Pokemon Adventure: New Adventure

Zen pushed open the glass doors of Pokémon Center and stepped inside.

The familiar scent of medicine and clean air filled his nose.

Rock followed behind as they walked up to Nurse Joy's counter.

Zen gently placed Weedle on the counter.

"Nurse Joy, can you check on Weedle? He had a tough battle."

Nurse Joy smiled, taking Weedle into her hands.

"Of course, I'll return him in a few minutes."

Zen nodded and stepped back, turning to Rock.

As they waited, Rock crossed his arms and smirked.

"Hey, Zen, do you want to go to Pallet Town with me next week?"

Zen blinked.

"Wait, really? I can go?"

Rock nodded.

"Yeah, my dad's taking me there. There's some kind of festival happening."

Zen's eyes lit up.

"A festival? Sounds fun!"

Then, a thought hit him.

Maybe I can find Beedrill honey in Pallet Town!

He had searched everywhere in Viridian City and found nothing, nobody even sell them here.

If there were people selling sweet honey at Pallet Town, he might finally get it for Weedle.

Zen grinned.

"Alright, I'm in!"

Rock nodded approvingly.

Nurse Joy walked back to the counter, holding Weedle in her hands.

"Here you go, Zen. Weedle is healthy as ever!"

Zen took Weedle back, placing him on his shoulder.

"Thanks, Nurse Joy!"

Weedle chirped happily, rubbing against Zen's cheek.

With that, Zen and Rock walked out of the Pokémon Center.

As they stepped outside, Zen's eyes landed on someone familiar.

An old man stood near Viridian Gym, arms crossed, looking around the area.

Zen immediately recognized him.

The old man who battled him months ago.

Zen turned to Rock.

"I'll catch up with you later. I need to talk to someone."

Rock shrugged.

"Alright, see you later."

With that, Zen walked toward the old man.

Zen stopped in front of him.

"Hey, old man!"

The old man turned and squinted at him.

Then his eyes widened in recognition.

"Oh, it's you, kid!"

Zen grinned.

"How are you?"

The old man laughed, flexing his arm.

"Still strong as ever!"

Zen chuckled.

"Glad to hear that."

The old man smirked.

"So, what brings you here? Want another battle?"

Zen shook his head.

"Nah, I already had a battle today. Weedle needs rest."

He gently rubbed Weedle's head, making him chirp.

The old man nodded.

"Good answer. Rest is just as important as training."

Then, the old man turned to leave.

"Well, kid, see you around."

Zen quickly called out.

"Hey, old man! Do you remember my name?"

The old man paused.

Zen grinned.

"It's Zen. Next time we meet, I'm going to win."

The old man let out a short chuckle and continued walking away.

Zen watched him for awhile then quickly catch up to Rock.

----

Zen and Rock walked side by side through Viridian City, the evening sun casting long shadows across the streets.

Weedle rested on Zen's shoulder, while Diglett popped in and out of the ground beside Rock as they moved.

Zen glanced at Rock.

"Rock, you said your dad gave you Diglett, right?"

Rock nodded proudly.

"Yeah, as a gift!"

Zen tilted his head.

"So… where did he catch it?"

Rock froze for a second.

His confident expression turned awkward.

"Uhh…"

Zen raised an eyebrow.

Rock scratched his head.

"I… don't actually know."

Zen stared at him.

"…You don't know?"

Rock laughed nervously.

"Nope! Never asked!"

Zen shook his head with a small chuckle.

"Man, you should ask him next time. I kinda want to know."

Rock nodded.

"Yeah, yeah, I will."

As they continued walking, Rock suddenly smirked.

"Hey, Zen, did you know that Viridian city has the strongest Gym Leader in Kanto?"

Zen blinked.

"Strongest? But… he's never even here."

Rock shrugged.

"People say he's always busy, by that i mean super busy."

Zen frowned.

"Busy with what?"

Rock's face grew serious.

"They say… he's fighting Team Rocket."

Zen stopped walking for a second.

"Team Rocket?"

Rock nodded.

"Yeah."

"Who are they?" asked Zen

Rock's expression darkened.

"A really bad group."

Zen frowned.

"What do they do?"

Rock shook his head.

"I don't really know. I just heard about them from my dad."

After a while, they arrived in front of the orphanage.

Zen turned to Rock.

"Alright, see you tomorrow."

Rock nodded.

"See ya, Zen."

They fist-bumped, and Rock walked off with Diglett trailing behind.

Zen watched him go before stepping toward the orphanage's front door.

Another day had ended, but his thoughts still lingered on what Rock had said.

The strongest Gym Leader in Kanto… and Team Rocket…

Zen didn't know why, but something told him he would learn more about both very soon.

But for now better he put all his focus on weedle...

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Another 2 chapter for today :)