9X9 board in presets

I want to create a custom 4pc variant.

Do you actually need it?

I would like to play a 9x9 variant of Chess.

As the orientation of the board would always be correct (for notation). At the moment, you need to remember:

- Queen on its colour.

- White King (side to move first) is always on the right-hand side of the board.

Introducing more squares means:

A) 1 more pawn & 1 more special piece.

OR

B) 2 empty squares (Pawn line and King line).

I think this option is best because the Bishops would remain on opposite colours and it would also allow the Bishop to move on the first turn and not just the Knight or Pawn. It's also the easiest option to remember where all the pieces need to be. 

OR

C) 1 more pawn & 1 empty square (King line).

I think this is the second best option.

OR

D) 1 empty square (Pawn line) and 1 more special piece.

8x8 board (with all Chess pieces):

If I did have to pick a special piece, it would be one with the power of the Knight and Pawn (it can not be promoted though).

As shown here:

https://www.chessvariants.com/piececlopedia.dir/dragon.html

https://pokemon.fandom.com/wiki/Dratini