Work Text:
{April 26th, 2004}
Karen: ...and that's why Taunt is a crucial move for any Dark type. If you have a Prankster user, like Sableye or the Impidimp line, it's merely a match made in heaven. Or Hell, in this case. Just be mindful that a Dark-type is your key to combat such a combination. Why do you think that is... You?
(Instructor Karen points at a student with glasses that have an eye patch covering their right amber eye; their hair is tied in a ponytail with minimal excess on the sides)
???: Because Dark types will be immune to it. If a Pokémon with the Prankster ability uses a status move on a Dark type, like Thunder Wave or Taunt, the opponent won't be affected.
Karen: Hm. You're new here. Care to tell me your name?
???: I'm Cassidy Murdock.
Karen: Murdock... Were you by chance the child of the Trencs? Specifically, Melina Murdock?
Cassidy: Yes. Do you know her?
Karen: No, but I remember that she's married to Charlie Trenc.
Cassidy: That's right, she's now Melina Trenc.
Karen: You know, I met your father back when I was trying out for the Indigo League.
Cassidy: Is that so?
Karen: Mhm. We were pitted against each other in the first round.
Cassidy: He never mentioned you, but I assume you won that match.
(Instructor Karen dropped her usual calm face. In its place was one of scorn.)
Karen: Out of any Dark-type user I've met, I was under the wing of Grimsley. I respect Nanu for his skill, yet your father, I could say, did me a disservice.
Cassidy: How so?
Karen: Trenc had me on my toes; he intentionally let his two Dark types go down, and all he had left were two Ghost types, and two more mystery Pokémon. By the time he used that second Ghost Pokémon, I was only down to my last companion - Houndoom. He played me like a damn fiddle; he beat the five like it was clockwork despite the type disadvantage. My Murkrow and Umbreon were beaten by his Tyranitar and Sharpedo; my dear Gengar and Vileplume didn't stand a chance against his Mismagius, and that damned Banette he didn't Mega Evolve. However, right as I was about to send out Houndoom, he forfeited.
Astrid: Wha-
Cassidy: I see. Now that you mention it, he did say he was disqualified.
Karen: Hah, that was a lie. He backed out on his own. And some nerve he had! I was willing to lose if it meant going down fighting. Instead, he beats almost all of my team while still having two he didn't reveal and two Ghosts standing, and what does he do? Fucking. Forfeits. Who does he think he is?
Cassidy: Perhaps he knew it would've been over if his remaining team couldn't defeat your ace.
Karen: Bullshit, he had his team and a few extras registered. That's a basic requirement for a tournament like we were in. All he had to do in that match was take down Houndoom and advance to the next round. I would've been glad to have battled such a skilled trainer like that, no matter how far I got. But no, he what? At the last second, he runs away because, in your head, he knows he can't win. What kind of damage does he have to his head?
Silver: Hey, what the hell does this have to-
Karen: I let you interrupt because you had a point, and you were new to the academy. I am not letting you do so again. Do you want to have another after-class talk?
Silver: Tch...
Karen: What say you, Cassidy? Do you think he was a coward or beyond mental?
Cassidy: You are right when you say he's skilled. That's why he's occasionally called to Hoenn to be Sidney's substitute. Some even say he should replace him. I think that'd be why he backed out. He had his sights on Hoenn.
Karen: Hmph, funny that he was trying to get in, same as you when you tried to be part of the Ecruteak Gym. Yet you failed. Not just there, but in other gyms in Jotho; I guess both Trencs and Murdocks aren't meant to be part of the Indigo League. Your father, a sick coward, while you never got the chance. It probably didn't matter. And you seem to have the same nerve, coming into the Dark Elective like you have so much experience. Experience in what? Failing? Maybe you're going to run away in the Quarter Qlashes? That's if you even have the balls to participate.
[Instructor Karen had a smug look on her face, looking down on Cassidy at every angle]
Astrid: (This is Instructor Karen?! She asks who their father thinks he is, but look who's talking! Why is she tormenting her like this?)
...
(No, I won't stay quiet. I don't care if I get in trouble; an instructor, let alone an Elite Four member, shouldn't speak this way to a student!)
[Right as Astrid is about to stand up,]
Cassidy: You're right.
Astrid: Huh?
Cheren: Cassidy...
Cassidy: My father decided not to go further. I will never know for sure why he forfeited. My parents were upset after I was turned down. It's probably true that I didn't meet the criteria to be part of the league. However, what I will return to you is that we know when and how to move on, and not hold a grudge. If you want to stay mad at my father, fine. If you want to try and set me off by calling me "weak", go for it. You won't get much out of me. The truth of the matter is, I don't let the past affect me.
Astrid: ...
Cassidy: Do I wish it played differently, and I got into Ecruteak? Yes. However, that's not what happened, and Fate has a script. The outcome is what happened back then, and nothing will change that. I won't go philosophical in this class; all I'm saying is whatever is in the past will stay there. If we want to focus on anything, focus on the future and other paths. Sometimes what you want doesn't work out.
Astrid: Cassidy...?
Karen: Well, color me impressed. I thought you would've blown up.
Cassidy: It was a nice try to tie the lecture together, but that wasn't going to rile me up.
Karen: He still ticks me off, but you were right on the money.
[The bell rings]
Ouch, I guess we got a little too into it. This won't happen again. I commend you, Cassidy, for your patience and self-control.
Cassidy: I know it's the Dark-type Elective, but that whole tangent was uncalled for, and I don't appreciate it. I'll still come from time to time if you allow me.
[They leave]
Karen: Erm... I hope they don't take this up to the board...
Cheren: They wouldn't, but I wouldn't blame them.
Silver: The fuck were you think-
(Karen glares at Silver)
Never mind...
Karen: Class dismissed. I need to reflect on what I was trying to do here...
[The students of the Dark Elective exit; Astrid goes to Cheren]
Astrid: Hey, um, you're Cheren, right?
Cheren: What do you... Oh, you're not her...
[His expression lightened]
That earring, you must be...
Astrid: Astrid. And, yes, thankfully, I'm not my crass sister.
Cheren: So, what did you flag me for?
Astrid: Sorry, back on track. Do you know what Cassidy does after homeroom?
Cheren: You're worried about what happened in there.
Astrid: Yeah, Cassidy looked a little scared. She was putting on a brave face, but I knew Instructor Karen was making her uncomfortable.
Cheren: Firstly, Cassidy goes by "they". They claim it's easier as they're often mistaken as both primary genders.
Astrid: (Dang it... Sorry, Cassidy.)
Cheren: As for where they may be... I don't quite know. They could be in their therapy room, but that's open from Thursday to Sunday. You can look there.
Astrid: Huh, a therapy room? We have one of those now?
Cheren: As of last Wednsday, yes. To say it's Cassidy's club would be overhyping it. They hold sessions after evening homeroom, from 5 until around 7. They're the only member, but they have gained a small reputation. I went there yesterday, their Herdier and guitar are quite soothing.
Astrid: Where is it?
Cheren: Right here in the Academy Building. Room H-95, if memory serves me right.
Astrid: Okay, thank you, Cheren. I'll let you go so you're not late. And good luck with the election!
Cheren: [His face turns dark again]
Thank you.
Astrid: I'll be going to the Election on Saturday, best of luck!
[She dashes off to her homeroom.]
---
{Evening}
Astrid: H-95... What a weird number, usually it's only single digits, not even past 5.
[She reaches Room H-95, and she hears a soft tune from a guitar]
Here it is.
[She knocks on the ajar door gently]
Hello?
[The tune stops]
Cassidy: We're closed.
Astrid: Is Cassidy Murdock here? I just wanted to talk.
Cassidy: ...
Come on in.
[Astrid enters; the room has several calming paintings and small succulents; Cassidy is sitting at a desk where a teacher would be; next to them is a Herdier, quiet yet looking at Astrid with a mellow demeanor]
Cassidy: How'd you find this room?
Astrid: I asked a classmate. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.
Cassidy: You know my name, but I don't recall yours. You look familiar to another, but I can see you're different. Notably, the nice earring.
Astrid: Thank you, I'm Astrid. I was in the Dark Elective with you, Cheren, and Silver.
Cassidy: I see. You don't have to worry, I'm not too shabby.
Astrid: Cassidy... Instructor Karen went too far back there. She didn't even apologize.
Cassidy: She did after I left homeroom. I didn't give her the chance earlier.
Astrid: That doesn't excuse her from making you frightened like that. I could see you were shivering a little.
Cassidy: ...
Astrid: Please, I know you don't know me well at all, but after a friend of mine came to me two weeks ago, I want to try and follow in his footsteps.
[She sits at a student desk.]
I'll listen to you. Whatever's on your mind. I heard you give people comfort, so let someone do that for you. This is your session.
Cassidy: ...
Okay. If you're willing. What did you want to know?
Astrid: Based on what we heard, you were trying to get into the Ecruteak Gym. Were you aiming to be a Gym Leader?
Cassidy: A gym trainer.
Astrid: Oh? Why just a trainer?
Cassidy: I was hoping to start from the bottom of the ladder and make my way up gradually.
Astrid: So, how did that go?
Cassidy: I was considered too young, so I was removed. I wasn’t given the chance to battle.
Astrid: Ouch… Sorry, Cassidy.
Cassidy: It’s fine. Instead of pursuing what would be a fruitless barrage of attempts, I just went to school in Hoenn and Paldea.
Astrid: I see. Were you studying to become part of the Indigo League that way?
Cassidy: No, just the intricacies of battling as a whole. Perhaps the rejection was a wake-up call in that sense, because I hadn't won two out of the three battles I had at that point. I likely wouldn't have known what I was getting myself into.
Astrid: Still, the courage to go and apply is noteworthy. And hearing you want to get better at battling shows you are willing to dedicate yourself to that path. Did that change in either region?
Cassidy: Somewhat. After the first semester of school in Hoenn, I've learned that Johto seemed to be stuck in the past. Just from the lessons I've learned, all other regions were more lenient than my home region. There are some regions with young prodigies, born with skill or learned to become stronger by training hard. Leaving Paldea led me to wonder: if I were truly given the chance, if I were to succeed in that first step, was I potentially robbed of working my way up?
Astrid: ...
Cassidy: I studied hard, then and now. I’ve caught two Pokémon from both of those regions as a way of improving my chances at a better school to be taught what it truly means to be a trainer. Catching even one Pokémon can be considered skilled, right? It took money and time, but I was successful in catching two Pokémon from Hoenn and two from Paldea. Only one truly listened to me and would battle, but I was willing to muster the fortitude to train all of them after Paldea. So why not blow the expectations out of the water for that fighting chance at an academy, like Blueberry, for example? Then I began having a thought, a dream.
Astrid: What was that dream?
Cassidy: That one day, I can get back at the Indigo League, no matter if it was justified, because deep down, it always irked me that I’d see others my age, or younger, participate in the league or serve a role to said organization. Not long ago? A twelve-year-old became champion in Unova. You're telling me a child at the age of twelve can be a champion, but I couldn't become a simple trainer at a gym? What kind of nonsense is this? I couldn't care less it's different cultures, there should be no reason a damn child gets the title of the most powerful champion of the region if I was turned away. My viewpoint of wanting to climb up was tossed in that dream. I was yearning for payback. Even if I had to rip apart that
Astrid: [She furrowed her eyebrows a little]
(They were angry… They were hiding it, but they didn’t like being turned down.)
Cassidy: So, maybe, thanks to getting into Kobukan, if I get high scores on strong electives and become one of the strongest. I can make a mark that no region can overlook for any reason. Maybe I can make a fantasy a reality.
[They leaned back, sighing a little too dramatically.]
But that dream’s been scrapped, and the fantasy is just that, a fantasy. I’ve learned that what I desire isn’t important, anyway. The part about Unova's recent champion? That was a lie.
Astrid: It was?
Cassidy: Well, not the child getting the title, that was true. What I meant was what I would've thought back in my grade school years. Seriously, my younger self would explode in anger. The best I can do is have high scores in the electives I'm taking, and maybe brighten up a few spirits.
[They twirled their ponytail]
Phew, don’t know what got into me there, my apologies, Astrid.
Astrid: ...
You said "Sometimes what we want doesn't always work out" and "The past is in the past" or something along those lines. Cassidy, have you stopped caring about what you want?
Cassidy: What do you mean?
Astrid: From what I'm hearing, it seems like you didn't just give up on the Indigo League. You gave up wanting anything for yourself, didn't you?
Cassidy: (Raises an eyebrow)
I'm not sure why that matters. What's most important is giving honor to my parents, my family.
Astrid: Like Instructor Karen said, today was the first time you came to Dark class. Why did you start coming now?
Cassidy: The Dark type is my father's favorite type, along with Ghost. I borrowed a lot of study material, and when I believed I was ready, I figured I'd be up to take that elective.
Astrid: But do you like the Dark type? Not because of your father, but do you, yourself, like the Dark type?
Cassidy: 'Course I do. It's a crucial type to have mastered, and its vast utility is useful for crafting a team that my Padre would be proud of.
Astrid: You- Okay, what other primary classes are you taking?
Cassidy: Fighting, Water, Rock, and Ghost.
Astrid: Ghost, your father's secondary favorite. And the first two...?
Cassidy: My Madre's favorite types.
Astrid: (You're proving my point! You're only excelling in types that your parents think will praise you for! And there has to be a reason why...)
Astrid: Why are you taking them?
Cassidy: Those are good choices from what I researched before arriving here. Those types have great versatility and will help with the year. It was perfectly in tune with figuring out a way to make them feel like they taught me right. If I couldn't be part of the type of gym my Padre endeared, then Kobukan could be the perfect opportunity to combine his and my Madre's. It helps to work toward that kind of goal instead of what I fantasized. Also, I take it you want to know about Rock, yes?
Astrid: Yeah.
Cassidy: Rock is well known for complementing other types. Fighting is the biggest winner, and if I can get tutoring from Roxanne, the Fighting types I raise can learn Rock attacks from the class. Dark types can benefit from Rock hazards too, and I'm sure I can find something Water and Ghost can gain from it-
Astrid: Hold it,
Cassidy: Hm?
Astrid: I think you’re focusing on the wrong objective here. You keep trying to back it up, but it’s not the way you should be going about this.
Cassidy: Do tell, what should I be focusing on?
Astrid: It’s okay to feel like you should participate in electives your parents would be proud of. I understand that it's only serving as a cover-up for the scrapped dream. You focused on your parents instead. I would go as far as to say they’d be impressed you’re trying to take so many Electives just to make all of their types work. However, they wouldn’t want you to spend all of your time and energy on that alone. They want to see what you want to catch and raise. They'll be happy you're taking Electives they were masters in, but they'll be even prouder of what types you love. They want to see what you want to be and can be. Right now, I also want to see you do what you want in this academy. I want to see the types you yourself want to catch, raise, and study; to see what you want to work towards. But you have to take that step, no one else.
Cassidy: ...
You say this, but you don't know what your goal is either.
Astrid: [She winces]
You have a point there... While I'm not going to turn down the thought of being an elite trainer of sorts, I hope I can come out of this year in high spirits with my newfound confidence. The only thing I could ever think about back then was escaping my sister and whatever she sicced on me. Ever since I met my first friend, I have found a new hope that I could do what I wanted now. He proposed a path, and I followed it because I wanted to change the way I was living. And, so far, it worked. I'll forever be grateful he came into my life. For giving me a chance when no one else did, for giving me the drive to do things I thought of back when I was a child. And I think... No matter what happens now, if I need someone to turn to in a dire situation, I can rely on him.
Cassidy: ...
Astrid: I'm sorry if it seemed like I was going against your parents for a split second... I didn't have a good relationship with my mother, and my father was on-and-off. They seem to be supportive of you, at least.
Cassidy: You needn't apologize. Upon hearing my background, you thought that, with your experience, you could offer advice.
Astrid: Even so… (She sighs)
(How does Red do this with everyone he meets…?)
Cassidy: Your turn.
Astrid: What?
Cassidy: Tell me a little about your story. I'd like to hear a piece of what your friend heard. You mentioned a sister. What was she like?
Astrid: Would you mind a short version? It's hard for me to talk about.
Cassidy: Don't worry, I can tell that it's a sensitive topic.
Astrid: Thank you. The other "me" you saw? That's my sister, Sigrid. The guy with her is Magnus.
Cassidy: Hmm. I remember Magnus; he's the only person to have been banned from here.
Astrid: Are you serious?
Cassidy: Mhm, he was loud, and I had to call Ms. Lenora to step in.
Astrid: [She bows her head.]
I'm so sorry, I didn't know he troubled you like that.
Cassidy: Don't hold culpability if you didn't know. Back to your short version of the story?
Astrid: Right, my mother was the cause of Sigrid's behavior. They both bullied me back then, before my father took me and Sigrid away from my mother. My sister continued her blemish towards me, especially after we both got Pokémon. Calling me names, getting physical a few times, spreading rumors to alienate me, and using her Pokémon to beat up mine, even if he couldn't fight.
Cassidy: I hope she's not causing you too much trouble lately.
[There was a slight growl.]
Astrid: Funny, you say that, I got to battle her and Magnus with my friend, and we won! I was so happy that day, finally getting some retribution for all those years.
Cassidy: I hope you get more.
Astrid: Wait, what?
Cassidy: I didn't say anything.
[Their eye shifts]
Astrid: You totally said something! Anyway, to explain why I was a little passionate about your past actions, it set me off that you were trying to appeal to your family to hide what you wanted. It's okay to do that, but don't make earning their respect your whole life. Do something because you want to, not just to make your parents proud. If I had that kind of freedom, I'd try doing whatever I please: travel the world, cuddle with little balls of fluff like Floss Boss - my Swirlix, or ride on a Noivern and call her Stormfly!
Cassidy: [Raises an eyebrow; smirking]
Stormfly?
Astrid: Okay, not the most creative name, nor would I want to ride a Noivern, but that's not the point. My confidant got me to see the light in the endless network of tunnels I saw myself in. That there was more to life than being stuck in that cave. Which is why I want to offer the same thing to you. Despite what happened and what you found out, you're a thoughtful person who would dedicate your academic life to focusing on your parents, and yet you still have so much to offer. Think of this therapy room, you wanted to give help to classmates, right?
Cassidy: I had given mental help to others during my vacation in the Sevii Islands, because I hoped to make the locals feel better.
Astrid: See, that's a good start! You're practically a therapist whose sessions consist of music or through Pokémon. You give comfort to people because you want to.
Cassidy: I think the term you’re looking for is “student counselor”.
Astrid: Does it mean I’m wrong?
[She smirked back]
Cassidy: Tecla.
[They close their eye, humming a little]
Would you like to hold Yogurt?
Astrid: Beg pardon?
Cassidy: My Herdier, his name is Yogurt.
Astrid: Oh, that's the name of this little guy?
[Cautiously holds a hand out to Yogurt; he sniffs, then gives her hand a little head bump]
Uh, does that mean...
Cassidy: You're good to go. He's a good judge of character. He would've barked if you weren't like a select few I recall.
Astrid: Like my sister’s friend?
Cassidy: He gave him a good barking-to.
Astrid: [She laughs]
[Cassidy picks up Yogurt and goes over to her]
[Astrid carefully takes Yogurt, putting him on her lap as she pets his head]
Astrid: His coat is soft. You condition him well. He even smells handsome.
[She scratches his ear as Yogurt calmly lays his head down on her knee, giving off a soothing aura.]
Cassidy: He's like a child; he'll only let me use one kind of shampoo and conditioner for his coat. But he chooses right.
Astrid: And you're good at guitar?
Cassidy: Ah, that I am. Would you like me to play something? I'm sure I can figure out the notes of whatever you'd like.
Astrid: Hmmm... Let me hear a song you like.
Cassidy: Okay. My singing isn't nearly as good; I'm a little weak in the vocal cords.
Astrid: That's perfectly okay. As long as it's something you want me to hear.
Cassidy: Here we go then, I didn't think much of this song before, but maybe today will change that.
[Tunes the guitar]
{Cue Cry Tough by Poison}
Cassidy: [Ends with a smooth fade]
Astrid: [Quietly but excitedly claps, then whispers]
Bravo!
Cassidy: I'm glad you enjoyed it. That was not the usual type of song I'd go for, especially for my kind of guitar, but it fit for the talk we shared today. I'll have to thank you for being an inspiration. Care for a couple more before we go?
Astrid: I'd love that. Especially if it's to be with this sleepy guy.
[Pets Yogurt]
Cassidy: Then the concert shall continue.
{Astrid feels her relationship with Cassidy evolves from Classmate to Inspiration.}
[May 9th, 2004]
Cheren: Thank you... I needed that.
Cassidy: You're welcome here any day, Cheren. The therapy room never turns away a classmate in need.
(Unless you're Magnus...)
Cheren: I don't deserve it... Shouldn't you hate me like everyone else? I'm practically the root of a catastrophe. Even Bianca seems to pity me.
Cassidy: Eh, I don't think you were wrong. It wasn't the right way to do it, but the truth had to come out eventually. I'd say it wasn't entirely negative.
Cheren: As Instructor Karen said, your patience is amazing.
(His phone rang)
And the Committee is calling... I have to go. Thank you again. You're here on Sundays, correct?
Cassidy: Yep.
Cheren: I'll be here again. And the week after.
Cassidy: As I said, I'll never turn away a classmate. You can come in whenever you want to.
Cheren: Then take care. Your therapy service is one of the few exceptions to the curfew, but we thank you for diligently following our guidelines.
[Cheren leaves, still maintaining a solemn and empty face with a trace of a tear]
Cassidy: [They pet Yogurt]
I know Cheren did this to himself, but I feel for him. Honestly, Red was in the wrong, too. He kept a secret that big and got that poor girl Sabrina, dragged in...
[Sighs]
What a mess...
[Checks their phone]
It's been since April 30th that I saw Astrid. I didn't go to the Election, but I heard what happened. It seems Sigrid wanted to cause trouble yet again... I remember when we departed.
{Flashback}
Astrid: Oh no, it's already 8! We'd better get out before the Student Council chews us out!
Cassidy: Yeah, let's go.
[Astrid helps Cassidy pack up, taking Yogurt to "help them out", but it was mainly to cuddle him more]
Astrid: I had a lot of fun in there, thank you, Cassidy.
Cassidy: No, thank you. I guess I haven't been fair to myself. It'll be a challenge to find my dream, but it'll come to me down the line.
Astrid: That's the spirit! Oh! Here I am telling you to rely on me, though we don't have each other's contacts.
Cassidy: That'd be helpful to have.
Astrid: Hey! Haha!
[They exchanged contact information]
Astrid: So, you're open Thursday through Sunday, right?
Cassidy: Yes.
Astrid: I'll swing by Thursday, and sometime after the Election. Maybe Sunday?
Cassidy: Then I'll be here whenever you want.
{End of flashback}
Cassidy: Should I...?
[Their thumb hovers over Astrid's number]
Is it a good time?
[After a minute, they shake their head and put the phone away]
[They look over at the Polaroid in a nice purple frame, presumably from Eris taking a picture in secret that day]
Cassidy: I shouldn't bother her. Perhaps she's busy.
[Closes their eye]
Hope you're alright out there, Astrid. My door's always open.
~The End~