Skylar Johnson: The trainer

Disclaimer: I do not own this CYOA or Pokemon.

The open training arena behind the Pokémon Centre was silent except for the occasional rustling of leaves and distant city sounds. The orange hue of dusk bathed the ground in warmth as Summer and I stood across from each other, tension crackling in the cooling air.

Summer adjusted her hat with a confident smirk. "Alright, partner, let's see whatcha got."

She tossed her Pokéball with a flick of her wrist. "Let's ride, Tauros!"

In a burst of bright white light, her Tauros appeared with a guttural bellow, stamping its hooves against the hard-packed dirt, nostrils flaring as it glared me down.

I narrowed my eyes and released my Pokémon. "Zubat, let's dance!"

Zubat emerged in a swirl of shadows, wings beating rapidly as he hovered mid-air, his eyes gleaming with excitement under the fading sun.

Summer chuckled. "Using a Zubat against Tauros? Good choice."

I clenched my fists. Speed and strategy… that's my edge.

"Zubat, Supersonic!"

Zubat screeched a piercing cry, sending shimmering soundwaves towards Tauros. The bull Pokémon winced, shaking its massive head violently, trying to clear its senses.

"Tauros, Work Up!" Summer commanded.

Tauros roared, muscles flexing and rippling as its aura flared red. Its Attack and Special Attack spiked, its rage focused despite the confusion muddling its brain.

"Good, now Horn Attack!"

Tauros lunged forward, horns gleaming under the setting sun. But Zubat zipped to the side with a flick of its wings, narrowly dodging the attack.

"Great dodge! Now use Poison Fang!"

Zubat darted in, his tiny fangs glowing with toxic energy as he bit down hard onto Tauros' thick hide near its neck. Tauros flinched and bellowed in anger, a faint purple tint spreading from the bite mark.

"Poisoned, nice…" I murmured.

But Summer's grin never faded. "Protect, Tauros!"

Tauros stomped down, a shimmering green shield enveloping it just as Zubat moved in for another Poison Fang. Zubat's fangs clashed against the protective barrier, repelled with a tiny yelp.

"Now, Zen Headbutt!" Summer snapped.

The green shield vanished, and Tauros' horns glowed with a pale psychic light. Before Zubat could retreat, Tauros launched its massive head upward, crashing into Zubat with brutal force. Zubat screeched as it was hurled back in the air, tumbling before stabilising itself, wings fluttering shakily.

"Don't give up, Zubat! Use Supersonic again!"

Zubat let out another shrill cry. This time, Tauros staggered, its eyes rolling slightly as confusion overtook its focus again.

"Come on, Tauros, fight through it!" Summer encouraged.

Tauros snarled, stomping the dirt hard enough to kick up dust clouds. Then, with a guttural roar, it charged forward blindly.

"Dodge it, Zubat!" I shouted.

Zubat zipped upward, barely avoiding the rampaging bull as it tore past, the force of its passage rustling my hair. Tauros skidded to a stop, its confusion evident in the way it swayed unsteadily.

"Finish it with Take Down!" Summer ordered, eyes glinting.

Tauros roared and spun, muscles rippling with terrifying power as it charged at blinding speed despite its dizziness. Zubat tried to dodge, flapping desperately to rise higher – but Tauros leapt, its hooves leaving the earth in a mighty bound as it crashed into Zubat mid-air with its full weight.

Zubat let out a cry of pain before it was slammed into the ground with a thud that echoed across the arena. Dust billowed out around them.

When it cleared, Tauros stood panting, head lowered, while Zubat lay unmoving on the ground. I rushed forward, kneeling beside him as his tiny chest rose and fell weakly.

"You did great, buddy," I whispered softly, returning him to his Pokéball in a flash of red light.

Summer recalled Tauros, patting his Pokéball fondly before clipping it back onto her belt. She gave me a small, respectful smile as she approached.

"That was a mighty fine strategy you had there, Skylar. Your Zubat's speed and poison nearly turned the tide."

I smiled despite the loss, feeling my determination burn brighter. "Thanks, Summer. Next time, I'll win."

Summer's eyes glinted under the arena lights as she tossed her second Pokéball. "Let's finish this, Machoke!"

In a burst of white light, a towering grey-skinned Machoke emerged, muscles rippling like coiled steel cables beneath its skin. It stomped its foot down, cracking the earth slightly as it flexed and growled, glaring down at me with narrowed red eyes.

I clenched my fist and pulled out Mankey's Pokéball. "Let's go, Mankey. Show them what you've got!"

Mankey burst out with a screech, bouncing from foot to foot with restless energy, its eyes locked onto Machoke with fierce determination. Despite the size difference, Mankey's aura of raw aggression was palpable.

Summer smirked. "Machoke, Low Kick!"

Machoke lunged forward, leg sweeping in a wide arc towards Mankey's ankles. But Mankey was faster, leaping lightly over the attack with a screeching laugh.

"Nice dodge, Mankey! Use Focus Energy!"

Mankey stilled for a moment, its eyes narrowing as its body pulsed with a reddish glow, focusing its chaotic power into precision.

"Rock Tomb!"

Mankey slammed its tiny fists into the ground, sending jagged rocks flying up around Machoke and smashing into its legs. Machoke grunted as stones trapped its movement, slowing its stance.

Summer's eyes narrowed. "Machoke, Focus Energy too."

Machoke closed its eyes, flexing its massive arms as its aura ignited with a powerful golden glow. I felt the ground tremble under its intensity.

"Don't let it gain momentum, Mankey! Use Fury Swipes!"

Mankey launched itself forward in a blur, claws slashing repeatedly at Machoke's chest and arms. Each swipe connected with rapid, tearing strikes, forcing Machoke back a step, grunting with each hit. Dust and debris burst from beneath its feet as it struggled to hold its ground.

Summer clenched her fists. "Machoke, Low Sweep!"

Machoke roared and spun low, sweeping Mankey's legs out from under him with a brutal kick. Mankey cried out as it was slammed onto the dirt floor, sending up a cloud of dust.

"Mankey, get up!" I shouted, heart pounding. "Use Scratch, fast!"

With a growl, Mankey flipped back onto its feet, lunging in again with claws outstretched. It raked Machoke's side, leaving red marks against the fighter Pokémon's grey skin. Machoke stumbled slightly, panting.

I could see it – we were winning. Mankey danced back, hopping from foot to foot, waiting for my next command.

But Summer's voice cut through the arena, calm and resolute. "Machoke… Focus Punch."

My eyes widened. Focus Punch?

Machoke closed its eyes, drawing in a deep, rumbling breath as its entire body glowed with a fiery white aura. It planted its feet, ignoring Mankey entirely as it focused every ounce of its energy into its clenched fist. Dust and small stones rattled around its feet from the sheer force emanating off it.

"Don't let it finish! Mankey, Rock Tomb again!"

Mankey screeched, slamming its fists to the ground. Rocks erupted upward and pelted Machoke's body – but it didn't flinch. Its focus was absolute, eyes still shut as power pooled around its fist like swirling flames.

Then, in an instant, Machoke's eyes snapped open, glowing with unbreakable willpower. It stepped forward and slammed its glowing fist directly into Mankey's chest.

BOOM.

The impact echoed across the clearing like thunder. Mankey's eyes bulged as the air was knocked from its lungs. Its body flew backwards, hitting the ground with a heavy thud, skidding across the dirt before going still.

My heart stopped. "Mankey!"

I sprinted forward, kneeling beside him as he lay unconscious, chest rising and falling faintly. I gently scooped him into my arms, feeling his small, limp weight against me.

Summer returned Machoke with a calm flick of her Pokéball and walked over, her boots crunching on gravel. Her blue eyes softened under her wide-brimmed hat as she looked at me cradling Mankey.

"You two did amazing, Skylar," she said softly. "Your Mankey's got real spirit and strength."

I swallowed, throat tight with emotion, and forced a small smile. "Thanks… He did his best."

Summer nodded. "Don't beat yourself up. Machoke's Focus Punch is dangerous, and your Mankey handled himself with courage."

I stood up, brushing dirt from my jeans and returning Mankey to his Pokéball, holding it firmly. Looking up at Summer, my eyes hardened with determination.

"Next time, Summer… I'm going to beat you."

A wide smile spread across her lips. "I'll be waitin' for that day, partner."

As the sun set behind her silhouette, casting long shadows across the arena, I felt my resolve solidify like steel within my chest. We'll become strong enough to never lose again – I promise you that, Mankey.

The morning sun was just beginning to crest over Cerulean City as I sat quietly on a wooden bench outside the Pokémon Center, feeling the cool breeze brush against my skin. The streets were mostly empty at this hour, the world tinted with soft gold and rose hues, but my mind felt anything but peaceful.

I stared down at Mankey's Pokéball in my hand, turning it over slowly. We lost… My chest tightened at the memory of Machoke's Focus Punch slamming into Mankey with unstoppable force. I could still hear the echo of that impact in my ears. He didn't even stand a chance once Machoke powered up. And Zubat… Taurus took him down like he was nothing but an annoying bug.

I clenched my jaw. Summer was strong. Confident, calm, strategic – she fought like someone who'd been battling for years. She was so far ahead of me, already having three badges while I was barely managing with two. Even Gary was stronger, with his smug attitude and unstoppable Wartortle.

I could feel frustration simmer in my veins, a dull ache of inadequacy crawling up my spine. Am I really strong enough to keep them safe? I looked down at my belt lined with Pokéballs. Dratini, Ivysaur, Mankey, Zubat, Jigglypuff… They depended on me. My decisions, my training, my ability to guide them – it determined their future, their safety. My failures… they bore the pain for them.

I took a deep breath, letting the cool air calm the turmoil in my chest. No. I can't let this loss defeat me. Summer didn't win because I was weak – she won because she was prepared. Because she trained hard, studied, and respected her partners' strengths.

I glanced at the horizon stretching out beyond the city. Vermilion City… that's where Lt. Surge waited. A gym leader known for his raw power and ruthless tactics. I thought about his Raichu, sparking with electric energy, and a small shiver ran down my spine. I can't face him as I am right now. I have to become stronger – we have to become stronger.

I stood up, slipping Mankey's Pokéball back onto my belt. My legs felt light as I stretched them, letting the blood rush back into my stiff joints. The breeze ruffled my hair, carrying with it the scent of the road and far-off seas. I looked back at the Pokémon Center one last time. The place that healed us, nurtured us, gave us shelter – but it wasn't home. My team is my home.

"Come on guys," I whispered softly. "Let's get moving."

With that, I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and began walking south, towards Vermilion City. Towards Lt. Surge. Towards the next test of my resolve. Each step felt heavy with responsibility, but under that weight burned an unbreakable fire.

I promise… next time, Summer. Next time, Gary. Next time, Surge. I won't lose. I can't lose. I'll make sure my team never suffers because of my weakness again.

As the rising sun cast my shadow long across the empty road, I felt determination steel my spine.

This is just the beginning. And we… we will conquer it all.

Name- Skylar Johnson

Age- 14

Home- Kanto

Pokedollars- 79,826

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, 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