[h1][center][color=ffa77f]Zeke[/color][/center][/h1]

Ah, Gym Challenge season was here again. The sights, the sounds, the crowds! ...the smells, the smokers, the opressive industrial air. Same as it had been for years. Growing up in the his parents' line of work, Zeke was well-acquainted with this time of year. Even if he hadn't been able to participate, he was well attuned to the big events of Motostoke. They meant work. In fact, Zeke had come into town a few days early specifically to give his parents some extra help around the inn. An oversized porter suit, some sunglasses, and simply keeping his mouth shut made sure nobody realized the guy carrying their bags was a gym leader. He was thankful to finally be on good terms with his parents, though he shuddered to think what his life would be if he had never left Motostoke.

None of that was on his mind now though. The Fighting-type gym leader was currently strutting through the mass of fans come to watch the opening ceremony. His trusted Grapploct accompanied him on his right side, and an excited Loudred danced along on his left. His little hype man would occasionally let out a cry, a blast of sound that could be deafening if not for the Pokemon's own self-restraint. Of course these blasts drew attention to Zeke and he made the most of it. He flexed for the cameras, his arms exposed in his unzipped sleeveless hoodie. He and his Pokemon got a few pictures with fans, made some boyfriends jealous, signed some autographs, insulted some challengers. The usual. There was almost an incident with some local fans of Fiona, but thankfully they backed down at his bluffs. Zeke causing any actual trouble would cause problems for everyone.

Soon a different Pokemon's cry drew the crowd's attention away from him. The roar came from above and was accompanied by a plummeting silhouette backlit with flames. Some of the spectators cringed in fear, but of course the familiar Charizard pulled up at the last second so it could descend a little closer to the gym. The momentary distraction had let Zeke and Grapploct step out of the throng of people before it started rushing the stadium. His Loudred remained part of it, however, and was carried along, adding his own noise to the growing uproar. He'd find his way back to them later. He always did.

[color=ffa77f]"That Charizard's kind of an attention whore, eh?"[/color] Zeke muttered to Grapploct, holding back a grin. His Pokemon stared back at him unamused. The two took a detour through a smaller side street. Zeke noticed a passing Weezing and took a few deep breaths, thankful for the brief respite. Without Loudred drawing attention to them and with his hood up, Zeke moved quickly and efficiently, not sticking around long enough for anyone to recognize him. He came out on to the main street just in front of the stadium, and he and Grapploct squeezed through the crowd. 

Zeke found Fiona, Hestia, and Isla hanging out in front. He took another deep breath and put his back hood down. Break was over. He approached the girls, noticing Isla was talking to the press. Good, he was glad she could keep them busy for a while. As he walked over to Fiona and Hestia, however, a snippet of Isla's interview drifted over to him. "...Victoria better watch out, because I'm coming for her title." Oh, well, [i]that[/i] was just to good a setup. He winked at the Major League leaders then turned to stroll up to Isla and the press. 

[color=cb7310]"Ha! [i]YOU[/i]?"[/color] he punctuated the question with an exaggerated laugh. [color=cb7310]"[i]Oh no, Isla's coming for the Champion's spot![/i]"[/color] he pitched up his voice in mock worry. [color=cb7310]"That's cute, but how about you go back to playing in the snow and leave her to someone with some experience, sweetheart. Actually, I'll let you be my cheerleader and watch how I do it."[/color] It occurred to Zeke that this was the first time Isla had had to deal with Gym Leader Zeke. But she was a champion snowboarder, she'd certainly dealt with much worse from people who actually meant it. Even as he interrupted her, some jeers went up from the small crowd hanging around to get a look at them. Then a familiar call went out from somewhere in the larger crowd around them and more people joined in. [i]Dammit Loudred...[/i]