64 Chapter 64:

A/N:

Yo, folks! Just wanted to drop by and let ya'll know that I'm switchin' up the gender pronouns for Cain's Pokemon. Instead of he/him, we'll be referrin' to 'em as Xe/Xem/Xyr. Just kiddin', but seriously...I was gettin' tired of all the "he"s and "him"s. With so many new characters popping up, it can get a bit confusing trying to keep track of who's who. So, "it" it is! Just a heads up! But don't worry, I'm pretty sure ya'll wouldn't have even noticed. 😆

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It took almost half an hour to navigate the sprawling Pokemon Center. After a restless wait in the reception room, Cain finally received word that the examination was over.

To his delight, he learned that they were all in prime condition and had even been praised by the staff for their exceptional development.

Cain simply nodded, acknowledging the praise. "I just wanted to make sure my team is in top condition," he said.

The staff member beamed. "Well, you're definitely doing a great job."

Cain thanked the staff member once more before he released Slowpoke and made his way towards the cafeteria on the third floor. It was well past dinnertime and he was starving.

"Come on, Slowpoke," Cain said, giving the Pokemon a playful pat on the head. "Let's go grab a bite at the cafeteria. The food there is different from your usual barbecued meat and grilled fish, but I promise it's just as delicious."

Slowpoke's eyes lit up at the mention of food, letting out a joyful cry. It had a voracious appetite and was always ready for a good meal.

As they entered the cafeteria, Cain noticed that it was filling up fast. There were trainers lining up to get their food, chatting and laughing with friends and their pokemon. Slowpoke kept close to Cain's side, Confusion no longer necessary as it had finally learned to keep pace with its trainer.

But their arrival caused quite a stir. Everyone in the room turned to stare at Slowpoke, whispers spreading like wildfire.

"That Slowpoke's color doesn't look right..."

"Stupid, it's a Shiny Slowpoke, just a lighter shade. Lucky trainer, if you ask me."

"Wow, look at the speed on that Slowpoke."

"Who's that trainer? Don't recognize him. Not from around here, I'd wager."

Cain couldn't help but frown at the attention they were receiving. He knew that Slowpoke's unique appearance would draw eyes, but he didn't want to feel like they were on display in a zoo.

Cain had intended to dine in the cafeteria, but the growing sense of unease around him made him reconsider. He knew that he would have to be on guard, lest he find himself surrounded.

He packed food for his three Pokémon, as well as some for himself, before making a hasty exit. With a flick of his wrist, he commanded Slowpoke to use Confusion to carry the food and lead the way back to his room.

But just as he was about to make his escape, a pale-faced young man and two black-clad bodyguards appeared in his path, blocking his way. The young man was dressed in designer clothes, his hair neatly combed, and a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. It was clear that he was a man who enjoyed the finer things in life.

Slowpoke was unperturbed by the man's arrogance. Its blue eyes flickered with a sense of malice, for the Pokémon could sense something was amiss.

The young man's eyes lit up with interest upon seeing Slowpoke, as if he had discovered a new toy.

"I'd like to have a word with you," he announced haughtily, addressing Cain directly.

Cain's expression was one of stone. He stared at the young man and his bodyguards, silently making his way around them with Slowpoke in tow. He gave no order to attack, but Slowpoke remained at the ready, waiting for its next command.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the hall as leather shoes hit the ground. The young man and his bodyguards once again stood in Cain's path.

Cain's eyes blazed with fury. He fixed the young man with a glare and snarled, "Get out of my way!"

The young man was taken aback by the ferocity in Cain's voice. He had always been pampered and had never been spoken to in such a manner. He was about to give the order for his bodyguards to attack when he remembered where he was. His face flushed with anger, unable to find the words to respond.

Undeterred, Cain pushed forward, ignoring the bodyguards blocking his path. Slowpoke used Confusion to effortlessly push them aside, allowing Cain to pass.

The young man's face contorted with frustration as he watched Cain and Slowpoke ascend the stairs. "Don't even think about leaving the Pokemon Center!" he shouted after them.

As a local playboy with a reputation for collecting rare Pokemon, the young man had raced to the Center upon hearing of Cain's Slowpoke. But before he could even make an offer, Cain had rejected him.

In the Pokemon Center, violence was prohibited, so the young man could only seethe with frustration as he watched Cain leave.

Cain made his way to the fourth floor, unlocking the door to his room with a swipe of his keycard. Inside, he released Murkrow and Gastly, who let out joyful cries.

"Caw ~ ~"

"Jiejie ~ ~""

They had been cooped up for too long and were eager to stretch their wings and legs.

"Gastly, stick close and keep to the shadows," Cain commanded, "And Murkrow, I hate to do this to you, but you'll have to stay in the Pokeball for a while longer."

Meanwhile, Slowpoke stood at the side, with its head hung low, blaming itself for causing trouble for Cain.

Cain squatted down and patted Slowpoke's back, offering a reassuring smile. "It's alright, buddy. That guy was just a clown. Don't let him get to you."

Cain took out the food he had brought for the Pokemon, placing it in front of each of them. The unique smells wafted through the air, tempting and intriguing. Yet, none of the Pokemon immediately began to eat. They all waited for Cain's signal, a habit they developed on the trial island, a form of mutual respect for their companions.

"Alright, let's dig in," Cain said as he distributed the food. "These are all treats you've never tried before." He sat down on the ground with his legs crossed, joining his Pokemon for dinner.

Cain had brought canned fish for Slowpoke, a special blend made with a variety of fish, its favorite thanks to its strong fishy scent. For Murkrow, there were different cuts of chicken and fish, despite being a bird, it had a taste for meat.

Gastly's granular food was a rarity in the Pokemon Center. Made specifically by the Pokemon Association for Ghost-type Pokemon, each crunchy bite was infused with rich death energy, Gastly's favorite sustenance.

At the sound of Cain's command, the three Pokemon eagerly dug in.

As they dined, Cain ruminated on the encounter with the young man. His words of comfort to Slowpoke were truthful, as he truly disregarded the young man's threats.

With the human skin mask removed and Slowpoke safely tucked away in its Pokeball, the young man would never recognize Cain. Even if he did manage to track him down, Cain was confident in his ability to end the young man's life with the techniques he'd honed in his past life and escape unscathed.

In the worst case scenario, Slowpoke's Teleport was always a last resort. But exposing that move would only invite more danger and increase the number of those seeking to harm Slowpoke.

As Cain watched his Pokemon savor their meals, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. Now, with no hidden dangers lurking in the wilderness, he and his Pokemon could feast and enjoy their meals without a care in the world. The food at the Pokemon Center may not have been gourmet, but to Slowpoke and the others who had survived on the trial island, it was a feast fit for royalty.

The hardships of his past life had led Cain to view Pokemon as mere tools, but Murkrow had opened his eyes to the truth. It was then that Cain realized the true value of his bond with his Pokemon. They were not just creatures to be used and manipulated, but living beings with thoughts and emotions. And if treated with kindness and respect, they would go to great lengths to protect and defend their trainer.

In this brutal and merciless world, Cain's Pokemon were the one soft spot in his heart. They were his everything, and he would protect them at any cost.