DISCONTINUED/ON HIATUS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Would *not* recommend reading this in it's current state. 8(

She was finally here.

After months of impatience, waiting, readying herself and planning, she'd finally taken the very first step to achieving her dream. Here was her chance to actually do something productive with her life- and it was, most likely, her last chance. She couldn't screw this up for herself. She'd never wanted something so bad in her whole life, and she'd never felt more determined.

Cassidy had known about the notorious Team Rocket for quite a while. In fact, it was impossible not to be aware of it when reportings of the organizations most recent robberies, scams and overall cruelty to Pokemon were constantly on the news and in the papers. Cassidy had secretly always admired Team Rocket. She would never confess to her older sister, whom she was living with at the time, but the whole criminal lifestyle seemed so wild, so exciting, so immoral and wonderfully wrong compared with the dull, mundane life she'd been leading up until most recently.

She lived an ordinary life in an ordinary house in an ordinary neighbourhood with her twenty-one year old, goody-two-shoes sister, Carla, who's endless nagging and complaining about her younger sisters increasingly shameful behaviour got plain tiring. Admittedly, Cassidy didn't exactly define a 'good girl'. She'd stay out all hours at parties, getting completely wasted and then eventually arriving home at some ridiculous hour with a guy she'd picked up along the way, who always seemed to be far older than she was. It appeared she had no self-respect when it came to boyfriends, no shame in the things she did so frequently with all these boys. She was bright, though, and she'd graduated Pokemon Tech but, much to the frustration of her sister, she didn't pursue becoming a trainer. She was too busy partying, throwing her life down the drain. Not to mention her attitude had only gotten worse and worse as she'd grown up. She was full of herself. Unbelievably cocky and conceited- it wasn't just your average confidence, it was endless arrogance, and for a young girl she'd give off the most cruel and cutting remarks that were enough to shatter anyone's self-esteem.

But she was putting up a front. The whole teen rebellion was something to hide behind. She could smile like she didn't have a care in the world, she could go to all these parties with her friends and drink herself stupid, she could get as many boys as she wanted...but was she happy? Not in the slightest. She wanted something more. She was sick and tired of the same old routine every day; she'd constantly oversleep because of her late night antics, then she'd go downstairs for a snack, back up to her room for a nap before she eventually got up and dressed into something ridiculously skimpy and heels she could barely walk in, ready for another night of partying that would almost always end in disaster.

It was boring. Dull. Repetitive. Sure, she could quit the partying and do something sensible like get a decent job, or go into further education. But she didn't want that either. The thought of waking up every morning only to repeat the same old routine as every other day...it was utterly depressing.

So what was the solution? Team Rocket. That was her solution. She'd had to wait months after being added to the ever increasing waiting list of possible recruits, and then there had been endless forms and applications to fill out and send off, as well as the fact that Carla disapproved. Although, disapproved was an understatement; she'd told Cassidy straight that anyone who joined an evil organization such as Team Rocket was scum. Agents who worked there were the lowest of the low. Her little sister could do so much better, why was she throwing her life away like this?

Cassidy didn't listen. She didn't care. This wasn't about anyone else, it was about her and what she wanted. An if she wanted to join a crime syndicate? Hell, she'd do anything she could to achieve that desire.

So, here she was. Team Rocket Academy. It was early evening and the sun was setting by the time her cab dropped her off at the large campus hidden away in the mountains. She had a huge travel bag with her, fit-to-bust with all her clothes, cosmetics and other basics like toiletries and a purse. She hauled it over her shoulder before she got out of the car, legs a little achy and eyes heavy after such a long journey.

She payed the driver and shut the door behind her, and then he drove away, leaving her stranded in this place.

No. She wasn't 'stranded', she wanted to be here. She'd wanted it so desperately for so long, and she'd been awaiting this day in anticipation for what seemed like a lifetime...but now she was here it felt...odd. She was stood there at the side of the road, alone, staring at the huge building directly ahead. She suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of vulnerability, fear almost. Maybe it was her nerves- the feeling of her heart pounding in her chest. She was out of her comfort zone. This was so new and surreal, like she was dreaming.

But all she had to do was glance around to see that she couldn't possibly turn back now. This was it. Her new beginning. So she did what she always did at those rare times she felt nervous- forced a smile on her pink-tinted lips and stood up straight.

Think positive, Cassidy. This could make you or break you.

It turned out, there hadn't been much to worry about- not with getting lost or being alone, anyway. The moment she was inside the building, she found a reception desk- she was given directions to the office of 'Sargent Viper'- the Drill Sargent of the Academy. It wasn't too far from the entrance, and there weren't many other people around in the lengthy corridors. Cassidy assumed most of the other new trainee's had arrived earlier in the morning, she'd arrived slightly late.

She arrived outside an office with a name plate on the door that read 'Sargent Viper'. She raised her fists and gave three knocks, then waited. Not a moment later the door was opened, by a large, burly man in uniform with a purple mohawk. Just slightly intimidating.

"Hello. My name's Cassidy, I was told to come see you. I'm a new recruit," the blonde girl explained briskly, hauling her heavy bag further onto her shoulder.

Viper glanced at his watch. It was almost seven PM, long past the time she should have arrived at. "You're a little late, Miss, but come on in."

She was led into the small office; a somewhat bleak room with a desk, a few chairs and plenty paperwork on the desk along with a sleek black laptop. She sat down opposite Viper, relieved to finally dump that hefty bag down and give her arm a break. She let her eyes scan the room curiously as Viper typed something up on the laptop, keeping her waiting a few minutes.

He eventually glanced up from his laptop after finding her details. "So, you're Cassidy Yamato and you're here for your training, is that correct?"

"Yes."

"Yes sir," the man reprimanded, reaching over to the filing cabinet close to his desk and shifting through the files in the second draw. "Cassidy Yamato...ah, here we are." He pulled out a file with her name on it, and then brought out the contents. "According to your forms... it sounds like you went through quit a bit of trouble to get here."

She shrugged. "Well, you could say that. I had to send my fracking application off twice because they 'lost' the first one. Are the employee's here really that incompetent? You ought to hire some new ones. It took me hours filling in that stupid thing, only to have to do it all over again."

"We apologize for that minor mistake, Miss. You see, we receive hundreds of applications a day once the recruiting season comes around, it's only expected that one or two will occasionally be misplaced. But you're here now, and that's the main thing that matters, hm? Now, I have a few rules to run by you, then I shall give you your schedule, a map of the building, and the keys to your dormitory. Then I'll answer any questions you may have."

"Alright," the blonde said, crossing one leg over the other and folding her arms. "Although I'm pretty sure I've heard all the rules already. I got a copy sent to me in the post, I remember reading it and thinking most of them are really petty and pointless."

Viper cleared his throat haughtily; it was already evident this girl was quite an outspoken one. "All of our rules have practical reasons behind them, Cassidy, and you must abide by all of them or face serious consequences, depending on which rule you decide to break," he explained firmly, passing her a pen and a laminated piece of paper with a list of rules and regulations. "This is your contract. Just give these rules a quick once over and make sure you're clear on them, then sign your name at the bottom."

She took the list and let her eyes scan over each bulleted rule.

. All classes, missions and training sessions must be attended. Skipping any of these things is strictly NOT allowed unless you have a valid reason and permission from your mentor or the Drill Sargent. All truancies are registered and will not go unnoticed.

. Uniform must be worn on the premises at ALL times with the exception of gym kits.

. Physically attacking another trainee is strictly NOT allowed and could result in suspension or permanent exclusion.

. Disrespect, insolence or disobedience towards your superiors WILL result in punishment.

. You may NOT leave the premises without permission. No exceptions.

. Relationships between you and your team-mates mustNOT go any further than friendship. Sexual or romantic relationships are FORBIDDEN. Disregarding this rule will result in consequences.

. You may NOT switch partners without a valid reason and approval from a superior.

. You are expected to work to the BEST of your ability.

. You are expected to treat you peers as you wish to be treated by them.

. Pokemon are NOT allowed out of their Pokeballs in the following areas: sleeping quarters, the cafeteria, the library, the gym. There are, however, various Poke-friendly areas on campus.

. Failure of any member to strictly comply with these rules may lead to suspension, expulsion or practical punishment.

There was some small print at the bottom, about agreeing to the rules and being aware of consequences. Cassidy barely scanned the terms and conditions before she scrawled her name in her perfectly neat handwriting at the bottom, adding a little 'x' out of habit and then glancing up and passing both the pen and the contract back to Viper.

He tucked it away in her folder and looked back at her, resting clasped hands on the desk. "Any questions yet?"

"One," Cassidy replied, raising her index finger. "What's with the relationship ban? Like, I can understand most of the other rules but...seriously, I'm not allowed a boyfriend in this place? That's going to be torture for all the guys. I mean, look at me, they'll all be gagging for me."

"The relationship prohibition is a new rule. We've found in the past, many trainees tend to get caught up in relationships, particularly with our opposite sex pairings. This only proves to be an unnecessary distraction from training, and like rule number eight says, we want everyone to work to the best of their ability."

"Makes sense I guess."

"Now, we need to go over your schedule. Like rule number one says, it's extremely important that you show up to every session, appointment, class and mission- although you won't be partaking in any real missions until much later on in your training," Viper explained, bringing out another laminated sheet of paper and placing it down on the desk facing Cassidy. "This is the schedule you'll be following for the most part."

Cassidy stared down at it. It was a complicated table of time slots, days, and abbreviated words. "God, I highly doubt I'll be able to keep track of all this...what are all these abbreviations?"

"Those will make sense once you look at your map and see the names of the different rooms and areas on campus. It may look fairly complex, but it's really rather simple. At the top, you have each day of the week," he said, sliding his finger over to the line of days at the top of the timetable. "On the left hand side, you have time slots. In these boxes here, you have the name or number of the room you'll be in, and then in these boxes it shows the activity you'll be partaking in. The blank boxes represent breaks and the boxes with 'MP' represent a mission practice- when you have a practice mission you are required to make your way to the lobby to meet with the other trainee's and an executive or myself."

Cassidy blinked, completely and utterly dumbfounded. It seemed anything but simple at the moment.

"Any questions, Cassidy?"

She smiled and shook her head. "No, it's easy. Too easy."

"That's excellent. You seem to be a bright one, Miss Yamato, I've had to go over the schedule countless times with some of the other trainees." He passed the schedule to her. "Keep it on your person, and try not to lose it," he said, sitting back and taking yet another piece of paper out of her file. "Last but not least, we've got a map of the entire building, you're definitely going to need this."

Cassidy took it as he handed it over to her, studying it for a moment. Oh, great. It was almost as complicated as the stupid schedule. This place really was huge, there had to be hundreds of rooms- let alone all the outdoor areas too. She was officially going to get lost in this labyrinth. "You seriously expect me to be dead on time for all of my classes when I've got to find my way through these mazes of corridors and-...oh, there's a noodle bar!"

"Once you've settled in, the building won't seem so intimidatingly large. It could take a few weeks, and no doubt you're going to get lost a couple of times, just like all the other newcomers will. The first few days will be used as time for settling in, becoming used to your surroundings and meeting people. We never apply too much pressure at first- although you shouldn't get too comfortable, you'll be pushed to your limits later on."

Cassidy smirked, folding the map up and tucking it onto her pocket. "I don't have limits, Viper."

"That's sir to you," he replied sternly. "All superiors must be referred to formally. Now, I've told you all the basic information you'll need to know, for now. Here is a key to your dorm room, do not lose it." He passed her a small, silver key. "Are there any remaining questions before you go to your room?"

Cassidy pondered for a moment, casually lifting a hand to study her manicured nails, wondering if bright pink would possibly match with her new uniform... "I do have a question," she began. "All my needs are going to be attended to, right? Like, I'll have twenty-four hour room service and a maid to make my bed in the morning?"

Viper's left eyebrow rose just a little, and he cleared his throat briskly before he spoke. "I hope you realize, Miss Yamato, that the Academy isn't a hotel, nor is your training going to be some sort of lavish vacation. While we try to make all our trainee's reasonably comfortable here at headquarters, we most certainly won't be granting you any 'luxuries'. You will be supplied with the basics; a bed to sleep on, a bathroom, and a cafeteria for food."

Cassidy scowled slightly at this information. Admittedly, she had thought this place was going to be a little like a hotel. Room service, complimentary goods, a mini bar. All those expectations were replaced with disappointment. "Alright, that's what I assumed. I was just checking," she grumbled. "So I don't have anymore questions. May I leave, sir?"

"Yes, just a moment, Cassidy, there's one more thing," the Sargent replied coolly, eyes downcast as he shifted through the few papers in his clipboard, pausing for a second as he scanned one page. He glanced up at the increasingly impatient blonde. "I'd like you to be back here in my office tomorrow for 9 AM. You'll be assigned to your partner, whom you'll be training and working with for the foreseeable future unless there turns out to be a relevant reason for reassignment. You'll also be sharing your dorm room after tonight."

Cassidy's expression changed to a curious one just as she was getting up out of her seat. She paused, perching herself back down. "Partner, you say? I thought I'd be working on my own for a while at first, but that's alright," she said with a shrug. "So, what's my partner like?"

"Quiet from what I've seen. What I can tell you is that we choose our pairings based on what our professionals think are compatible personalities for a partnership, in hope that you'll work well together and be a success," Viper replied, placing his clipboard down. "Going by your forms, and your personality, Cassidy, you seem better suited to being the leader of your team. But we can make that decision tomorrow."

Cassidy suddenly grinned at the aspect of being 'team leader'. "So I'll be the boss, that's fabulous," she replied haughtily, standing up again, grabbing her map and schedule off the desk and shoving her dorm key in her pocket."Thanks for the info, sir. See ya!" she chirped before he could keep her in there any longer, chuckling as she left the office- with a much more positive attitude than the one she'd gone in with.

She smirked herself as she got outside and began to make her way down the corridor, eyes scanning deftly over the map in her hands so she could find out where her dorm was in the midst of this massive building. Knowing she was going to be the leader of her team had given her a very sudden sense of authority. The thought of having a 'quiet' partner to boss around and give orders to was most definitely her idea of fun. She was, of course, getting ahead of herself. She was merely one out of hundreds of trainees, no more important than anyone else- but she didn't like to think that.

"Oof!"

"Ouch!"

Cassidy scowled, glancing up from her map to see who she'd bumped in to. Or, as she had decided, who had dared to bump into her. Her eyebrows shot up, violet eyes widening in utter disbelief when she saw who was staring right back at her.

Was this...a joke?

A lookalike?

Her mind playing tricks after such a tiring day?

No. The magenta-hair, the ocean blue eyes...it was clearly...

"Jessica?" Cassidy exclaimed, a look of disgust crossing her face as she scanned the young woman up and down. Her eyes rested back when they met with Jessie's, and then she just stared. It was a cold, hard stare that said something along the lines of, 'What the hell are you doing here?'

The red-head cast her own eyes down, discomfited by her long-time rivals bitter glare. This was the girl she hadn't seen since Pokemon Tech, back where all the trouble started...

"Cassidy...what a surprise it is to see you here," she managed to mumble after a moment, still avoiding all eye contact with the blonde.

The girls awkwardness was obvious, and it caused a malicious smirk to cross Cassidy's lips. She put a hand on her hip. "Yep, it's been a while, huh?" she replied in a false, friendly tone of voice, continuing to outstare her rival. "May I ask what on earth a loser like you is doing in a place like this?" She paused. "You...don't seriously think you can cut it as a criminal...do you, Jess?" she questioned amusedly, giving a few forced snorts of laughter as if this was the most absurd thing in the world.

Jessie clenched her fists, shifting her eyes to glare at Cassidy "As a matter of fact, yes. I do. I wanted to do something rewarding with my life, although if I'd have known you were going to be here I probably would have steered clear."

Cassidy raised her eyebrows disapprovingly. "Well, that's just a darn shame, isn't it?" she shot back. "I don't believe you're actually here. Didn't you always used to say you wanted to be an actress? You should've followed your dream, honey! I mean, I'm sure there's horror movie directors out there who'd love someone with a face like yours to play the part of an ogre or gremlin."

Jessie's fists balled up tighter, her knuckles going white. She had to grit her teeth and mentally calm herself in order not to smack Cassidy across the face. "Listen, Cassidy," she said as calmly as possible. "I really don't want any trouble. This is a fresh start for me, I'm trying to get somewhere in life. So, if you're willing to, I'll put the past behind and we can call it quits. Either that or we just stay away from each other."

The fact that Jessie seemed so determined on keeping her cool and 'calling it quits' made Cassidy's smirk grow, a little spark in her violet eyes. "Ya know what? You're right. It's childish, this whole 'rivalry' thing."

Jessie's shoulders dropped as if a weight had been lifted off of them and her expression relaxed. "Well...that's good. I'm glad you agree," she said, managing a small smile.

"But hey, who doesn't love letting their inner child out sometimes, hm?" Cassidy added maliciously, grinning at Jessie's expression. "Oh, Jessie-Jess. You know I wouldn't end our rivalry for the world!"

"You're a bitch, Cassidy. You really are," Jessie snapped, frowning as Cassidy came closer, the smell of her fragrant perfume evident as they came face to face, noses very nearly touching due to their almost identical heights.

"Got that right, freak. And you're gonna wish you had steered clear once I'm finished with you," the blonde replied, her sweet tone of voice turning sour as her lips formed a snarl. She brought her face the last few inches closer to Jessie's, eye contact never ceasing. "If you know what's good for you, sweetie, you'll stay the hell out of my way for the duration of our time at this place, is that clear?"

The red-head forced herself to glare right back and stand her ground. Oh, it was clear alright. She knew exactly what her ex 'BFF' was like. But she wasn't going to be intimidated and pushed around by her anymore- she wasn't the same old Jessica from Pokemon Tech, she'd acquired some backbone these past few years. "No. But I'll tell you what is clear. I'm not going to be bullied by you, and you're not going to sabotage my training."

Cassidy sneered, her eye contact with Jessie faltering just slightly. "We'll see, loser girl," she hissed in the red-head's face, giving her a hard shove in the chest and then taking her chance to set off back down the corridor before anything else could be said or done.

Once she was 'safe' around the corner, she stopped to have another look at her map and go over what had just happened. What was that loser Jessie doing here? The thought of that failure actuallymaking something of herself was laughable- let alone becoming a professional criminal. The girl was a total clutz. A loser, a nobody, a wannabe version of everything that came naturally to her blonde and beautiful rival. Cassidy decided that she was going to make sure it stayed that way.

She could easily use Jessie as her source of amusement from this day forward. She could also use her to make everyone else fear and respect her as well. Once they knew how conniving she could be, they would never dare mess with her. It would be simple. After all, it was a piece of cake antagonizing Jessie, who'd be sure to warn everyone how 'evil' her rival was. Cassidy knew exactly which spots to hit,exactlywhich strings to tug, exactly what lit the right fuses. And she'd use it against her.

Not to mention, having some competition in this place...could only be a good thing.