Marching out into a dense piece of jungle, knife in hand with Sneasel. Cutting out way through, me with my knife and Sneasel with her claws. There were at minimum a hundred other kids taking this trial. While I have a single advantage, by knowing about this Island it doesn't change the fact I am at a disadvantage. Some of these kids are related to people already in Team Rocket. Meaning they have outside assistance I don't have.

  This means I will have to gather everything I got last time and more. There is something I found near the end of my time on this island the last time. An old camp, about a day travel in this direction. It had some things... Namely, a Ultraball and two TM. The Ultraball isn't a necessary as the TM are. TM Ice Beam and TM Brick Break, both are invaluable for Sneasel giving a ranged high-power ice attack for taking down pesky flying and dragon Pokémon. Brick Break for a firm handle on steel and rock Pokémon who'd have an advantage against her. Getting my hands on those TM will secure my place on this island and I can't allow anyone else to find it before I do. They weren't found before, but I can't risk it.

  It was odd not encountering any Pokémon on the way, but I'll count my small blessings while they last. Finally breaking from the brush and thick foliage into the old camp from my memories I take notice that it looked far more put together than I remembered. It was still abandoned, but it was a lot less destroyed.

  "Sneasel, lets dig around and see if we can find anything interesting, okay?" Sneasel met my eye and nodded beginning to look around as I headed to the place I remember getting the TMs before. They weren't here and it made me click my tongue in annoyance looking up at the rock wall at the back of the small encampment. The tent even if it was old and tattered was still standing maybe they are in there? A call from Sneasel got my attention and in its claws sat something even better than just two TMs it was a whole League TM case! They were given to League Official Trainer upon leaving as a sponsored trainer. "Where you find it Sneasel?" I moved quickly to my partner and after she handed it over, she pointed at an extremely rough looking SilphCo brand backpack.

  The bag was still usable even if it looked rough and one of the straps was definitely destroyed. These things were way better than the standard issue rocket belts. I found out who this poor sap was while digging through his bag. His name was Jack Ketchum, as ironic as it sounds, I found Ash's missing father. Rather sad but I am putting this guy's things to use regardless of who these belong to. Inside the bag had a few other treasures, a few dozen regular Pokéballs, three Greatball, and five Ultraball. A dead Pokégear Phone which may have some interesting things on it, as it was definitely league issued. Might even have a reason as to why Mr. Ketchum here was even on this island. There was one other thing, and it was extremely unfortunate. A locked Ultraball that had an unmoving Dratini inside. The system activated upon looking at the ball and I couldn't help but let my jaw drop. The Dratini I thought was surely dead was alive even if barely.

  I quickly unlocked the ball and allowed the Dragon out of the ball its weak form opened a single eye to look at me. I knelt down next to it and gently lifted the poor thing into an arm taking out a bottle of Moo Moo Milk even though I heard Sneasel complain and let the poor thing drink from the straw. "You poor boy, being locked in there for who knows how long."

  Pokémon: Dratini

  Type: Dragon

  Gender: Male

  Potential: Light Purple (Warning: This Pokémon's Potential has dropped from starvation and malnutrition. Original Potential: Black)

  Ability: Shed Skin

  Held item: None

  Moves: Wrap, Leer, Dragon Rage, Water Pulse, Thunderwave, and Twister.

  Egg Moves: Dragon Dance and Light Screen.

  TMs: None

  Current state: Nearing death due to starvation. Immediate action recommended!

  it's resilience and will to survive this long is the only reason it's still alive. Ultraball technology is a cut above the rest. The highest grade commercially bought Pokéball when locked has a kind of statis. It can keep a Pokémon in suspended animation for quite some time, even a normal Pokéball can do this but not nearly for as long as a Greatball or Ultraball can. Ultraballs can hold a Pokémon in that suspended state for a long time, but it will have a dramatic effect on a normal Pokémon absolutely destroying any Potential they might have had. It was uncertain how long the suspended state lasted for Dratini but it must have failed at some point for him to be in this state.

  I ended up going through three bottles of Moo Moo Milk before the Dratini seemed to close its eyes to rest. His breathing wasn't as shallow as before and upon checking his condition with the system. It says he's not going to die any longer, but he's still in a fragile state. I looked at Sneasel who wasn't too far away with her arms crossed watching me. "Sneasel, come over here. He's sleeping." Sneasel came over and looked from me to Dratini and back. "He was trapped in that ball for so long he began to starve." Sneasel, I knew could tell that much but I continued talking. "He's very young from what I can tell." I make sure I'm gentle as I run my fingers over his blue serpentine body. "I couldn't let him die like that. It may not be ideal but he's your little brother now. As a big sister I want you to help him until he's strong enough to fend for himself." Sneasel lowered her gaze to the weakened Dragon type a look of contemplation on her black fur covered face. A small nod was the reply I got, and I would take what I could get.

  We ended up staying in the 'Dead Man's Camp' as I have dubbed it for the sake of keeping this place categorized in my head. Using the tent that has clearly seen way better days I made a place to rest for Sneasel, Dratini, and myself before it got dark and set up a fire. Sneasel was given some of my ration bars to eat. They weren't exactly tasty but they would hold us over until we headed back to the Outpost tomorrow.

  Getting a full night sleep however, didn't sit well with fates plans. Sneasel had woke me up and I used the remaining moo moo milk to feed Dratini who had woken up hungry. I fed him what I had and a small bit of a ration bar to see if he could stomach any solid food. He ate it even if his face screwed up at the taste of them. "Yeah they suck, I know... Sneasel and I don't like them either. It's what I have but I'll get you something yummy later tomorrow okay?" Dratini only blinked weakly at my words but I got the feeling he was just happy to have food and water.

  After he went back to sleep I recalled him into the Ultraball and packed up the camp. According to my internal clock it was about three in the morning. Two hours earlier than I wanted to set out but that's fine. I pulled a vest jacket out of the bag and pulled it on. It was a bit big, but I could hide Dratini's Ultraball inside it. After a small strategy meeting with Sneasel on what we should do if we ever encounter a trainer and she can get close enough she should take their Pokéballs. If she gets a hold of them the trainer becomes useless. Sneasel seems to approve if the devious smile that crosses her face is any indication.

  Since I had already cut my way through the travel back to the Outpost shouldn't take more than an hour or two compared to the five or six hours it took before. Goes to show just how dense the foliage was and it took Sneasel and I both to get through it, one of us having literal claws for hands.

  Sneasel had a concerned look on her face as she looked around. She tugged a bit on the vest and I stopped to look at her. She stepped in front of me and raised her claws hissing threateningly. I raised an eyebrow and looked around. I wasn't about to toss aside Sneasel's instincts but I couldn't see anyone or anything threatening. That was until someone came out of the trees. It was one of the few people I wasn't equipped to deal with just yet. How bothersome, the god of fate must be snickering at me.

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  "That's some nice stuff you got there... Why don't you share? I'm sure you could spare a little bit of what you've found." He was eyeing the backpack and I scowled.

  "I'd rather not share with someone I don't know... Let alone a competitor. Teaming up is for the weak and suckers who can't handle themselves."

  He had opened his mouth to reply but what I said about teaming up had him closing it. His eyes narrowed as a rather large for it's size Koffing came out from where he came from a moment ago with a wave of his hand. "You are right, but wouldn't the strong benefit from one another? But where are my manners, my name is Felix. What is yours?"

  "I don't have any inclination to give you my name, nor remember yours. What I found is mine and if you want it you'll have to pry it out of my cold dead hands." I narrow my eyes with my intent to cause him harm. "Ya know... Speaking of cold. Sneasel Quick Attack into Ice Punch!" In a rush of movement Sneasel moved smashing a fist cloaked in a icy mist into Koffing sending it into a nearby tree. I ran forward pulling out my knife and and keeping it aimed towards Felix before getting a sizable distance. "Come on Sneasel let's go we don't have time for this. I want an actual breakfast." Sneasel ran to me as Koffing who was actually having a difficult time getting up off the tree it's Potential page flickered before my eyes.

  Pokémon: Koffing

  Type: Poison

  Gender: Male

  Potential: Green

  Ability: Levitate

  Moves: Tackle, Poison Gas, Smog, Clear Smog, and Selfdestruct.

  Egg Moves: Screech and Curse.

  TM: Taunt.

  Note: Hasn't eaten in three days. Is weakening from hunger.

  I frown at how he's treating his Pokémon. I saw an extra Pokéball on his belt I'm not so stupid as to believe he hadn't received the Houndour from his elder brother already. He can't use it for the trials but most of not all his resources are going to that Greatball clipped to his belt.

  Pokémon: Houndour

  Type: Dark/Fire

  Gender: Female

  Potential: Light Blue

  Ability: Flash Fire

  Moves: Tackle, Bite, Howl, Ember, Leer, Roar, and Smog

  Egg Moves: Counter, Thunder Fang, and Sucker Punch.

  TM: Protect, Sludge Bomb, and Dark Pulse.

  Note: Is in excellent health, has yet to become loyal.

  Not yet loyal? That means he has yet to break or bond with the Houndour. It would be difficult but I could handle a third Pokémon since Dratini is in a state of recovery and will be for at least a week. As Sneasel was passing by Felix I spot Sneasel's devious smile and it plucked the Greatball resting on his belt while he was focused on me. I didn't react to her theft of the ball and shot Felix a glare.

  "I'm letting you off because I want to adjust your attitude in front of everyone else. You got time you should use it to make your Koffing passable enough to make top ten or I'll leave you in the dust. Count on it." I turned slightly and started to jog down the path I made until he was out of sight and I reached my hand out for Sneasel to hand me the Greatball. I smirk putting it inside my jacket vest on the other side from Dratini. I don't know if he's interacted with the pup yet, but if he hasn't it's all the better for me. If he has them I can convince her that I'm a better master simple as that. Canine Pokémon like Arcanine, Growlithe, Houndoom, and Houndour are swayed by treats and belly rubs. It's kind of hilarious that they are so easy to please but I'll have to be prepared when I let the hound out of her ball.

  Arriving at the Outpost I find a secluded spot before slipping behind a tree and opening my rocket belt storage taking out the TM case and opening it. There was a dozen TMs in it I just had to figure out what to sell to get the points I need. The TMs are Ice Beam, Brick Break, Teleport, Hyper Beam, Thunderbolt, Charm, Toxic, Mega Drain, Shock Wave, Psychic, Double Team, and Rock Tomb. I don't know exactly what each of these is worth but I do know handing them a TM for Hyperbeam, Thunderbolt, or Psychic will get me targeted and killed. Giving them Charm and Mega Drain should be okay. Maybe after a few days I can sell them Rock Tomb and maybe Shockwave. The Points I'll need to help Dratini recover are more important than hording what I don't have immediate use for.

  I take the TMs for Charm and Mega Drain out and replace the TM case back in my Rocket belt and go inside towards the exchange counter. Only one guy is working is the one who sneered at me when I showed up last time. He gave me appraising look.

  "What ya need kid?" I set the two TMs on the counter carefully in response. "Oh? Found yourself some TMs. Pretty good for your first day. I also see you found yourself the junk of some poor sap who died out there... Whatever you found is yours so long as you keep hold of it." I took that as an offer to keep him quiet so long as I gave him something decent. I gave him a winning smile and reached into the bag and placed a Greatball on the table rolling it to him. He nodded in acceptance of the little tribute to buy his silence on the matter. Greatballs in the Point store fo for a thousand points. Ultraball go for about three thousand, they aren't cheap. It's natural to give a little to get a little in return. "Alright let's have a look at these babies." He scans the TMs and nods. "I'll take it you want to trade these in for Points?" With a simple nod from me he nods back and types a few numbers in the machine. "Okay, TM Charm and TM Mega Drain total together to 100,000 points but with the reduction totals out to 70,000 points."

  I smile taking out my card I lean forward a bit and gesture for him to learn in with me. He leans in a bit. "I want some information on another contestant. If I pay say, ten thousand Points could you tell me anything you can dig up on him and any connects he's got?" He backs up a bit and glances around the room nodding. He transfers ten thousand off the terminal leaving it at 60,000. He steps to the side and swipes his own card collecting the ten grand in points before moving back.

  "I know about Felix and his elder brother. His older brother is Carter he's a Sergeant just like Sergeant Viper. He specializes in Fire type Pokémon, specifically Houndoom being a favorite. I saw that Felix got a Pokémon from his brother this morning after nearly everyone left into the woods to start training their Pokémon. If I had to guess he was given a Houndour. You and that Sneasel of yours should watch it around Felix. If he's anything like his brother he may target you if he hasn't already."

  I nod as he fell silent clearly unwilling or deemed that's all the information I had purchased. "Could I get your name? I have to remember who to come back to if I have any more points burning a hole in my pocket should I need a little info."

  "The name is Vincent and yeah do come back around this time if your willing to have a chat. If anything I'll give ya a discount on info if you manage to teach that uppity brat Felix a lesson. He was a real ass to a colleague of mine. Tell me about it if you do, and my lips are sealed."

  I adjust myself and open up the part of my jacket with the Houndour's Greatball clipped inside making sure that. "I don't think he'll be so high and mighty for a good while Vincent." Vincents eyes nearly popped out of his skull. "Don't worry I didn't kill him, but my dear Sneasel decided to swipe it from him for interrupting our stroll trying to get me to hand over my stuff. So after Sneasel here nearly punched his Koffing's lights out and I pulled a knife on him he must have forgot he had Houndour cause Sneasel managed to snag it when running past him." Sneasel puffed up a bit with pride at my praising of her actions and that I'm patting her head.

  "No shit? Well I'll be damned. Good on ya kid. The rest of the morning shift will be here soon. You got anything you want to get?"

  I placed an order for 50 bottles of moo moo milk. Access to the ball transfer and TM room to hide the fact I have Houndour. I purchased vitamins, a bunch of nutritious general Pokémon and human food that should hold me over for a month or so, and a few packages of treats based on a subtle hint from Vincent would likely be Houndour's preferred brand. I even got a few other sets of weights for Houndour and Dratini. When I got the one for Dratini I told Vincent I was planning ahead for when I got an Ekans.

  It seemed to convince him as he came back with my order and I stowed what I could fit into my Rocket belt before putting the rest in my backpack. I was allowed into the Ball transfer and TM room for the next ten minutes. I had to make the time count. I moved to the ball transfer machine quickly and set it up to transfer Houndour to one of my Ultraballs and did the same for Sneasel and Dratini. I then moved to the TM learning device popping it open I placed Sneasel's ball into the slot and popped in the three moves I need Sneasel to learn. Double Team, Ice Beam, and finally Brick Break. Once it was done I clipped all three balls inside my coat after letting Sneasel back out. I had to make tracks if I was going to bring Houndour to my side and feed Dratini in the next hour I have to get to a secluded spot away from everyone else.