[hr] [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/201221/c49e93206071b83c08b04c1913bd365a.png[/img][/center] [hr] Attica could see the confrontation include that kid who was rude to her earlier. Although they weren't supposed to battle on the boat she wished to watch that kid get his ass kicked. When it fizzled out into nothing Attica felt her shoulders relax, while the fight would've been kinda cool it made her nervous seeing people show such aggression to one another. It was so untamed and cruel, it made her uncomfortable. When the larger group dispersed Attica stepped forward to those that remained. [color=CAA5E6][i]"Inferiority complex. That's all it is."[/i][/color] she spoke matter of factly and could tell instantly as the words left her mouth that a few of them had no idea what she was talking about. [color=CAA5E6][i]"That snobbish kid with the Zorua? He was rude to me too."[/i][/color] She took a breath before she continued, practically motormouthing. [color=CAA5E6][i]"He has an inferiority complex. That's why he throws around his connections, flaunts his money and most likely why he has a Zorua, basically serves as his Yes-Man and never questions him. Also when he's walking people assume he is always with friends."[/i][/color] It was a few moments before [url=https://partyflock.nl/images/artist/112469_404x404_493996/Noname.webp]someone else[/url] spoke and Attica could feel sweat prickling on her lower back feeling the weight of the room upon her. She laughed a bit awkwardly as she tried to figure out Attica. [color=f6989d][i]"Yeah, his name is Elliot I think his family is rich or something he looks kinda familiar."[/i][/color] Nyree looked at the others and then back to Attica. [color=f6989d][i]"I'm Nyree by the way, I'm from Galar. What was your name?"[/i][/color] Attica took a momentary breath and straightened herself out, standing up straighter than before and speaking with her same matter-of-fact tone. [color=CAA5E6][i]"Attica. I'm Attica Grey."[/i][/color] She tried a smile which quickly crumbled away. Nyree looked at the others expectantly. Marquis looked back at Max and chose to speak first. [color=gold][i]"Well I'm Marquis."[/i][/color] He looked at Nyree and gave her a quick 'sup' slightly suggestively to which she rolled her eyes and mumbled, [color=f6989d][i]"Boy.. you wish."[/i][/color] Marquis continued without missing a beat, [color=gold][i]"I come from Hoenn What's good?"[/i][/color] The three then turned their attention towards Max. [hr] Back on the island, the faculty collected in a main hall ready to greet the students. All the teachers, heads of houses and the headmaster himself stood as a group talking among themselves in hushed tones. Professor Hazel stood in one corner of the group and listened to Professor Thomas Branch go on about Seviper and Arbok comparisons. Merrick nodded along but kept his attention on Dr. O, when Professor Branch said something about poison types Merrick nodded and cut him off quickly, [color=green][i]"Sorry Thomas, excuse me."[/i][/color] Merrick made his way to a better position still watching Dr. O. From this angle he could see Andres Beauregard watching her from behind as well, the two locked eyes and nodded to each other. Merrick thought back to a few years ago. Andres and him walked along the Ilex forest clearing out debris and looking for any trainer that may be lost. [color=green][i]"I dunno Andres. I owe you one, you're right about that. But I just don't think I want to be a Professor. I'm having fun as Azalea Town's Gym Leader. Johto needs better Gym Leaders, it's a struggling region you know?"[/i][/color] Andres laughed but Merrick could tell is was forced. [color=salmon][i]"Yeah.. Listen Merrick. I wouldn't pressure you this much if I didn't need you. I think."[/i][/color] Andres paused for a moment and continued, [color=salmon][i]"I think there's something happening at the school. I need people I can trust."[/i][/color] The pair looked at each other and Merrick only nodded. And that was it. The conversation ended there. Back in the present Merrick stood there occasionally throwing glances at Dr. O. He was sure he was going to turn down Andres that day, but Andres never makes a move he isn't entirely confident in. That day Andres knew Merrick Hazel would say yes. Because when it comes to the kids, Merrick will always do it for them. [hr]