"Miltank ~" the Miltank called out, her voice a little crisp.
Aoki didn't understand her meaning. She shook her head, wondering if she hadn't battled and didn't know who won or lost.
The blue light emerged from the eyes of the Slowpoke, directly using Telepathy to link with Miltank's consciousness. The two Pokémon communicated directly.
Aoki stood by and watched Slowpoke and Miltank. He didn't say anything. He believed Slowpoke wouldn't do anything useless.
Telepathic communication was at the level of consciousness, so soon the two Pokémon stopped communicating.
The effect was obvious. Although Aoki didn't know what Slowpoke said to Miltank, the vigilance and wariness in Miltank's eyes had disappeared, replaced by a touch of calm when looking at Aoki.
"Master, her experience is similar to mine, but she has been separated from her herd since she was a child. She hopes you can help her find her herd, so she is willing to listen to your command."
Slowpoke's voice sounded in Aoki's brain, and the use of Telepathy was becoming more refined.
In truth, the communication between Slowpoke and Miltank was more than that. He and Miltank shared similar experiences. Slowpoke told her about his time with Aoki, how Aoki treated his Pokémon, and eventually convinced Miltank.
The shared experience also made Miltank more willing to listen to Slowpoke's advice, so she finally decided to try trusting Aoki.
Of course, Slowpoke's strength was also an important factor in her decision.
If she could follow a Slowpoke stronger than her, and if Slowpoke trusted a human so much, then her resistance to being captured was not strong.
Hearing Slowpoke's words, Aoki hesitated. He knew things weren't that simple, but since Slowpoke said so, it meant he had persuaded Miltank in his own way.
Aoki's mouth slightly raised, revealing a smile, and he slowly approached Miltank. With her cautious eyes watching, he gently placed his hand on her head.
"Please take care of me from now on, Miltank," Aoki said with a smile.
He had not expected Miltank to join so smoothly. He had originally thought he would have to battle her or persuade her with some benefits.
"Miltank?" Miltank stiffened as Aoki's hand approached. When he completely placed his hand on her head, she remained frozen.
Feeling the warmth from his hand and the trust it conveyed, this was the first time she had experienced this since being separated from her herd.
She had always lived alone. Whether finding food or shelter, it was all up to her, which made her lonely.
Survival in the wild was cruel, and combined with her natural dislike for battling, it was even harder.
The moves she had learned were all taught by kind-hearted wild Pokémon so she could heal herself when injured, which was why she only knew supportive moves.
When she was caught by the hunter, she hadn't resisted much. She was the calmest Miltank in that group, merely seeing humans as another kind of Pokémon. She had become accustomed to losing battles.
Until she met Slowpoke, a Pokémon with almost the same experience as her, who used a strange method to tell her about the bond between humans and Pokémon. For a moment, she suddenly wanted to try.
To understand the so-called connection between humans and Pokémon.
Aoki looked at Miltank and smiled, then gently patted her head again, taking out a medium-grade Pokeblock specially prepared for her from his bag.
Miltank sniffed it, catching a scent she had never encountered before—an aroma that made her instinctively want to eat it.
She hesitated, looking at Aoki, and saw the assurance in his eyes.
"Do I really get to eat something this delicious?" Miltank wondered.
Slowpoke's encouraging cry gave her the final push, and she took a bite. The scent became richer, and the sweetness more intense.
The moment the Pokeblock entered her mouth, Miltank's eyes widened, and her chewing sped up. She finally swallowed, savoring the lingering taste.
Under the gaze of Aoki and Slowpoke, a light blush appeared on Miltank's pink cheeks.
Seeing Miltank so easily won over by the Pokeblock, Aoki nodded in satisfaction. This Miltank had finally accepted him.
In the end, Aoki said, "Miltank, I promise to help you find your herd, but if you become my Pokémon, you must obey my orders. If you don't follow commands and it affects battle, I may not be so forgiving."
Aoki's expression became serious. Although he trusted his Pokémon, as a Trainer, some things needed to be stated clearly.
"I know you may not like battling. I can reduce the number of battles for you, but some training cannot be skipped. All I ask is that you put in the effort and take care of your teammates!" Aoki continued.
Miltank looked at Aoki, who had been smiling moments ago but was now serious, realizing the importance of his words. After a moment of hesitation, she nodded firmly.
Miltank's quality and talent were not weak. Although Aoki primarily saw her as a support Pokémon, she still needed some life-saving ability.
"Let's go have lunch and introduce you to the rest of your new teammates." With Miltank's agreement, Aoki patted her head reassuringly.
Back at the Pokémon Center room, Aoki released Murkrow and Gastly to meet their new companion.
Gastly was the most excited. As the most recent addition to the team, he had always been the youngest. Although his two big brothers took good care of him, he didn't want to remain the youngest forever.
Today, a new companion finally joined. Overjoyed, Gastly floated excitedly around Miltank, expressing his happiness and making her even more flustered.
As the oldest in the team, Murkrow landed behind Miltank, patted her shoulder with his wing, and signaled that she could rely on him.
When they learned that Miltank was the first female Pokémon in the team, they became even more protective. No one would be able to harm Miltank unless they got past them first.
Miltank felt awkward since this was her first time encountering Pokémon who willingly accepted her, but she wisely chose to win them over with her best offering—fresh milk.
Miltank's milk was extremely nutritious and delicious. Its price in stores was always high.
Almost instantly, all the Pokémon who drank it were won over by Miltank. The delicious milk not only tasted amazing, but it also replenished their energy after morning training, making them feel revitalized.