Skylar Johnson: The trainer

Disclaimer: I do not own this CYOA or Pokemon.

The next morning, I set off early towards Mount Moon, determination thrumming through my veins like caffeine. Clefairy, here I come, I thought, feeling that old spark of adventure reignite within me.

Of course, the journey wasn't exactly smooth.

I was ambushed three separate times by the swarm of Zubat that had been following me since Kanto. Each time, they swooped down screeching from the trees like angry shadows. Thankfully, I had all my Pokémon out. Ivysaur effortlessly swatted them away with Razor Leaf, Dratini zapped them with Thunder Wave before coiling around the stragglers, and Zubat himself seemed delighted to chase them off midair with Astonish and Poison Fang.

Even so, it was annoying. Every time I started getting into my stride, they would attack again, forcing me to waste time and energy driving them off.

As I neared Mount Moon, a few wandering trainers challenged me along the route. Some cocky Bug Catcher wanted to show off his Metapod. Dratini made quick work of it with Dragon Breath. Another trainer sent out a Mankey, only for Zubat to deftly dodge its swipes and land a Poison Fang that ended the match within seconds. The prize money wasn't much, but every little bit counted.

Finally, after hours of trekking through rocky trails and climbing uneven stone paths, I found the entrance to Mount Moon. It was tucked between two towering cliff faces, a narrow, dark mouth gaping like a silent challenge to any trainer brave enough to enter. The stone pathway leading to it was cracked and lined with hardy weeds that clawed through the rock.

I exhaled heavily, feeling my shoulders sag with fatigue. Man, today's been rough.

Deciding not to rush in, I slumped down on a large flat rock outside the cave entrance and pulled out my water bottle, sipping slowly as I caught my breath. The late morning sun peeked over the cliffs, warming my back as my Pokémon rested beside me. Ivysaur basked in the light, Dratini curled around herself to nap, and Zubat hung upside down from a nearby tree branch, wings wrapped around his body like a cloak.

After about half an hour, I felt my pulse settle and my mind clear. Alright. Time to get moving.

I stood up, stretching until my shoulders popped, then flicked on my flashlight and clipped it onto my backpack strap for hands-free light.

"Let's go, guys," I said softly.

As I stepped into Mount Moon, the air instantly turned cool and damp, carrying the smell of earth and mineral-rich stone. The beam of my flashlight cut through the darkness, illuminating jagged walls of grey rock, small trickles of water dripping down in quiet echoes.

To my surprise, the cave floor was teeming with life. Dozens of Zubat hung clustered from the ceiling, their ears twitching at my footsteps as they hissed softly in warning. Geodudes rumbled along the rocky ground, eyeing us with impassive curiosity before returning to their slow movements. Near a moss-covered boulder, I even spotted a Sandshrew, its claws scratching patterns into the stone as it dug for bugs.

They were good Pokémon, powerful in their own right, but not what I was here for today.

I glanced down at my team, who were alert and ready beside me. "Alright," I whispered, feeling adrenaline coil in my stomach. "Let's find ourselves a Clefairy."

And with that, we ventured deeper into the shadows of Mount Moon, the flickering beam of my flashlight our only guide into the unknown.

Oooo

I had been wandering through Mount Moon for what felt like hours. My flashlight beam flickered across rocky pathways, illuminating clusters of Geodudes, an occasional Paras skittering across the damp cave floor, and of course, the ever-present Zubat hanging from above.

But no Clefairy.

Man, I thought with a sigh, I didn't think it'd be this hard to find one. My legs were starting to ache from the uneven terrain, and the air felt colder the deeper I went. Dratini slithered quietly beside me, Ivysaur walked calmly, ears flicking at every sound, while Zubat darted around above, acting like a personal scout.

Just as I was about to turn towards another tunnel, faint noises echoed through the cave – muffled shouts, the yipping cry of a Pokémon, and the harsh commands of trainers in battle.

Frowning, I called my Pokemon back and picked up my pace, weaving around large boulders and ducking under low-hanging stalactites until the cavern widened into an open space lit by small camping lanterns. The sight that greeted me made my gut twist.

A kid, probably no older than ten, was backed against a cave wall. His Eevee stood protectively in front of him, fur bristled and eyes blazing despite the deep scratches across its body. Blood dripped from the boy's scraped arm, staining his short-sleeved shirt crimson. Standing across from them were two figures dressed in black with bold red R's emblazoned on their shirts – Team Rocket grunts.

The Pokémon they had out were a Zubat, fluttering menacingly above, and a Doduo, stomping its twin clawed feet on the rocky ground.

The grunts noticed me instantly. Their eyes lit up with a mix of recognition and predatory glee.

"Well, well, look who it is," sneered the one on the left, a lanky man with greasy hair poking out from under his cap. "Skylar Johnson in the flesh."

My brow furrowed. "How the hell do you know my name?"

The second grunt, a woman with sharp eyes and dark lipstick, let out a derisive snort. "How do we know you? Kid, you've got a bounty on your head courtesy of our leader."

My stomach clenched. A bounty? Then, like a punch to the brain, it hit me. The flaw I had chosen for this Jump – Marked: a criminal organization will hunt you down and try to steal your Pokémon.

Of course. Team Rocket.

"Every Team Rocket member in Kanto is gonna come for you," the woman continued, her smile cold. "Easy money."

"Looks like this bounty's gonna be mine," the man said with a greedy chuckle.

"Ours, idiot," she snapped, elbowing him hard in the ribs.

He grunted, glaring at her before turning his sneer back to me. "Forget about the brat and his Eevee. Let's take this kid down."

My jaw tightened. This is gonna be a drag, I thought, my heart pounding not with fear, but with the familiar thrum of battle-ready adrenaline. I narrowed my eyes at them, my voice cold and unflinching.

"You can try," I said, pulling two Pokéballs from my belt. With a flick of my wrist, I released Dratini and Zubat in twin flashes of white light.

Dratini uncoiled gracefully, her scales shimmering under the lantern glow as she hissed low in her throat, electricity crackling faintly around her. Zubat flapped his wings with an echoing screech, glaring down at the opposing Zubat and Doduo with fierce eyes.

I planted my feet firmly on the rocky ground, feeling the cool cave air whip against my cheeks as I raised my arm towards the two grunts.

"Let's show them who they're messing with."

The two Team Rocket grunts barely had time to react.

"Zubat, use Supersonic on their Doduo. Dratini, Thunder Wave on Zubat."

Zubat let out a piercing shriek, his sound waves distorting the air around Doduo. The two-headed bird staggered, eyes spinning in confusion as it stumbled sideways, both heads screeching disoriented protests.

Meanwhile, Dratini released a crackling wave of electricity that danced across the cave, striking the opposing Zubat mid-air. Its wings spasmed, body seizing as it fell to the rocky ground with a thud, completely paralyzed.

"Finish them quickly," I commanded, my voice cold.

"Dratini, Dragon Breath on Zubat. Zubat, use Poison Fang on Doduo."

With a powerful hiss, Dratini unleashed her green-tinged Dragon Breath. The opposing Zubat shrieked as the attack hit point-blank, sending it skidding unconscious across the dirt.

Doduo tried to regain its senses, but Zubat dove down like a missile, his fangs glowing purple as he sank them into the bird's neck. Doduo gave a strangled cry before its eyes rolled back, both heads slumping to the ground in defeat.

"Wha— what the hell!" the male grunt shouted, fumbling for another Pokéball, but I was already moving.

In a single smooth motion, I recalled Dratini and Zubat and dashed forward, closing the distance between us in an instant. His eyes widened as I grabbed his arm, twisted, and gave him a shoulder overthorw. He screamed, dropping his Pokéball as he crumpled to the ground.

Before the female grunt could react, I spun on my heel and drove a sharp open-handed chop straight into her throat. Her eyes bulged as she gagged and fell backwards, gasping and clutching at her windpipe, her breath wheezing in ragged bursts. I would have never be able to do this with my past body but with physical fitness and combat training perk it came as easy as breathing.

I stood over them both, breathing steadily, my heart hammering with cold, controlled focus. My dark eyes glared down at their trembling forms as they writhed on the cave floor.

"It's only fair," I said softly, my voice echoing in the silent cavern, "that you get beaten just like your Pokémon."

I pulled out a length of rope from my bag and quickly bound their wrists behind their backs, tying their ankles together with practiced, tight knots. The male grunt whimpered as his broken arm twisted awkwardly behind him, while the woman coughed weakly, eyes watering from the pain in her throat.

Once they were secured, I glanced over at the boy and his battered Eevee. He was staring at me with wide, awed eyes, tears brimming as he hugged his trembling partner close.

I knelt down and gave him a reassuring smile. "It's okay now. They won't hurt you or your Eevee ever again."

As the kid sniffled and nodded gratefully, I stood up, looking down at the tied-up grunts one last time.

Pathetic, I thought coldly, turning away as Dratini and Zubat emerged from their Pokéballs to follow me deeper into Mount Moon.

Oooo

I crouched down beside the injured boy, gently shifting his arm to inspect the bleeding gash. He winced but didn't pull away.

"Hold still," I said softly. I reached into my bag for a potion and sprayed it carefully over Eevee's battered fur. The little Pokémon flinched at first, then sighed in relief as its wounds began to close. Next, I pulled out my medical kit and unrolled the supplies, quickly disinfecting and wrapping the boy's arm with practiced hands.

"Does it hurt much?" I asked.

"It's… okay," he replied, voice small. Tears glimmered in his eyes, but he blinked them back and gave me a wobbly smile. "Thank you. Really."

"Don't thank me yet. We need to get you to a Pokémon Centre so a nurse can properly check this."

We began our walk out of the cave together, our steps echoing against the damp stone. Dratini slithered protectively around us while Zubat flitted overhead, keeping watch for any more threats. The boy's Eevee curled up in his arms, weakly nuzzling his chest.

"What's your name?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Shivi," he replied quietly. "I'm from Cerulean City. I… I only started my journey two weeks ago."

I glanced at him, surprised. "Two weeks, huh? That's brave, going through Mount Moon so early."

He smiled shyly, looking down at his Eevee. "I wanted to train here… but then those Team Rocket people came. They said they wanted to steal my Pokémon. I tried to fight them off but…" His voice broke. "Thank you for helping me. Your Pokémon are so strong… especially your Dratini. She's amazing."

"She is," I agreed with a small smile. "You and Eevee were brave too."

We continued walking in companionable silence until we finally saw the faint glow of sunlight ahead. The cave exit.

As we stepped out into the fresh morning air, I turned to Shivi. "Come with me to the Pokémon Centre," I urged. "Your arm needs proper treatment."

He shook his head stubbornly, though tears pricked his eyes again. "You've already helped me so much. My dad's a trainer and he taught me how to handle myself. I can make it home from here."

He rummaged around in his bag, pulled out a folded piece of old parchment, and handed it to me.

"What's this?"

"A map," he said. "When I was exploring before Team Rocket attacked, I found an old hidden trail. Locals say it leads to where Clefairy and Clefable gather deep inside the mountain. For helping me."

I took the map, stunned by his generosity. "Are you sure?"

He nodded firmly, hugging his Eevee close. "You saved me and Eevee. It's the least I can do."

I smiled softly, tucking the map safely into my bag. "Thank you, Shivi. Be careful on your way home."

"I will," he said with a grin before turning and limping off down the path, his Eevee perched determinedly on his shoulder.

I watched him go, feeling a quiet warmth settle in my chest. Then I turned back towards Mount Moon. I called out Dratini and Zubat, Dratini slithering at my side, Zubat circling overhead.

"Let's go," I whispered. "We have a Clefairy to find."

Oooo

After hours of navigating narrow tunnels and slippery stone pathways, I finally found what I had been searching for – a hidden cave illuminated by faintly glowing crystals embedded in the walls. The pale light shimmered across the cavern, revealing dozens of Clefairy gathered in clusters, chattering softly among themselves, and a few Clefable standing protectively near the back, their large ears twitching as I entered.

The moment they noticed me, the entire group fell silent. Dozens of round, wary eyes turned towards me in unison. The Clefairy clutched what looked like shards of pale blue-grey stones close to their chests. Moon Stones, I realised, or fragments of them. Their eyes glimmered in the cave's dim light, full of caution and silent judgement.

"Hey there," I said softly, raising my hands to show I meant no harm. "How are you all doing?"

None of them responded. They simply stood frozen, staring at me with a stillness that felt almost eerie. Dratini shifted beside me uncomfortably, and Zubat flitted nervously near the cave roof.

I took a deep breath. "I… I'm sorry for disturbing you," I continued, keeping my voice calm and even. "But I came here today because I need help. I need a Clefairy who knows the move Gravity. I promise, if any of you decide to come with me, I will take good care of you. You'll have delicious food, you'll become stronger, and you'll get to travel the entire world with me."

My voice echoed softly in the cavern. The Clefairy glanced at each other, then back at me, their little paws clutching the Moon Stone shards tighter. I waited, but none of them stepped forward. Their expressions were unreadable – a mix of fear, wariness, and curiosity.

I sighed, lowering my hand. "I understand. It's okay. I could… force it, I guess," I murmured, glancing at the Pokéballs on my belt. "Catch all of you and then choose the one I need, releasing the rest later. But…" My chest tightened with guilt at the thought. "That would be wrong. I wouldn't want someone to treat me like that either."

The cave was silent again, apart from the quiet dripping of water echoing in the distance.

"…Well, if I can't ask you for help today, then at least…" I glanced around shyly. "Could I… have a Moon Stone? Just one. Please."

The Clefairy murmured among themselves, their voices like a chorus of tiny silver bells. Then, to my surprise, one of the Clefable stepped forward. Its large ears flicked slightly as it regarded me, pink eyes sharp with intelligence and quiet kindness.

It let out a soft sigh, almost tired, and turned to the Clefairy beside it. Slowly, it raised its stubby hand. Its eyes glowed with a bright, ethereal blue as an aura of psychic energy surrounded its arm and the Moon Stone shard it was holding. Around the cave, six other Clefairy gasped as their Moon Stones were also enveloped in the same glowing blue light.

The Clefable moved its glowing hand towards me, and the seven shards floated through the air, shimmering softly in the dim light before landing gently in my outstretched palms.

I stared down at the beautiful shards, speechless. They were cool against my skin, smooth and dense, each pulsing with a faint blue glow. My throat tightened with gratitude.

"Thank you," I whispered.

The Clefable simply turned away, its ears flicking dismissively, before moving back towards its group. The Clefairy slowly resumed their chattering, though they continued to glance at me with cautious eyes.

I tucked the Moon Stone shards safely into my bag and turned to leave the cave, Dratini slithering quietly behind me and Zubat flying low over my head.

As I stepped out into the cool night air, a small smile curved my lips. I hadn't found my new teammate today, but I knew I had done the right thing.

"Come on, team," I whispered into the night breeze. "We still have work to do."

Oooo

After spending another long, exhausting day in Mount Moon with no success in finding the Clefairy I needed, I finally decided to call it quits for now. My supplies were running low, my Pokémon were tired, and so was I. As I stepped out into the fading light of evening, I felt the cool breeze brush against my sweat-soaked skin. My legs felt heavy with fatigue, but the sight of the open route ahead and the distant view of Cerulean City on the horizon lifted my spirits.

"Finally," I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck as Dratini slithered alongside me and Zubat hovered overhead. Ivysaur walked at a steady pace, calm and silent as always.

We had barely walked for ten minutes when something pink and round bounced out from the tall grass beside the path. I froze mid-step, staring at it. A small, balloon-like Pokémon with big shiny blue eyes, rabbit-like ears, and tiny limbs stood there with a small toy-like microphone clutched tightly in its stubby hands.

"Oh boy," I muttered, realising instantly what it was. Jigglypuff.

The little pink Pokémon blinked at us before puffing up its chest, raising its microphone, and opening its mouth wide with an adorable smile.

"Jiggly—"

"Oh no you don't!" I shouted, quickly pulling out an empty Pokéball from my pocket and hurling it at Jigglypuff before it could sing.

The ball hit it squarely on the forehead with a satisfying thunk, sucking it inside in a flash of red light. It fell to the ground and shook once… twice… and on the third click, it burst open in a flash of white light. The Jigglypuff popped back out, cheeks puffed and eyes narrowed in an annoyed pout.

"Puff!" it squeaked indignantly, glaring at me with the fury of a diva interrupted mid-performance.

"Zubat, quick! Supersonic!" I commanded without hesitation.

"Zuuu!" Zubat cried as it swooped down, its mouth wide open as it emitted powerful waves of ultrasonic energy. The attack hit Jigglypuff before it could even register what was happening. Its eyes rolled as it staggered back and forth in a daze, tiny feet stumbling clumsily over the grass.

Without wasting a second, I pulled out another Pokéball and threw it with all my might. It struck Jigglypuff's pink body, sucking it back inside with a flash of red. The ball fell to the ground, shaking violently in the grass.

Once… twice… three times…

Click.

I let out a long, relieved breath as the ball stilled in the grass. My heart was racing, adrenaline still pumping from the brief but intense encounter.

"Finally," I muttered, walking over and picking up the Pokéball. I pulled out my Pokédex to check its data, half out of curiosity and half out of habit.

"Jigglypuff, the Balloon Pokémon. Normal and Fairy type. If it inflates to Sing a lullaby, it can perform longer and cause sure drowsiness in its audience. Looking into its cute, round eyes causes it to sing a relaxing melody, inducing its enemies to sleep."

I scrolled further to check its abilities and moves.

Ability – Cute Charm

Moves – Sing, Gravity, Disarming Voice, Charm, Echoed Voice, Disable.

I blinked. My heart skipped a beat.

"What the hell…" I whispered, rereading the data again to confirm. "It… it knows Gravity."

For the past few days, I had been searching endlessly for a Pokémon that could use Gravity to train my team under increased force, and now… this little singing balloon just appeared out of nowhere, knowing exactly what I needed.

I stood there in the fading evening light, staring at the Pokéball in my hand, and then… I laughed. Loud, almost hysterical laughter spilled out of me as Zubat flitted around my head anxiously and Dratini tilted her head in confusion.

"I… I can't believe this," I chuckled breathlessly, shaking my head. "I spent days hunting for Clefairy with Gravity… and when I finally give up, the universe just throws a Jigglypuff at my face. Ha… hahaha… hahahahaha…"

I clutched the Pokéball to my chest, feeling an odd sense of relief and elation bubbling inside me.

"Thank you, universe," I muttered, still smiling like an idiot. "Thank you for your weird sense of humour."

I turned towards my team with renewed determination. "Come on, guys. Let's go to Cerulean City."

And with that, we continued down the path under the darkening sky, my heart blazing with excitement for what lay ahead.

Name- Skylar Johnson

Age- 14

Home- Kanto

Pokedollars- 74,485

Pokemon owned- 4

Badges- Boulder Badge

Zubat – The Bat Pokémon

Type: Poison/Flying

Gender: Male

Height: 2'08"

Ability: Inner Focus

Known Moves: Supersonic, Absorb, Astonish, Mean Look, Poison Fang

Dratini – The Dragon Pokémon

Gender: Female

Height: 5'3"

Ability: Shed Skin

Known Moves: Dragon Breath, Wrap, Twister, Leer, thunder wave

Ivysaur- the seed pokemon

Gender: Male

Height: 3'4"

Ability: Overgrow

Moves: Tackle, Vine Whip, Growth, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, seed bomb

Jigglypuff- the balloon Pokemon

Gender: Female

Height: 1'8"

Ability: Cute charm

Moves: Sing, Gravity, Disarming voice, Echoed voice, Charm, Disable