Nothing to Cage 3

“There you go.” Cage finished off wrapping the bandages around Jade’s back. “Don’t strain yourself for a few days,” he chided playfully giving the Purrloin a scratch behind the ears. The answer he received was a grateful purr. The older trainer then looked over at Aspen, “When ya reach a Pokemon Center, check her in. Even though I believe no broken bones happened, a second and expert opinion is needed.”

“Thanks,” the male twin said as he gathered his new Pokemon into his arms. “Purr.” The Dark-type got comfy within the safety of her master and curled up to fall asleep. Lily stared for a moment of the interaction then immediately jumped on him. The 15 year old boy was surprised for a moment, but went back to being calm as the Snivy perched herself on his shoulder.

“Ah, someone’s jealous,” Serena commented trying to hold back a laugh behind her hand. Though, she was failing with her covered laughter turning into snickers.

The 22-year-old gave a good natured smile before noticing the sun falling. He stretched lightly from where he sat causing Maou to roost in a nearby tree. He then checked his watch. “I suggest that you guys stay here for the night. It’s getting dark and I bet you’re starvin’.” When 3 stomach growls were heard, Cage just had to laugh. “That’s a definite yes.”

All 3 teens had their way of showing their embarrassment: Aspen turned his head the other way, his twin had a blush streak while putting her hands on her abdomen and chuckling lightly, and Onym had his own blush streak as he scratched his nose in insecurity. ‘Kids these days,’ the coffee eyed trainer thought in amusement before starting to prepare dinner.

“You guys need to eat real food; not the junk I eat most of the time,” the 22-year-old joked as he went to a different bag.

“Junk food is good though,” the white and black haired girl added with a giggle as she sat down on a nearby log.

“For your health,” Aspen deadpanned and joined his sister while placing Jade on his lap.

“You wouldn’t like this junk.” With a nonchalant toss, Cage threw something behind his back.

The female twin caught what was thrown and saw it was a square, baggy packet. On the front it was labeled “To Go Reserves” then under that in parenthesis was “dehydrated food.” Her brother took the grey, sealed pouch to examine it. “Miju/Te?” The Oshawott and the Tepig hopped in-between the siblings to have a look themselves. Onym stood behind them. “So, basically, you’re telling us that you eat instant, dried food.”

“Yup.”

“Aren’t those nasty?” Serena pointed out with a weird look.

“I mostly go for the texture, but it’s also cheap and easy to prepare. Just add water as the cooking agent and the cost is only 20 Pokedollars (1 Pokedollar = 1 yen = 1 cent).”

The brother and sister duo and the 13-year-old looked at each other before shrugging. ‘Whatever floats his boat; let’s just be lucky and grateful that he’s cooking something edible.’

For the next hour or so, Cage went to work on the meal. Whatever he was making, it smelled scrumptious. While that was going on, everyone kept themselves occupied.

Aspen had moved to the big table that the older boy conveniently set up. The purple eyed teen was on his laptop typing away furiously. Whatever he was typing, must have been important since he kept his eyes glued to the screen. Lily was still perched on her master’s shoulders; she had wrapped her body around his neck. The green, bipedal serpent had her eyes half closed like she was barely awake. Jade was still on the boy’s lap, taking her own nap. If you listened carefully, you could hear the Devious Pokemon purring.

Serena was playing with Osho, Flaretusk, She-Wolf, and Maou. They were currently in a middle game of Tag. The Sea Otter Pokemon was it as he chased after his playmates. The queen-like, but childish Mandibuzz was sort of cheating by simply staying in a tree most of the time. Hey, if the Water-type can’t climb to get her, it was a win for her. Though, the 15-year-old girl scolded her playfully from time to time, to play fair. Onym, seated across from the white haired twin, watched them quietly while smiling lightly. Li Xiao Long and Diablo also watched the group from afar while conversing with each other. Odette was simply taking a quiet leisure float in the lake under the moonlight.

Cage grabbed a mini saucer and dipped it into the soup he was making. He tasted his creation then smiled since it tasted delectable. ‘Yosh, everything is done.’ “Oi, minna! Food’s ready; come and get it or I’ll steal it!” the 22-year-old announced mischievously.

The female teen stopped chasing her Water-type and blanched for a minute at his words. She immediately gave him a humorous glare. “Hey! No fair!” She ran to the table with the other Pokemon, crying out a similar protest, in tow. Aspen just let out one amused “hmph” before putting away his electronics. He then gently placed his Snivy and his Purrloin where the Pokemon food bowls were. The movement stirred both female creatures awake.

The older trainer childishly stuck his tongue out at Serena as he placed the food and utensils on the table. “Help yourselves to the russet potato cream soup, classic spaghetti and meatballs, seaweed salad, orange and carrot stir-fry, and brown rice pilaf.” The 3 teens said their thanks and began to grab what they wanted. Cage then went to serve the Pokemon’s meal. Besides the usual kibbles, such as Blue Bouffalant and Purr Picks, he added in some fresh fruits and vegetables. He was happy to see his guests’ Pokemon eat the food he served.

“Oh yeah; you didn’t answer my last question,” the female teen said.

“Which one?” the 22-year-old questioned as he seated himself next to Onym.

“You were about to tell me the reason behind the colored Poke Balls, of course!” she exclaimed with pasta in her mouth.

“Serena, swallow,” Aspen commented with a faint sigh while taking a bite of seaweed.

The sister slurped up the noodles then gave a sorry, bashful grin to her brother. “Sorry, I just want to know.”

Cage gave his own grin before detaching 4 of the 12 Poke Balls from his pant straps and puts them on the table. “Examine them closely; take in the details.” The beginner trainers looked at the different capsules. The first row in front of the older boy had more elaborate decorations.

The ball capsule on his right was yellow. The outline and the button for the opening were black inside of grey. On the top half was a spiraling dragon. The dragon’s head was in the center as its body went round and round until the tail stops just above the button.

On his left, the Poke Ball retained the normal red and white, but had added designs to it. Just like the yellow and black ball, this one had a black dragon design. However, the main differences were that it didn’t have a snake-like body, it had wings, and its body was covering the top with the dragon head facing the button. Also, there was a dim shine in the dragon’s eyes that seemed to be shards of an ash gray stone.

The next row of Poke Balls had less pattern and simple colors. There was a green-yellow and white capsule with a yellow dot in the center above the opening between 4 red water drops. The last ball looked quite girly. It was magenta and white with a white outline, pink heart with a white oval in the center of it.

“2 of the Poke Balls are designed for purpose; the other 2 are simply for show. Can you tell which ones are which?” Cage challenged with a mischief grin.

Before Serena and Aspen could have time to think, Onym beat them to the answer. “The second row of Poke Balls is a Friend Ball and Love Ball.” However, he didn’t stop there. “The Friend Ball makes caught Pokemon more friendly; the Love Ball catches Pokemon that are the opposite gender of his or her Pokemon.” The 13-year-old instantly froze when he noticed that everyone, I mean EVERYONE, was staring at him like he grew another head. He started to blush while rubbing the back of his head timidly. “I, I, I s-sometimes see my f-f-father and grandfather use P-p-poke Balls like these. S-so, I can easily r-recognize them,” the black haired boy stuttered.

“Impressive,” the older trainer commented with an encouraging smile.

“Really impressive, Onym!” the white and black haired twin emphasized as her eyes flashed with admiration while her brother nodded in agreement.

“I-i-it was nothing,” the youngest teen countered.

“So,” the younger teens brought their attention back to Cage, “like Onym said, these 2 here are designed for purposes that help in catching Pokemon. The 2 in front of me are just for design. Also it allows me to recognize what’s mine.”

“That’s cool. So, who’s contained in those balls?” the girl teen asked.

“Yellow is for Li Xiao Long and the red one is for Diablo. Plain and simple.”

“We learned many things today.”

“You learn new things every day; however, I hate ta burst your bubble.”

“Huh?” Serena gave a wide eyed, confused stare.

“Battle experience points, I have to give to Aspen here,” Cage pointed to Aspen, who finishing off his remaining food.

“Oh, you’re right,” the girl admitted as her enthusiasm deflated. Despair marks were falling over her while Osho came up and gave comforting pats to the back. “But I’ll battle sooner or later!” Her quick recovery caused her Oshawott to join in the shout and her twin to shake his head.

Aspen’s purple eyes began to scan over the Pokemon that were here. He was mainly examining the 22-year-old’s team. Seeing this vast array of Unova Pokemon, minus the Charmeleon, gave him a clear idea of what skill level Cage had.

“Judgin’ by your Pokemon, you have traveled most of Unova,” the white haired boy supposed.

“Actually, I traveled most of the region 4 years ago,” Cage explained causing the younger trainers to look at him in surprise.

“4 years ago? Why you back here then?” Serena inquired. “Miju-miju?”

“You want to know why?”

“Yes, yes!”

“Then lean in, guys.” He gestured for them and their Pokemon to come closer to him. “The reason why I’m back in Unova,” they were listening intensely, “is to have more fun!” The group comically fell in shock when that was said. For a minute there, they thought they were going to be told something amazing and secretive. They were wrong. Hook, line, sinker!

“Wait; does that mean you also have the badges?” the sister asked.

“I’m sorry to say, I don’t have Unova’s badges with me currently.”

“Oh man! I was hoping to see an actual badge!”

“I heard that the Normal-type Gym moved to Aspertia City. I’m guessin’ you guys are from there.”

“Not me,” Onym raised his hand shyly.

“Okay, then I’m also guessin’ that since I see that you don’t have many Pokemon, you’ll need trainin’ to face off the Gym Leader and more Pokemon.” He received 3 nods in return.

A sudden idea came to Serena causing her to smile excitedly. “I never thought I would say this, but,” she immediately pointed at Cage with determination flaring in her eyes, “I challenge you to a Pokemon Battle!”

“Miju,” the Sea Otter Pokemon stared in awe of his trainer.

“Oh boy,” Aspen muttered while shaking his head. ‘When she’s determined to do something, she’ll do it. And you can’t stop her. So, I shouldn’t be surprised this happened.’

The 22-year-old stared at the 15-year-old for a moment before giving a smirk that was impish and confident. “Alright, I accept your challenge.”

“Yes!” she cheered.

“But, on 2 conditions.”

“What?”

“1) I also get to battle Onym.”

“Me?” said 13-year-old pointed at himself.

“Yup, you could use some battle experience too,” the older teen explained. “And 2) tomorrow, we shall battle.”

“What?! Why?!” Serena asked.

“Time to sleep,” he pointed to the night sky.

The girl instantly calmed down then chuckled embarrassedly. “Oh, you’re right. I guess I as too fired up.”

‘You think?’ the boys thought with a small laugh and sweat drop.


“Are you ready?” Cage called out to Serena, who was on the other side, with a challenging smirk.

“You bet I am!” she yelled back with determination. “Miju-miju!”

After a delicious breakfast, the group was able to find a clearing, an open field of grass, not too far away from the camp. It was the perfect size and place to have a battle. Onym and Aspen were on the side lines with the other Pokemon. However, the purple eyed twin was standing in the center with his laptop. He was asked by Cage to be the referee for the matches. It might have been mainly due to his collective, calm personality. His judgment won’t be prejudice of the outcome just because his twin sister and friend were battling. The laptop was simply for recording the battles.

“The rules are simple. 1-on-1 battle; last Pokemon still standing wins. All clear?”

“Gotcha, bro!/All clear.”

“Please bring out the Pokemon you’re going to use.”

“You’re up, Osho!” “Miju!” The blue, small otter jumped onto the field in front of his trainer. A very determined look was on his face.

“Maou,” the 22-year-old commanded. “Vul!” The vulture-like Pokemon flew from her perch, which was Li Xiao Long’s head, and landed on the battlegrounds. Her sharp eyes landed on the Water-type causing a mischief smirk to form on her beak. “Mi,” Osho growled out while trying to give his best battle face.

“If you’re ready, commence!” Aspen started the laptop camera.

“Water Gun!” Serena ordered.

“Mi-ju!” A stream of water spiraled rapidly out of the Sea Otter Pokemon’s mouth.

“Dodge,” Cage calmly said. The Mandibuzz stood there for a moment then took flight before the spiraling water struck. “Take a dive and use Fury Attack!”

“Vul!” Maou began to descend towards Osho as her bill glowed white.

“Maru!” The Water-type panicked when the brown bird was suddenly rapidly pecking at him. Every time her attack missed, or dodged, she left large holes in the ground! After the 5th attempt, Osho was able to jump away to give distance.

“Another Water Gun!” The Oshawott shot another jet of water only to be dodged again.

“Sunny Day.”

“Vul-gi-na!” The Dark-type let out a mighty screech in the sky as she flew around the battle area.

Everyone, minus Cage, his Pokemon, Lily, and Flaretusk, had to shield their eyes when the sunlight became unexpectedly brighter. They also felt themselves slightly sweating. The heat was turning up, literally. However, after a few moments the only 2 Grass-types and 2 Fire-types were contently basking within the weather change. “What’s with the sudden conditions?” Onym mumbled in discomfort as he took out his black and red Pokedex.

Onym
Dexter:
Sunny Day – The user intensifies the sun for five turns, powering up Fire-type moves. It also causes the base power of Water-type moves to decrease by 50%.

When Serena heard that, she glared in frustration at Cage. ‘He depowered Osho’s water based moves!’ She then took a deep breath and replaced her irritated face with brimming confidence. ‘Don’t be rattled. Just keep up of what you have and trust Osho can do it.’ “Use Tail Whip!”

“Miju!” The Water-type ignored the heat and turned around. He began to flap his tail back and forth at his flying opponent. Though from different perspectives, the attack looked ridiculous and hilarious, it was able to grab Maou’s attention. ‘I got it!’ “Use Water Gun under you!” Osho quickly shot Water Gun towards his feet to become airborne! He stopped firing until he was leveled to the height of the Flying/Dark Pokemon, which caught her by surprise. “Tackle!” The Sea Otter Pokemon did a midair back flip then propelled himself forward and connected his head to her forehead!

‘Direct hit,’ Aspen thought with pride.

The Snivy, the Tepig, and the Purrloin all cheered of seeing their friend executing a well planned strike while Onym clapped.

“Vulgina!” The Mandibuzz recoiled for a minute before instantly recovering with a sharp glower at Osho.

“Miju!” His eyes widened in alarm.

‘That did nothing?!’ The white and black haired girl then gasped when she realized a critical error in her plan. ‘Oh no! Osho is now a sitting Ducklett in the air!’

“Gomen, I have to end this now,” the older boy commented with a sorry, but mischief smile as the effects of Sunny Day wore off. Simultaneously, an almost incoherent crack was heard as a black purplish energy outlined the vulture-like Pokemon. This energy then gathered at her beak. With a swift, forward thrust, she launched right into the blue otter’s midsection creating an explosion!

“Osho!” Serena screamed while her friends looked on with fearful expressions.

The smoke started to clear up revealing an unscathed, still airborne Maou. In her mouth, she was holding an unconscious Osho by the scruff. “Mi,” he muttered with swirls in his eyes. The Bone Vulture Pokemon flew back to the ground and landed, then gently placed the knocked out Oshawott down.

“Osho!” The 15-year-old girl ran over then carefully scooped up her Pokemon into her arms. “Are you alright?” she asked very worriedly. The Water Pokemon’s eyes slowly opened and stared at his trainer. “Mi-ju.” He gave a weak smile and a thumb up before falling back asleep. The female teen gave a relieved giggle and hugged him. “You did great,” she whispered. “I’m proud of you.”

“Oi,oi.” Serena turned around and surprised caught a gourd shape berry. “When Osho wakes up, give him that Sitrus Berry. It will heal him up,” Cage explained as he walked up to her. “Not bad for a first time battler,” he praised with a cheeky grin.

“You’re not bad yourself, for a trainer who’s coming back from 4 years,” she retorted with a raspberry. The sister twin then turned to Maou, “Thanks for the battle, Maou.” “Vul,” the Flying/Dark Pokemon chirped while accepting a scratch on the head by the younger teen.

The female 15-year-old moved to the sidelines and gave Onym a cheering smile. “You’re up, Onym. Do your best.” When the 13-year-old gave her a nod, she suddenly felt something different about him. The timid boy she first met melting away into someone else. ‘Probably, just my imagination,’ Serena chastised herself as she sat down with the rest of the Pokemon. However, Cage and Aspen also caught the change of the younger boy. His once withdrawn body seemed to brim with experience and confidence.

The battlefield was reset. “Same rules as before. 1-on-1-battle; last Pokemon standing wins. Bring out the Pokemon you’re going to use,” the purpled eyed boy commanded.

“Let’s go, Flaretusk.” “Tepig!” The orange pig stepped forward and snorted out fire to show he was ready to fight. “Irene.” The Serperior heard her trainer and slithered in front of him.

“Um, Aspen.”

“Yeah, Serena?”

“Cage is using Irene against Flaretusk.”

“I see that.”

“Aren’t Grass-types weak against Fire-types?” Serena stated in bewilderment.

“Well, Cage is a veteran trainer. I’m guessing he’s using this chance to show that type difference doesn’t matter,” Aspen explained while resetting his laptop to record a new video. “Are you guys ready?” Hearing 2 responding voices, the white haired boy pressed the record button. “Commence!”

“Tail Whip then run up with Ember!” Right off the bat, Flaretusk turned around and wagged his red ball end tail.

The Regal Pokemon followed the movement of the tail. ‘So, he starts off by lowering Irene’s guard and going for a swift strike; tactical move. Doesn’t sound like a novice,’ Cage thought with a small, impressed smile. After a few minutes with the first move, the Fire Pig Pokemon initiated the next order. The orb at the end of his tail glowed red and, like his trainer commanded, he charged forward while 2 streams of fire shot from his nose!

“Irene, Sword Dance.” Irene snapped out from the daze and her tail began to glow a soft green and grow longer. The larger, green snake started to dance/slither in a hypnotizing way. Despite the slow looking actions, she swung her tail speedily at the oncoming fireballs, extinguishing them!

Aspen
Dexter:
Sword Dance – A fighting dance that uplifts the fighting spirit. It sharply raises the user’s Attack stat.

‘Sword Dance must be more of a defensive move than an offensive move. However, it raises power. Not good.’ “Flaretusk! Change direction and go for a Tackle!”

“Te!” Flaretusk halted a few feet away from Irene then dashed to her left side. A white light outlined his body as he made a complicated turn back towards the Grass-type.

“Intercept!” The Serperior used her tail again and smacked Tackle away causing the Fire Pig Pokemon to fly up.

“Spin while using Ember!” The Tepig curled into a ball, while rotating swiftly forward, and flames rained from his body. He was falling like a meteor!

“Light Screen.” “Jalor.” The Regal Pokemon closed her eyes as a light green glass wall appeared above, protecting her from the onslaught of fire. The orange pig rebounded from the defensive sheet and landed safely back on to the ground. “Tepig,” he narrowed his eyes at the Grass-type for staying uninjured for so long.

“Wow, Irene is strong,” Serena commented with astonishment.

“Sni,” Lily agreed with awed eyes at her final evolution counterpart.

“Well, like I said before, Cage has more experience than us. So, it’s not hard to believe that all of his Pokemon are stronger than ours,” the twin boy added.

“Ma, ma, for a 13-year-old with a starter, you got more technique,” Cage praised with a playful tone.

“You came back here after 4 years and you’re still strong,” Onym countered. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll lose so easily!” He moved into a boxing like stance and threw a left hook, “Ember!”

“Tepig!” A spiraling shot of fire emerged from Flaretusk’s nose.

“Protect.” Irene simply coiled up and a light green ball of energy surrounded her. When the flames connected, they bounced off into different directions.

“Is that Light Screen?” the 15-year-old girl asked out loud before taking out Dexter.

Dexter:
Protect – It enables the user to evade all attacks. Its chances of failing rises if it is used in succession.

“For the majority of the battle, Cage has been defending more than attacking. However, he also used Sword Dance to increase Irene’s power. In return, he’s definitely planning something to end this all,” her twin explained as his eyes were tensely watching the fight.

The younger trainer gritted his teeth quietly when he saw the Serperior use another move to keep herself untouched. ‘Defense, defense, defense!’ He shook his head to clear his frustration. ‘Calm down; the way he is acting, he’s biding time. I gotta keep moving forward.’ “Charge with Tackle full power!” Onym launched a front punch. “Te!” Flaretusk advanced with everything he got.

Suddenly, that same noise towards the end of the last battle sounded off. “JALORDA!” Water began to twist around Irene’s tail then with a vicious swing, she slammed the Tepig like she was hitting for a homerun. The attack connected making the Fire-type fly and knock right into Onym!

“Onym!” Both of the twins yelled as they immediately ran to their friend.

The 13-year-old gradually sat up while holding his head. ‘I felt like I hit a wall.’ He rubbed his head before instantaneously remembering his Tepig. ‘Flaretusk!’ The boy looked down and saw his trusty Pokemon lying in his lap drenched. Indicating that the orange pig was out cold were swirls in his eyes.

“You okay, Onym?” Serena questioned worriedly as she kneeled in front of him.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” he answered with a bashful, reassuring tone.

“That’s good,” she let out a sigh of relief.

Flaretusk opened his eyes then looked at his trainer with a sorry look for losing. Onym simply smiled and petted his Fire-type. “You did awesome.” The Tepig stared for a moment before eagerly grinning back with assurance.

“That was a fine battle! I’m happy to see trainers growing!” “Huh?” Everyone turned to the source of the voice. Footsteps could be heard as a ponytailed, flame haired man came out of the shrubbery. He looked over at the 13-year-old, “You didn’t win, but it looked like your Pokemon was having fun!”

“Um, thank you?” the younger trainer answered unsurely.

“I don’t mean to be rude or anything, but who are you?” the female twin asked bluntly.

“He’s Alder.” All 3 teens turned their heads to Cage who was walking over. “Former wandering Champion of Unova.”

“FORMER CHAMPION OF UNOVA?!”