Currently working on my Paras manip in Mt. Moon, but it's not going very well. I would just chalk it up to a lack of experience but I'm getting the same outcome every time. After the moonstone, I go down the ladder, walk 5 (I'm pretty sure) tiles and get an encounter, a level 9 Zubat. Every time. What am I doing wrong?

There is a chance you save on a frame where the manip does not work on. Try to resave, if this is not the case, make sure you pick up the moon stone frame perfect (start holding a when you step towards the moon stone).

I've resaved a couple times to no avail, so I'll try to work on the Moon Stone timing. Thanks.

Just did some digging and figured out that I somehow missed the Super Nerd on the save state I was practicing on, which results in a level 9 Zubat appearing 5 tiles after the Moon Stone. Thanks for your help!