Zen, Asahi, and John moved cautiously, stepping lightly through the undergrowth as they followed the trail. Then, through a break in the trees, they finally spotted them.
A dozen Team Rocket grunts stood in a clearing, their black uniforms blending into the dim light. The bold red "R" on their chests made it clear who they were.
But what really made Zen's shocked was their Pokémon.
Ekans slithered between the grunts' feet, tongues flicking in and out. Zubat swarmed above them, their high-pitched cries cutting through the silence. Even worse, several Gastly floated ominously around the camp, their purple haze distorting the air.
John let out a slow breath. "That's… a lot of them."
Asahi frowned. "This is worse than we thought."
Zen barely heard them. His eyes were locked on the grunts—not because of their numbers, but because of what they were doing.
They weren't guarding the area.
They were packing up.
His stomach dropped.
"They're leaving," Zen whispered.
Asahi turned to him. "What?"
Zen kept his voice low. "Look at them. They're not settling in. They're loading crates and pokeball, packing up supplies. They're about to move out."
John's expression darkened. "Damn it. That means we won't get to catch them…"
A heavy silence fell over them. The realization was clear—if they didn't act fast, Team Rocket would be gone before reinforcements arrived.
Asahi clenched his jaw. "We have to fall back and report this now."
Moving quickly but quietly, they retreated. Once they were a safe distance away, Asahi pulled out his PokéGear and called Ray.
The line connected almost immediately.
"What did you find?" Ray's voice was sharp and to the point.
Asahi kept his voice steady. "We found their camp. At least a dozen grunts. They've got Ekans, Zubat, and Gastly. But the important thing is—they're packing up. They're preparing to leave."
A brief pause. Then Ray spoke, his voice calm but firm.
"Understood. Do not engage. We're surrounding them."
Zen blinked. "Wait… Surrounding them?"
Ray's tone didn't change. "I've already called in every available Ranger. We're moving in from all sides. This time, we're shutting Team Rocket down for good."
John's eyes widened. "Wait, you mean—?"
Ray didn't hesitate. "This is a full-scale takedown. Get back here and regroup. Now."
Zen's heart pounded. This wasn't just a simple mission anymore.
They were about to go to war.
When they arrived at the meeting point, Zen's eyes widened at the sight before him.
At least twenty Rangers stood in formation, their Pokémon at the ready. This was every Ranger stationed in Viridian City.
At the front of the group stood Ray, the Captain, his broad frame making him look like a general leading an army.
Beside him was Lara with arms crossed as she listened intently.
Standing near them were several other high-ranking Rangers, each one tense with anticipation.
Zen glanced around. Some Rangers were calm, while others gripped their Poké Balls tightly, their faces set in determination.
Then he realized something chilling.
This was everyone.
Viridian right now missing a Gym Leader. The Police Force was limited.
If Team Rocket ever decided to fully focus their efforts on Viridian instead of Fuchsia City…
There would be no one left to stop them.
Ray's deep voice cut through the tension.
"Alright, listen up." His tone was calm, authoritative. "Team Rocket thinks they can operate in our forest without consequences. Today, we prove them wrong."
He gestured toward the group. "We're knock them down. We'll put them in jail and make sure no one escapes."
Then he turned to Zen, Asahi, and John.
"You three did good tracking them. Now stick with us and don't take anu risks. This is a group strike."
Zen took a deep breath and clenched his fists.
Ray raised his hand.
"Move out."
The Rangers surged forward.
The battle for Viridian Forest had begun.
_______
Wuhahahahaha cliffhanger.. give me your power stone
Just joking man