#goldmatchprep

[polo-drone-084]

Golden Football Practice & Planning

It was only a few days until the match against the Red Coach's Crimson Frost Giants. Grayden had trained up Leander to be the mascot, now he had to train himself. It didn't help that Percival had been corrupted by the red and Ezan was away. He had to practice to be Brody's reliable receiver. He hoped Nils and Rainer had also practiced.

Brody has arrived to give Grayden some practice time. The two of them had to help ensure the Golden Army offense scored. With two key receivers corrupted they would have to plan out formations to adjust to the back-up players. But Grayden had to admit, as the match drew nearer their pool of back-ups was getting shallower by the day. Just today they got news that Chevy, their star running back, was corrupted.

(RED-001 with corrupted Chevy a.k.a. RED-063; Image by RED-001)

Atlas and Adonis might have to do something soon to get the Gods to contain the rising threat of RED-001. The red corruption had been spreading fast with less than 3 days until game day. For now it was practice time.

The two practiced various plays and considered different options based on Grayden's intel about the Red Coach's normal defensive playbook. How could they find holes in the CFG defense and ensure Gold came out on top? Brody threw so many passes and screens as Grayden tried to catch as many as possible. The two had to ensure they remained in sync. Grayden had to be able to read what Brody was planning without them even needing to say it out loud.

Soon they saw C.C., the former alien turned golden bro was ready to train. C.C. had started the season as just the kick returner and a back-up running back for the team. But with Chevy out, he would be in the game more. His devotion to Gold was unshakeable. He could never repay the kindness they granted him in the past and he was determined to get them a win this weekend.

C.C. ran sprints as Grayden and Brody kept practicing. Eventually another player arrived. Another rookie, Gold had to admit they had a lot of rookies on their team this year.

Chavaun Lupinskiv was recruited for the Water Polo team, but he had been serving as Gold's fourth cornerback when they needed one and a back-up on the defensive line when needed. Chavaun was there to practice his defense and to help Grayden get ready to get around the red defense.

They lined up with Brody on the sidelines watching as Grayden just practiced slipping free of Chavaun to be free to receive the ball from Brody. Grayden had to admit for a rookie, Chavaun had a lot of strength. The polo drone training he underwent likely aided him greatly.

It would take time and more practice, but Gold had to overcome. They couldn't give up or give in to the red. But also for their standing in the Chroma Football League they needed a win to start bouncing back.

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Mentioned in this story: Brody #11 @brodygold

C.C. #47 is an NPC made by me for the team to use originally made for the Cyan Collective Storyline

Chevy/RED-063 is @chevy-gold

RED-001 is @polo-drone-001

Chavaun #36/PDU-436 is an NPC made by @polo-drone-767 for the water polo team originally.

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Want to follow along or catch up with "The Red" storyline/saga check of the Red Index here:

Red Index

The Red Storyline is a collaboration with SERVE. The two groups have a connected past, but are no longer connected. Please do not ask Golden Army recruiters how to join SERVE or SERVE recruiters how to join the Golden Army.

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If you would like to join the Golden Army, please contact one of our recruiters @franco-gold94 @alton-gold77 @polo-drone-125 @polo-drone-166

[polo-drone-070]

GOLD DRIPS HARDER - Soccer training with the bros

—MORNING HEAT— Yo. Ain’t even sun-up yet and we steamin’ like a damn sauna, innit. Gold skin out. Cleats on. Beats bumpin’ in my head, no headphones needed—just vibe.

Jackson’s first to lose the tee, flings it at Franco like, “Rise n’ flex, bro!” Franco deadpans, “Ten burpees.” Jackson just laughs, “Worth it, bro. Worth every rep.”

I’m already bouncein’ the ball off my chest, knee, shoulder—loose, glidin’. It’s not training. It’s like... flow. Muscle memory with basslines.

Xavier’s towel-whippin’ the air. “Yo Max, your chain’s glowin’ again or is that just ego lightin’ up?” I smirk. “Nah bro, that’s internal radiance, like. Gold don’t need batteries.”

Vernon rolls in late, goalie pads half-on, lookin’ like he dressed in a tornado. “Hey... uh... brought this herbal mist thingy for like, goal clarity?” Bro silence. Then Jackson: “Mist for what?” We all crack up. But I dap Vernon up after. “Keep it weird, bro. Gold notices.”

Franco don’t laugh. Just runs suicides bein’ all intense and focused. Xavier chucks a cone at him. “Yo lighten up, bro.” Franco: “Smilin’s wasted motion.”, before breakin a soft smile. Classic.

—NILS DROP— Mid-grind, break hits. We pantin’, stretchin’, shinin’ with heat. Nils appears. No talk. No footsteps. Just presence. He hands us our bottles like some silent hydration monk.

Mine? Ice cold. Feels like... charged. First sip and my brain clears. Like—focus, clarity, tunnel lock.

I blink. “Bro. Did you tweak this?” He nods once. Like he’s sayin’ “obviously” without words. Then vanishes into the mist like a damn myth, already busy cleanin sum mess.

Xavier whispers, “He’s like hydration ASMR.” We all nod.

—TAMMY GRIND— Everyone peels off. I stick with Tammy.

Tammy’s got the heart, yeah? But brain in the way. Overthinkin’. Hesitatin’. Tryna solve shit mid-pass like he’s in mathletes, not midfield.

“Again,” I bark. He fumbles. “Again.” Still stiff.

I get in close. Tower a lil’. Let him feel it. “You wanna run this game, Tammy?” He nods like, “Hell yeah.”

“Then stop thinkin’. This ain’t chess. This is waves, bro. You don’t solve waves. You ride ‘em.”

He breathes. Hits it clean. Pure instinct. I clap his back. “That’s it. Gold don’t calculate. Gold reacts.”

—KIO ENCOUNTER—

Later, field’s empty, just me and the echo of cleats on turf. I’m chillin’ near the benches, unlacing boots, breath finally steady...

That’s when I clock him.

Still figure, back by the far fence—cyan trim, sharp profile. Dude’s not just watchin’. He’s measuring.

Silent. Focused. Like a drone with a soul.

I slide off the bench and ghost up behind.

“Yo.” He turns, smooth like clockwork. Pale eyes meet mine.

No blink. No surprise.

“Kio Vant,” he says—clean, crisp, like the name explains everything.

“Flux Crew,” I smirk. “Doin’ recon?”

He nods. “Observing rhythm variance. High-pulse spacing. Emotional excess.” I laugh. “Bro, you makin’ us sound like jazz gone wrong.”

Then I get a better look. Dude’s like... fresh serious. That tight-focus jaw, those chill vibes with zero front. All neat and wired. But the way he stands? Earnest. Like he believes in his sync life.

Kinda cute, not gonna lie.

“You reckon your neon glitch squad’s gonna out-tempo us?” “I think we’re already ahead,” he goes. Calm. Not cocky.

I grin wider. “Aight, how ‘bout a bet then?”

He tilts his head. “Terms?”

“If we win,” I say, steppin’ closer, voice low, “you join one of our drills. Gold core. No observer mode. We break your rhythm—and maybe your outfit.” He lifts a brow. “And if we win?”

I lean in. “You name it. But no ghostin’, Waterboy. You feel what’s comin’, innit?”

He blinks once. Heel taps. Walks off.

But I saw it. That flicker in his eyes.

Curiosity.

Desire.

Drip recognition.

And next time? He ain’t leavin’ untouched.

___ Featuring - Jackson #15 @basit015 - Franco #94 @franco-gold94 - Xavier #39 @polo-drone-039 - Vernon #31 @vernon-gold-31 - Nils, Waterboy 01 @nils-gold-34 - Tamerlan 'Tammy' #73 @polo-drone-073 ___ Think you’ve clocked our rhythm, boy? Step onto our turf—get humbled, get jocked, get golded.

💬 Recruiters: @polo-drone-001 · @brodygold · @goldenherc9 · @polo-drone-125

[polo-drone-084]

Mascot Training Time

Grayden had less than a week until the next major match. He wanted to ensure his boy, Leander, was ready to take the helm of Golden Knight. He wasn't just leading the fans this time. He had to lead the Golden Army and watched carefully to ensure the Red Coach and his pups didn't do anything to the fans or the team bros in the stands. The Golden Knight would be the protector of the fans. 

(Leander as the Golden Knight, AI really wanted the mic and pyrotechnics)

But also Grayden wanted to see Leander get better at cheering. Leander was often only at away games or special events as Dorado, the team's secondary tiger mascot. Dorado was more gimmicky and less about cheering though. Dorado often resorted to roars, flexing, and flirty behaviors with some of the fans.

Grayden knew he had to call in the big guns. Maximus/PDU-070, PDU-767, and himself. He normally would have called Riley or Alex, but both seemed to be away on some kind of month-long cheer camp. 

(PDU-767, Grayden, and Maximus/PDU-070)

As the three met with Leander and checked on his skills they realized they had a lot to work on.

(PDU-767 showing off cheers)

Maximus emphasized using strong posture and a loud voice when speaking. 767 showed proper cheer movements and shared a cheer or two. Grayden did have to advise both not to rhyme red with dead, lead, or shred. This match was still likely to be televised and Grayden pointed out he didn't want a repeat of the New Zealand Terrapins match incident. 

(PDU-767 asking Grayden a question)

But then 767 turned to Grayden. “QUERY: How will the Golden Army explain the Red Pup Drone Players to the Chroma League officials and broadcasters?”

Grayden looked stunned like he hadn't thought about that. “Umm…well. Maybe we tell the Red Coach and his team we’re going to treat this like a theme night for them. Yeah, a theme night.” 

Grayden let out a sarcastic chuckle. It was clear he hadn't thought about that and he was fairly certain there wasn't a cure yet. He just had to hope The Red Coach's honor for the sport wouldn't resort to some kind of scene during the game. 

From what Aksel and Henrik had told him the two biggest driving factors for Coach Roth before he became the Red Coach was always his love for the game and his love for his boys. He wanted to win, but he always wanted his boys to do their best. Grayden could tell from all the stories he heard that Coach Roth was actually a caring and kindhearted man behind the Red Coach. He was just clouded by anger and a desire for revenge that the Red clearly took advantage of. If only there was some way to get through to him? They might not be able to cure him. But if they could even temporarily break him from the Red control, maybe they could turn a foe into a temporary ally.  

(Grayden holding a Golden Knight shield)

Grayden had gotten too far off on a tangent. He wanted to show Leander the proper crowd boosting moves and shouts. Lifting the Knight’s sword was quite popular with the fans to symbolize support. Grayden also pulled out a sturdy shield. The Golden Knight rarely used this, but in this battle it could shield Leander if any red pups go rogue. Or its main intended use, to cheer on the Golden Army defense. 

(Leander is ready to lead the team's cheers)

Leander showed improvement as the days passed by. He would likely have others to support him, but he would be doing the job that normally Grayden and Riley did together. The job of leading the fans in showing their support. The loud cheers would be needed to keep Gold’s spirits high even after the 3-5 start to the season. They needed everything they could get to make it to 4-5 instead of 3-6. 

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This match prep story features Grayden along with @polo-drone-767, @leander-gold-88, and @polo-drone-070

Thank you to PDU-767 for assistance with some of the pictures.

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If you'd like to join the Golden Army please contact one of our recruiters: @alton-gold77, @polo-drone-166, @franco-gold94, or @polo-drone-125

[polo-drone-084]

Pondering the Roster

Grayden sat in his personal office. He pondered. The match roster. With the CFG controlled by the Red Coach that changed things. Then add in that some bros had been missing or injured in recent fights against the Red Coach. He had to plan carefully. 

Even since Herc's departure from the team the Golden Army defense had some holes in it. The Polo Drones on the defense trained relentlessly. PDU-767, 073, 166, 039, 090, and 125 were a unit that was hard to crack. Add in Brock who was always reliable and Shawn becoming the new middle linebacker, and it should have meshed perfectly. But somehow in the last two games the opponents found holes to get through. 

Grayden knew this required a drone-like analytic mind. He took out his black rubber polo and grabbed his laptop. He activated PDU-084 and began reviewing clips of the Bronze Battalion and Storm forged Sentinels matches.

PDU-084 noticed missteps and the biggest gap was in their linebackers. Ares and Roman made noticeable blunders in their coverage. They were often out of sync leaving open receivers. And when special formations called for them to cover a running back that is how we got. “Eaten for Tunch” as the Bronze Battalion put it. But they weren't the only ones. 

The cornerbacks were also a weak point. Devon, Nate, and Kai often missed practices for other responsibilities. However Devon and Nate had gotten better by coming to practice in drone mode after their PDU training. No one had seen Kai though. Grayden had helped recruit Kai so maybe he should go check on him. 

PDU-084 then reviewed the offense. Clips showed Alton getting collided into by the Bronze Battalion defense. How did they get to him? A slip-up by our offensive guardsmen. It continued with clips of Brody getting sacked each quarter. The worst part was watching how banged up Gold looked playing against a strong defense. 

While The Bronze Battalion led the league in defense, the Crimson Frost Giants weren't normally too far behind. Magnus was a red pup drone and he was considered one of the strongest defenders in the league. 

PDU-084 then analyzed his game along with Nils, Rainer, and Ezan. The wide receivers. They had to catch Brody or Gabe's passes. But what PDU-084 saw was incomplete passes and strong coverage in the last two games. The defenders often put pressure on them leading to low scoring, in the case of the Sentinels. Or in the case of the Bronze Battalion, no score at all. 

PDU-084 then analyzed the Crimson Frost Giants. Even in pup form they would likely play similarly. Anders the QB was extremely versatile. A strong mix of passing and running plays. 

The biggest gap 084 found was in the offense. The Crimson Frost Giants normally had strong wide receivers and running backs, but currently most of them were safe from the red corruption. That might be an opening for the Golden Army. At the very least it meant that Gold’s defense may be able to hold the line better this game when combined with the increased training. 

PDU-084 would need to consult with Aksel and Henrik from the CFG on strategies to best defeat the Red Coach. That may lead to some minor alterations later.

PDU-084 compiled his findings and submitted it to the coaches and Captain Brody. The final roster for the match would need to be decided soon, barring any red incidents. And the team would need to work to improve on any prior shortcomings.

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Some of the pictures are reused from previous stories by @polo-drone-767, @polo-drone-166, and @alton-gold77

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If you'd like to join the Golden Army please contact one of our recruiters, @polo-drone-166, @alton-gold77, @franco-gold94, or @polo-drone-125

[polo-drone-070]

Crave | Code | Control

Pitch was mine this morning.

No shouts. No drills. Just heat off my chest and the burn in my quads.

Sun barely up, but I’d already done circuits the lads would moan about. Sweat clingin’ golden to my skin, kit rolled to my waist. Felt the pulse under it all—my drive, my fire… his essence.

Sayyid Ezan’s mark still thrummed in me. Golden. Deep. It didn’t scream—it commanded. Every push-up, every sprint, every flex of this jock shell was for him. I train for the match. But I rise for the Master.

And still… Still I thought about that boy.

Kio.

Neon crew cutie with sharp lines and serious eyes. Moved like math. Spoke like silence. Precise, pristine, out of place on any real field.

Can’t lie. I wanna knock that rhythm out of his step. See his careful little breath catch. See him flinch when I body past him. See him break form—because of me.

Eyes flared gold just thinkin’ it. Didn’t choose to. Just happened. Crave makes code spark.

Shower hit hard. Steam swirled. Muscles sang.

But the fire didn’t cool. Even after the sweat rinsed off, even after the gold kit was folded neatly—

—I still burned.

So I reached for the one thing that always grounds me.

The polo.

Black, snug, marked. Standard issue. Drone division. Hive protocol.

I slipped it on.

Collar high. Chain tattoo gleaming through.

Mind quieted.

Emotion halted.

Designation aligned: PDU-070

Now it’s just function.

Analyze. Optimize. Dominate.

The unit moved to the edge of the Glowring complex. Casual. Controlled. Unseen.

Target: Kio Vant Status: Recon. Observational. Soft interface only.

Result: Subject located. Admiring Vexon’s burst footage on holo-reel. Eyes wide. Pulse elevated. Interpretation: Emotional bond to team’s striker. Predictable.

Intent: Shut that down. Smother Vexon’s tempo. Neutralize the signal before it spikes. Prove that raw heat always outburns rhythm.

This drone blocks attackers. It erases threats. It wins.

Neon thinks sync will save them.

But sync cracks under Gold Heat.

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Golden Army awaits. Precision. Power. No mercy. Join now. 💬 Recruiters: @polo-drone-001 · @brodygold · @goldenherc9 · @polo-drone-125