Skylar Johnson: The trainer

Dislaimer: I do not own this CYOA or Pokemon

The Cerulean Gym arena was unlike any I'd battled in before. It was essentially a massive swimming pool, its water shimmering with a crystal-clear blue under the bright overhead lights. White circular platforms floated atop the surface, spaced strategically to give challengers a fighting chance against Misty's water Pokémon.

I stepped onto one of the nearest platforms, feeling it wobble slightly under my weight as I adjusted my balance. The cool scent of chlorine mixed with the fresh aquatic air, calming my nerves even as adrenaline thudded through my veins.

Misty stood confidently on the opposite side, arms crossed over her chest. Her orange hair was tied up in a practical side ponytail, though a few strands clung to her damp forehead, evidence of her earlier battles.

She let out a long, tired sigh. "Man, I am so done with today," she muttered, stretching her arms overhead before placing her hands on her hips. "This is my sixth match. If only my sisters weren't off touring the world in their little mermaid shows, I could actually take a break for once."

I opened my mouth to speak, but she raised a hand, cutting me off with brisk efficiency.

"Yeah, yeah, I know you're here for a battle. So listen up—this will be a two-on-two match. Only you're allowed to switch Pokémon mid-battle," she said, rolling her shoulders to loosen them. "How many badges do you have, newbie?"

"One," I replied, voice firm despite my heart hammering in my chest.

"Alright then, rookie." She cracked a small smile. "Don't hold back, okay? I need at least some excitement today."

She unclipped a Pokéball from her belt and flicked it into the air with casual grace. "Come on out, Starmie!"

The Pokéball burst open in a brilliant flash of white, revealing a gleaming Starmie that landed gracefully in the water with barely a splash. Its central gem pulsed with a bright red light, casting eerie ripples across the surface as it spun once, ready for battle.

I took a deep breath, feeling the familiar surge of determination tighten my chest.

"Alright, Dratini," I called, gripping her Pokéball tightly before releasing it with a flick of my wrist. "Let's rumble!"

A bright flash revealed Dratini coiling gracefully onto one of the platforms. Her sapphire scales gleamed under the lights, her eyes narrowing with fierce determination as she faced off against Misty's Starmie.

Misty smirked slightly, brushing a damp lock of hair behind her ear. "A Dratini, huh? Not bad. Let's see if that dragon pride can handle my Starmie."

"Don't worry," I said softly, meeting Dratini's fierce gaze across the platform. "We've trained hard for this. Let's show her what we're made of."

Dratini let out a sharp, determined "Draa!" her body coiling tighter as her eyes locked onto Starmie's pulsing gem.

This is it, I thought, exhaling slowly as my fingers curled into fists at my sides. Time to earn our second badge.

"Starmie, Water Gun!" Misty commanded sharply, her voice echoing around the aquatic arena.

Starmie's red core glowed as it spun rapidly on the water's surface before unleashing a powerful jet of water directly at Dratini.

"Dodge it, Dratini!" I yelled.

Dratini moved with incredible grace and speed, coiling her body and springing off the platform to the next one, the Water Gun missing her by inches. The splash from its impact misted the air, but Dratini didn't flinch, her eyes locked on Starmie with laser focus.

"Nice dodge!" I called out, grinning despite the tension hammering through my chest. The gravity training is paying off.

"Rapid Spin, Starmie!" Misty snapped.

Starmie dove underwater before re-emerging like a torpedo, spinning at blinding speed across the pool towards Dratini.

"Use Twister!"

Dratini rose up and spun her serpentine body, her scales shimmering as the air around her twisted into a raging vortex. The miniature cyclone burst forward, clashing with Starmie mid-spin. The spinning slowed as Starmie struggled against the twisting winds.

"Now, Thunder Wave!" I shouted.

"Draaa!" Dratini cried as sparks of electric energy crackled across her sleek body before zapping out, striking Starmie directly. Electricity danced across Starmie's limbs as its spinning halted abruptly, the paralyzing effect locking its joints in place for a moment.

Misty clenched her jaw. "Starmie, Recover—now!"

Starmie's gem pulsed with brilliant light as it tried to restore its energy, the scratches on its limbs fading slightly.

"Don't let up, Dratini! Dragon Breath—full power!"

Dratini inhaled deeply, her chest expanding before she unleashed a concentrated blast of greenish-gold energy. The Dragon Breath beam slammed into Starmie's body, sending ripples across the pool as the Water Pokémon screeched in pain, its paralysis preventing it from dodging.

"Come on, Starmie, Hydro Pump!" Misty commanded, her eyes fierce.

Starmie's core glowed once again, and this time it released a massive, high-pressure torrent of water straight towards Dratini.

"Dodge and counter with Twister!" I yelled, heart pounding.

Dratini leapt up, narrowly evading the Hydro Pump that exploded against the platform she'd been standing on, sending shards of splintered tile into the pool. While still midair, she twisted her body elegantly, summoning another raging Twister that slammed into Starmie, pushing it back across the water like a leaf caught in a hurricane.

"Finish it with Dragon Breath!"

"Draaa!!" Dratini roared, her eyes gleaming with fierce confidence as she unleashed another devastating Dragon Breath, the beam of draconic energy hitting Starmie square in its gem.

The light in Starmie's core flickered before it collapsed sideways in the water, unconscious.

"Starmie is unable to battle. The challenger wins this round!" the gym referee announced.

Misty recalled her Pokémon with a tight nod, looking across at me with a glimmer of approval in her eyes. "That Dratini… her speed and power are incredible. You've trained her well."

Dratini slithered back onto the platform closest to me, her eyes sparkling with pride as she let out a happy "Dra!"

"Great job, girl," I whispered, feeling my chest swell with fierce pride. I reached out and gently stroked her smooth, warm scales as she nuzzled my palm.

"One down…" I murmured under my breath, glancing at Misty as she reached for her next Pokéball, determination hardening her expression. "One to go."

Misty's expression darkened with steely focus as she released her next Pokémon. "You've done well so far, but let's see how you handle this. Gyarados, come out!"

The Pokéball burst open in a flash of brilliant white light, and suddenly the entire arena darkened under the looming shadow of an enormous serpentine form. Gyarados rose from the water with a thunderous roar that rattled the platforms, its gaping maw opening wide to reveal rows of sharp teeth. Its crimson eyes gleamed with primal rage, and the air thickened with oppressive weight as its Intimidate ability activated, making Dratini flinch slightly.

"Don't back down, Dratini," I said firmly, feeling adrenaline surge through me. "We've trained for this."

Misty's eyes narrowed. "Gyarados, Headbutt!"

The massive water dragon lunged forward, scales glinting like polished sapphire as it slammed its horned head towards Dratini's platform with terrifying force.

"Dodge and use Thunder Wave!" I shouted.

Dratini swiftly slid off the platform into the water, moving with serpentine elegance before launching herself back up. Sparks danced across her body as she unleashed Thunder Wave, the electric currents zapping Gyarados' bulk. The giant beast roared in pain, but it shook off the paralysis with raw willpower.

"Whirlpool!" Misty commanded.

Gyarados roared, summoning swirling torrents around Dratini, dragging her under the water with vicious force.

"Dratini!" I yelled, my heart pounding painfully against my ribs. But through the churning whirlpool, I saw her shining eyes flash with resolve.

"Break out with Twister!"

Underwater, Dratini coiled tightly before spinning at high velocity. A spiraling vortex burst out from beneath the water's surface, breaking apart Gyarados' Whirlpool attack. Dratini leapt out with a fierce cry, her body shimmering with draconic energy.

"Dragon Breath, now!"

"Gyarados, Crunch!"

Both Pokémon lunged simultaneously. Dratini unleashed a blazing beam of green-gold dragon energy, but Gyarados snapped its massive jaws forward, biting down on her midsection. Dratini shrieked in pain as the attack landed, but her Dragon Breath connected as well, burning against Gyarados' face.

"Hang in there, Dratini!" I shouted, clenching my fists so tightly my knuckles burned. She can't keep this up forever… we need something more…

Suddenly, a surge of energy glowed around Dratini's body. Her scales shimmered with brilliant turquoise light.

She's learning a new move—

"Dragon Tail!" I yelled, I knew this move.

With a furious cry, Dratini's tail glowed with intense emerald energy as she whipped it around, slamming it square into Gyarados' chest. The giant water dragon roared in shock as it was knocked back across the pool, waves slamming against the platform walls.

But Gyarados wasn't finished yet.

"Hyper Beam!" Misty screamed, sweat dripping down her brow.

Gyarados rose high into the air, its jaw glowing with a blinding orange-gold radiance. The beam built and built, the light so intense it cast dancing shadows across the ceiling.

"Dratini—finish it! Full power Dragon Breath!" I roared.

Dratini surged forward with impossible speed, coiling around Gyarados' neck just as the Hyper Beam fired. Her mouth opened wide, and she unleashed a point-blank Dragon Breath directly into Gyarados' throat. The Hyper Beam burst from Gyarados' maw, blasting into the ceiling with a deafening boom that shook the entire arena as Dratini's Dragon Breath poured into its body.

For a few tense seconds, both Pokémon struggled against each other in midair, locked in a radiant, blinding clash of power.

Then, with a shuddering roar, Gyarados' Hyper Beam cut off abruptly. Its eyes rolled back, and its massive body fell limply into the pool, sending waves crashing against the arena platforms. Dratini uncoiled from its neck, her body falling limply onto the nearest floating platform. She let out a soft, exhausted sigh before her eyes fluttered shut.

"Gyarados and Dratini are both unable to battle," the referee called out after a moment of stunned silence. "Victory goes to the challenger Skylar Johnson, as he still has remaining Pokémon!"

I let out a breath I hadn't realised I'd been holding, falling to my knees in relief and pride as Misty returned her unconscious Gyarados. She looked across the arena at me with tired respect.

"You're… strong," she said, her voice strained but sincere. "Your Dratini… is incredible."

I smiled softly, recalling my brave little dragon back into her Pokéball. "She really is."

Misty walked over to me after the referee's announcement, her shoulders sagging slightly with exhaustion but a small smile playing at her lips. She extended her hand. In her palm lay the Cascade Badge, gleaming with a pearlescent blue shine.

"Congratulations, Skylar. You've earned this," she said, her voice genuine despite her tiredness.

I reached out with trembling fingers, feeling the cool metal press into my palm. Another badge… My chest swelled with pride.

She then handed me a folded slip of paper and a TM case. "You also get 6480 Pokédollars for your victory, and here's TM03 – Water Pulse. Teach it to a worthy Pokémon."

I blinked in surprise. "Wait… I got over six thousand? That's… almost triple of what I earned in Pewter Gym."

Misty chuckled, tucking a stray orange hair behind her ear. "Gym payouts aren't fixed. They're calculated based on factors like your performance, your Pokémon's skill, type disadvantage or advantage, experience displayed, and the overall battle difficulty. Each challenger earns differently."

"Ah… I see." I pocketed the badge and TM with care. "Thank you… for the battle. It was… an experience I won't forget."

She gave me a small smile. "Keep training hard. The bond between you and your Pokémon is strong, and that will take you far."

After a few minutes of polite conversation about her sisters' travelling shows and my journey so far, I bid her goodbye and left the gym, stepping into the early evening breeze that smelled faintly of damp stone and pool chlorine.

I headed straight to the Pokémon Centre, handing Dratini's Pokéball to Nurse Joy with a respectful bow. "She pushed herself to the limit today. Please take care of her."

"Of course, Skylar. She'll be back to full health soon," Nurse Joy replied warmly.

Feeling the post-battle fatigue catch up to me, I moved towards my rented room for a shower and rest. My boots echoed against the clean tiles of the Centre's hallway. Two badges down… a long road to go, I thought, clenching my fist with renewed determination.

Just as I stepped out of the Centre's automatic glass doors to head towards the attached lodgings, I heard a loud snort behind me. Turning around, I was met with the sight of a large Tauros trotting confidently towards me, its thick hooves clacking against the stone road.

Sitting atop the Tauros was a girl who immediately caught my attention. Her golden blonde hair fell in neat waves down her shoulders, her sky-blue eyes sharp yet warm under the brim of her brown leather cowboy hat. She wore a red and black checkered shirt tucked into sturdy brown riding pants, and mud-browned cowboy boots completed her outfit. A thick coil of rope was strapped beside her saddle, swaying with each Tauros step.

She reined in her Tauros, stopping just a metre away, and tipped her hat with a bright grin. "Howdy, random trainer," she greeted, her voice carrying a lilting Australian accent that stood out among the usual Kanto speech. "Name's Summer Hope. Could ya point me towards the Pokémon Gym of this town?"

I blinked, taking a second to register her presence. A cowgirl… in Cerulean City… riding a Tauros. Damn, this world keeps getting better.

"Uh… yeah," I said, pointing behind me towards the large blue building with the familiar Gym symbol. "Just go straight down this road, take the left at the corner, and it's the big dome building with a Lapras statue in front. You can't miss it."

Summer's eyes twinkled as she tipped her hat again. "Much obliged, partner. Been travelin' near six weeks and haven't seen a water gym yet. Mah Gible's gonna love this."

"Gible, huh… that's a rare Pokémon around these parts," I noted, curious.

She chuckled, patting Tauros' broad neck as he snorted proudly. "Got him from mah uncle's ranch back home. Name's Crunch. Well, thanks for the directions, mister…?"

"Skylar. Skylar Johnson," I replied, offering a small smile.

"Skylar Johnson," she repeated with a nod, her accent curling around my name smoothly. "Nice meetin' ya. Maybe we'll battle someday."

With that, she clicked her tongue, and Tauros turned smoothly, galloping down the road towards the gym, kicking up dust behind her. I watched her silhouette fade under the dimming golden evening sky, feeling a small smile creep onto my face.

This journey really keeps getting more interesting…

Oooo

It had been two days since my battle with Misty, and I was still staying in Cerulean City. My team and I were taking a short break before heading south towards Vermilion City. I'd heard rumours that the Gym Leader there, Lt. Surge, was ruthless in battle, so I wanted my Pokémon to be well-rested before we resumed intense training.

In the meantime, I'd been making some strategic upgrades. I taught Rock Tomb to Mankey, giving him a reliable Rock-type move for aerial opponents, and Water Pulse to Dratini, expanding her ranged offensive options. Both had taken well to their new moves, and I could already see tactical possibilities swirling in my mind.

Right now, I was outside the small inn where I'd been renting a room. The elderly couple who owned it were fussing over their old blue truck, which had sputtered and died halfway out of their gravel driveway. Feeling generous – and also hoping to shave some Pokédollars off my rent – I offered to help.

"Are you sure, dear?" the old woman asked, wringing her hands in her apron. "It's such a complicated machine—"

"It's fine, ma'am. Let me take a look," I replied confidently. As I popped the hood, the mechanic perk I'd chosen for this Jump kicked in, and a rush of instinctual knowledge filled my brain. So that's where the ignition coil connects… huh… spark plugs misfiring…

Within ten minutes, I had reconnected loose wires, adjusted the worn distributor cap, and tightened the oil filter. When I turned the key in the ignition, the truck rumbled to life with a proud growl. The old man slapped my back heartily while his wife clasped her hands in delight.

"You've got some skills, partner."

I froze at the familiar voice, then turned around to see Summer sitting atop her Tauros a few feet away, her arms crossed over her chest and her hat tilted back just enough to reveal a teasing grin. Tauros pawed the ground with an amused huff, as if equally impressed.

"Summer," I said with a small smile, wiping the sweat from my brow. "When did you get here?"

"Been watchin' ya work for a bit," she replied, swinging one leg casually over her saddle to sit side-saddle, boot heels tapping against Tauros' thick fur. "Didn't know ya were a mechanic too."

"Yeah, well… you learn a lot on the road," I said, scratching the back of my neck sheepishly. "How'd your gym battle go?"

She shrugged, adjusting her hat. "Ain't happened yet. Got it scheduled for tomorrow mornin'. Thought I'd scope the town out first. Misty seems like a spitfire, huh?"

"She is," I chuckled. "She's fast and smart. Watch out for her Starmie and Gyarados combo. They're brutal."

"Much obliged for the tip, partner." She gave me a warm smile before her eyes flickered to the badges pinned on my inner jacket. "How many badges ya got now?"

"Two." I puffed out my chest slightly and unzipped my jacket just enough to show her my Boulder and Cascade Badges glinting in the late afternoon light. "Pewter and Cerulean. Not bad, huh?"

Summer's lips curled into a slow, teasing grin. "Mighty impressive… for a rookie." Then she reached into her own jacket pocket and pulled out a small badge case, flipping it open with a flick of her wrist.

I leaned forward and my eyes widened. Nestled in the velvet were three badges: Boulder, Rainbow, and Thunder.

"You have three badges already?" I blurted out, heat creeping up my neck in embarrassment.

"Yep. Pewter, Celadon, and Vermilion," she replied, her tone casual but the twinkle in her eyes mischievous. "Grass leader Erika was easy pickins' for Crunch here," she patted her Tauros' side, "and Surge was tough, but Gible pulled through."

"Wow…" I said, momentarily speechless. She's strong…

Summer tucked her badge case away and leaned forward in her saddle. "Tell ya what, Skylar. How 'bout a battle? Reckon I could use the practice before I go wrestle Misty's water types tomorrow."

I blinked, feeling excitement stir within me. "You want to battle me?"

"Sure do. Don't hold back none, ya hear?" she replied with a wink, before urging Tauros to turn. "There's an arena behind the Pokémon Centre. Meet me there in ten."

She rode off with a flick of her reins, Tauros' hooves pounding rhythmically against the road as pedestrians stepped aside to watch her pass. I stood there for a moment, feeling a smile spread slowly across my face.

"A battle with Summer Hope, huh…" I murmured under my breath, clenching my fists with renewed determination. "Let's give her a real fight."

I grabbed my bag and jogged back to the Pokémon Centre to gather my team, their Pokéballs gleaming under the dying rays of sunset. The upcoming battle was going to be a challenge… and I couldn't wait.

Name- Skylar Johnson

Age- 14

Home- Kanto

Pokedollars- 82,386

Pokemon owned- 5

Badges- Boulder Badge, Cascade 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, water pulse

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

Mankey- The monkey Pokemon,

Gender: male

Height: 2'00"

Ability: Vital Spirit

Moves: Scratch, leer, furry swipes, focus energy, Rock Tomb