[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/sGiJTcl.png[/img][/center][@wisteria] [@jujube]

Antoinetta stopped, eyes wide, at the sound of an enthusiastic voice. She'd thought the match a humiliating experience for both herself and Mellona, but some people had admired the performance? And they appreciated Combees? Her smile returning, Netty stood tall and let Mellona out.

[color=7cff30]"Thanks! She's been training for contests for a while,"[/color] Netty explained, petting one of Mel's upper heads. The Combee, in comparison to her trainer, didn't seem too bothered by the defeat, instead doing a little twirl for both students. [color=7cff30]"Combees are pretty graceful dancers anyway, I mean it's an important form of communication for them. So it's only logical to work that into contests."[/color] Dropping that fact as that awkward kid in Sinnoh would have made her sound like a nerd, but hopefully it would sound much cooler from a budding coordinator addressing the beginnings of a fanbase.

At least, it would if she managed to keep it together. As others chimed in with questions, Netty's face warmed. Words eluded her. After this morning, of all possible responses to the show, she hadn't expected this. So this was what the thrill of recognition felt like? [i]Don't screw this up,[/i] she told herself. [i]Don't screw this up, don't screw this up...[/i]

It turned out she didn't have to for everything to go Wepear shaped.

"Pfff, please," a student piped up. "I don't get what you guys are so excited about, it's just a Combee. Don't they have, like, the same four moves until they evolve? And you just saw how well they do against Rock types." The girl fixed her smug gaze on Netty. "You'll have to up your game if you want to make it big."

The rush of pride faded to a sinking sensation. [color=7cff30]"Oh really?"[/color] Netty folded her arms, glaring. [color=7cff30]"Four moves, many combos, may I remind you."[/color] Not that she'd had a chance to pull off any combined moves in the battle. [color=7cff30]"Anyway, I'd better get going, but trust me, you'll see what I mean."[/color]

She hurried into the grounds, fists clenched as Mel buzzed along by her side. Of course that had been too good to be true. [color=7cff30]"Some people don't know what they're saying,"[/color] she muttered to the little Bug type.

As promised, she led Mel along the floral-lined paths, letting her explore the vast array of summer blooms. The Combee flitted from sunflowers, to dahlias, to a lavender patch, trying to decide on a favourite nectar flavour. Netty's mouth twitched up. By the time she headed to the dorms, the walk had [i]almost[/i] eased her mind... Yet, again, such moments couldn't last.

She opened the door to sounds from the kitchen, and the smell of something sweet baking. Great - she'd gone and ended up with a roommate. Had she really been so nervous about the application, so tired from those sleepless nights thinking about it, she'd messed up some of the requests? Or was it more about the limited places in such a prestigious school? Either way, she was stuck with someone who'd see her at her worst. Hopefully it'd be someone she could get along reasonably well with, at least...

That hope vanished when she reached the kitchen. A complete and utter mess greeted her, flour and food wrappers everywhere. In the middle of the chaos, stuffing her face with what must have been the week's supplies, was Zaria of all people.

[color=7cff30]"Hey!"[/color] Netty put her hands on her hips. [color=7cff30]"That isn't all yours, you know!"[/color]

[hider=Notes]
[hider=PP]17[/hider]
[hider=Pokemon Team:]
[list][*] Combee (Mellona), lv11
Current moves: Sweet Scent, Gust, Struggle Bug, Bug Bite[/list][/hider]
[hider=Pokemon in PC][/hider]
[hider=Items]
[hider=General][/hider]
[hider=Medicines][list][*] Potion x5
[/list][/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]