[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/sGiJTcl.png[/img][/center][@vaguely] The lecture mostly consisted of things Antoinetta already knew, such as rules and schedules. Throughout classes, those comments kept taunting her in her head. [i]Show us your contest stuff if you're so good, then.[/i] She'd show them alright, as soon as she got the chance... That chance came up sooner than expected. She looked up in surprise at Caprea. The tournament was today? Right now? A jolt of panic ran through her, but she quickly composed herself, at least on the surface. As Caprea produced a TM, Netty leaned forward, eyes on the prize alongside the rest of the class. Mellona currently couldn't learn many TMs, but that would change once she evolved, and if nothing else it'd be something to show for a victory. Netty would need proof, after all, to back up her words. Heading out with the others as Mel fluttered by her side, she stood tall. Such was easier since she'd changed her shoes at lunch time. What wasn't any easier was the thought of the challenge looming ahead, sooner than expected. Not that she'd let any doubts or fears show. [color=7cff30]"This is gonna be no problem,"[/color] she said, a grin hiding all uncertainty. A short walk led the class to the battle facility, an ultra-modern tower, in contrast with the ornate castle that was PMA's main building. She followed the others inside, her step faltering when she noticed who was at the desk. Having lived in Balamla for a year, she recognised the woman from photos - Electric type gym leader Tessa Nichols. The small, scruffy-haired engineer wasn't all that intimidating, especially with those tired eyes like she'd pulled an all nighter, but the thought of the extra scrutiny made Netty want to shrink back. Imperceptibly, she bit the inside of her lip. Great. As if an official match on the first day wasn't daunting enough, a gym leader was going to help judge it. There was no way she could afford to screw this up. For all that effort to appear confident, Mellona could clearly tell she wasn't. If the Combee was nervous herself, she hid it better than her trainer did, nuzzling Netty's shoulder with her third, main head. Netty gave a strained smile - it was a comforting gesture for sure, but if anyone else picked up on how anxious she was, it wouldn't help their chances. [color=7cff30]"We can do this, ok?"[/color] she told Mel. Striding into the reserved room, she took her place. She resisted clenching her fists as her opponent approached, a smug, smirking boy by the name of Nicholas, who took the opportunity right away to mock 'trainers like her'. Why did people view bug catchers as little more than annoyances? Some woodland grubs could give painful stings, but typically only when threatened, and well-trained ones usually behaved themselves, so why was her Pokemon type a problem? [color=7cff30]"Oh please."[/color] She straightened her back. [color=7cff30]"I'm not just any bug catcher, as you're about to find out."[/color] Nicholas' Pokemon, a Sentret, made a wild dash forward. By the look of it, not even the sudden burst of speed could match Mellona's, or at least Netty hoped. Still, she had to think quickly. [color=7cff30]"Mel, sweep it back with Gust!"[/color] Mellona braced herself, buzzing louder as she whipped up a much stronger stream of wind than the earlier ones. [hider=Notes] [hider=PP]11[/hider] [hider=Pokemon Team:] [list][*] Combee (Mellona), lv10 Current moves: Sweet Scent, Gust, Struggle Bug, Bug Bite[/list][/hider] [hider=Pokemon in PC][/hider] [hider=Items] [hider=General][/hider] [hider=Medicines][/hider] [hider=Pokeballs][list][*] Pokeball x5 [/list][/hider] [hider=Berries][list][*] Oran Berry x5 [*] Cheri Berry x1 [*] Pecha Berry x1 [*] Rawst Berry x1 [*] Chesto Berry x1 [*] Aspear Berry x1 [*] Persim Berry x1 [*] Leppa Berry x1 [/list][/hider] [hider=TMs][list][*] Hidden Power [/list][/hider] [/hider] [/hider]