Tainted Glory
Shadows of Kalos
By Evan Drake

Chapter 2: Cursed

Cassandra

Cassandra snapped her eyes open. It was still dark. She didn’t look at the clock next to her bed, knowing if she knew how much longer she had, it would be impossible to fall asleep again. She heard muffled voices. It sounded as if they were arguing. A small part of her said to ignore the voices and go back to sleep, but her curiosity won out. She snuck out of her room and crept to the top of the stairs. She could hear the voices more clearly now. The voices belonged to her parents.

“I just don’t understand her,” Veronica said. “I’m not hard on her because I want to be. She’s a Knowling. That will follow her wherever she goes, people will hold her to a higher standard. She has no idea how bad it will be if she develops a reputation as ‘the crazy girl who talks to Pokémon.’ ”

“I know, hon, I know,” Wes said. “But the more you push the issue, the more she pushes back. She’s more like you than you think.”

Cassandra sighed softly. She had heard her parents have this conversation several times now. In the morning, she would likely get another lecture from her parents about how important it was to make friends. Veronica would probably also add how she needed to be more mindful of how her actions lest she wind up with an undesirable reputation.

She knew she should probably get to bed, but she couldn’t help but stick around for the rest of the conversation. Sometimes I wonder if I don’t secretly get off on torture. Why else would I stick around for this?

There was the sound of footsteps. Someone was pacing around the living room. Probably Wes; he paced when something bothered him.

The footsteps stopped. “Okay, what about getting her professional help?” Wes asked.

“You mean like a therapist? Our neighbors would have a field day.”

“Fuck our neighbors. I just care about our daughter getting the help she needs. She’s been ‘talking’ to Pokémon since she was 3. She’s 15 now; I don’t think she’s going to grow out of it.”

Silence again. “I want her to get help too, but a therapist? Are we even sure we can afford it? We still have to get the repairs to the roof after that storm.”

“Remi has been pushing to start a construction business. I’m sure she’ll give us a good deal.”

More silence. Cassandra wondered if the conversation was over, but then Veronica spoke again. “You know Cassandra may never go along with this. We tried getting her to open up before, and she treated it like a big game.”

“Hopefully this time will be different.”

Cassandra crept away from the stairway. Now she had an idea what to expect in the morning, it was time to go back to bed. She spun around and saw her little brother standing in his bedroom doorway. “Cassandra?” he mumbled sleepily.

“Hey, Patty. What‘re you doing up?”

Patrick had to be tired because he ignored her use of the nickname. “I had to pee.” He peeked down the stairs. “Are mom and dad fighting again?”

“Uh, no. They’re just staying up late, watching a movie. Go ahead and take care of your business then go to bed. You’ll get into a ton of trouble if you’re caught out of bed.” She steered her little brother to the bathroom and kept a watch on the stairs until he went back to bed. On her way back to her room, she felt eyes on her. She spun around and saw Lucille standing at the end of the hall.

“What?” Cassandra snapped. “Sometimes it’s better to lie to a kid, so they don’t know how fucked up the world is. Maybe you should’ve tried lying to yours.”

It was uncalled for, but it was late, and she wasn’t in the mood for niceties. As always, Lucille said nothing. Cassandra went into her room. She fell asleep the moment she laid her head on the pillow.

The following morning, Cassandra didn’t feel any better. She took her time getting ready for morning training which she was already a half-hour late for. Veronica letting her sleep was just a way to disarm her. She was waiting until their training session to punish her.

It also hadn’t slipped her mind her parents were waiting downstairs to lecture her. What exactly did they want from her? To put on a fake smile and nod and pretend as if she were normal? That would go well after all the talks of being herself and embracing her individuality. And what about all the Pokémon who speak to her, was she supposed to ignore them? In the end, it didn’t matter how many times her parents lectured her. No matter how they phrased it, she wasn’t putting on a fake smile and pretending. What kind of example would she be setting for her little brother if she did?

Once Cassandra finished getting dressed, she grabbed her Poké Balls and headed downstairs.

Cassandra’s father was waiting in the living room. Unlike Veronica, Wes was a walking contradiction. Despite his wide, muscular frame, he had the cuddly look of a chubbier man. He also had a calming demeanor even when angry which made arguing with him near impossible. Despite his friendly appearance, he could just as strict as Veronica, especially when it came to his children.

He sat on the sofa, facing the TV, but it was clear he wasn’t watching it. Judging from the way he was holding a hand over his eyes, Cassandra suspected he didn’t get much sleep.

Might as well get this over with. “Morning,” she said.

Wes lifted his head and faced her. His eyes were still puffy either from crying or lack of sleep. It was impossible to tell. She put her money on both. “Hey, Cassandra. Your mother’s waiting in the yard.”

She shrugged and waited, knowing he would call her back if she tried to leave.

Right on cue, he slid over on the sofa and patted the space next to him. “Before you head out, there’s something I want to ask you.”

She didn’t want to sit down, but she was in it at this point. He wouldn’t let her leave until he said his piece.

An awkward silence hung over them as she sat in the hot seat.

“Now, I want you to be straight with me, do you think about hurting yourself?”

“What kind of question is that? And why would I admit to it if I was?”

Big mistake. She had done this song and dance before. Getting defensive only made things worse. Even knowing that, her immediate response was to throw up that wall.

“Cassandra, please.” It wasn’t his usual, parental tone. There was desperation in his voice. “Your mother tells me you jumped off a bridge last night to save a Pokémon. You do understand it’s the middle of winter? You could’ve died. Why would you do something so dangerous?”

“If I jumped off the bridge to save a human would you think I was suicidal?”

Wes hesitated before saying, “I expect you to use better judgment, Cassandra.”

“Right, I should’ve called the Pokémon Suicide Hotline and waited for someone to come over,” she said sarcastically.

“This isn’t a joke,” Wes admonished. Now he was using his “parent” voice. “You can’t possibly know if a Pokémon is suicidal. It could’ve just slipped and fallen—”

“What difference does it make how he got into the water? I wasn’t gonna stand by and watch him drown!”

Wes stared at her, at a clear loss for words. It was okay if he didn’t respond. His silence was all the answer she needed.

Cassandra nodded and stood up. “Good talk, Wes.”

Yeah, great job, she told herself. I really met him halfway there.

She shook off the thoughts and kept going. There would be time for regrets later. Now she just needed to deal with Veronica and her awkward morning would be over. She went outside where Veronica and Lucille were waiting.

The yard was split into two halves: a zen garden Veronica maintained, and a “play-side” where Patrick played with his friends and practice sessions were held. Veronica and Lucille were waiting on the play-side. Veronica wore a sports bra and shorts, both trainer and Pokémon sat cross-legged on the grass, eyes closed as if in deep thought.

Cassandra released all three of her Pokémon from their balls and approached her mother.

Veronica kept her eyes closed. “You’re late.”

“You let me sleep late,” Cassandra countered. “Normally, you would’ve come and got me by now.”

Veronica opened her eyes. She gave Cassandra a cold stare. “Have you been keeping up with your training?”

“You saw what happened last night. You tell me.”

“Your movements were predictable and sloppy. A more skilled trainer would’ve destroyed you. I know you have more skill than that. Maybe if you weren’t spending your nights roaming town, making up stories you would remember not to toy with your opponent.”

“I don’t make up stories!”

Lucien stepped forward. Lucille did the same.

“Maybe I should handle this one,” Delphine said.

“You know Veronica won’t allow it,” Cassandra whispered. “ ‘This is a fighting family. We are measured by our skill with fighting-types.’ ”

“Which is just a convenient way to say the rest of us are unwanted here.”

“What have I always told you?” Veronica asked coolly. “Let your actions speak for you. If you don’t like being accused of something, prove them wrong.”

“I have nothing to prove to you. Lucien, use Aura Sphere.”

Lucien pressed his paws together, a ball of light forming between them.

“Bone Rush,” Veronica ordered calmly.

Lucille rushed forward, a bone-shaped bo-staff forming from the aura in her paws. Lucien launched his Aura Sphere, but Lucille batted it away. The Aura Sphere soared into the air then made a u-turn, coming back to its target. Lucille assaulted Lucien with several quick jabs and sweeps, keeping him on the defensive.

“Your boy is holdin’ his own,” Fury said.

“For now,” Delphine mumbled.

Cassandra did her best to ignore them. The Aura Sphere came back, but Lucille ducked. Lucien leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding it.

“Lucien, use Copycat,” Cassandra cried.

Lucien formed a bone-shaped short-sword in his paw just in time to counter Lucille’s coming attack. The Aura Sphere made another loop, but it was dodged easily once again. The two Lucario traded blows while dodging the looping Aura Sphere.

“C’mon, boss, lemme get in there. Your pet’s heart ain’t in it,” Fury said.

“Don’t call him a pet,” Cassandra said.

“You should be focusing on the match,” Veronica shouted. “Lucille, that’s enough games, Force Palm.”

Lucille blocked Lucien’s attack then pressed her paw against his chest. She fired a shockwave from her paw, launching Lucien backward. Without missing a step, she spun and threw her bone club at the Aura Sphere making another loop. The two attacks collided and exploded.

“Extreme Speed,” Cassandra shouted.

Lucien shot forward with blinding speed, appearing behind Lucille almost instantaneously. It looked like he had the advantage, but Cassandra saw Lucille had a paw pointed behind her. She hit Lucien with another Force Palm before Cassandra could issue another warning. Lucien grunted and stumbled backward.

“Don’t let up,” Veronica said.

Lucille charged with another Bone Rush attack. Lucien tried to keep up, but he was quickly overwhelmed.

“Boss, he can’t keep up. Send me in!”

“Fury, I need to think!” Cassandra shouted. “Lucien, focus and find an opening then use Dark Pulse!”

Lucien barked and a wave of dark aura shot from his body. Lucille was too close and took a direct hit. The bone-club shattered.

“Now use Aura Sphere!” Cassandra shouted.

“Lucille, end this,” Veronica said.

Lucille rushed as Lucien formed another energy sphere between his paws. He launched it just as Lucille tried to intercept with another Force Palm. The two attacks collided, sending both Lucario skidded backward.

Lucille recovered first and rushed again, catching him with another Force Palm. Lucien crumbled to the ground.

“I guess I have my answer,” Veronica said. “Lucille, enough.” To Cassandra she added, “As I said, if you want to waste your time with fantasies then I suggest you become stronger. Get him some sitrus berries from the kitchen and patch him up. Then get back to your training. I expect to see results by the end of the month. If I see some improvement, I’ll lift your punishment. And keep that mangy thing by your side off the furniture.”

“Who the hell she think she’s callin’ mangy?” Fury growled. “I don’t know what’s goin’ on here, but your master needs to treat her kid better,” he said to Lucille.

Lucille glared at the Furret, her fur bristling. “You don’t speak about Master Veronica that way, plebian.”

Cassandra knelt and stroked his bristling back and whispered. “That’s enough.”

Fury stepped out of her reach and shouted. “I know that heartless bitch don’t deserve to be called a mother, and neither do you.”

Lucille’s face turned livid. She snarled and rushed the Furret. Fury ducked under the blow then snaked along the ground, getting behind Lucille. She followed-up with a low kick which Fury leaped over, his body spinning in the air. He came back down, his paw covered in a wraith-like aura. Lucille blocked the attack, grabbed Fury’s paw then threw him to the ground. He rolled along the ground then shot forward with amazing speed. Lucille tried to counter, but he shot past her guard and caught her with a punch to the gut.

“Fury, that’s enough!” Cassandra shouted.

“Boss, lemme teach her a lesson.”

“I said that’s enough!” Fury had some momentum now, but Lucille was acting out of anger. Once she calmed down, she would destroy him.

Lucien ran over and pulled Fury away. Veronica glared daggers at them, her lips pressed into such a thin line, it was as if her mouth disappeared. “Let’s go, Lucille,” Veronica said finally. She walked past Cassandra to the house without another word. Lucille followed her trainer, looking ashamed.

“I did not ask for your help,” Lucien growled.

“Lucien, shut up,” Cassandra said. “He stood up for you. I at least taught you manners.”

Lucien’s ears drooped and he lowered his head. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

“Don’t sweat it,” Fury said.

Delphine came back carrying a few sitrus berries and a large grin. “I saw the whole thing. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to smack that smirk off her face.”

Lucien ate one of the berries. “I am sorry, Master. If I had kept up with my training—”

“Lucien, it’s fine,” Cassandra said. “You know she’s never happy no matter how hard we try.”

“Oh, by the way, cops are here,” Delphine said.

“What?! Why didn’t say something sooner? Dammit, Delphine!” Cassandra ran into the house. There would be only one reason the cops would show up at the house: they were there for her. It was the only time they ever showed up.

The moment she reached the kitchen, she saw Deputy Dennis standing in the living room. She quickly ducked behind the counter.

“I’m sorry about this, Dennis,” Wes said. “But I promise you—”

“Give it a rest, Wes,” Veronica spat. “How many times has Dennis made a false accusation? What did she do this time?”

The deputy stood there like a scolded child, playing with his hands. It wasn’t surprising. Veronica was known to have that effect on people. “W-Well, the Poké Mart was broken into. Someone smashed the window and stole some potions and a blanket.”

“Why on earth would Cassandra steal potions and a blanket?” Wes asked. “Our house is only a few minutes away, she could’ve gotten it from home.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Knowling—”

“Don’t try to ease into it, Dennis,” Veronica said. “What do you know?”

Dennis sighed. “Mr. Blackwood had security cameras. He looked at the monitor and saw a Lucario breaking into the store. Twice. There are only two Lucario registered in this town. Yours, Mrs. Knowling, and your daughter’s.”

Cassandra sighed and hung her head. Dammit, Lucien! I told you to make sure no one saw you. And really? Busting the front window? Subtle much?

“How do you know it wasn’t some random trainer passing through?” Wes argued. “Cassandra has no reason to—”

“Wes, it’s over, they have the damn Lucario on camera,” Veronica said. “I’m sorry, Dennis. We’ll pay for the damages and the stolen goods, and Cassandra will apologize to the Blackwoods personally.”

There was silence. Cassandra decided to risk taking a peek. Dennis stood there, twisting his hands. Cassandra felt a lump in her throat.

“Look, Wes, I’m afraid Marsha wants to press charges. Now Evan is trying to talk her out of it, but if she decides to go through with it, I’ll have to take Cassandra in.”

Veronica got up and walked upstairs. “I should’ve known that Lucario was going to be a problem. I should’ve given the egg away when I had the chance.”

Lucille started to follow her trainer but stopped at the bottom of the stairs. She watched upstairs for a moment then went into the kitchen. She glanced at Cassandra as she walked past but didn’t acknowledge her.

Wes walked over to Dennis. “I’m sorry about this. But I still have no idea why she would do this.”

“Well, I hope you can figure it out. Marsha’s already on the warpath because of what the Martin’s daughter did to her Raichu. I’m hoping Evan can calm her down or else my hands’ll be tied.”

“You can’t do me this one solid, Dennis?”

“All I’ve done is cover for you. How many things have I brushed under the rug?”

“But, Dennis—”

“Three vandalisms, one breaking and entering, several counts of underage drinking—”

“C’mon, Dennis. We did worse than that when we were kids.”

“—one count assaulting an officer, one assault with a deadly weapon—”

“That was self-defense, and you know it. And Maurice had coming; I wanted to punch him in the face, and so did you.”

”—two thefts, three joyrides, and arson.”

“Okay, I get it. Cassandra is a handful.”

Dennis pinched the bridge of his nose. “I have a teenage daughter myself, Wes. I know the stress of raising one. I hear the things they say about her. Have you thought about getting her help?”

Wes sighed and rubbed his head. “We’re considering it.”

“Well, I suggest you do it. It might be the only way to keep your daughter out of jail. Look, Wes, I value our friendship, but at the rate she’s going, she’ll kill herself or someone else. The moment there’s a body count, all the other incidents I covered up come out.” He touched Wes’ arm. “I’m gonna lose more than just my job. I’ll go to jail; so will you, and maybe even Veronica if the DA plays her cards right. You have another kid to worry about. I don’t wanna be that guy, but maybe you should start thinking about Patrick.”

Wes pulled away. “You say it like it’s an easy choice. I know she needs help, but I can’t just turn my back on her.”

“No one’s saying turn your back on her. I’m just saying maybe you should get ahead of this before it’s too late. Look, I gotta go. I can swing back after my shift if you want.”

“No, no. I gotta talk to Veronica. I need a favor—I know I can’t ask you for more, but if Marsha decides to press charges, can you let us bring Cassandra in? I don’t want Patrick to see his sister being dragged out in handcuffs.”

“Yeah, I can do that. Take care of yourself, Wes.” Dennis left the house. Wes closed the door behind him then sighed and leaned against it.

Cassandra waited a few minutes then rose from her hiding place and went into the living room.

Wes was surprised to turn around and see Cassandra. “How much did you hear?” he asked.

“Hear what?” Cassandra said coolly. “You and Veronica argue so much I kinda tune you out now.” She dropped onto the sofa. Fury walked in and hopped onto the sofa beside her. “No sitting on the furniture, Fury.”

Fury glared at her but hopped onto the floor without protest.

Wes grabbed the remote and turned off the TV. “Cassandra, I need you to go apologize to the Blackwoods for breaking their shop window,” Wes said. It was clear in his voice there was to be no discussion or arguing.

She nodded and rose from her seat. Now was not the time to argue and get defensive. Lucien and Delphine were waiting out front. Judging from their faces, they heard the whole thing.

“Master, I am very—” Lucien began.

“You saved my life and Fury’s, Lucien,” Cassandra said quickly. “Don’t let anyone try to make you feel guilty. Now let’s get this over with.”

The Blackwoods lived at the end of the street. Thankfully there was no one outside, although Dennis’ car was parked just a few yards away. Cassandra rolled her eyes and walked past the house.

“Um, Master, what are you doing?” Lucien asked. “Your father instructed you to apologize.”

Delphine groaned loudly. “Could you be any more of a kiss-ass?”

“I do not want to see her get in any more trouble. You heard what they said; they will no longer look the other way anymore.”

“They’ve been saying that for years, Lucien,” Delphine countered. “You read their auras, so you know they’re full of shit.”

Cassandra noticed Fury hadn’t said a word. He trotted alongside them, face grim, gaze distant.

She didn’t want to bother him, but she also didn’t want to let whatever feelings he had fester. “Listen, none of this is your fault. I chose to save you and I’d do it again if I had to.”

“That ain’t what’s on my mind, boss.” Fury said, shaking his head. “It’s that heartless bitch. Your young’uns ain’t a mistake and no parent should think of ‘em that way.”

Cassandra sighed. It would have been better if Fury had said anything else. She didn’t need to look at Lucien to know how he felt about the situation. “Lucien, he’s gonna hear about it. If he’s gonna be here, he’s gotta know,” she said. “Lucille was supposed to have an egg with Shin, Wes’ Mienshao. They don’t like each other, so Lucille ran off and got knocked up by a wild Pokémon instead. Honestly, I don’t think it was on purpose but it is what it is. Veronica was pissed. She still is. I heard the neighbors still sometimes talk about it.”

Fury tilted his head wearing a look of genuine confusion. “I don’t get it. Why’s that a big deal?”

“It’s a big deal because instead of creating a high-bred prodigy, my mother made me,” Lucien said. “Some random mutt with average potential.”

“You’re not a mutt,” Cassandra said, firmly. She threw her arm around Lucien. “I don’t care who your father is. I know you’re a badass.”

“Glad she never met my mother,” Delphine said. “Momma liked to party. I don’t even know who my father is.”

Cassandra rubbed her forehead. “Delphine, I keep telling you that’s not something to brag about.”

The Braixen shrugged.

“Wait, if he’s born into it, what’s your story?” Fury asked Delphine.

Delphine grinned proudly. “Cassy caught me because I’m just so damn adorable.”

Cassandra rolled her eyes. “It’s sad but true. I always wanted a Fennekin, but my family is a martial arts family. We’re only allowed to catch and use fighting-types. Not only did I catch a non-fighting-type, but she’ll evolve into a psychic type one day. I still hear about it.”

“So the boss-mom is real pleased to see somethin’ like me runnin’ ‘round, huh?” Fury asked.

“Oh, don’t worry, you’ll hear about it one day,” Cassandra said. “But I don’t really care. I captured Delphine anyway, and I captured you anyway. Whoever doesn’t like it can suck it. But please keep your opinions of Veronica to yourself. Lucille is still loyal, and she will kick your ass.”

Fury’s gaze to dark. “I ain’t gonna mindin’ my manners around some bad parents.”

“You do not know anything about her!” Lucien roared. His fur stood on end as he stared lividly at Fury.

Cassandra didn’t flinch. Fury growled. Delphine stepped between them. “Okay, that’s enough. Cool yourself before he makes you do something stupid.”

Lucien growled and snatched his Poké Ball from Cassandra’s belt. He pressed the button and it pulled him inside then fell to the ground.

“I hit a nerve?” Fury asked.

“You saw today Lucille still catches shit for it,” Cassandra said as she picked up Lucien’s ball. “She doesn’t show it a lot, but she does love him. She just…”

Her mind locked up thinking of how to finish her explanation. Just what? Couldn’t the same be said about her parents? Even with Veronica’s harsh attitude, she still cared, right? Why else haven’t they had her shipped off? Why else would they make excuses and continue to train her?

She shoved her hands in her pockets and said nothing. Shit was complicated and she wasn’t in the mood to figure it out.

They continued the walk in silence. Cassandra had no destination in mind. She just knew she didn’t want to go home just yet. Fury went back to his brooding and Delphine played with her stick, tossing it into the air and catching it.

A loud round of laughter caught Cassandra’s attention. A group of teenagers sat nearby.  Their worn clothing, bulging backpacks at their feet, and Poké Balls on their belts revealed they were trainers. Of all the trainers, there was only one Pokémon out of its ball. Cassandra recognized the Pokémon as the axe-jaw Pokémon, Fraxure.

Now that she was aware of them, she could hear what they were discussing. The trainers were having a very loud discussion about what kinds of Pokémon boys and girls were attracted to.

“I’m just saying,” a male trainer with short blonde hair said. “Girls are usually attracted to soft and cute Pokémon. More females enter Pokémon beauty contests than guys and what kind of Pokémon do they use? Roselia, Milotic, Altaria, Lilligant. These are classic ‘girl’ Pokémon. If you want people to take you seriously, you need tough, wicked-looking Pokémon like my Axel, here.” He patted the head of the Fraxure. The large reptilian Pokémon grinned and leaned into her trainer’s hand, being sure not to cut him with her large tusks.

“You are such a caveman, Jerry,” a female trainer replied. “There’s no such thing as a ‘girl’ Pokémon. Your boy cousin has an Altaria and an Audino, and weren’t you the same guy who tried to catch a Roselia last week and failed?”

There was a chorus of “Oh!” from the crowd.

“The point is, you need a strong show of force to make it as a trainer,” Jerry said, his feelings clearly hurt by the retort.

“Says the guy with a female Fracture,” another trainer chimed in.

“It’s not about the gender, it’s about the Pokémon,” Jerry shot back. “Look at that girl over there. She’s got a Braixen and a Furret. I bet you she just caught them because they looked cute. She probably doesn’t have a single gym badge.”

Fury’s fur bristled. “That boy talking about us?”

“I’m more pissed they think we can’t hear them,” Delphine said.

“Cool it,” Cassandra said. She did her best to ignore the twisting feeling in her gut. “Just ignore them and keep walking.”

She didn’t get far when the one called Jerry called out to her, “Hey, you with blue hair. You got a minute?”

Cassandra swore under her breath. Just keep walking. Don’t turn around.

She turned around.

“You’re a trainer, right?” Jerry asked.

Cassandra sighed. “Yeah, I’m a trainer.” She had a trainer’s license, but she didn’t actually count herself as a trainer. It was easier to say she was though. Saying otherwise invited questions of why she was allowed to have so many Pokémon.

“How many badges you got?”

Cassandra rolled her eyes. Here it comes. “None.”

Jerry smiled and turned to his friends. “See? I told you.”

“Doesn’t mean we won’t kick your ass,” Delphine shouted.

“Delphine, shut up,” Cassandra whispered.

The Fraxure turned to them. “You better listen to your trainer. Go brush each other’s fur or something. My master doesn’t do easy wins.”

Cassandra turned to Delphine, knowing the Braixen would have a few choice words for the taunt. The instant she turned, a blur of brown moved in her peripheral. She spun to see Fury streaking towards the large grey and green Pokémon.

“Fury, no!” Cassandra shouted.

Lucien’s ball popped open, the streak of light zooming after Fury even before the Lucario fully materialized.  He caught Fury just in time, pinning him to the ground before he could reach the Fraxure. “What are you thinking?!” Lucien asked. “If you act recklessly, Cassandra is the one who must pay for it!”

Fury squirmed under Lucien’s body but offered no retort.

“HA!” the female trainer cried. “And she’s got a Lucario! Tell me that’s a ‘girly Pokémon’.”

“Her Furret didn’t like being called girly,” a third trainer chimed in. “It looks so pissed! Better watch out, Jerry!”

Cassandra ran over to her Pokémon and stroked Fury’s back. “Calm down. It’s not that big a deal.”

“Call me weak again, you little punk!” Fury cried, spittle flying from his mouth as he clawed at the ground, trying to break free. “Just try me! I fuckin’ dare you!”

Delphine joined Lucien in holding the rampaging Furret down.

“Yo, what’s up with your Furret?” another trainer asked.

“It saw Jerry’s ugly mug and lost its mind,” the female said.

“Shut up!” Jerry said.

“Fury, please,” Lucien said. “Not here.”

“No, no, let him up,” Axel said, a taunting grin spreading on her face. “He wants to prove himself, so let him prove it.”

Lucien turned to Cassandra, his eyes full of concern. “Master, he is not fit to battle in this state.”

Cassandra nodded and called Fury back to his ball. The last thing she needed was for him to cause an incident. Without looking up, she motioned for the others to follow her and hurried away.

The ball shook violently in her hands. Luckily it remained closed until they were far enough away.

She feared he would take off running once he burst from his ball, but instead he stood there with his back turned to everyone. His relaxed fur and laid-back ears told her his rage had burned out.

“I ain’t weak, boss,” Fury said.

“I never said you were,” Cassandra said. “What was that about? Did it really bother you that much?”

Fury flinched despite the calmness of her tone. “I ain’t weak.”

Delphine stepped forward, likely to press the Furret for a better explanation, but Lucien placed a paw on her shoulder and slowly shook his head.

Cassandra said nothing. She was beginning to doubt her decision to take Fury in. Maybe it would have been better to transfer him to a sanctuary. Whatever scars he had ran deep and she had no clue how to even begin helping him heal.

“Look, I’m sorry I went off like that,” Fury said.

Cassandra stroked his back. He shuddered at first but quickly relaxed. “It’s cool,” she said.

“Just wait for Cassy to give the order next time,” Delphine said. “She’ll get in trouble otherwise.”

Fury shook his head. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

They wandered Aquacorde until the sun began to set and the temperature dropped. Cassandra’s feet hurt and she was tired, so they headed home. But they took the scenic route back to Cassandra’s house. Since she knew she was going to catch it for staying out, she wanted to enjoy the last of her freedom as much as possible. She didn’t talk much, preferring to enjoy the silence. Her Pokémon followed her lead and remained silent, even Delphine who was a chatterbox.

They approached the house from the back to avoid being seen. It seemed they were in the clear until they came entered the back porch and found Veronica sitting in a chair.

“Is it that hard for you to use the front door?” Veronica asked without looking up from the book in her hands.

Cassandra rolled her eyes and continued towards the kitchen. “At least I’m using the door to get to my bedroom where I assume I’ll be until next year.”

“Actually, I thought up a better punishment for you,” Veronica said. She lowered her book, and Cassandra’s stomach dropped. Veronica looked pleased. “Since you refuse to take your training seriously. I’ll be overseeing your trainer for the duration of your punishment.”

Delphine whined and Lucien sighed heavily.

“I take it that’s a bad thing,” Fury said.

“You have no idea,” Cassandra said.