Our World

Chapter One

Scaling the mountain was much more tedious than he initially thought. It didn't surprise him that the snowy slopes were perfect breeding grounds for some of the strongest Pokemon fought in the region. What did surprise him was how underprepared he was when making this trip.
Gold was no stranger to a good challenge. If anything, he reveled in it. It gave him that rush that made him want to keep going. To keep exploring. To be the best. However, the journey up to Mount Silver was a pain in it's own right. It wouldn't be a problem if he had packed proper hiking gear for cold climates and if he had stocked up on Freeze Heals and Potions. He already mentally cursed himself out for it, but he was too far in to turn back. He was going to do this. He was going to battle the lone Trainer on the very top of the mountain.
As a Dex holder, he was already well acquainted with some of the others. Mainly Gary, Leaf, Yellow, Ruby, and Sapphire. He didn't much pay attention to the newer Dex holders. Nor did he attend the semi-regular meetings that often. He was more concerned about completing his goal and training up for that moment. The moment when he and Red locked eyes and battled each other.
Tybo carried his Trainer up the slopes until the team finally arrived in the caverned part of the peak. Red was not too far now. There was no going back. Gold used as much Repels as he could, navigating as best as he could through the maze-like cave. He was exhausted and cold and really on his last nerve. He knew he was so close, but his team was worn down and even he was feeling the effects of this trial. That was, until he laid his eyes on the stairs.
The emotions he felt in one moment were impossible to compile into words. This was it. He was about to battle the legend himself. With each step he took, he could feel himself absolutely brimming with anticipation. He knew this would all be worth it. This was a challenge he didn't want to back down from. Not for a long shot.
At the top, Red stood with his Charizard. He let the warmth of the fire type soothe him. Living in near solitude was peaceful for the original protagonist. For so long, he was impossible to ignore. Everyone's eyes were always on him. The fame, the stress, and even the change of tone in his friendships made him shut out everything. To say he wasn't happy was a massive understatement. Fleeing to the icy peaks of Mt. Silver made him realize that he could finally be alone. At least, until a plucky 16 year old wearing fucking shorts came into his cavern. It was definitely a comedic sight: a trainer 2 years or so his junior not at all dressed for his environment demanding to battle with as much cockiness as Gary motherfucking Oak. Red didn't physically smile, but his eyes had a humorous gleam in them.
"P..pokémon m..master Red..." Gold started out, shivering and exhausted beyond all belief. "I..I'm here to c..challenge you t..to a.. to a battle!!"
Red blinked and returned his Charizard with a stretch. It had been a long time since anyone wanted to battle him. He liked the challenge, but he knew this wasn't going to end how his plucky opponent wanted it to.

It wasn't long before Gold got his ass handed to him. He realized quickly that Red had speed and a list of foolproof strategies. It made him gulp quietly as he accepted his first ever defeat.
"W..well... shit." Red looked at him unfazed as the other male spoke. "..You're.. definitely better than.. than what others say. Good.. good game, Red. Good game." Gold sighed and gripped his bag tightly. "But don't think this.. this is the last you'll see o..of me..!" At that, Red quirked an eyebrow.
"..?"
"I'll be back.. soon enough! This is the.. best challenge I've h..had in a long, looong time..!!" With that, the Trainer began his decent down the mountain, avoiding so many Pokemon in order to keep his team safe. Red watched him leave with a small smile. Maybe he wasn't so bad.

Returning to the nearest Pokécenter was agony for Gold. He stomped off snow and warmed himself up with whatever Joy offered him. In the back, the pink haired nurse fixed up his badly damaged team. He really wasn't expecting Red to be a heavy hitter. But the fact that he learned the hard way made him more determined than ever to win. No matter how many times he'd get his ass handed to him. He relaxed in his seat for a while before letting some of his recovering Pokémon wander around the center. Tybo was warming his Trainer up for a while until Gold got antsy and started walking around. He didn't like sitting still that much. Whether it was due to the anxiety or hyperactivity is anyone's guess.
He checked on the store and browsed through their selection. He knew he needed to stock up on whatever he could for the next trek up the mountain of snowy hell. When he was done with his purchases, he took some steps back and bashed into someone. Or maybe, they bashed into him? Regardless, he snapped his head and saw the dropped item first. A Super Repel.
"Ey, ey, watch where you're-" Gold stopped once he laid eyes on the person who collided with him.