After a peaceful night's rest, Zen woke up feeling refreshed and full of energy.
Kakuna and Ledyba were just as lively, buzzing around his small room at the orphanage.
He quickly washed up, got dressed, and headed downstairs for breakfast.
Miss Clara, the kind caretaker of the orphanage, greeted him warmly as he sat down with the other kids.
"You seem excited this morning, Zen."
Zen grinned. "Yep! I'm starting my first real mission as a Ranger today."
Miss Clara chuckled. "Just don't push yourself too hard."
After finishing his meal, he waved goodbye and headed straight to the Ranger Center.
As Zen entered the Ranger Center, the place was already buzzing with activity. Rangers moved in and out, preparing for patrols, reporting incidents, and discussing missions.
Behind the front desk, Lara looked up and smirked.
"Well, well. Early today, aren't we?"
Zen grinned. "Of course! It's my first real mission."
Lara leaned forward. "Glad to see you motivated. Now, let's get to business."
She pulled up a mission briefing on the screen behind her.
"Today's mission is tracking."
Zen tilted his head. "Tracking?"
Lara nodded. "After yesterday's incident, we know Team Rocket is still operating in Viridian Forest. We need to find out where they are, what they're doing, and how many of them there are."
Zen frowned. "So… just spying?"
Lara smirked. "Exactly. You are not to engage unless absolutely necessary."
Zen crossed his arms. "Seems kinda dangerous for me to go alone."
Lara chuckled. "You won't be alone."
She turned and called out to two Rangers sitting nearby.
"Asahi! John! Come here."
Two young men approached the counter.
Asahi was a calm-looking guy with His dark hair was tied back in a short ponytail. John was more laid-back, grinning confidently as he leaned against the counter. His messy brown hair and relaxed posture made him seem easygoing.
"These two will be your team for today."
"Zen," Lara gestured toward them, "meet Asahi and John. Both are Basic Rank Rangers, meaning they have more experience and higher rank than you."
Zen looked at them curiously. "So, what kind of Pokémon do you guys use?"
John grinned. "We're a Flying-type duo."
Asahi nodded. "I use Pidgeot. John uses Fearow."
Zen's eyes widened. "Whoa, fully evolved Pokémon? That's so cool."
John laughed. "Perks of being a Ranger. We train our Pokémon hard."
As they left the Ranger Center and walked toward Viridian Forest, their conversation shifted to Team Rocket.
Zen listened as Asahi spoke.
"Do you know about Fuchsia City?"
Zen shook his head. "No."
Asahi sighed. "Well, according to reports from the Rangers there, Team Rocket is everywhere. So many of them that even the Rangers and police don't have enough people to fight back."
John crossed his arms. "And what's worse… their Gym Leader is missing."
Zen's eyebrows furrowed. "Wait… just like our city? We don't have a Gym Leader either."
John nodded. "Exactly. If Team Rocket decides to focus their efforts on Viridian Forest, we're screwed."
Zen frowned. "But why are so many Gym Leaders missing?"
Asahi shook his head. "No idea. But whatever it is, it's not good."
John scowled. "Probably some political bullshit going on with the Pokémon League. And, of course, it's us low-rank worker that have to clean up the mess."
Zen nodded. It was frustrating to think that the strongest trainers—the Gym Leaders—were gone when people needed them the most.
As they reached the entrance to Viridian Forest, the towering trees cast long shadows over them. The thick canopy above made the area dim even in the daytime.
John cracked his knuckles. "Alright, enough talking. Are you ready, Zen?"
Zen nodded. "Yeah."
John and Asahi pulled out their Poké Balls.
"Go, Pidgeot!"
"Go, Fearow!"
The two massive Flying-types emerged, their wings stirring up wind as they took to the air.
Zen took out Red's Poké Ball.
"Come on out, ledyba!"
Ledyba hovered beside him, his tiny wings buzzing with excitement.
With their Pokémon ready, the three Rangers stepped into the forest's depths.