Chapter 125:

Sneasel was basking in comfort, his wounds tended to and his hunger satiated. Cain, on the other hand, was feeling drained from the long day.

The skills of Pokemon trainers weren't to be underestimated. With their expertise in medical techniques, they could heal and bond with their Pokémon faster than any layperson. Cain had used these methods to treat Sneasel's injuries, and as a result, the scarring had minimized, and the pain subsided. Sneasel was now recovering at a rapid pace, and his small wounds had already vanished.

After sipping on a bottle of milk from a generous Miltank, Sneasel regained his strength and was able to move more freely.

It was then that Sneasel looked up and noticed the human who had been tending to him. In the previous battle, he had observed how the human's commands had allowed Murkrow and Slowpoke to overpower him. He gazed at Cain with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Sneasel, you are now my Pokémon. You can either accept that fact or not. But there are only two choices before you. First, join my Pokémon team, and I will guide you in battle and nurture you to be stronger. You'll have access to all the food and items you could ever want, including milk."

Sneasel remained expressionless as he listened to Cain, but his eyes gleamed at the mention of milk.

Cain smiled inwardly, knowing he had hit a sweet spot. With the promise of his favorite beverage, Sneasel was already halfway to being fully committed.

However, Cain's tone grew serious as he delivered the second choice. "Or, you can choose not to fight for me. I will provide you with food, but you'll never leave the confines of your Pokéball until the end of your days."

The two choices presented were vastly different, with one offering freedom and growth, while the other was akin to a prison sentence.

Sneasel's anger surged when he heard Cain's second choice. As a wild Pokémon, freedom was the essence of his being. The thought of being locked up indefinitely made him feel like he was staring into the abyss of despair.

With a fierce cry, Sneasel assumed an attacking posture. Murkrow and Slowpoke also stood ready, their eyes fixed on Sneasel, anticipating his next move.

Cain met Sneasel's glare without flinching. As a trainer, he had a strong desire for control and could not compromise on such matters. He knew that Sneasel had great potential, but if he couldn't be a valuable member of his team, then it was better to keep him locked up to prevent him from being captured by others or becoming his enemy.

Despite his strong stance, Cain had no intention of mistreating Sneasel. If Sneasel chose to become his Pokémon and fight by his side, he would receive the same care and attention as Murkrow and Slowpoke.

Just as the tension between the two sides reached a boiling point, it was Miltank who broke the impasse, rushing to the middle and gesturing wildly to Sneasel. She seemed to be indicating that Cain was not the person he believed him to be.

Miltank then grabbed the half-empty bottle of milk that Sneasel had left on the ground and stuffed it back into his hands. She chattered on incessantly, and Sneasel listened intently, his expression blank.

As Miltank continued to speak, she became more and more animated, even pulling Slowpoke into the conversation and patting him on the back. Murkrow watched the scene unfold, relieved that he wasn't the one being patted.

Slowpoke endured the patting, but it was clear that he was in pain. He tried to pretend to be happy and encourage Miltank by calling out to her.

Sneasel watched as Miltank excitedly told her story and saw the pained expression on Slowpoke's face. Part of him was glad to see one of the Pokémon who had teamed up against him having to go through this ordeal.

Unaware of the situation, Miltank continued to pat Slowpoke harder and harder, until he couldn't take it any longer. He quickly backed away, fearing for his safety.

With a loud "Bam!" Miltank's hand hit the ground, creating a deep groove and cracks in the earth. The room fell silent, and Miltank looked around, realising what had happened and lowering her head with a shy expression.

Slowpoke let out a sigh of relief, grateful to have avoided a catastrophe.

Cain was also surprised by Miltank's display of power. He had assumed her impressive strength in her battle against Arbok was due to Bide, but now it seemed that there was more to her than he had realized.

Nevertheless, Miltank's long speech had an effect on Sneasel, and his hostility towards Cain had diminished. Miltank certainly had a way of regulating the team and keeping everyone in line.

After a moment of silence, Miltank approached Sneasel and led him in front of Cain. Though Cain didn't understand what Miltank had said to Sneasel, he was pleased that Sneasel was now standing obediently in front of him.

Cain reached out to touch Sneasel's head, hoping to ease the tension between them. But Sneasel turned his head away, avoiding Cain's hand. Cain was left with his hand hanging awkwardly in the air.

To break the tension, Cain took out two bottles of milk from his ring and stuffed them into Sneasel's arms.

Sneasel's expression was reluctant and complicated, and Cain wasn't one to give up. He again reached out and placed his hand on Sneasel's head, smiling as he rubbed it affectionately.