Gold Hibiki

———

the wandering warrior

about

Name: Gold HibikiGender: Male (he/him)Age: 20Eye color: Golden yellowHair color: BlackDate of Birth: November 21stHeight: 5'9Hometown: New Bark, JohtoStatus: Independent / Former Indigo League Champion

Likes:
Pokémon battling, training, martial arts, cooking, costumed heroes, his friends.

Dislikes:
Evil / injustice, cold places.

beginnings

Gold’s father was the strongest person he knew. He was a compassionate man with an honest heart...

And his death left a wound that would never truly heal.

The man kept a fatal disease hidden behind closed doors, with hopes of sparing his son from the distress his condition would surely bring. Time would not be as merciful, however, and the moment came when the family could no longer hide the inevitable. Met with the death of someone treasured for the first time in his life, Gold had little to hold on to save for his mother’s hand and what few words his father had left. The inability to act, watching and awaiting the end—the powerlessness. It was a feeling that tore itself into his very soul.

. . .

In the years that would follow, an 11-year old Gold, after persistent encouragement from his childhood friend Lyra, would walk through the doors of Professor Elm’s laboratory one fateful day, being gifted the first in a long line of trusted partners: a Cyndaquil. It was then that an adventure began—an adventure that would see him venture across the expanses of two entire regions. He’d crossed paths with friends that would last a lifetime, faced evils that would push and pry at every limit, relished in the thrill of countless battles, went toe-to-toe with living legends, and somehow made it through to the end a champion.

And yet, his journey awakened something within him more valuable than any lofty title could ever hope to be: a desire to help others.

Be it through Team Rocket’s plots or everyday misfortune, the trainer encountered many in need of a hand, and offered his own to them every single time. At first, Gold thought little of the occasional good deed, but would find himself incapable of ignoring a cry for help before long. The thought of others feeling even a fraction of the pain he’d once suffered through was a constant presence in the back of his mind, spurring him to action. Again, and again, and again. After every challenge surmounted come his first adventure’s end, the relieved, joyous smiles of those he’d helped stuck with him above all else.

But it wasn’t enough.

How could it ever be enough when he knew so many possibilities lay in the regions beyond the horizon? He could feel it. A hunger was growing within him now, one that would not soon be sated. This hunger... it demanded so much more from him—more challenge, more thrill, more... Power. Indeed, something else awoke in the depths of Gold’s seemingly virtuous heart back then. Something beastial. Something that craved he never feel helpless again.

If he couldn’t save his father, then he’d have to settle for saving everyone else.

headcanons

Wanting to keep him active during his depressive episodes in youth, Gold’s mother taught him the ways of both pokémon battling and martial arts, skills he would excel in and make his own in time. An experienced fighter in her own right, her lessons would set Gold on the path to becoming the avid battler and trained combatant he is today.
Despite going through tragedy early on in youth, Gold has always been a brash, cheerful, and determined spirit at heart, making it a policy to give his all in every fight. Harboring an immense love for competition and combat, he often tends to show his excitement for a challenge when one is presented. He has a fervent eagerness to train and battle, even to a fault at times, as his committal to seeking strength often leads to him neglecting his own health.
Relinquishing his Champion title a little over a year after earning it, Gold would instead devote his time to venture the regions beyond Johto and Kanto—a feat that took most of his mid-teens to complete. While a need to grow stronger burned within, he reasoned his travels as a way of helping more people than he would otherwise, figuring there must’ve been many in need of saving far from home.
Currently, Gold lives the life of a wanderer, ever-searching for the next adventure. He’s never one to stay in a single place for too long, inaction making him restless and skittish. When not training, scouring for new opponents, or becoming embroiled in new messes, he can often be found checking up on the countless people he’s assisted over the years, pitching in to solve problems whenever needed.

on-hand team
———

”Tai” —
TYPHLOSION ♂

Gold’s first and most trusted partner. Often said to be just as reckless as his trainer, picking up the former’s tendency to jump into battles headfirst.

Brave natured
Ability: Blaze

→ Flamethrower
→ Thunder Punch
→ Work Up
→ Rock Slide

”Marshy” —
MARSHADOW

The latest and greatest addition to Gold’s party. Incredibly powerful and incredibly shy. Can be found hiding in their trainer’s shadow 24/7.

Jolly natured
Ability: Technician

→ Spectral Theif / Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike
→ Close Combat
→ Shadow Sneak
→ Shadow Ball

”Vivi” —
SYLVEON ♂

Given to Gold as an Eevee by Bill, and hasn’t left his side since. The most energetic and mischievous of the crew, but also the heaviest sleeper.

Impish natured
Ability: Pixilate

→ Moonblast
→ Hyper Voice
→ Wish
→ Psychic

”Kainé” —
GARCHOMP ♀

After becoming champion, Lance entrusted Gold with an egg, thinking him capable of raising the baby Gible inside. Despite appearances, she is the most tranquil of the group.

Gentle natured
Ability: Rough Skin

→ Dragon Rush
→ Stone Edge
→ Aerial Ace
→ Sand Tomb

”Aki” —
BRAVIARY ♂

Caught in the wild during Gold’s travels in Unova after a fierce hour-long battle. The two have since developed a strong mutual trust. Most likely to pick a fight.

Adamant natured
Ability: Defiant

→ Brave Bird
→ Superpower
→ Roost
→ Hurricane

”Nino” —
GRENINJA ♀

After days of travel in Kalos, Gold noticed a lone Froakie following him from the shadows, seeking worthy training partners. Naturally, Gold and his team accepted the challenge, welcoming her into the fold. Takes sparring sessions very, very seriously.

Quiet natured
Ability: Torrent

→ Water Shuriken
→ Substitute
→ Ice Beam
→ Acrobatics

———

off-hand pokémon

➤ Togekiss ♀ - gifted as an egg by Professor Elm.
➤ Sudowoodo ♂ - caught on the road to Ecruteak City.
➤ Red Gyarados ♂ - battled and caught in the Lake of Rage.
➤ Dragonite ♀ - received as a Dratini from the Dragon’s Den elder.
➤ Charizard ♂ - chosen in Professor Oak’s lab after his battle with Red.