[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/k3D4Uo6.png[/img][/center][@vaguely][hr]
Zaria had been so sure that she'd delivered herself well. Sure the morning had been embarrassing, but seeing how the other transfers had been received in the class, she thought she'd be accepted more. Of course that didn't happen... The class practically booed her off with jeers, if they thought she was worth talking about at all in the first place. [i][color=lavender]Well, I guess that's that...[/color][/i] She felt a few tears come to her eyes, but blinked them away quickly. Class was officially starting anyways.

Thankfully the first day was easy on studying and schoolwork, so Zaria found herself daydreaming away, cheering up more as time passed. Sure, maybe her social standing wasn't great right now, but it was just the first day. There was plenty of time for her to grow and find friends... [i][color=lavender]You've got to stay positive, whether you believe it or not. It'll be okay.[/color][/i] By the end, just as they were packing up and getting to leave class, Caprea got their attention with a tournament.

Not sure how to react at first, Zaria glanced around the class to see how everyone else was taking the surprise. Her own battling experience capped out around novice; she'd been in a few wild pokemon battles for self defense, but nothing on the official or competitive level. Could she handle this, or should she bow out? Then again, everyone around her seemed to be pretty excited and pumped up, so she couldn't show a weak resolve. [i][color=lavender]I'm going to look even worse in front of everyone if I don't make some kind of effort! I've got to pull it together. Hopefully Magnet can too...[/color][/i] 

As they retrieved their pokemon and walked to the battle facility, Zaria kept Magnet close to her, but avoided the other students. After her little lie, well, maybe it was better to just focus on herself and Magnet for right now; she was thinking of potential strategies to use at the moment, apologies could be made later. Now, how to strategize... Who was she kidding, she didn't know the first thing about strategy! 

Magnet took notice of Zaria's worried expression so he beeped and nudged her shoulder. Turning to look at him, Zaria thought he looked pretty relaxed and nonchalant. Or did he not realize the gravity of the situation? Their popularity factor was at stake! [color=lavender]"So you're not nervous? Even though we're going to be having a battle?"[/color]

He nodded, his screws twisting in and out deliberately as if he were thinking. He let out another beep and zig-zagged erratically for a moment before nuzzling Zaria's hand again. The facility leered at them as they strode towards it, and Zaria could practically feel her heartbeat in her throat.

[color=lavender]"That's good Magnet, but we have to win, understand?"[/color] she insisted. He looked at her quizzically. [color=lavender]"We need to prove ourselves to the other students. Or else people are going to--to make fun of us and stuff, you know?"[/color] These were dire circumstances!

Magnet paused at first, but then nodded slowly as if he understood. So they had to win the battles. Winning was very important. It would be difficult, and maybe not as fun as he'd hoped, but there was nothing that could help that. The New Bark Ranger humans had told him he could trust Zaria, so he did. If she said this was important, he accepted it. Showing that he understood, he let out an enthusiastic beep and nodded. His eye curved into a smile. 

[color=lavender]"Right? I'm glad you understand! Oh, and we're here. Whew, lookit this place..."[/color] As they entered the battle facility, she was surprised to see the region electric gym leader at the front desk. [i][color=lavender]Don't tell me she does clerk stuff here... Wait, did she just say she was gonna watch our battles?! Agh, okay, don't worry. It's fine, it's fine!![/color][/i] Why was the pressure stacking up so much today? After this was over, she was heading to her dorm for a good nap.

Moving through hallways and passing doors, they eventually settled on their facility room. And before Zaria or Magnet knew it, they were facing their opponent, a grumpy looking Charmander with his trainer who was hellbent on defeating them. Great. [color=lavender][i]We're at a type disadvantage and our opponent's pretty confident. But that doesn't mean we can't win... We've just got to be on our guard,[/i][/color] Zaria thought, her brow furrowed. As for the jeers, she wasn't going to address them. Too deep in anxiety for that.

[color=lavender]"Magnet! Be careful! Avoid those fire attacks! And..."[/color] She squinted as the Charmander exhaled a thick cloud of smoke. [color=lavender][i]That's... Smokescreen? So this Charmander knows Smokescreen and Ember... Maybe we can use our status moves, before it tries to mess with us. Can't let our accuracy fall when every move counts![/i]

"Use Thunder Wave! Focus on paralyzing!"[/color] If they inhibited the Charmander's movement, surely the sides would be evened out a little. Magnet would try to dodge the Ember, then fire off a Thunder Wave. Zaria crossed her fingers.

[hider= Notes]
Magnemite (Magnet) -lv 10 / Ability: Sturdy/ Thundershock, Supersonic, Thunder Wave, Tackle

PP: 11

[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]