Paragon (Season 1)

Tournament Opening Round 2: Switch vs Cassidy

"Time for the second round of the opening match ups! So far we've seen a feat of power and wit, even in such a short time the first year students of UAI have come so far! So let's see what the coming two students have in store for us."

"Welcome to the arena stage: Cassidy Jones of Class B! Nifty and resourceful, she's a master of misdirection, captivating your attention only to take advantage of it!"

The girl in question hopped onto the stage, arms stretched out as she took in the applause and cheers of the crowd, grinning from ear to ear. And as the announcer began to introduce her opponent she clutched her fists, gearing up to see what threat- or rather who, would appear in front of her.

"And her opponent! Carmicha- Oh- wait- I'm being informed that he just prefers to be called- Switch! And with a quirk of the same name you're bound to be impressed by his creativity, though his reputation precedes him as more of a force of chaos than some would like"

Switch wandered out onto the stage, looking like he didn't belong there as he gazed around in awe at the size of the stadium, and the number of people who had come to watch.

Cassidy put her hands on her hips. "Who let this MIDDLE SCHOOLER into the tournament?"

Switch stood directly opposite Cassidy, waving at her, but not getting a wave back. Cassidy pulled back her neck. She had heard some things about the students of Class A, but really not much. Especially not about this Switch. She rubbed her hands together. This was gonna be a joke.

"Let the fight... begin!!"

Cassidy immediately bolted forward, as the crowd noticed how two pinkish projections of hands appeared by her sides and shot forward. 

"HEY SWITCH!" She called out. "If you stay right where you are we can make this reaaaalll easy, eh?"

"Cassidy launches forward!"

Switch stayed in place, seemingly not responding, a stupid grin stuck on his face. Cassidy scoffed but focused as she approached her opponent.

---

Klaus leaned over the railing, holding his hand over his eyes to block the light. Then he enthusiastically turned back to his classmates. "I know what he's gonna do!!!" 

Adilah and Darrel simultaneously tilted their heads. "What?" 

Klaus put a finger to his lips. "You'll see! I won't spoil it." 

He turned back to the arena. "That Cassidy girl is gonna get pissed, I call it."

---

Cassidy was mere meters away from Switch, who remained completely motionless. And that's when a few worries entered Cassidy's mind. Why... wasn't he moving? She was coming at him with all the power of her quirk, like that, shoving him over the line would be so easy. Cassidy shook her head, it will be easy!

"Let's see what Switch has planned as he remains in place-"

"you can't dodge THIS..."

At that moment Switch took two steps back. As soon as he saw the rules of the tournament, a very simple plan came to his mind. He approached the out-line of the platform, waiting for Cassidy's spectral hands to almost reach him. A second before they did, he jumped up and back.

Cassidy blinked. She was out of bounds, still facing the same way as she was, and Switch was standing where she had stood by the edge of the platform, with his back to her. It struck Cassidy, they had switched places.

"And - after this- quick battle, Switch is the winner and moves on to the next round!"

Cassidy spun around instantly, sending her spectral hands out to Switch, who put his hands up.

"Hey lady! Put those away - Fight's over!" He continued grinning, quite clearly satisfied with himself.

Cassidy paused her apparitions right in front of him, on the verge of grabbing his collar.

"YOu call that a fight??? That was- That-" She knew it was by the rules.

Cassidy stomped her foot into the ground, arms at balled up into fists by her sides which her spectral hands imitated. "WhY did I have to be paired against you??"

There was nothing she could argue.

The girl put her hands over her face and dragged them down, letting out a grunt of frustration, "YOU LITTLE, YOU-" 

Switch simply smiled at her and waved once more. Cassidy grunted and turned around once more, stomping towards the exit.

---

Klaus leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest, satisfied. "Told ya she'd be pissed."