20 powerstone thanks guys
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The morning sun cast a golden glow over Viridian City, signaling the start of a new day.
Zen stretched as he woke up, feeling refreshed despite the previous day's exhausting battle.
He went through his usual morning routine, a quick bath, a simple breakfast, and a cheerful greeting to Miss Clara before heading out.
As he walked toward the Ranger Center, Kakuna and Ledyba hovered close to him, both rested and energetic.
"Today's a new day," Zen muttered. "Wonder what mission I'll get…"
The building was as busy as ever, with Rangers coming and going, discussing their assignments.
At the reception desk, Lara greeted him with a smirk.
"Well, well, look who's early again. Trying to make us look bad, Zen?"
Zen shrugged. "Gotta keep up my good record, right?"
Lara chuckled. "Alright, kid. You're getting a solo mission today. Time to see if you can handle things on your own."
Zen's eyes widened. "Solo? Already?"
"Don't worry," Lara reassured him. "It's not too dangerous. Here's your task…"
Mission Briefing:
A trainer from Pallet Town reported that his Pokémon ran off into Viridian Forest last night. It was a young Growlithe, still inexperienced and easily scared.
Zen needed to track it down before it got lost too deep in the forest or worse, fell into the hands of wild Pokémon or poachers. With ranger lacking personal to patrol the forest, those stupid poachers may take advantage of it.
Zen accepted the mission.
"A missing Growlithe, huh?" he muttered as he left the center. "This shouldn't be too hard… right?"
But as he entered Viridian Forest, he quickly realized…
Tracking a frightened Pokémon was easier said than done.
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Zen crouched low, studying the small paw prints in the soft dirt. This was the spot where the Growlithe had last been seen.
"Alright, Ledyba," Zen said, glancing at his bug-type partner. "Scout ahead and make sure we don't run into any wild pokemon."
Ledyba chirped and quickly took to the air, flying in small circles before moving forward.
Zen turned to Kakuna, who was resting against his shoulder.
"Kakuna, stay alert. If we run into trouble, I might need you to use String Shot ."
Kakuna twitched slightly in response.
Zen took a deep breath. "Okay… let's find this Growlithe."
Zen carefully followed the trail, eyes scanning the ground for more signs. The deeper he went into the Viridian Forest, the more the trees thickened, casting cool shadows over the path.
Every now and then, Ledyba would return, giving a small chirp to signal the way was clear.
"Good work, Ledyba," Zen said, nodding.
They continued searching for nearly an hour, but the Growlithe was nowhere in sight.
Zen frowned. "This isn't good... if we don't find it soon, he might get into some problem."
Kakuna twitched again.
Zen smirked. "Yeah, I know. Gotta stay patient."
Suddenly, Ledyba returned in a hurry, wings buzzing fast.
Zen's eyes narrowed. "You found something?"
Ledyba nodded rapidly before flying ahead, leading the way.
Zen followed, moving carefully through the undergrowth.
Then he saw it, a small, trembling Growlithe, hiding inside a hole beneath the roots of a large tree.
Approaching the Frightened Pokémon
Zen crouched down, making sure not to startle the Pokémon.
"Hey there, buddy," he said in a soft, calm voice.
Growlithe's ears twitched, but it didn't move.
Zen took a slow step forward. "It's okay. I'm here to bring you back to your trainer."
The little fire-type whimpered and curled up tighter, clearly frightened.
Zen sighed. "It must have had a rough night…"
Ledyba chirped, flying in small circles, while Kakuna twitched reassuringly.
Growlithe's eyes softened, but it still didn't move.
Zen tilted his head. "Are you stuck in there?"
Growlithe gave a hesitant nod.
Zen chuckled. "Alright. Don't worry, we'll get you out."
He turned to Kakuna. "Think you can use String Shot to make a harness?"
Kakuna twitched before releasing a strong, silky thread, wrapping it gently around Growlithe's midsection.
Zen grabbed the thread. "Okay, Ledyba, help me pull."
With a firm but careful tug, the little Growlithe was freed from the hole.
Zen crouched beside it. "See? Told you we'd help."
Growlithe shook its fur, looking up at Zen with wide eyes.
Then it wagged its tail.
Zen grinned. "I think that means you trust me now."
He patted the Growlithe's head. "Come on, let's get you home."
With Kakuna on his shoulder, Ledyba flying above, and Growlithe trotting beside him, Zen turned back toward Viridian City, mission complete.
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I really need to slow down this novel phase.. to much fighting for 8 years old kid
Maybe another time skip?