[b]Ka'bol Island, Downtown Aura City[/b]

"I fold," the man with the thick mustache grumbled. Three down, one to go. Chance allowed a hint of a smirk to pass his lips, then quickly resumed his poker face while he glanced at his remaining opponent's face. Unreadable, as usual.

"I'll see your twenty Poke-dollars and raise twenty," the thin woman stated smoothly, gingerly placing a portion of her large pile of cash into the center of the table.

Chance's sky blue eyes shifted to his hand for just a moment, as if looking at the cards would make them magically transform into something amazing. Though far from amazing, he did have [i]something...[/i] and that tantalizing pot would almost make up for his losing streak.

"I'll see your twenty," the teen declared, dropping a wad of bills in a way far less graceful than the woman. What more did he have to lose? The woman spread her cards out, revealing a pair of twos and a pair of fives. Chance cringed slightly. All he had was a pair of Queens.

Chance inwardly grumbled while the balding dealer reshuffled the cards and the victor smoothed out her prize to match the rest of her pristine pile. A sudden popping sound startled the group, and a flash of light emanated from Chance's belt.

"MUUUNCHLAAAAAAX!!"

The chubby green Pokemon immediately started groping at her trainer's backpack, and she looked like she was about to burst into tears. Chance rubbed his temple.

"Can you wait just a few minutes?" the blonde sighed. "We're in the mid-"

"MUNCH!"

The Munchlax pouted and yanked on Chance's arm. Her pull was strong for a baby Pokemon, and Chance nearly fell out of his chair.

"Sorry guys," Chance apologized to the poker players with a sheepish chuckle. "Gotta get some food for Lucy. She gets cranky when she's hungry..."

A couple of Chance's opponents nodded in understanding. The rest stared in bewilderment as Lucy practically dragged him out of the run-down cafe. After walking a safe distance away, Chance stopped and smiled down at his prized Pokemon.

"Good work, Lucy," Chance praised. Along with being an awesome Pokemon partner, Lucy also served as his bail-out code. He needed [i]some[/i] way to get out of a bad game without looking like a coward. 

However, the Munchlax's act only seemed to intensify, and she began rolling on the sidewalk and wailing. Chance sweatdropped as he unzipped his large red and black backpack and pulled out a pack of cookies. Lucy eagerly grabbed the treat and gobbled down the whole pack in ten seconds flat.

Chance smiled lightly and fondly patted Lucy on the head. But the teen's smile faded as he gazed out at the bustling city. Unless his luck turned around soon, he only had enough money left for two more nights at the hotel, tops. Maybe he would have to head out on the road sooner than he'd hoped.

Chance slowly wandered down a busy street, Lucy cheerfully waddling behind him. Maybe he could find a rookie trainer or two to battle and help supplement his income.