Gold- A Pokémon Story

Chapter Thirty Seven- Final Preparations

I was immediately ambushed by a reporter who shoved a microphone in my face. "Hey, trainer! Gold, isn't it? What do you have to say in regards to your battle against Red tomorrow?"

I was caught off guard by the sudden questioning. "Uhm... I'm going to go all out and I'm going to win!" I told them.

I answered a few more questions before being allowed to heal my Pokémon and reunite with Silver. "I saw the whole thing!" He congratulated. "You were incredible! I can't wait to see how you do again The Champion!"

I nodded and motioned to the train station down a flight of stairs. "Let's get over to Saffron so I can start planning my team!" I told him.

We went to wait for the Magnet Train to arrive at our stop and while we waited I gave my mom a call and told her what had happened. "REALLY? That's wonderful sweetie! I'll be sure to be there! Hold on, I have to go tell Silver's aunt... oh Arceus honey! I'm so excited for you!"

Silver called all our friends while I chatted with my mom on the subject. He told everyone to make sure they were there and then began fiddling with his Pokégear while waiting for my call to finish.

Eventually, my mom let me go and the train showed up. We hopped on and set off for Saffron City.

I ran through various team combinations and strategies on the way there but we got to our destination fairly quickly.

Silver and I stepped into the big city and I immediately took note of the large arena built on the outskirts of the city. The arena started where the old Fighting Dojo stood and went far past it.

It was based on some of the arenas in Galar but without the ability to Dynamax. Instead, it focused on housing many large tournaments and important battles.

We didn't have much time to see the city as I wanted to get some rest as soon as possible. I ended up staying up late running various scenarios in my mind for battles and trying to concoct a good strategy for the Pokémon I knew Red had.

Red famously used only four Pokémon in most of his battles. Occasionally he kept one or two extra in reserve and used them but those times were incredibly brief.

Which meant I wouldn't be able to plan for a third of his team if he decided to use every Pokémon, and I had a feeling he would.

Plus, the Pokémon I knew he did use were all extremely powerful. They evolved when they chose to and so each of them was well accommodated to their forms.

I was eventually able to get some sleep but I spent the whole rest of the day trying to decide on my team for the battle.

Through lots of deliberation, I had a good idea of the Pokémon I would need to bring along and my best bets for any surprises Red pulled out.

My nervousness was at an all-time high as the time of our battle approached. Silver and I walked through the city to see the sights on our way to the arena.

The entire time, I couldn't get my mind off of the battle. Everyone would be watching us. It was terrifying, but also exciting. If I lost, everyone I knew would see. But if I won, the same would be true.

We ran into Jess, Alex, Morty, Lillie, and Eusine on our way to the arena. "You've got this, Gold," Jess told me.

Alex nodded. "I've seen you battle and you've got the kind of flare needed to beat Red."

Eusine looked off into the mountains. "I'm sure Raikou will be rooting for you just as we will."

"Are those three Pokémon all you think about?" Alex joked.

My friends were able to lighten the mood and ease my anxiousness a little bit. When we got to the arena, my mom and Silver's aunt were waiting for us.

I ran up and hugged my mom. "Gold, I always imagine your being a great trainer but you've gone farther than my wildest dreams. I'm so proud of you, give it your best shot and have fun."

I felt myself tear up a bit with everyone around me. "Thanks, mom. Thanks, everyone. I won't let you all down!"

"There's my boy!" I turned around to see my father standing not too far from us. He looked a lot like me, but he was older and dressed in business attire. He also had lighter and shorter hair.

I ran up to him and immediately embraced him. "Dad! You came!"

My dad hugged me back. "Of course I came! I wouldn't miss this for the world! You're about to do something great, son. Win or lose."

I looked around at everyone and drew as much confidence from them as I could. "Battlers, please report to the waiting rooms immediately." A voice said over the P.A. System.

I said goodbye to everyone and followed the signs to a locker room. I went over my team one last time and waited to be called out.

Someone in the room with me gave me the cue to walk out and I stepped through the doorway into the arena.

The crowd was absolutely massive and while I couldn't make out anyone in particular I knew my friends and family were in the crowd.

The roar of the crowd grew as I walked over to one side of the battlefield and Red got to the other. Best of luck, Gold. I'm looking forward to our battle. He told me.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" An announcer boomed from the speakers. The crowd quieted down to let the man speak. "It's the moment you've all been waiting for! A full six on six battle between The Champion, Red, and The Challenger, Gold. Both trainers will be allowed full substitution and halfway through the battle we'll take a short break to change up the field!"

The battlefield started rising from the ground. "Our first battlefield will be a wetlands field!" The field was comprised of dirt and grass with puddles and lakes scattered across it. There were a few trees on the field as well and just about everything had a small layer of water underneath it.

"The Challenger will be given the first move once both Pokémon are on the field! Let the match... begin!"

I reached for my first Poké Ball as the screen off to the side came to life to display our team choices and statuses.

This was my chance to finally make true the mantra I had repeated so many times. I would become The Champion.