Chapter 11: Disasterpiece

In the football locker room, where dreams of gloat and glory sweated out of hopeful athletes, a quiet tension simmered beneath the surface. Drew, with his trademark confident smile and impeccable charm was with a familiar girl. Filled with hormones and excitement it was obvious that he did not care about the consequences of his actions.

Drew found himself sitting with Solidad in front of his football locker, the aroma was quite disgusting and did not seem like the perfect destination to fool around however that did not matter to either one of them. Their conversation, usually filled with a dirty makeout session and some grabbing was all going well until Solidad spoke.

"Drew," she said softly, gently touching his arm to get his attention.

He turned to her, a bit of annoyance on his face. "Hey, Solidad. What's up?"

Solidad took a deep breath, preparing herself for what she was about to say. "I need to talk to you. It's important."

Drew's annoyance faltered, concerned about the issue. "Okay, Sol. What's wrong?"

"It's about May," Solidad began, choosing her words carefully. She didn't want to come across as attacking his girlfriend, but she had to make him see the truth. "I don't think she's good for you, Drew. She's always trying to control you, to manipulate you into doing what she wants. I bet she's only with you for your athletic abilities. You deserve someone who respects you, who treats you as an equal."

Drew's brow furrowed, confusion clouding his features. "Solidad, how many times do I have to tell you, I'm gonna end it with her soon I promise."

Solidad shook her head, frustration bubbling up inside her. "It's more than that, Drew. Can't you see you look so much better with me? What else is holding you back? Plus I may or may not have seen her at the mall the other day.."

Drew suddenly looked up with anger in his eyes. "I...I agree with you really but.. Wait, at the mall? With who?!"

Solidad interrupted, her voice firm. "You deserve to be with someone who makes you happy, Drew. Someone who supports you and encourages you to be the best version of yourself. I think she was that weird metal freak from the halftime show… Ash Ketchum?"

Drew was silent, wondering why May didn't tell him where she was or who she was with.

Solidad had a look of worry in her eyes, she noticed his entire demeanor changed. " Drew. I'll always be here for you and I do not mean to throw this at you but I think she's cheating on you.."

WIth the thought of May being with another guy made him snap. Full of sudden adrenaline he punched a dent into his locker, punch after punch until his knuckles started bleeding pretending it was the face of our favorite rockstar.

Solidad was scared, she had never seen him so angry. She tried getting him to calm down. "Drew, I know you're angry but try to be calm please.. I know where he is going to be tonight, you can confront him!"

Drew suddenly stopped punching and at that moment only let out one single word. "Where?!" –

As the pulsating sound of a Kerry King solo reverberated through the arena, May Maple, Dawn Berlitz and Misty Waterflower all found themselves swept up in the electrifying energy of the rock concert. Surrounded by flashing lights and a sea of enthusiastic fans, they couldn't help but be caught in the infectious excitement and a perfect way to end the night for our favorite brunette.

The sun beat down on the quaint town of Pallet, casting long shadows as Ash, Gary, Brock, and Paul gathered backstage at the Rock It nightclub ready to kick some asses.

The air buzzed with excitement as they checked the equipment one last time, ensuring everything was perfect for their performance. The club owner and grandad of Gary Oak walked in and as always gave his favorite band a pep talk.

"Alright, everyone ready?" Samuel called out, his voice echoing off the venue.

"Ready as we'll ever be," Gary replied, his fingers itching to unleash thunderous riffs.

Grandpa Oak responded with confidence. Then get out there and melt some fucking faces!

"Alright, guys," Ash said, his voice muffled by a mask similar to Corey Taylor from the days of Iowa. "Remember, we're doing this together. No matter what happens out there, we're a team."

Brock grinned, slipping on a mask reminiscent of the former and best Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison. "Let's give them a show they'll never forget."

Gary adjusted his own mask, something he had crafted to look like a mix between his usual swagger and Slipknot's guitarist Jim Root. "I was born for this."

Paul simply nodded, his mask already in place, a dark, intimidating design that matched his serious personality and that of the late Paul Gray.

May, Dawn, and Misty stood at the front row of the crowd, the excitement in the air making their hearts race. Each of them were excited to see what the band had in store for this next show. Ash had mentioned to May that this was going to be a tribute show to someone called Slipknot, blending their usual styles with a rock-inspired edge. May adjusted her fingerless gloves, her eyes wide with anticipation.

The band took their positions, the stage bathed in eerie red light. Without a word, they launched into the opening song, "Disasterpiece."

Nobody stop me

I wanna slit your throat and fuck the wound

Wanna push my face in and feel the swoon

Wanna dig inside, find a little bit of me

'Cause the line gets crossed when you don't come clean

My wormwood meets your pesticide

You'll never get out 'cause you were never alive

I am infinite, I am the infant finite

Come a little closer, and I'll show you why

The familiar riff echoed through the park, and Ash felt the music take over, the nerves evaporating as he let himself get lost in the sound. The crowd erupted, a wave of energy that fueled the band's performance.

No one is safe

Noises, noises, people make noises

People make noises when they're sick

Nothing to do except hold on to nothing

No one is safe

Noises, noises, people make noises

People make noises when they're sick

Nothing to do except hold on to nothing

Gary's fingers moved instinctively over the guitar strings, Ash's voice cutting through the heavy riffs as he belted out the lyrics. Brock's drumming was relentless, a powerful force driving the song forward. Paul's bass lines were dark and brooding, while Gary's guitar work was precise, slicing through the chaos with deadly accuracy.

How does it feel to be locked inside another dream

That never had a chance of being realized?

What the fuck are you looking at?

I'll tell you what you're looking at

Everyone you ever fucking laughed at

Look in my eyes for the answers - typical

I can feel it underneath like a miracle

Everybody in the world needs more than

Lies and consequences to power them

Once again, it's me and no one else

I can't remember if there was a someone else

It's not mine, it's not fair, it's outta my hands

And it's shaking - you'll never take me

No one is safe

Noises, noises, people make noises

People make noises when they're sick

Nothing to do except hold on to nothing

No one is safe

Noises, noises, people make noises

People make noises when they're sick

Nothing to do except hold on to nothing

Nothing

Nothing

Oh, come on

Hate ain't enough to describe me

Somewhere between screaming and crying

I'm not supposed to be here

I'm not supposed to be

When do I get to know why?

Bitter as the stink of when I try

I'm not supposed to be here

I'm not supposed to be

No

Pull your hands away

I'm gone, goodbye, it's so depressing

Withering away

Take a look inside, my soul is missing

All I have is dead, so I'll take you with me

I feel like I'm erased, so kill me just in case

I feel like I'm erased, so kill me just in case

So kill me just in case

Everything around me's mine

Can't see through the sties in my eyes

I'm not supposed to be here

I'm not supposed to be

Scratching and clawing all the way

You won't let me fucking stay

I'm not supposed to be here

I'm not supposed to be

Is there another way to live?

'Cause it's the only way to die

I'm not supposed to be here

I'm not supposed to be, come on

No, no, no

I'm not supposed to be here

I'm not supposed to be

I'm not supposed to be here

I'm not supposed to be

As the final notes of "Disasterpiece" faded, there was no pause. The energy was palpable, the crowd cheers mixing with the deafening music. May, Misty and Dawn were shocked at the brutality that was being performed right in front of them.

Ash screamed the iconic lyrics, feeling the raw power of the song resonate within him. The intensity of the performance was almost overwhelming, but it only pushed the band to go harder.

With the crowd firmly in their grasp, the band moved on to "Nero Forte." The heavy, groove-laden riff reverberated through the club, drawing everyone in. The electricity in the air was almost tangible, and the crowd loved it.

Watch this

I'm never enough

You bleed me dry, using me up

Dissatisfied and used

Another key to the empty spot in you

I'm sick as a fuck, I'm in my prime

What do you want? I guess it's time to see

If you're lost in hell, you'll find no peace

Ooh, wade through hate and fear

I haven't felt like this in years

Not much left, so uprooted

Fist clenched tight in the pockets of my hoodie

And I know where I need to go

But the voice of reason can't say no

It's in the eyes and heart

Just the latest psycho off the charts

That's what you do best

A home like yours is upside down

Too much animosity

Nobody does it better than the enemy

A hope like yours won't help me now

You can do your worst to me

At the end of the day, that's what you do best

A home like yours is upside down

Too much animosity

Nobody does it better than the enemy

A hope like yours won't help me now

You can do your worst to me

At the end of the day, that's what you do best

Ash could see familiar faces in the audience—Misty, May, and Dawn, all cheering them on. Their support gave him an extra boost of confidence as they tore through the song. Paul's bass was the backbone of the performance, steady and powerful, while Brock's drumming kept everyone on their toes. Gary's guitar solo in the middle of the song was nothing short of spectacular, his fingers moving with lightning speed across the fretboard.

I know, and even if I didn't

I would lie so many would believe it

Stand up and resist the chains

Of all the people in belligerent sick restraint

I wasn't enough, you bled me dry

Which way is up? Oh, you're a lie

And a fake, I hope that truth is not too late

That's what you do best

A home like yours is upside down

Too much animosity

Nobody does it better than the enemy

A hope like yours won't help me now

You can do your worst to me

At the end of the day, that's what you do best

A home like yours is upside down

Too much animosity

Nobody does it better than the enemy

A hope like yours won't help me now

You can do your worst to me

At the end of the day, that's what you do best

That's what you do best

That's what you do best

That's what you do best (hahahaha)

(Why) why was it easy for you?

(Did) did I deserve the abuse?

(I) I can't believe I let it

(Not) not what I wanted

(See) see through your bullshit

(Your) you're so dramatic

(True) true to your form of

(Face) every consequence

(Un-) unintimidated

(-Til) 'til the very end

(It) it'll never happen

(Was) was it all a lie?

(Too) many motherfuckers

(Late) that's what you do best

(Lie) that's what you do best

(Lie) that's what you do best

That's what you do best

A home like yours is upside down

Too much animosity

Nobody does it better than the enemy

A hope like yours won't help me now

You can do your worst to me

At the end of the day, that's what you do best

A home like yours is upside down

Too much animosity

Nobody does it better than the enemy

A hope like yours won't help me now

You can do your worst to me

At the end of the day, that's what you do best

A home like yours is upside down

You can do your worst to me

At the end of the day, that's what you do best

A hope like yours won't help me now

You can do your worst to me

At the end of the day, that's what you do best

That's what you do

That's what you do best, yeah

(What you do best) yeah

(What you do best)

(What you do best)

(What you do best)

(What you do best)

That's what you do best

That's what you do best

To say May was having a great time would be an understatement, she turned and saw Misty and Dawn headbanging their lives away.

The next song on the setlist was "Duality," a crowd favorite. Before the song began Ash knew he wanted to address the crowd.

Well what the fuck is going on Pallet its good to be back! Ash screamed.

The crowd roared with excitement knowing that the brutality was just getting started.

Ash continued ¨Now I know you crazy mother fuckers know this next song which is why I want you all to sing it loud and proud. Ready Brock?! You guys repeat after me.¨

I push my fingers into my eyes

It's the only thing that slowly stops the ache

But it's made of all the things I have to take

Jesus, it never ends, it works it's way inside

If the pain goes on

As the opening riff rang out, the audience erupted once more.

I have screamed until my veins collapsed

I've waited as my time's elapsed

Now, all I do is live with so much hate

I've wished for this, I've bitched at that

I've left behind this little fact

You cannot kill what you did not create

I've gotta say what I've gotta say

And then, I swear, I'll go away

But I can't promise you'll enjoy the noise

I guess I'll save the best for last

My future seems like one big past

You're left with me 'cause you left me no choice

The song's catchy yet heavy nature had everyone singing along, their voices merging with Ash's as he led the chorus. The band was in perfect sync, every note, every beat hitting with precision and power.

I push my fingers into my eyes

It's the only thing that slowly stops the ache

If the pain goes on

I'm not gonna make it

Put me back together

Or separate the skin from bone

Leave me all the pieces

Then you can leave me alone

Tell me the reality is better than the dream

But I found out the hard way

Nothing is what it seems

I push my fingers into my eyes

It's the only thing that slowly stops the ache

But it's made of all the things I have to take

Jesus, it never ends, it works it's way inside

If the pain goes on, I'm not gonna make it

All I've got, all I've got is insane

All I've got, all I've got is insane

All I've got, all I've got is insane

All I've got, all I've got is insane

All I've got, all I've got is insane

All I've got, all I've got is insane

I push my fingers into my eyes

It's the only thing that slowly stops the ache

But it's made of all the things I have to take

Jesus, it never ends, it works it's way inside

If the pain goes on, I'm not gonna make it

All I've got, all I've got is insane

All I've got, all I've got is insane

All I've got, all I've got is insane

All I've got, all I've got is insane

"Before I Forget" followed, the fast-paced riff and driving rhythm getting the crowd moving even more.

Go

Stapled shut, inside an outside world and I'm

Sealed in tight, bizarre but right at home

Claustrophobic, closing in and I'm

Catastrophic, not again

I'm smeared across the page and doused in gasoline

I wear you like a stain, yet I'm the one who's obscene

Catch me up on all your sordid little insurrections

I've got no time to lose, I'm just caught up in all the cattle

Fray the strings, throw the shapes

Hold your breath, listen

I am a world before I am a man

I was a creature before I could stand

I will remember before I forget

Before I forget that

I am a world before I am a man

I was a creature before I could stand

I will remember before I forget

Before I forget that

I'm ripped across the ditch and settled in the dirt and I

Wear you like a stitch, yet I'm the one who's hurt

Pay attention to your twisted little indiscretions

I've got no right to win, I'm just caught up all the battles

Locked in clutch, pushed in place

Hold your breath, listen

I am a world before I am a man

I was a creature before I could stand

I will remember before I forget

Before I forget that

I am a world before I am a man

I was a creature before I could stand

I will remember before I forget

Before I forget that

My end, it justifies my means

All I ever do is delay

My every attempt to evade

The end of the road

And my end, it justifies my means

All I ever do is delay

My every attempt to evade

The end of the road

I am a world before I am a man

I was a creature before I could stand

I will remember before I forget

Before I forget that

I am a world before I am a man

I was a creature before I could stand

I will remember before I forget

Before I forget that

I am a world before I am a man

I was a creature before I could stand

I will remember before I forget

Before I forget that

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Yeah, yeah, yeah, oh

Ash felt the adrenaline coursing through his veins as he sang the lyrics, his voice raw but strong. The band's energy was at its peak, the music flowing effortlessly from one song to the next.

Next up was "People = Shit," a brutal, unapologetic track that had the crowd screaming in unison. Brock kicked up the drums in a fast pace while Ash and Gary let out brutal screams transition into the beginning of the song.

Here we go again, motherfucker

Come on down, and see the idiot right here

Too fucked to beg and not afraid to care

What's the matter with calamity anyway?

Right? Get the fuck outta my face

Understand that I can't feel anything

It isn't like I want to sift through the decay

I feel like a wound, like I got a fuckin'

Gun against my head, you live when I'm dead

One more time, motherfucker

Everybody hates me now, so fuck it

Blood's on my face and my hands, and I

Don't know why, I'm not afraid to cry

But that's none of your business

Whose life is it?

Get it? See it?

Feel it? Eat it?

Spin it around so I can spit in its face

I want to leave without a trace

'Cause I don't want to die in this place

People equal shit, people equal shit

People equal shit, people equal shit

People equal shit (what cha gonna do?)

People equal shit ('cause I am not afraid of you)

People equal shit (I'm everything you'll never be)

People equal shit

The heavy riffs and pounding drums shook the ground beneath them, the raw aggression of the song sending waves of energy through the audience. Ash was singing to a crowd of 500 people, excited to see how alive the metal scene truly was as he smiled under the mask he continued.

It never stops, you can't be everything to everyone

Contagion, I'm sittin' at the side of satan

What do you want from me?

They never told me the failure I was meant to be

Overdo it, don't tell me you blew it

Stop your bitchin' and fight your way through it

I'm, not, like, you, i, just, fuck, up

C'mon motherfucker, everybody has to die

C'mon motherfucker, everybody has to die

People equal shit, people equal shit

People equal shit, people equal shit

People equal shit (what cha gonna do?)

People equal shit ('cause I am not afraid of you)

People equal shit (I'm everything you'll never be)

People equal shit

People equal shit, people equal shit

People equal shit, people equal shit

People equal shit (what cha gonna do?)

People equal shit ('cause I am not afraid of you)

People equal shit (I'm everything you'll never be) people equal shit

Ash interacted with the crowd again. My friends, my family, are you ready to SPIT IT OUT! Suddenly a song that had the entire crowd jumping and chanting along. The fast-paced, aggressive nature of the song was a perfect fit for the night's atmosphere.

Did you never give a damn in the first place?

Maybe it's time you had the tables turned

'Cause in the interest of all involved, I got the problem solved

And the verdict is guilty

Man nearly killed me, steppin' where you fear to tread

Stop, drop and roll, you were dead from the git-go

Big mouth fucker, stupid cocksucker

Are you scared of me now? Then you're dumber than I thought

Always is, and never was

Foundation made of piss and vinegar

Step to me, I'll smear ya think I fear you? Bullshit

Just another dumb punk chompin' at this tit

Is there any way to break through the noise?

Was it something that I said that got you bent?

Gotta be that way if you want it

Sanity, literal profanity hit me

Spit it out

All you wanna do is drag me down

All I wanna do is stamp you out

Spit it out

All you wanna do is drag me down

All I wanna do is stamp you out

Maybe it's the way you gotta spread a lot of rumor fodder

Keepin' all your little spies and leavin' when you realize

Step up, fairy

I guess it's time to bury your ass with the chrome straight to the dome

You heard me right, bitch, I didn't stutter

And if you know what's good just shut up and beg, brother

Backstab, don't you know who you're dissin'?

Sideswipe, we know the ass that you're kissin'

Biggity-biggidy bitch boy, halfway Houser

Don't hear shit 'cause it keeps gettin' louder

Come up, and you get a face full o' tactic

Lippin' off hard, goin' home in a basket

You got no pull, no power, no nothin'

Now you start shit? Well, ain't that somethin'?

Payoffs don't protect, and you can hide if you want

But I'll find you comin' up behind you

Spit it out

All you wanna do is drag me down

All I wanna do is stamp you out

Spit it out

All you wanna do is drag me down

All I wanna do is stamp you out

'Bout time I set this record straight

All the needle-nose punchin' is makin' me irate

Sick o' my bitchin' fallin' on deaf ears

Where you gonna be in the next five years?

The crew and all the fools and all the politics

Get your lips ready, gonna gag, gonna make you sick

You got dick when they passed out the good stuff

Bam, are you sick of me? Good enough, had enough

As Gary repeated the same guitar riff Ash and the crowd knew what was coming next.

Ash spoke ¨Oh you guys are fucking amazing out there! Alright, I really hope we make Slipknot proud by attempting this! You crazy mother fuckers know what time it is. I know you all know what to do.¨

Misty, May and Dawn were confused. Was this part of the act? Nonetheless they listened as the frontman continued to speak.

Ash continued ¨That's right, I need to see all my fucking people get down on the fucking ground right.. now.¨

The crowd did exactly what the band asked, smiles of excitement knowing what was about to happen.

¨Now when I say jump the fuck up, what are you gonna do?¨

The crowd responded loudly, JUMP THE FUCK UP.

Ash asked again ¨What the fuck are you gonna fucking do?!¨

JUMP THE FUCK UP The crowd responded again but louder.

Ash was ready ¨But not yet, not until I say jump the fuck up, not until I say jump the fuck up is that clear you crazy motherfuckers, alright then on my signal unleash hell. Brock lets take these motherfuckers home man.¨

Brock began to smash the fuck out of the drums leading to the conclusion of the final song to end the show.

Bout time I set this record straight

All the needle-nose punchin' is makin' me irate

Sick o' my bitchin' fallin' on deaf ears

Where you gonna be in the next five years?

The crew and all the fools and all the politics

Get your lips ready, gonna gag, gonna make you sick

You got dick when they passed out the good stuff

Bam, are you sick of me? Good enough, had enough

Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies

Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies

Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies

Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies

Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies

Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies

Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies

Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies

Spit it out

All you wanna do is drag me down

All I wanna do is stamp you out

Spit it out

All you wanna do is drag me down

All I wanna do is stamp you out

Spit

Spit

Spit

Spit

Spit it out

Brock slammed the drums giving an epic outro combined with Garys shreds and Pauls hard base play. The crowd was a frenzy of movement and noise, completely immersed in the music. Ash could feel the connection between the band and the audience, a bond forged through the shared experience of the music.

As the last note rang out, the stage lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted into deafening applause. Ash, drenched in sweat and breathless, looked at May who had a shocked look on her face. Once the realization kicked in on how exhausted he and his bandmates were they all realized how happy they were inside because the smiles on their faces said it all. They had done it—they had paid tribute to Slipknot in the most epic way possible.

As the applause died down and the band stepped off the stage, Ash felt a surge of pride. Taking off their masks they knew that this was more than just a tribute; it was a celebration of everything they loved about music. But as the cheers faded, a different sound filled the air—laughter, mocking and hatred.

"Nice show, Ketchum!" a voice called out, dripping with sarcasm. Ash turned to see Drew, his longtime rival, standing with a group of six jocks all from the football team. Drew was dressed as sharply as ever, but the usual elegance in his demeanor was replaced by something darker.

"What do you want, Drew?" Ash asked, stepping forward. He could feel the tension rising, the celebration quickly turning into something else.

Drew smirked, flipping his hair back. "Just came to see the show. As always you guys fucking sucked." His tone was dismissive, as his friends all laughed and mocked their sound.

"You wanna fucking go or what?" Gary shot back, stepping up beside Ash. He wasn't one to back down from a challenge, especially not when someone was messing with his friends.

"Yeah, actually," one of the jocks chimed in. "You think you're all tough playing that loud noise? We came here for a real fight, not some wannabe rock star act."

Brock, sensing the situation was about to escalate, tried to keep things calm. "Look, we're just here to have fun. If you don't like it, you can just—"

"Shut it, Brock," Drew interrupted, his voice icy. "This isn't about fun. It's about putting you losers in your place."

Paul, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "If you want to fight, then say so. But this isn't the time or place."

"What do you want, Drew?" Ash asked, stepping forward. He could feel the tension radiating off his friends, each of them subtly shifting into a more defensive posture.

Drew's smirk widened as he looked Ash up and down. "What do I want? It's simple, really. I want you to stay away from May. She's not interested in a loser like you."

Ash's fists clenched at his sides, but he forced himself to stay calm. "That's not your decision to make, Drew. May's her own person."

Drew's eyes narrowed. "You think you're some kind of hero because you can sing a few shitty songs? You're nothing, Ketchum. And you need to learn your place."

Before Ash could respond, Drew's friends moved in, forming a tight circle around Ash and his bandmates. The air was thick with aggression, and Ash knew they were outnumbered and outmatched. Gary stepped up beside him, his voice low and dangerous. "You don't want to do this, Drew. Walk away now."

But Drew was beyond reasoning. "You think you can just take what's mine?" he spat, the playful tone gone from his voice, replaced with pure venom. "I've had enough of you, Ketchum. This is your last warning."

One of Drew's friends lunged at Ash, shoving him hard in the chest. Ash staggered back, barely keeping his balance. Before he could react, another grabbed his arm, twisting it painfully behind his back. Brock tried to step in, but two of Drew's friends blocked his path, their expressions daring him to make a move.

Gary and Paul weren't faring any better, each held back by two of the jocks. They were strong, and they knew how to use their numbers to their advantage. Ash struggled against the grip on his arm, but the guy holding him was relentless.

"Get off me!" Ash growled, but Drew only laughed, stepping closer until he was inches from Ash's face.

"You're going to listen to me, Ketchum," Drew hissed. "Stay away from May, or next time, it'll be a lot worse than this. Got it?"

Ash glared at Drew, his eyes burning with defiance. "May can make her own choices, Drew. I'm not scared of you."

Drew's smirk faltered for a moment, his eyes narrowing in anger. He glanced at the guy holding Ash and gave a slight nod. The jock twisted Ash's arm even harder, making him gasp in pain. Drew leaned in close, his voice a low, threatening whisper. "You should be."

Satisfied that his message had been received, Drew motioned for his friends to let go. Ash staggered back, clutching his arm, but he didn't break eye contact with Drew. He wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing him back down.

"This is your last warning, Ketchum," Drew said coldly. "Stay away from her, or you'll regret it."

With that, Drew and his crew turned and walked away, leaving Ash and his friends bruised and seething with anger. Brock was the first to step up to Ash, concern written all over his face. "You okay, man?"

Ash nodded, though his pride hurt more than anything else. "Yeah, I'll be fine."

Gary scowled, watching Drew's group disappear into the night. "What a bunch of cowards. We should've taken them."

Paul, ever the voice of reason, shook his head. "It wasn't worth it. Not here, not now."

Ash sighed, his mind racing with thoughts of May. He knew this wasn't over. Drew's obsession with controlling her was dangerous, and Ash wasn't about to let him win. He looked at his friends, their loyalty clear despite the beating they'd just taken. "We're not backing down," he said firmly. "May's our friend, and I'm not going to let Drew or anyone else tell her who she can or can't be with."

Brock placed a hand on Ash's shoulder. "We're with you, Ash. All the way."

Gary nodded in agreement. "Drew's messed with us for the last time."

Paul, as always, kept it simple. "We'll be ready."

As they walked away from the club, Ash knew they'd just stepped into a very difficult situation. No more name calling or acts of bullying. This time it was about standing up for their friends, for what was right, no matter the cost. And if Drew wanted a fight, Ash was more than ready to give him one.

Alright how was that for an Im back. I got over 5,000 words in this chapter. Just wanted to let everyone know that stories like these take time. Although I went through some serious writers block I took the time to keep my mind busy by creating one shots in order to get my main story back on track. I owe it to you guys to make this chapter a long one. Sorry for the mistakes and mispellings if I made any I am not perfect. By the way I do not own any songs or Pokemon. All rights go to Slipknot and Nintendo and blah blah blah. I hope you all enjoyed it and as always rock on!