The Sea Guardian {A Pokémon Fanfiction}

Protection

Gold's POV~

Togetaro swooped below me, picking me up onto his back. I laughed, spreading out my arms, as he flew faster and faster around the gigantic room. I'm the Champion! The mother fricking Champion!

Then a frown found its way to my face, crushing my happiness. I held Togetaro's feathers and motioned for him to land next to my redhead rival.

"Silver," I began, running a hand through my hair. "Look, I-"

I was cut off by something Silver had never, ever done in his life to anyone. I slowly, hesitantly hugged him back, patting his back.

"What the hell..." My eyes widened as he released me.

"I've done that twice today!" Silver groaned frustratedly. "Twice!"

"Aw, Hazel's rubbing off on you," I cooed. "You gotta stop spending so much time with her."

"And Lyra on you," he retorted. "I can't handle so many optimists in one place." We both laughed with each other, savoring the moment of us alone together.

"I'm sorry, Silv, really," I sighed.

"Don't sweat it," he assured, patting my shoulder. "Only one person can be Champion. You're the one who deserves it. Honestly."

We both returned our pokemon, exiting the room. Lance congratulated me on earning the Champion title, saying if I'd like to continue traveling, he would stay at the Pokemon League. I gladly accepted the offer.

I was greeted by five grinning faces as Silver and I stepped out. They all looked excited and expectant.

"So?" Hazel pressed. "Did one of you win?"

"Ladies and gentlemen," Silver said, stepping aside and gesturing to me. "Please welcome, your new Champion."

Congratulations were thrown at me left and right. I was brought in a group hug by everyone (excluding Silver who seemed to have done enough hugging today) and was, once again, overwhelmed with happiness.

"Thanks a lot," I beamed.

I glanced over at Hazel comforting Silver, patting his back, only to be pushed off. A soft smile found its way to my face. There's Hazel for you, always thinking of others' feelings.

"We should celebrate!" Lyra quickly suggested. Everyone seemed to agree, and the day got better and better.

The next couple of weeks flew by in a flash. We stayed on Indigo Plateau since the Grand Festival was going to be held there and participants needed to sign up a week early. Silver, Lyra, Naomi, and Ray all trained together nonstop, determined to become stronger. Twave and Hazel worked on battling with each other, not really wanting to reveal their combinations, but Hazel mostly spent time training and bonding with Skar. I trained with Lance as he informed me on the duties of a Champion. Someone brave, strong, friendly, charming, and positive no matter what. Seems to me, I've got that all covered.

Most of all, we really bonded during our time with each other. We got to know each other better, spend more time with everyone, and, really, just bond. Ray even opened up to us a little, speaking and participating more. He's a really funny guy, although he wasn't as outgoing. I could tell he was a player though, and he wasn't bad-looking either. What can I say? He learns from the best.

Before I knew it, I was sitting in the bleachers with Blizzard in my lap, waiting for Hazel or Twave to appear on stage.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the most important event of the year!" Vivian greeted, waving to the crowd. "That's right! The Grand Festival is here with exactly 128 contestants in it to win it! But only 64 of them will move on to the next round! Are you ready?"