The Golden Champion

[thegoldchamp-blog]

tell us about some of your friends!

“No sweat! Hope you’ve got some time!” 

The man had done his fair share of traveling, and seemed to make friends —some a harder fought battle than others— wherever he went.

He rattles off Kris and Lyra’s names instantly, citing that he’d never have made it past Cherrygrove City if it weren’t for the two Newbark natives.  “And I can’t forget Silver! Yeah we had a rocky start…but we’ve come a long way—It’s incredible to see who he’s become.” He tips his hat back giving the list some more thought…“Man I’d talk about all the Johto leaders..but you’d be listening to me blab all day. I’ll spare ya.”

Who was less obvious? Ah Green! The man laughs a bit recalling their first meeting back on Mt. Silver. “Who woulda thought he would even talk to me again after I attracted a wild Tyranitar to his camp. Geeze, I really thought that was the end of us…but he really saved the day. Old Greenie really taught me a lot, actually Heh—just don’t tell him that.”

 And why was he up on Mt Silver? Red. “It’s kinda cool to befriend your idol! They’re more than the fanfare and rumors I believed as a kid…turns out Red hated all the glamour of being Champ…I may not have appreciated that beatdown on Mt. Silver as a kid…but they taught me a lot about losing, and ultimately who I wanted to be as a trainer.” 

Who else? “Dawn! beautiful and…terrifying.” Nervous laughter. “Uh—do me a favor and don’t mention I said that either.” As a matter of fact…who wouldn’t snap at Ethan for how he thought of them? “I guess we’ll end with Brendan! Probably one of my favorite dudes to run in to, he’s always down for a battle…even if I kick his ass—and hey! he’s really turned me on to those pokemon contests! I didn’t think they’d really be my speed…but they’re a lot of fun! He’s an incredible performer.” 

[nezcroma]

[toptrainer-blog1]

trainer’s peak ;; gold&green

[thegoldchamp-blog]

toptrainer‌:

A white cloud wafts from Green’s mouth as he scoffs.

“Nothing like that,” he begins, toeing the line between mockery and chastising. “I came out here to pick a good pokémon to add to my team, not out of any fanboyism. Unlike you, I know the real Red.”

Because it sure as hell didn’t feel like either of them were talking about the same one Green grew up with all those years ago. It was strange, detaching; the idolising of someone who didn’t care for more than listening to the rattata and pidgey and befriending them. The same that Green didn’t really understand, once. Still.

There’s an almost goading tone Green uses to bring up the fact, but within a few seconds, the crooked smirk on his face loosens, and disappears. But it’s somewhat masked when he tilts his head, a replacement for a proper shrug.

“But I guess I was right about the lack of good trainers over in Johto. What, a caped dragon tamer wasn’t doing it for ya?”

The goading smile on his face returns, showing teeth at the side.

“Poor Lance,” he chuckles.

Ethan does his best to not roll his eyes as Green continues to beat the proverbial dead horse; Ethan was a shitty kid but this stranger? Could do no wrong. 

At least that’s how the younger trainer took the Kanto champ’s meaning.

The most perceptive he’d been all evening.

  “The ‘Real’ Red? Jeeze man, way to sound like a snob.” Ethan fiddles with the worn bill of his hat, a habit he’d had since childhood. He didn’t want to pick a fight with this guy...but damn Green really liked to push buttons. His eyes flicker to the hot pot, the food—much like this conversation taking longer than he’d like. “Lance and Professor Oak actually recommended I come out this way. I’m just trying to grow I guess. Can’t get any better if I stay home. The chance to battle Red? Hell even to learn a thing or two from them? How can I pass that up?” 

He shrugs his shoulders again hoping his answer is finally enough to satiate the brunette.

The boy had enough of talking about himself, curiosity burning about his cave-mate. Spikey may have been a snob, but he had name-dropped two very powerful trainers, even implied that he knew them personally...impressive if true. 

“So you’re here to see if you can add to your team...so you’ve gotta be a pretty decent trainer, especially if you know Red and Lance...What are you? A Gym Leader in Kanto or something?”

[yamaproudhon]

[crimscned-a]

expensive tastes || red & ethan

thegoldchamp

❄ Though the Hau’oli City Mall was packed with people today, Red had actually grown to appreciate crowds- when they could blend in, anyway. When Red had arrived in Alola, everyone was recognizing them, and it was difficult to go anywhere without some stranger calling out their name. But after a year running the Battle Tree, people got used to their presence and didn’t bother them in public as much anymore. So the crowds were actually quite nice- the more people around, the harder it would be to spot Red.

❄ That desire to not be noticed, however, clashed with their admittedly rather recent love for fashionable clothes. They found themselves in the Gracidea boutique, looking at expensive outfits. Ones they could obviously afford, since Red was paid generously for their position as a Battle Tree boss. Though they did admit that trying on a red floppy felt hat valued at 153,000 Pokédollars along with a fluffy red skirt that cost 50,000 made them look a bit too much like a snotty rich person.

❄ Regardless, Red bought the clothes anyway, swiping their credit card without hesitation. The hat went right back on their head as they gently flipped their long black hair, feeling fashionable and confident. Red continued to browse around further, shopping bag around their wrist. This was their day to indulge- hopefully no one would judge them for the way they spent their money.

❄ Hopefully.

[thegoldchamp-blog]

@crimscned

Alola sucks.

Well it doesn’t really. The region’s four islands are rich with culture, unfamiliar pokemon and enough lore to keep Ethan interested for years to come. 

But it IS hot; almost unbearably so for the Johto native who was so accustomed to four seasons and relatively mild summers.  Ethan had come to the Hau’oli Mall seeking reprieve from the sun and humidity. Instead? he found hundreds of tourists with the same idea. Awesome.

The trainer passes relatively unbothered through the throngs of shoppers; a perk of his rather low-key tenure as champion. That is until he spots a familiar figure up ahead. His total opposite. Arguably one of the most recognizable champs to come out of Indigo Plateau, Red.

The two had come a long way from Ethan’s initial defeat on Mt. Silver. Ethan even considered the other a friend, something his eleven year old self would never expect.

But even that friendship didn’t stop him from judging Red for wearing an outfit ripped straight from the high-fashion streets of Kalos. 

“Hey Reddo!”

He cuts over to meet the other, fanning himself lazily with the same worn hat he had donned for years. “I heard you were out here trying something new with the Battle Tree! Just didn’t expect you to take up modeling too! You trying to be like Sabrina now?” 

 The compliment is coupled with a playful wink. It was rare to see Red look so content and golden eyed man was happy for them...didn’t mean he wouldn’t throw in a jab or two. 

[platidawn-blog]

Anger | Open Starter

[thegoldchamp-blog]

platidawn‌:

That was a lie.

What an obvious lie.

It was a shame but this person had seen something no person (with the exception of her mom, barry, lucas, and rowan) was allowed to see. There would be no leaving this place alive.

Is what she’d think if she was a crazy person. No she hasn’t reached that breaking point yet…but this Feebas sure was testing it. 

“Well…you’ve come to the right place at least. Mt. Coronet is where all the Sinnoh Mythology starts in the first place. Just start heading up and you’ll be able to see some cool stuff if you’re tough enough.”

She was sure to leave the “if” part extra snarky and unbelieving. 

“And yes I am here for a very important reason. I want a Feebas and I want it now, and I refuse to let anything get in the way of my quest.”

@platidawn​

Turn around and leave. 

Go back from whence you came. 

Certainly don’t test your luck with this blue haired psycho. 

Ethan has all these very logical thoughts, and choses to act on none of them.

He brushes off the jab about his qualifications, having grown more than used to it from strangers. So she wanted a Feebas, the used-sponge looking water type. Maybe if he managed to help she’d be appreciative enough to guide him out. He’d wandered around for hours; was nearly out of potions and repels, something had to give. Ethan would take any chance he could.

“Say, uh I don’t need a Feebas, but I could help! Two super-rods are better than one, right?”

[valiantcoordinator]

Floaroma Faceoff | Brendan & Ethan

[thegoldchamp-blog]

valiantcoordinator‌:

“Huh, I guess they smell the same then,” an oof is barely contained as Ethan’s lighthearted jab hits a little too hard. A curious glance is taken at the two pokemon as they tussle. This is probably good for Mason. She rarely gets to let out this much energy. The same could be said for his whole team.

His attention is brought back to Ethan as he mentions something about the ironworks and Mt. Coronet. His curiosity is piqued. He knew Ethan traveled around hunting rare pokemon, but just what exactly could be lurking in Mt. Coronet that spoke to him enough to drag him all the way out here? 

He was about to ask when that incident was brought back up again. “Don’t–” he hissed, quirking a brow. “I’m much more prepared this time, thank you very much. I bought a fluffy coat and everything.” Thankfully it was warm enough today not to need it. Though, being spread out on a beach in Alola did sound pretty wonderful. “Unfortunately, duty calls here. Contests don’t wait for vacations.”

He looked back at the two pokemon, Mason kicking up more dust. “It certainly has been a while.” He hummed, looking down to his chain at his pokeballs. “I suppose I could use the test.” Of course. He’d never say no to a challenge, especially from Ethan. His ego wouldn’t let him. 

@valiantcoordinator​

A fluffy coat? Ethan can hardly contain his laughter, imagining some frivolous number from the department store in Hoenn. All pomp and no substance. What did the designers from that region know about the cold anyway?

Mercifully Ethan’s more interested in battling than teasing the Coordinator—There would be plenty of time for that once he won.— “Loser buys dinner?” He’s already putting distance between himself and Brendan, beckoning Donphan who begrudgingly departs from Mason. “And uh-how about we keep it short while we still have some daylight, three on three?” 

He pivots to face Brendan, fidgeting with his hat the way he does before any good match; a habit the champ never grew out of.

Brendan might not offer the toughest challenge, but Ethan had learned to keep an open mind; especially with someone as talented as the trainer before him. Who knew if Brendan would throw out a combo usually reserved for the contest scene and totally throw him off? It was exciting— so different than the predictable  slug-fests of normal battles. 

As Donphan comes to a rest beside its trainer Ethan tips his chin up, his grin visible even at a distance “Ready boss?” 

[thegoldchamp-blog]

mistletoe, oops

@platidawn

What would offend Dawn less? Being afraid to kiss her? or just going for it? Ethan decides that the latter is his safer bet when the two trainers find themselves under auspiciously placed mistletoe. 

 As he edges in on the striking woman, he’s suffering a mixture of performance anxiety and genuine excitement. Like kissing a Seviper. 

 Ethan is careful to tip his hat to avoid knocking with Dawn’s forehead, his golden eyes searching for permission, objection.  

Well, it was unlikely he’d ever get the chance to do this again. 

“I totally waive any right to defend myself after this. You can absolutely take me out by the knees.” In fact he expects it.

His little joke is enough to liven the mood and he kisses her slowly, arm sliding past Dawn’s hair to support her back. It’s not rushed, his strong embrace letting go only as they break for air. 

His lips twitch into a nervous smile, heart racing. “Heh- a Christmas miracle, huh?” 

[thegoldchamp-blog]

Accidental mistletoe

@crimscned

He swore he had the worst luck.

It was time to swear off the holidays entirely. Everything! Christmas! Parties!  Especially mistletoe.

The blank stare he receives from the Kanto champion does little to settle the churning of his stomach. Couldn’t it be a stranger? A Pokemon? A Rocket Grunt? Literally anyone but his idol-turned rival-turned friend? 

Red, of course it’s Red. 

There’s a long moment of contemplation, the gears so obviously struggling to turn behind his golden eyes. How to handle this?

 Ethan fidgets nervously with the back of his own hat before deciding “fuck it” grabbing their hand, yanking Red forward onto him. It’s hardly a kiss, their noses colliding more than their mouths. It’s goofy, more than a little awkward and fettered by nervous laughter but it counts. 

[thegoldchamp-blog]

Accidental Mistletoe, oops.

@valiantcoordinator

Ethan is enthralled with the retelling of the time he witnessed a Regirock rebuild its body after a battle—So much so that he fails to notice when Brendan stalls behind him. Only the snickering from others in the room causes the brunette to realize something is amiss. He turns to Brendan who’s more fixated on the offending plant hanging above them than he ever was with Ethan’s story. 

Mistletoe. 

Huh. 

He lets out a hearty laugh. “C’mon guys we aren’t gonna do…that.” The room protests. Don’t be a Grinch! Tis the season!

Ethan looks to Brendan searching for an out, but finds that the coordinator is just as flustered. His lips press into a line, tanned skin doing well to hide the rosy tint to his cheeks. What’s one kiss among friends?

The show must go on.

Taking initiative Ethan leans up to meet Brendan’s height. With surprising gentleness his hand finds the base of Brendan’s neck to pull him down, closing the remaining distance until their noses touch.

He laughs nervously, their close proximity somehow making it all the more real. “Heh-sorry buddy.” 

His lips envelop the other’s, breath catching as they make contact. Ethan lingers —for just a moment longer than necessary— before his hand slips away from it’s home at Brendan’s neck and the moment ends. 

The champion clears his throat, quick to divert his eyes, eager to launch back into his story. “Anyway- the really incredible thing is that Regirock have been found made with stones from all around the world!” 

[rpstartersinc]

send me   ‘ mistletoe ’   for my muse’s response to being underneath mistletoe with your muse.   specify whether it’s accidental or on purpose.

[digitalsnail]

drawn on eyebrows

[valiantcoordinator]

Floaroma Faceoff | Brendan & Ethan

@thegoldchamp

A plume of dust kicked up behind Lairon, a roar cracking through the air. Feet hitting the ground like thunder as she tore down the path towards the oncoming Donphan. The two pokemon colliding in a display of power. 

Brendan was never the best battler. While he did train hard his talents laid in contests. However, a battle was always inevitable when Ethan was in the same region as he was. They had a knack for popping up in the same town at the same time. And of course, Brendan would never say no to a challenge. 

Granted the challenge hadn’t even been initiated yet, but Mason always seemed to know when a certain special Donphan was around. A laugh split Brendan’s mouth into a smile. “I thought I caught whiff Johto!” He exclaimed, watching the dust settled around the two pokemon.

“What brings you all the way out here?” 

[thegoldchamp-blog]

@valiantcoordinator

Have you ever had two-hundred sixty-four pounds of pure power charge directly for you? It’s hardly the most graceful sight in the world, especially when the Donphan in question kicks up the topsoil, leaving innumerable mutilated flowers in his wake, on his collision course for Lairon. The two hard-headed beasts collide directly, much to Ethan’s exasperation. There was no stopping Donphan once he caught sight of Mason their pitstop in Floaroma was immediately extended.

Ethan jogs through the warzone to play catch up, grin spreading as he catches the eye of a familiar face surveying the wreckage. Brendan.

He rolls his eyes good-naturedly, landing a punch that’s a touch too strong to Brendan’s shoulder. “That’s not Johto you smell—It’s about two weeks on the road.” 

His laughter rings out as clear as a bell. He’s joking, hopefully. 

Donphan rears back on his hind legs before slamming its tusk onto Lairon’s neck with a raucous bellow. Arceus they were brutal, but it couldn’t be helped— At least they would wear each-other out.

“We’re heading over to the ironworks just ahead. I’m hoping the owner can shed some light on Mt. Coronet for me, he does a ton of excavating over there.” All it really was another wild goose chase for a legendary, but even with all his dead-ends Ethan managed to keep the same vibrant energy about him with every lead. Remarkable.

“I can’t believe you’re not spread out on a beach in Alola! Didn’t think I’d catch you dead around any place with a chance for snow after that spell in Mahogany Town.” He tips his head back to make eye contact, golden eyes catching the light. “Come to think of it...wasn’t that our last battle? Feels like that was forever ago—What do ya say about a rematch?” 

[thegoldchamp-blog]

You, Me & Ho-Oh

[thegoldchamp-blog]

fogbadge‌:

@thegoldchamp

Ethan’s dismissive remark felt exactly like something he would hear from Eusine, earning a soft groan from the gym leader followed by direct eye contact. A hand hovered over the door handle, though he hesitated to slide it shut and end this conversation. As much as he wanted to deny him, Morty knew he was right and his heart was in the right place. Even now, he found it difficult to keep up the stubborn act, which didn’t come that naturally to him.

“I know it will happen.” He says dryly, referring to his recurring vision. It’s stated in a matter-of-fact way rather than encouraging and optimistic.

Lately, he had avoided going to the sacred tower for a reason, something akin to a loss of faith. It was plain as day that his attitude was unbecoming of a trainer seeking to summon Ho-oh. Rather than graciously accepting a humbling defeat, he allowed himself to become quietly resentful of Ethan. For that alone, he felt undeserving of such an honor.

“I’m not sure they would even allow me to join you up there.” He was looking for any excuse to refuse his offer. But in spite of how he felt, there was still a small sense of curiosity left in him.

@fogbadge​

Ethan gnaws the inside of his cheek, hearing the seer out. 

“Seriously, you control your own destiny, Morty. You make your own decisions to switch things up! No one can take that from you. Not me, not the Elders, not the Kimono girls, not even Ho-oh itself. Whether you foresee it or not life’s gonna throw you curveballs…even to somebody with powers like yours.”

Geesh.

Why was he the one preaching about this? Wasn’t that Morty’s gig? He hops off the porch, holding a hand up to the seer with renewed vigor. “Destiny ain’t a matter of chance. It’s a choice. You can’t just wait around moping for it to come knocking, you gotta meet it half way.”

[toptrainer-blog1]

trainer’s peak ;; gold&green

[thegoldchamp-blog]

toptrainer‌:

“What are you, some kind of fanboy?” Great, of all the types for him to bump into, and on Mt. Silver of all places. Guess some of them (or one) had to have some skill to manage the climb… or some of it, anyway. 

Green has no admiration for this whole setting up a cooking show thing in an open cave for any ravenous pokémon to get a whiff of, and notes to himself where Alakazam’s ball is on his belt, should the need arise. But he keeps rested in his spot for now, arms comfortable over his stomach.

“You’ve really been suckered up by all the rumours and gossip about them. And a Champ at eleven? That’s nothing new.”

Which he wasn’t just speaking about him (but he was absolutely first). He tips his head, giving the guy another look-over.

“But let me take a guess of my own: You want to usurp whatever idea you have about them, is that it? Wanna be the best there ever was?”

@toptrainer​

Man...this guy really was a wet blanket.

But his question strikes a nerve with the child. Why was Ethan up here? He hadn’t even  truly planned it, the trek just felt necessary like some rite of passage...after all that’s what the last champion did. 

He sets down his spoon, still blissfully ignorant of all the inner-turmoil his cooking had caused Green. “Gee buddy I dunno...What’s it to you? Can’t a guy just look up to another trainer?” In his typical fashion Ethan gives no time to respond. “I grew up in a small town. Didn’t have a ton to look up to when I was getting ready to become a trainer” —As if that was so long ago— “So somebody like Red? Coming along the way they did and shaking up the best trainers in the region? Yeah. That’s pretty sick.” He chews his cheek, shoving his fists deep into his coat pockets. “So yeah—I guess that makes me a fanboy. But don’t act like you’re not up here too...What’s your reason?”

[musingofmemes-blog]

Send in 👁‍🗨 for my Muse’s First Impression Of Yours

If you haven’t interacted yet - this is a GREAT meme to send in and break the ice. 

Bonus Points if you send 👁‍🗨 + a line of dialogue or context.

[mondfuchs]

Here in Zurich it’s Christmas market time again, which means I get to eat Churros for an entire month!!! Happy early Christmas, everyone!!!