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[color=Orchid][b]Mentions:[/b][/color] [@Ambra] [@Psyker Landshark] [@PrankFox][/center]

[color=Orchid][b]Malik Harvey[/b][/color] was always reminded of the special connection that he had with Motostoke and its people, each time that he stepped foot in its limits. Yet, the burst of emotion that swelled in his chest, how he'd felt the very first time that he'd been to the city as a child, was never fleeting; its former Gym Leader would always have a home here. While he made it a priority to prepare himself accordingly for the orientation ceremony of the year's Gym Challenge, he'd opted to visit the Wyndon Hospital to surprise the children with his vintage Major League Card and a ride over the big city on the back of his Corviknight, provided that it wouldn't hurt them or trigger some sort of condition.

At midday, Malik had found himself trapped at the Wedgehurst Boutique with his mother, who was persistent on having him accept her tailor-made apparel. For many events with significant fan and press presence like the lead-up to the upcoming ceremony, his mother would design and make new clothing for him to wear. [b]"I spent a [i]lot[/i] of time and money making this for you, so you [i]will[/i] wear it!"[/b]

[color=Orchid][b]"Hah, you're just usin' me as free advertisement, mum,"[/b][/color] Malik would say to her, and she was always proud to admit the sentiment. When the time had finally come, he wore a violet silk shirt with an abstract swirl pattern that fit his frame perfectly, complimenting it with dark dress pants. Most of his time was spent on politely refusing to give out his phone number and addressing the numerous fans who approached him from seemingly all angles with all sorts of requests and questions. Autographs, pictures, petting the Espeon that perched on his shoulder; he already felt so exhausted by the time that he and Lady reached the lift.

With the moment to himself, Malik was leaning on the railing as he took the last drag of his cigarette, feeling a distinct rumble from a certain Pokeball at his waist. [color=Orchid][b]"Oh, I know, I'll quit someday,"[/b][/color] he smiled lightly, laughing when he felt Lady also chime in with a nudge at his ankles. He snuffed out the cigarette against the rail, kneeling down to caress the worried Espeon affectionately. [color=Orchid][b]"Last one for the week, I promise."[/b][/color] The two of them walked off from the lift as he popped a mint into his mouth, tossing the smoke and wrapper into their respective receptacles; fortunately, his cologne was strong enough to ward off the ashy odor.

Malik tried his best to avert the massive crowd that turned towards him in loud cheers upon his approach, bringing Lady back onto his shoulder as he passed by with smiles and waves. He knew that he was in the clear when he could make out a number of recognizable faces, seeing that some of the other Gym Leaders were already around. He was a bit surprised to see just how 'early' he seemed to have arrived, quick to join up with them after making it past the flock. [color=Orchid][b]"That's just like 'im, really,"[/b][/color] Malik added after Ezran upon hearing the press exchange with Isla and Zeke, giving his friend a playful punch against the shoulder before doing the same to Fiona.

His Espeon hissed in the direction of Hestia's Charizard as it wore a hostile expression. [color=Orchid][b]"Don't mind Lady, she's been pet a few too many times tonight,"[/b][/color] Malik chuckled, doing a quick electric guitar impression towards Minuet before folding his arms over his chest and looking over their group. [color=Orchid][b]"Hey, Z! Lookin' fly as ever, Fiona. I see Apollo's in the spirit already, Hestia."[/b][/color]