Chapter Text
{May 13th, 2004}
Red: Damn... What is with this week? First Leaf goes missing for a day. I’ve completed two out of three "rescue" missions, but now a social media star has battled me after landing on me... And I have a third mission to go on. God, I’m tired…
Pikachu: Pika...
Red: [He sighed]
Sorry, buddy... I know this month is already hard on you, too... Are you sure you're feeling okay with these everal things? That Magnemite one drains you the most.
Pikachu: Pi, pika-rachu!
Red: Okay, tell me, alright? We know what happens when we keep secrets.
Pikachu: Piii-ka.
Red: I'm not even sure what I should do with my free time... I don't feel like studying; everyone seems busy, Inspira is too busy, and I don't want to train... There has to be something I can do.
Pikachu: Pika?
Red: What is it, bud?
[Erika passed Red, looking relieved]
Erika?
Erika: O-oh, Sugimori. How sudden, seeing you here...
Red: Why? It's just the Academy Building.
Erika: I hadn't suspected anyone would be here at this hour.
Red: Why are you here then? You looked relieved before, so why are you flustered?
Erika: You startled me is all! As I stated, I wasn't under the impression you'd still be in here.
Red: That's nice, but what were you doing?
Erika: My business is not yours to know.
Red: If you're not going to say, then can I assume it's something nefarious?
Erika: I-it's nothing of that sort! I don't have to tell you! I'm taking my-
Red: [clears throat]
Ms. Lenora, someone-
Erika: Okay, okay, I'll confess! I only ask you to promise not to pass judgment upon me.
Red: Okaaaay...?
Erika: I visited a student counselor. Or what can be described as something close to it.
Red: Student Counselor? We have one of those?
Erika: It's not an official establishment in the academy; however, I had caught wind of its growing approving reputation! I was able to divulge my resentments and regrets, including yours, after some introspection...
Red: Me? I thought you did that in your apology earlier this week?
Erika: Oh, I initially asked for forgiveness so as not to feel Janine-sama's glare of the tundras or Father’s discipline had I not obeyed.
Red: (Wooooow.)
I guess I'm missing the point. What's wrong with going to the student counselor? It's nothing embarrassing or anything.
Erika: B-but it is! If Father hears I had to turn to another for my mental health, he'd pull me out of this academy!
Red: Oh, come on, you're being paranoid.
Erika: I'm serious! Please don't tell anyone else! I don't want to leave-
[She stops herself]
Red: (Is she...)
Are you scared because you wanted to be here?
Erika: This is the only academic establishment I've ever had the power to choose. Anything else was all my Father’s selection. May 1st was the first time he gave me a warning that my choice was immoral. I have to demonstrate to my father that this academy can be imperative for my life. I won't care if you find me melodramatic; this is my last window of independence that a friend showed me a while ago. I see that now, after talking with the student counselor.
Red: Who's in the position? If I wanted to check them out?
Erika: Their name is Cassidy Murdock. I asked them to keep my visits discreet.
Red: Visits? This isn't the first time you've gone in?
Erika: No, it is. I just... Feel like it's necessary... To come in frequently in the future.
Red: Something's troubling you?
Erika: You'd be correct. It involves a situation where I've tried everything to resolve, but to no avail… Well, it’s a matter of finding nothing than-
(Her phone rings)
I must take this.
Red: Before you speed off, where is it?
Erika: H-95. Good day, Sugimori.
[She briskly exits.]
Red: What? I didn't mishear that, right, buddy?
Pikachu: Pika-pika...
Red: (Should I swing by this "student counselor"? Maybe having someone else in my corner would be good. At the same time, what if they know what happened at the election and hate me? I don't need any counseling anyway, I've got my friends!)
...
(Ah, what the hell, let's go check it out.)
Red: 93. 94.
[He reaches another room]
Okay, H-95.
[He knocks, following the sign's instructions]
???: Come on in.
Red: (Hmm... Almost sounds like Grusha's accent.]
[He enters]
Hello?
[At the teacher's desk was Cassidy, sporting the usual maroon Under-Armarouge jacket, jeans, and their signature eyepatch]
???: Please, take a seat.
Red: (Wow, it's soothing here—candles, little plants, and the dim lights with the evening light from outside. The environment is already getting points with me. Though looking at Cassidy, she has an eyepatch on her glasses. Would it be rude to ask what happened...? Probably, I'd better not stare at it.)
Are you Cassidy Murdock?
[He sits at a desk close to them]
Cassidy: Yes, and I believe you're Red Sugimori.
Red: Right you are.
Cassidy: What can I do for you, Mr. Sugimori?
Red: Just to talk, I guess. I heard you were a student counselor of sorts.
Cassidy: Not completely incorrect. My therapy room would give that kind of impression. I'm merely a listener or a music player. If not me, then this little man is the one to extinguish your worries.
[They pet a sleeping Herdier]
Red: Ah, a Herdier. He's pretty small, no?
Cassidy: He is, although he is a perfect size for the job, and it was the idea for me to open this place up.
Red: That's my first question: why start a therapy room? Isn't there an official student counselor already?
Cassidy: To answer the second part, surprisingly, no. At least, not like this, where it’s open for everyone. That could just be how Kobukan is; they select young adults who likely have their life sorted out, at least on the surface. I don't think they'd let in a would-be student with visible mental illness unless you’re like Ms. Jasmine. Whether it's for their image or not, I'd rather keep to myself.
Red: (That's a little disheartening.)
Cassidy: And why am I running this room? To bring the same energy I once gave to the Sevii Islands after that catastrophic tsunami surge.
Red: I read about that when it happened... I couldn't believe how much damage it cost; it makes me think about Cinnabar. The earthquake at Isla Tria, then the tsunami... It was unfathomable how it managed to hit all the islands once.
(Hold on,)
Wait a second, I think I heard about you. Were you the girl with the Herdier who went around, giving people relief for their trauma?
Cassidy: [They briefly raise an eyebrow]
Indeed, that was me.
Red: That's legitimately awesome! I remember being awestruck that your Herdier could do that.
Cassidy: Most canine Pokémon are therapeutic, like Growlithe and Yamper. The Lillipup line kick-started services for post-war soldiers. The first one was quite petite, only seventeen centimeters tall, but she was the perfect fit for a therapy Pokémon. Some say the line has a small reputation for soft hair or a mellow demeanor, which calms people.
Red: Hair? Is it not fur?
Cassidy: Yep, hair. Here, give Yogurt a pet on the head.
Red: Um, sure. If he’s okay with it.
[Gets up and pets Yogurt]
Oh wow, it is hair! No wonder they don't shed as much. It doesn't even feel like our hair either.
Cassidy: I wager the line has stronger hair than ours. Then again, it might be that I only take him a shower once a week due to his skin drying out with too much water.
Red: Fair enough. You take care of him from the look of it! He's soft.
Cassidy: Why, thank you. He's honestly the one carrying this therapy room. He may have his unique type of Frenergy, sort of like you.
Red: (I should've guessed she knew.)
Yeah, I guess you can say that. Ugh... Don't worry, I'm not mind controlling you if that's what you're afraid of.
Cassidy: I'm not, nor is that what your "ability" is. People just feel more at ease whenever they're around you. It's hardly a factor to judge your whole character like some would. Unlike with mind control, people still have their free will, no? If it were indeed mind control, they’d follow your word to the letter.
Red: Huh, that's a refreshing take. It's either one extreme or another, bad guy or good guy.
Cassidy: The best course here is to maintain a neutral stance with everyone I meet. The only judgment I'll give is at the end of a session.
Red: Well, not in your therapist mode, what do you think of me? Since you know what it is, or had an idea, I'm just asking you honestly, Cassidy - what are your thoughts on me?
Cassidy: Hmm... Based on what I know... I haven't a clue!
[They chuckle]
Red: What?
Cassidy: I genuinely don't know what to feel towards you. I'll be frank, I just learned about you last Friday when you gave that speech.
Red: Really? You never heard of "Red Sugimori of the Battle Team" at any point, nor did you see the trash flyer for the election?
Cassidy: [They shook their head]
Nope, I wasn't subscribed to any of those. I heard the Saturday before was a disaster, and I don't keep up with whatever Ms. Janine and Mr. Lance do.
Red: (Should I be relieved or offended that she didn't pay attention to two of the biggest things going on in Kobukan? But that pause she made... It's like Cassidy shifted her tone like a light switch. That eye of hers tells me there's more than what meets it. Is she lying about not knowing about me?)
Cassidy: [They tilt their head]
Red: You must have a lot going on then; you're probably the first and only person to my knowledge who doesn't recognize me whatsoever. That kind of makes me feel refreshed in a way.
Cassidy: You could say that. Thanks to a transition in electives and an error on the academy's part, Monday through Wednesday became study days strictly. That's not including the occasional training for my Pokémon. The rest of the week, I open up shop here.
Red: Wow, I thought I was busy. I am curious, you said you saw my speech at the QQs. Was it on a stream, or were you there?
Cassidy: I was there. I finished my battle and was heading out before you caught my attention.
Red: May I ask if you won your matches?
Cassidy: All three. Thankfully, my team is well-suited for many battles, even at a type disadvantage.
Red: Congrats! That tells you not every battle can be won by having an advantage.
Cassidy: Adapt to survive. Speaking of the election, I heard it was bad. Tell me, Red, were you able to make amends with some of your friends?
Red: Oh god, don't get me started... Some were okay with me, others probably don't give a shit, and a good chunk will hate me forever.
(Cheren...)
Cassidy: I see. And I'm going to bet there are some you haven't gotten the chance to make up with?
[Red nods]
Give me three examples. You don't have to say their names if you don't want to.
Red: No, no, it's better if I do, maybe you'll recognize one of them. Let's see... Hilbert comes to mind. I have an inkling of what he might be feeling about Frenergy. He probably thinks I betrayed his trust, or something like that. Had some power that he could’ve wielded, or something along those lines. He has familial issues, so the thought of betrayal isn't all that far-fetched. I bought him a light to let him sleep better, but someone told me he accidentally broke it. I'm trying to save up for something else, but I can't think of anything. And I'm going to assume he needs space.
Cassidy: [Keeps their focus]
Red: Another is Silver. Please don't tell anyone, so as not to give confirmation, but he was behind the attack on the school.
Cassidy: ...
You needn't worry, the secret is safe.
Red: He did that to give me better odds for the election, and I feel awful that now he's going to be on such a tight leash with the Disciplinary Committee. He’s busy, so I haven’t had a chance to speak with him. As for the attack, I know they're thugs, but they're people he cares for. I didn't even ask him to do anything; he just did all that for me. Possibly all for nothing... He taught me to appreciate my Pokémon, to appreciate my Pikachu, more when he stood up to Lance. I really owe him a lot… Finally, Sabrina...
Cassidy: Sabrina, I remember. I took Ghost with her and Hilbert.
Red: She was the victim here, and I kick myself every time I go to bed that I just stood there and didn't help her. She told me to stay away at the beginning of our school, but I didn't listen. I became friends with her anyway, going against her wishes. Even worse, she probably needed me more than ever that day. She even warned me to be careful! And I just let those two assholes harass her! And Cheren, that coward, he didn't do shit! He brought those fuckers along for the ride, and he just tells them, "iTs nOt pArT oF tHe pLaN...!" Like what the fuck did you expect to happen?! You can harass me, but going after her?! I will never forgive any of them! I will never forget how many angry, confused, and saddened stares I got that day because of what those three forced her to do! Was the last time with Blue not enough?! I’m sick of losing friends, and I’m sick of people making the bad guy! I just want to help people and be friends!
[He slammed his fist on the desk]
FUCK!
Cassidy: (They were petting Yogurt, who turned his head to Red with an unruffled glance)
Red: [He blinked a few times wordlessly, looking at Cassidy, then at the desk]
I-I... I'm sorry... I never... Lost it like that... I always do my best to keep it together, but...
[He tears up]
That day was the lowest I've ever been... Not just because I was exposed in the worst way, but because I know people I connected with got hurt. I guess… I’m still angry from the past…
[He bowed his head]
I'm sorry for the outburst… I'm better than this, I swear.
Cassidy: Don't apologize. Remember that you're human too. It's okay to show what you're truly feeling; don't bottle it up. You're going through a lot, from what I'm gathering.
Red: You're right... Yeah, you’re right. I have the opportunity to make it up to Sabrina. I'm going into that forest that those bastards drove her towards.
Cassidy: The forest? Didn't Dean Drayden tell us not to go in there?
Red: He did, but I am still entering. Not alone, of course. I was tasked by the Disciplinary Committee to help out the three missing. I'll let her know she won't worry about either of them as long as I'm here. The aces may be gone, but Cheren is still here. I have to remind her that she doesn't need to pay attention to any of them. It's their and his fault, after all.
Cassidy: Do you think she'd like to hear that? You pinning the blame on them?
Red: (What?)
Why wouldn't she?
Cassidy: From what I know about her, she likely doesn't blame them fully. Sure, she was scared out of her mind and can hold a grudge, but she knows she can't hold them accountable for the whole situation.
[It was at this moment that Red saw his color]
Red: Wait, are you seriously going to tell me what I think you're going to tell me?
Cassidy: What do you mean?
Red: You think I was part of the problem?
Cassidy: Just looking at it from the perspective of an outsider, I don't think you did anything wrong directly. It is possible-
Red: No, don't dance around it. I'll remind you I'm another victim, if not the main one!
Cassidy: I understand you are.
Red: So what the hell did I do then? What, are you going to tell me that me making many friends was the problem? Tell me straight, do you think I'm at fault too? Yes or no?
Cassidy: [They sigh]
Yes. I believe your insistence on becoming friends with Sabrina is a factor in this. Or at least, it was amplified. I do feel Instructor Will can take some of the blame for not choosing a more private location...
Red: You're kidding me! The twin bigots targeted her to get at me! How can you not see that them and Cheren are the sole cause of this mess?!
Cassidy: Because I'm not biased on this matter. Many parties are responsible for this.
Red: Oh, so because you weren't there means your point of view is absolute?
Cassidy: Your words, not mine. What I'm getting at here is that some situations can be caused by your hand indirectly. I'm not sure why Cheren is the one you have unfiltered animosity with and vice versa. I would reevaluate if you wish to tell me what could be the root of the animosity between the two of you, unless you don't wish to.
Red: You know what? Sure, I'll tell you. Sam- I mean Professor Oak, told Cheren not to look into me, which caused Cheren to... Wait...
Cassidy: Mmm, so there was another crucial person involved. Had it not been for Professor Oak, Cheren likely wouldn't've bothered you and taken his defeat in stride. Granted, he still-
Red: Don't you dare blame the Professor...
Cassidy: Don't you see, Sugimori? Cheren was unintentionally pushed to look more into you and ally with two miscreants. That led to them targeting Sabrina, then exposing you at the election.
Red: He's innocent! He did nothing wrong!
Cassidy: Really? How were you and Cheren before Professor Oak decided to make a mountain out of a molehill?
Red: We were fine! He might've looked a little annoyed, but we were fine! You can't blame him alone-
Cassidy: And you can't deny Oak dirtied his hands in this predicament by directly involving himself with the student body's business.
[They fold in their lips briefly, still smiling]
This can become a bigger problem if the school board finds out, you know.
Red: How? How can it get any worse?
Cassidy: You see, what I've told you now is the picture the board would've been drawing to figure out who to pin the blame on aside from a student.
Red: [He scoffs]
They can't hold Old Man Oak accountable; don't be ridiculous. He's the Pokémon Professor. Losing him would be a hit to the academy itself! Besides, there's no proof that he went to Cheren anyway; it's only word of mouth.
Cassidy: Not unless there's evidence.
[They shift their eye to a security camera]
Be mindful, it can pick up audio.
Red: [His eyes widened]
No...
Cassidy: Since it seems no one has told them the full story, they haven't done anything to Professor Oak, as far as we know. If they do, the consequences will be severe if someone goes to them with this revelation.
Red: Don't!
Cassidy: Hm?
Red: You're about to tell them, aren't you?!
Cassidy: Settle down, I'm not going to be a snitch. This is all hypothetical and would be possible if anyone up on the school board had two investigative brain cells.
Red: It sounded like you wanted to. How can I know you won't?
Cassidy: Even if I did, the Dean had to have pardoned Professor Oak regardless. Not that he deserves it, anyway.
Red: [He slams the desk]
Cassidy: [Yogurt perks up, taking a defensive look]
[They kept their calm smile throughout the whole discussion]
What's the matter?
Red: ...a battle.
Cassidy: Beg pardon?
Red: I challenge you to a battle! First, you're telling me I'm part of the problem, then you drag Old Man Oak through the mud when he isn't here?! I won't stand for this! I don't care if you're some therapist! You have no respect for me or him! I will take you down and show you're wrong!
Cassidy: This is quite the change in character. Why are you so angry? And not here, this is a therapy room.
Red: I know you lied, by the way.
Cassidy: Lied? About what, pray tell?
Red: When I asked for your opinion of me, you said you couldn't tell me because you didn't know me. I felt something was off; you bringing up Instructor Will confirmed it. How did you discover that?
Cassidy: ...
Red: Well?
Cassidy: [They pull out a picture]
It was from one of the ace trainers when they scurried off.
Red: [He grew pale]
W-what...?
Cassidy: They bumped into me while I was walking with Yogurt, and they dropped this.
[They put it away.]
Red: T-that doesn't answer my question!
Cassidy: That is all you're going to get, I'm afraid.
[They get up, Yogurt landing softly on the desk]
You said you wanted a battle, right? We'll take this to the soccer field, it's unoccupied - unless you lost your motivation.
Red: No, now I want to know what you're hiding! If I win, you speak up.
Cassidy: Very well, let's go.
[Red and Cassidy get in their spots for the battle]
Red: We'll have a double battle; that triple battle style is too chaotic for me, only two versus two.
Cassidy: Sounds good.
[Readies their guitar and picks two PokeBalls, one of them a Premier Ball]
Ready when you are.
Red: Pika, I choose you!
Pikachu: Pika!
[The Rhyhorn's everal shine brightly as Pikachu's collar and tail radiate with a tawny glow ]
Red: And Minior, I choose you!
[Send outs Minior]
Cassidy: Alright then, Absol, show us the twilight of their fall!
[Sends out Absol]
And Kiyo, paint a picture of our victory!
[Sends out a Skrelp]
>Pika (Pikachu): Lv. 17 | Teno (Minior) Lv. 16
>Absol: Lv. 15 | Kiyo (Skrelp): Lv. 19
Red: (Absol's strong, and Skrelp is super effective against both Minior and Pikachu. Hold on a second, that Absol... It has a purple jewel on its horn...)
{BATTLE BEGIN!}
{Turn 1}
-Pikachu used Baneful Bunker!
-Absol used Enshroud!
-Minior used Rollout, hitting Skrelp for 10%!
-Skrelp used Bubble, but Pikachu protected itself! It hit Minior for 35%, and it became poisoned!
Red: Whoa, you're using your guitar to give commands?
Cassidy: It's one of our styles.
Red: I'd be impressed, but right now I want to pummel you.
Cassidy: Well, good luck. I plan on doing the same.
-Pikachu's Speed Boost! Its Speed rose by one!
-Minior was hurt by poison!
-Ending HP - Pikachu: 100% | Minior: 53.5% | Absol: 100% | Skrelp: 90%
Red: Wait, what? Hold the phone! How did that Bubble poison?! It's not a contact move!
Cassidy: It can be if Kiyo touched them before they reached your Minior. It seems our training paid off.
Red: (Crap, this might be a harder fight than I thought. I don't like Cassidy right now, but I have a feeling she is good with her Pokémon. I need to go on the offensive now. I'm still perplexed with this Absol. I should know about it, but where is it from?)
{Turn 2}
-Pikachu used Bulldoze, it hits Skrelp super effectively for 40%, lowering its speed! It hit Absol for 24%, lowering its speed!
-Absol used Knock Off, hitting Pikachu for 75%!
-Minior used Rollout, hitting Skrelp for 20%!
-Skrelp used Healing Spring, causing heavy rain!
-Minior is hurt by poison! Skrelp restored a little of its HP!
-Pikachu's Speed Boost! Its speed rose by one stage!
-Ending HP - Pikachu: 25% | Minior: 41% | Absol: 76% | Skrelp: 36.25%
Red: (Great, now the damn thing is healing... It has to be a physically defensive Skrelp, too, because that Bulldoze should've done more. I knew Absol was strong, but wow, that Knock Off did so much... Thank God Pika wasn’t holding an item or that would've sent him to the stratosphere… But neither of them can take another hit. Am I seriously going to lose this quickly...?)
{Turn 3}
-Pikachu used Baneful Bunker!
-Absol used Quick Attack, but Pikachu protected itself! Absol is poisoned!
-Minior used Rollout, it hit Skrelp for 30%!
-Skrelp used Bubble! Pikachu protected itself! It hit Minior super effectively for 41%! Minior fainted!
-Skrelp restored a little of its HP! Absol is hurt by poison!
-Pikachu's Speed Boost ability! Its Speed rose by one stage!
-Ending HP - Pikachu: 25% | Minior: Fainted | Absol: 64.5% | Skrelp: 12.5%
Cassidy: Hmm…
[They stop playing the guitar]
Red: (Dammit! It's over...)
{Turn 4}
-Absol used Enshroud!
-Pikachu used Bulldoze, but Absol protected itself! It landed a super effective critical hit on Skrelp for 12.5%! Skrelp fainted!
-Pikachu's Speed Boost ability! Its Speed rose by one stage!
-Absol is hurt by poison!
-Ending HP - Pikachu: 25% | Minior: Fainted | Absol: 52% | Skrelp: Fainted
Red: You... Are you dragging out the fight to prove a point?
Cassidy: I'm not sure what you mean. I'm just letting Absol do what it wants now. I think it wants to have its way with you from the look of it.
[They show their hands free of the guitar]
Take a look, my guitar was put up after the previous turn. If you have a problem, take it to Absol here.
[The Absol was staring at Red, not even at Pikachu]
Red: Look, Absol, we're finishing this. I know I lost, I was at a disadvantage from the start...
Pikachu: Pika...?
(He pants)
Red: I'm sorry, bud. We can't "Dawn" our way through this one...
Pikachu: ...
Pi!
Cassidy: All yours, Absol.
Absol: Sol.
{Turn 5}
-Pikachu used Bulldoze! It hit Absol for 42%!
-Absol used Knock Off, hitting Pikachu for 24%!
-Pikachu's Speed Boost ability! Its Speed rose one stage!
-Absol is hurt by poison!
Ending HP - Pikachu: 1% | Absol: 3.5%
Cassidy: It appears our last remaining one won't give up. How about a draw before-
Red: No, I'm not quitting! Pika and I are going down fighting if we lose!
Cassidy: [chuckles]
I didn't think I'd witness it myself. But…
{Turn 6}
-Absol used Quick Attack, hitting Pikachu for 1%!
-Pikachu fainted!
{YOU LOSE}
Red: H-huh?
Cassidy: Sorry, Sugimori. You said it yourself, the battle was lost.
Red: But I thought...
Cassidy: [They step closer, healing Absol as the white feline stood by their side]
Here's a familiar lesson I'd like for you to take from this - you will never always win. It's painful, that's a given. We love winning; it's in our nature to want that, but that's not how the script goes sometimes. We can't expect every outcome to be a win or to go our way. We just have to own up to any failures that come up. A loss is inevitable.
Red: But I have lost! Just recently, I battled one of my friends with Pika against his full team! Of course, I couldn't win then! But why not now? It seemed like he was going full throttle right there and-
Cassidy: All part of the script, Sugimori. This time, the role of the main character wasn't yours, nor is it Pika's, nor mine. Not even Kiyo's or Absol. None of us is the main character, nor will we ever be. And maybe,
[They crouch to his eye level]
You need to quit believing you're the main character. You aren't.
Red: [He blankly stared at the ground, kneeling with Pika and Teno]
Not... the main... Wait, the Absol.
[He looks at it one more time.]
That jewel on its horn...
Cassidy: What about it?
Red: I recognize it... It looked like the ace trainer's.
Cassidy: Did it now? But neither had an Absol, right?
Red: Right, but where have I seen-
[He gasps]
[Memories of a blonde woman flash]
???: [In his memory]
To confide in someone at last…
Red: [He remembers]
A-Astrid...?
Cassidy: Who?
Red: Astrid! I remember she told me about an Absol! That jewel looks like the one in her hair!
Cassidy: [Their expression remains the same, smiling as they stood over him]
[Their eye shone as if it were glowing with a hint of wickedness]
Did you know this Astrid?
Red: Yes! Her sister was the one who targeted Sabrina!
[The memories flashed again]
Why am I... How did I forget? Astrid... I remember the look of betrayal... I promised I'd help her, but-
[Cassidy kept their glare down at him]
[He looked up at them]
You knew her... That's why you asked about people I didn't have the chance to make up with...
Cassidy: [They frowned, their tone changing, and the accent dropped]
She's fine now, if you gave a damn.
[They turn to leave, Absol following]
Red: Wait, you've seen her?! Where is she?! Please, I need to know if she's okay!
Cassidy: [They face him again, an indescribable look plastering their face]
You can see her when she's ready. You thought that day sucked for you? To Astrid, her world was shattered on May 1st. She held you as her hero, you know. Her heart was in your hands, and you crushed it to splinters when your power was revealed. For your sake, you'd better hope she's willing to accept forgiveness.
[They laid down four Great Potions for Red's fainted Pokémon.]
For what it's worth, you're a good battler. Lady Luck was the biggest detriment.
[They turn to leave.]
And when you go to the forest, think about our past discussion. Like Sabrina, you can't hold Cheren or the ace twins fully responsible forever. I know you think chastising them further would make her feel better, but that won't be the case if you don't reflect. Dare I say, it'll muddy the bond you two share. The problem has many more roots that aren't on the surface, and you have to acknowledge that. If not for yourself, then for Sabrina. For the people you've rescued and supported. I wish you the best of luck on your mission, Sugimori.
[They walk away, Absol returning to its Poké Ball]
Red: …
Astrid… Where you?
{Evening}
[In the dormitory]
Cassidy: [They enter their dorm]
I’m home.
[They Yogurt down first, then their bags]
[Yogurt goes to his bed to sleep]
What a day…
Eris: [She made herself visible before floating near Cassidy]
Mis…?
Cassidy: Did you get the footage, Eris?
Eris: Mis!
[She holds a camcorder, showing the fight and scrolling through the discussion]
Cassidy: Thank you, you're always on top of it.
[They sighed]
Eris: Misdre?
Cassidy: It's nothing, Eris. I'm just conflicted, I suppose. I think I took the “lesson” too far. Sugimori isn't a bad person, not even close. Nevertheless, how can he be so self-centered? It baffled me that he forgot about Astrid, a person he truly cared for during his time here. Something within me just… snapped. Out of three people, Astrid wasn't one of them? Someone that he not only promised to look out for and confide in, but knew full well she was going to be in danger of being mistaken for her sister-
[They groan]
I'm rambling; I apologize.
Eris: Misss, dreavuus…
Cassidy: You were there when we found her that night. While it ended well, the moment we found her is stuck in my dreams. What if no one was going to help her as we would?
[Their phone rang]
[The look at it]
It's James.
[Answers]
Hello?
James: Hey, Cassidy. Just wanted to check in with you. Astrid's still good, her first day was smooth; just remember that the Dean wanted to see you and her tomorrow morning at 6:30 AM, since you were the one who found Astrid. Would it be okay if she stayed at your dorm? The Disciplinary Committee was informed in advance whether she would stay.
Cassidy: Yeah, that's okay. Is her phone still getting repaired?
James: Unfortunately… It is a lengthy service, so hopefully they do a good job. Um, before I send her to you, what is your dorm number again? Our ride is already here,
Cassidy: 419.
James: Thanks, I’ll relay it to her. See you on Saturday for our weekly dinner?
Cassidy: Of course, brother.
James: Heard that, Astrid? 419- What the-
???: Gimme!
[She takes the phone from James]
James: Hey! Kelly!
Kelly: How are you, Cass? Sorry, my dumb brother didn’t ask you that! Freaking baka!
James: [In the background]
Will you give me my phone?!
[It appeared they were running around]
Astrid: Oh my…
Kelly: Oh, and Yogurt? How’s that cutie-pootie?
Cassidy: I’m not too shabby, hope you two are okay too. Yogurt, too, he’s just resting.
Kelly: Poor little man, he’s old, you know… Oi, listen up! You better treat Tri-Tri well, alright, Cass? You do have a girl coming over~ Aaaand she’s spending the niii~ght.
Cassidy: Nice try, I’m not falling for it.
Kelly: Kuso… You’re no fun! You used to get so flustered back then!
Cassidy: (Well, thanks for bringing that up…)
Love you too, sister.
Kelly: Whatever!
James: Okay, back to me.
[He retrieved the phone]
Astrid’s on her way; we haven’t eaten, so she may need dinner from Chef Murdock. Have a good night, Cassidy.
Cassidy: Will do, have a good night.
[They hang up]
Okay, time to make dinner.
[They get up and start prepping]
I hope she doesn’t mind a vegetarian meal.
Eris: [She held up a picture of a younger Cassidy tearing into a steak that looked far too rare]
Cassidy: What? I like steak from time to time. I just like non-meaty meals more.
Eris: Dre…
[She pursed her mouth]
Cassidy: [They hummed,]
Some rice bowls may do.
[They put one earbud in so they can hear when Astrid will come,]
(I wonder what took the Dean so long to get everything processed for her. Perhaps it had to do with the school board, and they weren’t convinced we weren’t tricking them? Either way, I hope they don’t try punishing her; she’s innocent in this predicament.)
[They got a knife, chopping vegetables]
Eris: [She observes them, worried about how they pulled it out with speed and hidden ire]
Cassidy: [They pulled away, sensing a concerned gaze from Eris,]
Don’t worry, Eris. I won’t let those thoughts consume me…
[They take a breath before resuming, whistling along with the song they played,]
(I suppose I can think back to that night, replay everything as a refresher.)