felt his ribs being broken.

"Hold him still!" The Spider ordered. The Ariados kept Ash pressed up against the wall constricting his breathing. Ash was on the verge of passing out when he found the strength to lift his lightning bolt and stab it into the Ariados eye.

The Ariados gave a shriek and dropped Ash. It began to run wildly around the arena holding its eye. In its confusion it accidentally ran over its trainer before slamming itself into a wall.

With excruciating pain Ash lifted himself to his feet "Now's my chance." He thought.

Holding his side Ash ran to Pikachu who remained pinned to the wall, but before he could reach his Pokémon the second Ariados jumped in his way.

It tried charging forward at Ash with its poison coated horn; Ash rolled to the side and sliced one of the Ariados legs sending it tumbling forward. Running back to Pikachu he quickly cut loose the little Pokémon.

The Ariados that had been stabbed in the eye was still running wild trying to get its bearings. "Electro ball!" Ash ordered pointing to the injured Ariados. Pikachu leapt into the air and released a ball of yellow electricity, the attack exploded against the Pokémon sending it smashing into the wall and effectively finishing it off.

"One down," Ash thought to himself. The Spider having now recovered from his attack jumped to his feet, he looked behind him and saw his Ariados smashed against the wall "You son of a bitch!" he yelled "Ariados use poison sting!" the second Ariados charged forward once more at Pikachu. It ran awkwardly due to the cut in its leg, giving Pikachu a decisive advantage.

"Pikachu volt tackle!" Pikachu charged forward its body glowing yellow and slammed into the Ariados creating a brilliant explosion that caused the arena to shake vigorously, sand flew everywhere masking both Pokémon in a mushroom cloud of smoke and sand. The crowd was howling with delight at this amazing show.

Finally the smoke cleared revealing Pikachu to be the winner and the Ariados on its back twitching as electricity coursed through its body. Pikachu's victory was short lived however, for the Ariados had managed to strike it with its horn infecting the little Pokémon with poison. The little Pokémon collapsed to the floor unconscious.

Now Ash was alone going against The Spider, the two squared off with one another. The Spider held his shield high covering his body, he thrusted forward with his shield in an attempt to get Ash to open up. Ash hit the attack away with his protected arm.

The Spider suddenly burst forth like a raging Tauros screaming like a madman, Ash sidestepped him slashing his lightning bolt across his back caused him to drop his shield. The Spider whirled around with his sword stretched out and managed to slice Ash's shoulder infecting him with poison.

Ash tensed up as he felt the sword cut into him, he staggered backwards expecting the poison to kick in at any moment. He didn't look at the cut but could feel that it had hit his bone. The one silver lining he found was that the poison didn't kick in right away, giving Ash a short opportunity to continue fighting.

The Spider leered at him with a crazed look in his eyes as he slowly approached him. He stabbed forward with his sword, Ash hit it away, his lightning bolt crackling as he did.

The Spider continued stabbing and slashing at Ash slowly wearing him down while the poison took its effect.

Ash deflected another blow from the spider when all at once he began feeling light headed, his vision became blurry, the sounds of the crowd became muffled, he wanted to vomit.

The next attack Ash barely managed to hit away but was thrown off balance and as a result fell onto his back.

The Spider grinned knowing Ash was too weak to fight anymore, throwing his sword away The Spider picked him up by the collar. Ash's vision of The Spider was blurred, The Spider head butted him cutting Ash's forehead.

"I'm going really enjoy this." he said punching him in the face, Ash groaned in pain. The Spider repeatedly struck Ash in the face; each punch harder than the last.

The Spider relished the moment as he continued to inflict pain upon his opponent. He wasn't satisfied until Ash's mouth had filled with blood and his mind teetered back and forth between conscious and un conscious.

The Spider grabbed him by the skull and with his monstrous hands began to squeeze. Ash felt his skull begin to compress and let out screams of terror, knowing this was the end "May! May help me!" He screamed. Ash tried pulling, kicking, biting, but nothing helped to get his opponent off of him.

Ash knew this was it, he was going to die to the sound of thunderous applause, and he began to cry. He suddenly realized all the mistakes he made, he knew every single one was fixable, but he'd never have the chance to fix them.

Suddenly his opponents weight was lifted off of him. Ash rolled over onto his side trying to recover his senses. Rubbing the blood from his eyes he looked around and with blurred vision saw people in the stadiums panicking. The sound of a helicopter's thudding blades could be heard over head.

He felt a hand on his arm and familiar voice "Ash! Somebody help him!" He knew it was May "May, I'm sorry, I didn't mean for this to happen." May wasn't listening but instead screaming for a doctor. Ash reached out and touched her gently, and for moment she looked down at him "I love you May." He said weakly. His vision blackened, but he felt a comforting warmth wash over him, he was at peace.

A flood of air entered Ash's lungs as he came gasping back to life, his heavy breathing was accompanied by the pounding of his heart. Taking a deep breath he looked around. He was in what seemed to be a hospital room, attached to his arm was an IV and other wires attached to other machines he couldn't name.

He tried sitting up in bed but was halted by a shooting pain in his side "Oh god." He gasped and collapsed back onto the bed. He looked to his right and saw that James was seated next him, but was fast asleep.

"James… James." Ash said meekly. James stirred in his seat a little. Ash looked over to his left and saw a small remote, grabbing it he tossed it at James. He jolted awake "What th- kid! You're awake!" He exclaimed jumping to his feet. "What happened?" Ash asked. "You took a pretty bad beating in their, but thankfully Jenny arrived and saved you." "What about May, is she okay?" James nodded "Yeah kid she's fine, she's actually here, but stepped out for a moment."

The door to Ash's room opened and May entered. When she saw him she ran to him and nearly threw herself onto the bed "You're awake! I've been so worried." She said squeezing him tightly. Ash winced at this "Back off a little, kid's still injured." James said. "Sorry," May said letting go of him. Officer Jenny joined them in the room "Mr. Ketchum, glad to see that you're awake. You've been through quite an ordeal." Ash sat up "Did you get them?" He asked.

Jenny nodded "We got most of them, a few of them escaped. But I believe we've arrested the major players." "What about Mr. Simon, did you get him?" Jenny nodded. Ash let out a sigh of relief "When do I need to testify?" "Don't worry about that right now, just take time to recover. We'll come for you when it's time." A man poked his head in the room "Excuse me, Jenny?" Jenny turned to him "Yes?" "I was wondering if I could speak to you?" Jenny nodded and excused herself from the room.

"So what now?" Ash asked. "Do what Jenny said, take this time to recover. It'll be a long process, but I think you'll come out stronger." May reached out and held Ash's hand "I'll be here with you every step of the way." Ash felt himself begin to well up with tears, but stopped just short of weeping. "Thank you." Was all he could manage.

The next five months were spent in the hospital. Ash struggled to make progress, and someday's he'd be frustrated, but May was true to her word and stood by him every step of the way. On the sixth month Ash was cleared to leave the hospital, it was also around this time that Jenny called on him to testify.

Because of his and James testimony many of the major players behind the underground arena were put away for many years Mr. Simon in particular was given a life sentence. Jenny true to her word cleared Ash of all wrongdoing and allowed him to go free.

On the seventh month Ash returned to his apartment with May and Pikachu. When he arrived he found James seated at the table. On his lap was a large duffel-bag "Hey kid," He said getting up "This belongs to you." He handed him the bag. "What's in it?" Ash asked. "Open it and find out." Ash unzipped the bag and felt hi heart skip a beat as he came face to face with a mound of cash. "That's you're winning's from the fight, and then some." James said. Ash was stunned by this generosity "How'd you manage this?" He asked "Oh well, in the confusion I managed to sneak it away. Of course I also took some for myself." Ash chuckled at this "Thank you James, truly." "Kid I want you to use this to build a better life for yourself and for her." He said pointing to May. "No more of this fighting nonsense, it's time you put some good back into the world." Ash nodded in agreement.

James extended his hand for Ash to shake, but instead Ash embraced him in a tight hug. James let this go on for a few moments before pulling away "Alright kid, I better get going." he said. He gave May a warm smile before stepping out. "Wait!" Ash said. James turned to him "What are you going to do now?" James shrugged his shoulders "I don't know kid I'm seventy years old, I think I'll spend my remaining years relaxing." James gave a wink before taking off.

Once James left Ash set the money on the table "What'll we do now?" May asked. Ash looked around the apartment for a moment. It had become filthy in his absence. "You know what, we're leaving. I'm done with this place." Grabbing his coat and money Ash got ready to leave the apartment. "Where do you want to go?" "You know it's been seven years since I visited home, I think we'll start there." And with Pikachu on his shoulder and May's hand in his, Ash left the apartment switching off the lights and closing its door for the last time.

THE END