Double Trouble Part 3
Despite all the tension from Chrissy and Francine's fight last night, things had settled down for the most part at the beach house. The group was aware one stayed in the bedroom and the other sister just slept alone in the hallway until Sable offered her the spare bed in her bedroom. Even KK Slider felt better with Isabelle's company. They even shared a kiss (cheek kisses to be exact) goodnight before separating for bed. Roll had been the most upset and had taken a while to stop crying last night. Plus what she had said towards Sable, Labelle, and Mabel struck a chord with them. If Roll was this upset seeing two sisters, whom she barely knew, unravel and fight with each other because of the past. Just how painful was it for her to watch the three of them fight over their own issues?
It hadn't set well with any of them. In fact, the sun was barely rising when Sable had taken a seat on the sand of the beach, already dressed. Surprisingly she had picked the tank that showed her stomach with the girl's tropical shorts as she sat slightly curled up into a ball with her knees tucked into her chest. The dark circles under her eyes showed that she hadn't slept very well. It didn't help that she was worried about her daughter. Roll was till still feeling very distressed and miserable when she saw her this morning. For Sable to see Roll so sad had worried the brown hedgehog deeply and she still didn't know how to help her. She could feel her eyes water when she heard the sound of some footsteps in the sand. She turned around to find Labelle and Mabel standing before her. Labelle had on a sailor tee with a sailors mini skirt in golden yellow with a matching ribbon in her hair. Mabel had picked a strapless yellow gingham knee high dress with a star hairpin.
"Hey," said Sable quietly as she wiped her eyes, "What's up?" Labelle and Mabel just quietly took a seat next to her. Labelle tucked her legs in as she sat down and Mabel just extended her legs and crossed her ankles.
"I wanted to ask...wait...are you wearing that tank again?" Mabel asked in surprise. Sable just nodded with a small smile on her face.
"I'm sick of not feeling confident in my own beauty," said Sable, "and unless we leave the island. I can wear it. I know you two wouldn't buy it if you didn't think I was pretty enough to wear it." Labelle and Mabel smiled.
"Well you are very beautiful," said Mabel, "but we came here because...well..."
"Are we gonna be okay?" said Labelle, "I know we've opened up about alot of things with each other and settled alot of issues too. I guess I want to know if there's anything else regarding me or Mabel that needs to be discussed?" Sable just looked at them and gave them both a smile.
"No, at least nothing I can't think of at the moment," said Sable, "I have nothing against any of you anymore. I just want us to be best friends again."
"We are Sable," said Labelle, "but I do know what Roll said bothered you to some extent."
"It bothered the rest of us," said Mabel, "Labelle and I have been thinking hard all night wondering is there anything between the three of us that we should get out in the open."
"Well, other than just struggling to feel beautiful," said Sable, "and how I can be a good mother to Roll. That's all that's really troubling me."
"You'll be a great Mom," said Labelle, "and as for feeling beautiful, you're not the only one who has that issue Sable..."
"Wuh?" Sable gasped.
"Why do you think I wear makeup all the time?" said Labelle, "I didn't think my natural beauty was good enough..so I use make up to help me feel beautiful." Sable blinked in surprise.
"And I know I'm a bit of a tomboy," said Mabel, "But the reason I wear jeans and tees all the time off work is cause...I don't feel beautiful in anything else."
"Seriously?!" Sable and Labelle exclaimed as Mabel shook her head.
"I am just as girly as anyone when it comes to clothes," said Mabel, "I like dresses and skirts, cute tops too, even ribbons, headbands and accessories. I just never feel good enough to wear them. It's why I just go comfortable rather than fashionable." Sable and Labelle just looked at her surprised.
"Well at least we can be honest with each other," said Sable, "if only Chrissy and Francine could do the same."
"Why does their feud bother you so much?" Mabel asked, "Besides that we're sisters too who had issues."
"It just...brings back bad memories," said Sable, "the time when Labelle ran away, all those times we had fights where you wanted to leave...the idea of losing my sisters forever..." Sable then began to cry. Labelle and Mabel scooted closer to her.
"That's what made me finally came home," said Labelle, "the thought of losing you hurt too much."
"That's why I never left," said Mabel, "I was afraid you...you would...people who are depressed sometimes..." Mabel wasn't sure what made her cry, the fact her sister was crying too or the fact she feared losing Sable to depression. Regardless, it wasn't long before Labelle joined the group hug and cried too.
In the end, they decided to spend the day together as a threesome. While Sable was worried about leaving Roll due to the fact the blonde girl has cried herself to sleep last night, Bunnie and Rosie said that they would look out for her as the Able sisters headed towards the north island for bonding time. KK Slider had taken Isabelle with him to check out the stage that was already being set up for the concert, which was in about three days. Roll, Rosie, and Bunnie had decided to take a walk around the mansion grounds again since Tortimer said they could explore whenever they wanted to.
"Should we invite the squabble sisters, tee hee?" Bunnie asked, getting a glare from Roll, who was wearing a gelato tank with girl's khaki shorts and hair in a ponytail with a red ribbon on the side.
"Okay," said Bunnie with her hands in the air. Roll headed towards the two sisters who were just quietly eating breakfast. Roll noticed them both try to grab the last piece of toast, growl at each other before Chrissy just moved the plate towards Francine, suggesting she just take it. Francine just looked at it before pushing the plate back towards Chrissy, making it clear neither of them wanted it.
"When you're finished eating, we're gonna go explore the mansion ground to see what other cool stuff there is to do around here," said Roll, "I want both of you to join us." Chrissy and Francine just looked at each other and sighed simultaneously.
"Ok" "Ok" they replied. Roll smiled. While she knew things weren't settled between the two, she was glad they were at least tolerating each other...mostly.
As for the infamous marshmallow squirrel, Marshal had gone for a walk by himself and had found that Alfonso and Benjamin were on the island. They were also making a mess since there were holes all over the eastern end of Tortimer's property. Marshal just shook his head as Benjamin and Alfonso continued to dig about.
"Find it, alrighty?" Benjamin asked.
"No, it'sa me!" Alfonso replied as Benjamin sighed to himself, placed his right hand on the right side of his hip before looking for another place to dig. Marshal had just caught up the group.
"Look at this mess, sulky!" he exclaimed, "Are you guys recreating the surface of the moon or something? And does Tortimer know you're digging up his property?"
"We asked if we could look for fossils around here, it'sa me," said Alfonso.
"Yeah, but so far we haven't found what we are looking for yet," said Benjamin, "We gotta keep looking, alrighty." Benjamin began to walk about and then began to dig once more. Marshal just shook his head at the both of them and was about to leave when he felt a light rumble underneath his feet.
"Uh...you guys..." Marshal tried to warn but Benjamin and Alfonso weren't listening.
"Oh fossil friend, come out and play," Benjamin sang as he dug his next hole. Then...
CLANG
"Hey Al! I think I found something, alrighty!" Benjamin called out.
"For real, it'sa me?!" Alfonso replied happily as hoped out of his hole and dashed towards his best friend. Marshal came up to them.
"Guys!" he called out, but Benjamin and Alfonso just chuckled to each other and peered into the hole...
"HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYY YOOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"
Only to see a very angry mole rise from the mountain of dirt.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Benjamin, Alfonso, and Marshal screamed as Mr. Resetti appeared before them. They took great notice of the giant lump that had appeared on the side of his head.
"WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA!" he shouted angrily, shaking his axe at them, "LEAVE EXCESSIVE DIGGING TO THE PROFESSIONALS!" He settled down a bit, but his anger was still vivid on his face.
"It has come to my attention that you boys have been on a little digging spree," said Mr. Resetti, "and it's not only damaging Tortimer's property but it's costing me part of my tunnel network! Honestly, little kiddies out and about playing with their shovels, ain't that cute! What's not cute is the tunnels around here are literally crumbling around my ears! Don't tell me that was the idea?"
"Of...of course not, alrighty!" said Benjamin nervously.
"Not at all, it'sa me," said Alfonso sadly. Marshal just had a blank expression on his face. He wasn't going to let Resetti blame him for this mess. Resetti must have already known Marshal wasn't at fault cause he didn't call Marshal out and went back to venting at the other two boys.
"I would hope not," said Resetti sternly, "Cause you have no idea how sorry I'd make you otherwise! Look going after fossils is fine and all..." Benjamin began to back away as soon as he saw Resetti shut his eyes, grabbing Alfonso's tail.
"Run away," he whispered to the alligator, who just looked at him uncertain as Marshal backed away as well. The look on his face showed that he didn't want to listen anymore to Resetti either.
"...but there is a better way to do things...," Resetti continued with his eyes shut in deep thought, "You gotta be patient and only dig when you...hey...hey...HEEEEEYYY!" Resetti had opened his eyes to see the Benjamin, Alfonso, and Marshal had all taken off.
"Mr. Resetti, we're sorry!" Benjamin shouted.
"Sorry, it'sa me!" Alfonso shouted as well as the three boys ran as fast as they could away from the mole.
"GET BACK HERE!" Resetti shouted then saw what appeared to be a geyser of water nearby, "Gah! A leak next to a cave in! That ain't good!" Resetti then dived back underground with his axe above his head. As for the three boys, they breathed a sigh of relief once they realized that Resetti wasn't going to pursue them. Marshal was about to suggest that they go fill up the holes they left behind, but since Resetti was there, he decided against it. To make matters worse, the two boys had persuaded Marshal to join them in searching for their fossil. If Marshal's face could look any grumpier, he would be tripping over his lips.
Meanwhile, Roll and the other's had just finished exploring the Tortimer's garden, which was loaded with lots of tropical flowers of multiple colors. They had all planted one in their left ear as an accessory as they exited the garden.
"Well that was alot of fun," said Roll, looking at Chrissy and Francine.
"Yeah...it was, sparkles," said Chrissy, but still not making the effort to look at Francine.
"Thanks...for the...flowers, karat," said Francine quietly as she adjusted hers a bit. Roll just sighed as she looked at them.
"Why do you guys hate each other so much?" she asked them with concern. She had been grateful that they hadn't tried to fight to get physical with each other, but she was hoping some time out together might reduce the tension.
"It's complicated," said Chrissy and then looked at Francine. She didn't want to offend Francine at all and hoped that was the right words. Francine could tell and even looked back at her plainly.
"Yeah...it's complicated," said Francine quietly. That was when Roll noticed that it wasn't even tension that was making them so quiet with each other.
So that's why they are so quiet, Roll thought, They are aware of how much they hurt each other, but they are so afraid to speak up cause every time they've tried its resulted in a fight. The hurt could be seen in their faces as they exchanged uncomfortable glances at each other. Roll opened her mouth to ask a question when she noticed the sound of shoveling nearby.
"Did you find it, alrighty?" Benjamin asked in the distance. The five girls all turned toward the direction Benjamin was speaking from.
"No, sulky," said Marshal, "it's just another gyroid. The third one we've found so far." Alfonso and Benjamin just sighed quietly as they continued to scout around for another spot to dig. Since Marshal had joined them, he made sure that they plugged up the holes so they would not have Resetti on their tails again. Roll and the others had reached the top of a hill where they found the three boys just digging rather quietly about. Roll just put her hands on her hips with a slightly annoyed look on her face.
"Come to make a mess digging up holes," she remarked, "and they got Marshal into it too. Oh brother." Bunnie, Chrissy and Francine all nodded in agreement as they turned to leave. Rosie, however, was rather curious of what they were looking for.
"Hey, what are you guys up to, silly?" Rosie called out as they rest of the girls looked back. Alfonso was busy digging as he looked up with his tired eyes and saw the blue cat.
"Oh, hey there you guys!" Alfonso replied.
"I got it!" said Benjamin excitedly as he showed the fossil to the alligator, "It's the rare ammonite fossil and we've finally got it!"
"It took everything we had but at last our collection was complete, it'sa me!" said Alfonso with glee. Then Benjamin and Alfonso started dancing and Marshal just pretended he didn't notice as he plugged up the holes they had left behind.
"Here we got it, here we got it, how we got it, hoi!" they sang and danced together, "A new old fossil fishy and now we've got it hoi! Ammonite, that's right! That's what we've have alright!
"Here we hold it!"
"Showing it!"
"Now we got it, HOI!" The two boys just continued to dance as Marshal finished plugging up the hole and quietly joined the group. Roll just closed her eyes and put her hands back on her hips again in annoyance.
"Man oh man those boys," she remarked in exasperation as Bunnie, Chrissy, and Francine nodded in agreement.
"That's so cute, silly," said Rosie cheerfully, "Being so excited over a tiny little thing like that, if only I were so simple!"
"You mean you're not?" Bunnie asked in mock shock. Rosie glared as Bunnie just gave her a giggle as a clue she was just kidding. Rosie just rolled her eyes at the burnt orange rabbit when she suddenly remembered something.
"You know I think I remember seeing a bunch of these fossil over in the caves south of here," Rosie added in thought. Benjamin heard her and stopped dancing and looked at her with a wide smile on his face.
"Really?" said Benjamin as he rushed towards her and grabbed her by the shoulder, pushing her backwards as he spoke, "I wanna go there! Can you take us, pretty please? Let's go now! Let's go quick! Let's go together! Alright, alright, alrighty?"
"Al-right, silly!" Rosie snapped as she roughly shoved him back and made the dog let go of her shoulders. She glared at him with her hands on her hips, "Stop pushing me around and I'll take you, silly!" Benjamin just gave her a toothy grin. Alfonso was still dancing.
"...It's what we have, alright!" Alfonso continued, "Heaving it, blowing it, showing...huh?" That was when he noticed that he was the only one dancing now. It didn't take too long before Alfonso was filled in about the nearby cave and was more and eager to join the adventure. Apparently both the boys had somehow gotten their own boat. Roll was rather surprised.
"I hope you didn't take that from Kapp'n," she asked wearily.
"Yes and no, it'sa me," said Alfonso, "yes we took it from Kapp'n, but it's not his regular boat...not anymore."
"This boat has no engine in it," Benjamin explained, "but I found a current that will lead the boat directly towards the cave Rosie was talking about so we can just ride the waves. Are the rest of you girls coming with us, alrighty?" Roll turned around to face the three rabbits. Bunnie just sighed.
"Wherever sis goes, I go to, tee hee," said Bunnie with a smile, "what about you guys?"
"Might as well," said Francine, "We've got nothing else to do, karat."
"No place to go either, sparkles," Chrissy added in the same tone. Roll was still worried but just smiled at them before facing the white squirrel.
"What about you Marshal?" she asked.
"I don't think there's enough room for all eight of us in this boat," said Marshal.
"How about Marshal and I stay behind?" Bunnie suggested, "In case something happens, you can contact us?" Rosie felt her jaw drop in shock.
"What happened to "wherever I go, you go", silly?" Rosie asked indignantly. Bunnie just looked at Rosie and the blue cat softened. She didn't need long to see that the burnt orange rabbit was seeking one on one time with the white squirrel.
"Alright, fair enough, sis," said Rosie, "I did have alot of one on one time with him in the recent past. So let's get going already."
"Just one more thing," said Benjamin as he and Alfonso exchanged excited smiles with each other.
"I've got a bad feeling about this," said Roll to herself. Soon her worries were soon justified, as she saw Benjamin donned a pirate's coat and hat while Alfonso had changed into a red bar tank with a red bandana over his head.
"Man oh man those boys," said Roll wearily as she, Rosie, Chrissy, and Francine climbed into the boat. Benjamin was standing at the front with a lantern attached to the front tip. Roll and Rosie were behind him, sitting on the bottom of the boat rather than on the plank where they would usually sit with Chrissy and Francine right behind her. Alfonso was standing on the back end, holding the steering mechanism to keep the boat on course.
"Yar, scallywags! Onward to the treasure, yo-ho!" Benjamin shouted excitedly with a wooden sword pointed to the sky.
"Argh!" Alfonso replied, trying to sound like a pirate.
"Argh..." said the rest of the girls with no excitement in their voices.
"Brace yourselves, we are heading into the cave of secrets, alrighty!" he added as they headed towards the entrance of the cove.
"Yar, heading into the cave of secrets, it'sa me!" Alfonso replied.
"Man oh man these boys," the four girls replied in annoyance. Soon they entered the cave and Benjamin lit up the lantern so they could see. The lamp was rather bright since it lit up what would have been a very dark cavern. Inside was mostly just calm, flowing water, a few thin rock pillars. The group began to scan about looking for the fossils that Rosie said were inside. Francine then noticed something and giggled to herself.
"What's up, sparkles?" Chrissy asked curiously. Francine just smiled as she faced her.
"That statue over there, karat," Francine pointed out, "it looks like Tom Nook doesn't it?" Chrissy looked towards Francine's side of the boat, saw the statue and smiled.
"More like him if he went on a diet," said Chrissy and they both laughed. That was then they realized that they were speaking to each other and looked at each other with wide eyes before chuckling again, but this time more nervously at each other.
"Yeah...heh, good one," said Francine nervously.
"Heh...yeah...thanks," said Chrissy timidly. They exchanged a nervous glance at each other before going back to looking about separately. Roll had seen everything and a small smile had appeared on her face. She was glad they were finally starting to break the ice with one another, but her train of thought was derailed as she felt a chill along her bare arms and rubbed them.
"It's 100 degrees outside and yet it feel like a refrigerator in here," said Roll to herself and then turned to Rosie.
"Rosie?"
"Huh?" Rosie asked, looking at her.
"Are you sure there are fossils in a place like this?" Roll asked curiously.
"I...I think so," said Rosie with a great deal of uncertainty in her voice and in the smile she gave the blonde girl.
"You...think so?" said Roll skeptically.
"To be honest," Rosie replied sheepishly, "It was such a long time ago." Roll just sighed to herself and rolled her eyes at her. She was praying inwardly that Rosie hadn't just led them into a wild goose chase. As much as she wanted Chrissy and Francine to make up, she didn't want to put their lives at risk in order to do so. She couldn't ponder much longer about the matter when the boat arrived at a nearby junction and Alfonso was able to skillfully bring the boat to a stop.
"Hmm, which path should we take?" Benjamin asked aloud as he looked down both paths and then turned to the group, "what are your thoughts, swabbie Rosie?"
"Who are you calling a swabbie?!" Rosie exclaimed offended until Roll nudged her to remind the blue cat that Benjamin was just playing pirates. Rosie then recomposed herself as she looked down both paths nervously.
"Uhh...the right!" Rosie said with a confident smile.
"Right it is, alrighty!" said Benjamin as Alfonso turned the boat so it would continue its path. Roll and the others just looked about nervously, each hoping that Rosie had chosen the right path. All seemed quiet for a moment as the cave seemed to darken. Then Roll's ear caught sight of a sound.
"What is that?" said Roll anxiously as she then noticed the sound of what appeared to be running water.
"Oh no..." said Chrissy and Francine said together fearfully as they noticed the rushing water ahead of them.
"Uhh...waterfall!" Benjamin cried out. Everyone screamed as the boat entered the rushing water and picked up speed. The four girls soon held each other for dear life so they didn't fall out. Benjamin held the front of the boat tightly when he grip slipped and he dropped the lantern into the rush water. The water became choppy very quickly and the boat was sent airborne for a few seconds, making everyone scream louder.
"Sorry! I mean the left, silly!" Rosie shrieked.
"It won't help now, it'sa me!" Alfonso shouted from behind since the water was so rough, he couldn't steer the boat anymore as everyone screamed again. Soon the water began to settle for a bit and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
"Glad that was a false alarm, sparkles," said Chrissy.
"Same here, karat," said Francine, holding a hand over her heart since it was beating out of her chest.
"Don't celebrate so soon," said Benjamin, "Look!" Roll and the other's looked forward. Despite the darkness, they could see a light in the distance as well as what appeared to be a dreaded drop off of the water into what appeared to be a bottomless pit. Everyone screamed.
"Turn us around! Turn us around!" Roll called out.
"I can't it'sa me," said Alfonso, "We're stuck in the current!" Roll looked about, trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness so she could find something that could be used to stop the boat. Unfortunately, the walls were too far away and Alfonso had no control of the boat. Roll gave everyone a fearful look. Rosie, Chrissy, and Francine looked at her, their faces showing their fright and worry.
"Looks like we have no choice," she said shakily, "We're going over..." Chrissy just lowered her head.
"Well...that's it, sparkles," said Chrissy, "This is how it ends...for us..." The "us" part was a bit of an afterthought, but it was Chrissy's tone that made Francine's heart break.
"Chrissy...don't...don't go there," Francine replied shakily, "we...we can't just give up...we...we just gotta..."
"WAKE UP WOMAN!" Chrissy screamed, "There's nothing positive about this! We are gonna go over those falls and we won't come out of it alive. This is it Francine! We're gonna die!"
"Stop saying that, karat!" Francine pleaded as tears began to stream down her faces.
"Why not?!" said Chrissy as her voice broke, "We have no jobs! No future! And we hate each other! We have nothing to live for! I can't keep doing this anymore! I can't keep seeing the light at the end of the tunnel anymore! I just can't..." Chrissy began to cry. Francine's body began to shake.
"No, karat!" she croaked, "Chrissy please don't give up! I've never given up on you! And I don't hate you! We'll figure something out! We'll get through this! Please...don't lose hope!"
"I thought you hated that about me, sparkles!" Chrissy cried out.
"I hated it because I was jealous," Francine sobbed, "You're always to happy all the time I just...life really dampened my spirits. I wanna be happy too, but I'm just not as good as being optimistic like you can! I'm sorry!" Chrissy cried harder.
"I'm sorry too," Chrissy added, sobbing as well, "I only got so defensive because you always acted like you were the mother hen of the group. I didn't want you to be a mom. I wanted my sister and my best friend. I pushed you away because you always had to act to grown up all the time! I didn't feel like you wanted to be my friend anymore. That is why I acted so difficult and tuned you out most of the time. I never realized that it was...because you loved me why you felt like you had to look out for me. I took it as being bossy and not cause you cared. I felt like you thought I was stupid and treated me like a child. You even said that too..."
"I never meant it!" Francine retorted, "I was just worried someone would take advantage of your kindness and hurt you. I never meant to drive you away..."
"Same...HEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
SPLASH
The time had run out for the two sisters to reconcile as the boat went over the falls and tumbled a good 150 feet into the water below. As they tumbled into the water, and to everyone's surprise the boat didn't break or sink into the water. Instead, it made a hard splash on the water below and floated across what was a very small and shallow lake before coming to a complete stop on the opposite side of the lake. There was a few seconds of silence before Rosie popped out of the boat with an excited look on her face.
"I'm not dead!" she exclaimed excitedly, "Raise your hand if you're not dead!"
"I know I'm not," said Chrissy wearily with a feeble hand in the air.
"I'm still thinking about it," said Francine shakily, surprised she was alive as she raised a hand herself.
"Is everyone okay?" Roll asked everyone gently.
"I'm okay, silly," Rosie repeated more calmly.
"I'm alive at least, it'sa me!" said Alfonso wearily.
"Where are we?" said Benjamin.
"Great, we're lost, karat," said Francine.
"At least we won't freeze to death, sparkles," said Chrissy, "it's alot warmer down here."
"That is true," said Roll, "it's almost stuffy down here and its lighter too." Francine just hummed quietly to herself as she stayed curled into a little ball. Chrissy noticed that Francine was shaking.
"Are you cold?" she asked as she grabbed her hand and found that her sister's hand was shakey.
"Francine?" she asked worried.
"I can't do this anymore!" Francine croaked, "I just can't be strong anymore...I tried..I tried so hard to be tough but I just...can't..." Francine began to cry as she buried her face into her chest. Now it was her turn to feel defeated as Chrissy just pulled her close.
"I'm so sorry Chrissy," Francine sobbed, "Being the older sister, I just felt like I had to be the caretaker and make sure that no matter how bleak things got that you were at least happy and taken care of. The whole snooty attitude was cause I didn't want people to know that I struggled to be strong. I wanted to be your strength so you wouldn't lose your hope. I said otherwise cause I got jealous. I promised Mom that I would take care of you and I failed. I made you hate me by being overbearing and not trying to reach out to you like we used to! You've grown up...you're not a child anymore. Yet I treated you otherwise because I was insecure about myself. Why else do you think I wear makeup? Look at this face! This isn't beauty! You're the beautiful one! Always will be..." Francine just broke down, not caring that Roll and the others were listening. Chrissy just held her close and began to weep as well.
"I...had no idea I had invited two sisters who had just been in a fight, alrighty," said Benjamin quietly, "why didn't you tell me Roll? I wouldn't have..."
"No, no, it's my fault," said Roll sadly, "I had hoped having a little adventure would help them get past their anger and bring them together, not make them fall apart."
"Well we can't give up yet," said Benjamin, "the fact there's light in here means that we're not that far underground as we originally thought. There might be more than one way out of here! And I'm gonna find it!"
"Benjamin wait!" Roll called out.
"Don't worry," said Benjamin, "Alfonso and I are trained professionals!"
"Benjamin, I don't think playing hours of excavation video games counts, silly!" Rosie pointed out.
"Rosie, Alfonso and I have explored caves, coves and the like back at the main land, alrighty," said Benjamin, "Trust me!" Rosie didn't want to, but Roll looked weary and the two polka dot sisters were still crying. Rosie just let out a long sigh.
"Alright," said Rosie as Benjamin took a few sniffs in the air and began to scout about the rocky shoreline and ventured a few yards away from the cave. He noticed a nearby beam of light and headed closer to it as the path lazily went uphill. When he reached the source of the light, he gasped in surprise. There before him was another cavern in which had no ceiling with steep walls that were a good three hundred feet high that contained a small lake that was only a couple of inches deep. In the center of this lake was a small rocky island with an obelisk pillar, covered from top to bottom in ammonite fossils.
"OooooooooooooooooooooHHHH!" Benjamin exclaimed in amazement. In his search for a way out of the cave, he had found what they had come for. The rest of the group had heard him shout and quickly abandoned the boat to go see what had happened.
"It's true!" he exclaimed as he rushed towards the rocky island, "the fossils! The Ammonites!" Alfonso was the first to reach the entrance to the new cove when he saw the pillar and gasped in amazement.
"Amazing, it'sa me!" he shouted out as Benjamin hoped up and down with glee. The girls finally reached the cave and gasped in amazement at the sight.
"See, I told you they were in this cave, silly!" said Rosie excitedly as she rushed over towards the boys.
"Really, karat?" said Francine innocently.
"She was bluffing, sparkles," said Chrissy indignantly, "I'm sure she made us ride over a waterfall cause she knew this was the correct path!" Francine glared back before their eyes both widened in realization.
"You sounded just like me, karat," said Francine quietly.
"You sound just like me too," said Chrissy. They just stared blankly at each other and then smiled.
"Guess we still have things in common with each other after all," said Chrissy.
"Yeah we do," said Francine. They held each other's hands. The instant their hands touched, they felt like they were gonna cry all over again. To others, holding your sister's hand would be no big deal, but for Chrissy and Francine it was sign of hope.
"Maybe..." said Chrissy shakily, "our sisterhood...isn't completely broken."
"I hope so," Francine answered timidly, "I don't want to lose my best friend."
"Same here," said Chrissy, "I really want...to hope...we'll be okay..." Francine grabbed her other hand and held it so they were facing each other.
"We will," said Francine, showing more confidence in her voice, "We'll be okay." Chrissy sniffled a bit, but gave her a smile as her tears began anew.
"Guess I really am a crybaby, sparkles" said Chrissy. Francine chuckled, for she had started to cry again too.
"If you are, then I am too, karat," said Francine, "but you know what?"
"What?" Chrissy croaked.
"There's no shame in it," said Francine with a smile, "I love you Chrissy."
"I love you too Francine," said Chrissy, "Promise we'll never get that distant ever again? I'll try to be more helpful so I'm not a pain to take care of. I'll make sure I carry my weight."
"I promise," said Francine, "and I'll make sure that I won't be so stuck up and too motherly either. I want you to be able to come to me about stuff and I don't want you thinking I'm cold and heartless. As for the motherly nature, that's gonna be hard to back off on, someone's gotta look out for you, karat."
"What if we look out for each other, sparkles?" Chrissy suggested, "We were, and can be, a team again. Someone gotta look out for you to."
"Deal," said Francine and they both laughed as they hugged each other happily.
"Hey, you guys!" said Rosie from the rocky island, "I found the exit from here so come and check this out with us!" Benjamin and Alfonso were already dancing and singing.
"Here we got it, Here we got it, Now we have it, HOI!" they sang, "A fossil fishy mountain and now we have it, Hoi! Ammonites that right! It's what we have alright!" Rosie, Chrissy and Francine just laughed as they jumped up and down as the two boys danced and were having a good time. Roll just smiled, glad that the two boys had found their fossils but also that the two polka dot sisters had settled things. She was glad that things had turned out for the better.
"I guess coming to this cove was a good idea after all," said Roll to herself, "maybe...GASP!" Roll's then noticed something on the wall almost opposite of her position.
"Roll, come and join the fun, silly," said Rosie, waving at her and the polka dot sisters waved at her as well. Roll just ignored them and rushed along the side of the rocky island, splashing across the water until she came to a stop where the water was only up to the top of her bare feet and looked up. Her friends just looked at her worried.
"Roll?" Chrissy asked curiously as Francine stood nearby looking at the blonde girl with concern. Roll said nothing but just continued to stare at a nearby wall where the exit was located. Benjamin and Alfonso had stopped dancing when they noticed the girls all looking at Roll. Apparently what she had found was a rather large fossil. Actually it was entire dinosaur skeleton embedded within the massive three hundred foot wall.
"Wow," said Roll though no sound came out of her mouth. The rest of the group came up to Roll.
"What...what is that, alrighty?" said Benjamin in awe.
"Such a huge discovery, it'sa me," said Alfonso in amazement.
"It's incredible, karat," Francine added.
"You can say that again sis," Chrissy added as Rosie just stared at the skeleton with a wide smile on her face.
"Earth shaking," said Roll.
"It's called earth-shaking?" Chrissy asked.
"That's not its real name," Roll replied, as her brow narrowed as she began to think rather hard, "I think...it was called...sigh...say...sei...seismosaurus!" Her face brightened when she remembered the name.
"A seismosaurus?" Francine asked.
"It's one of the largest dinosaurs the world has ever known," Roll answered with excitement in her tone, "it's said it can eat up to 500kilograms of plants in a day!"
"One of the world's largest," said Benjamin, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Roll, that is so amazing," said Rosie as she bounced up and down in the water, "I never knew you knew so much about fossils, silly!" Chrissy and Francine nodded impressively. Roll just giggled.
"I actually heard that from Blather's the other day I was checking the progress on the fossil exhibit," said Roll, " other than our ammonite fossil. This is the last dinosaur the museum needs in our town. It's Blather's dream to have this dinosaur in the display."
"Well then," said Benjamin as he rushed over to the wall, "Let's make his dream come true, alrighty." Benjamin made a high leap for the wall and tried to start climbing but then he slid off and landed on his rear.
"Ouch!" he exclaimed, "Oh playing hard to get huh?" Benjamin made another leap, but when he went to grab the next rock, it broke away, sending him landing even harder back on his rear. Everyone rushed over the dog.
"Benjamin are you alright, it'sa me?" Alfonso asked with worry.
"Darn," was all Benjamin could say as he got to his feet and rubbed his sore bottom.
"Uh-oh," said Francine.
"What's up, sparkles, " Chrissy asked.
"It is just me, karat," the blue rabbit said nervously, "Or do those rocks look like they are starting to crumble?" The rest of the group just looked at the cliff when they heard a faint sound, but then the sound got louder and large cracks began to appear all over the cliff. To make matters worse, the ground around them began to rumble.
"Uh oh!" Benjamin called out as the cliff cracked further, the rumbling grew louder, and suddenly rocks from above them started to fall.
"AAAAAHH!" The girls screamed and then screamed again in fright as they took off the exit just as the rocks falling began to not only increase but also grew larger in size. It wasn't much longer before the boys took off as well, trying not to get hit by the large falling rocks.
"I can see why they didn't call it earth shaking for nothing, it'sa me!" Alfonso shouted as he just missed a large rock from clocking him on the head.
"Are you sure this is the exit?" Roll asked as she and the rest of the girls were running for their lives near her.
"We should be able to get out over there, silly!" Rosie called out.
"Save yourselves ya sea dogs!" Benjamin shouted.
"Argh!" Alfonso chanted as they dashed for the exit as quickly as they could. Benjamin and Alfonso were the first to make it out of the cave. Rosie wasn't that far behind, followed by Chrissy, Roll, then Francine. They were just a ten yard away when Francine tripped and tumbled into her face. Francine was frazzled but quickly noticed everyone taken off and leaving her behind.
"Wait for me!" Francine shrieked as she tried to climb back onto her feet.
"Oh no!" Roll shouted.
"SIS!" Chrissy screamed as she rushed towards her sister. Rosie noticed them turned back and gasped.
"Roll! Chrissy! NO!" she shouted.
"LOOK OUT!" Benjamin shouted as he picked her up from behind and tried to run backwards, causing them to fall over and tumble backwards down a slope from the cavern entrance...just as the rocks sealed the entrance shut. Rosie hadn't left Benjamin's arms when she saw the sealed up cave. Her eyes grew large as well as wet as she feared the worst.
"ROOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!" she screamed, panting heavily as tears ran down her face as she ran back up the slope.
"Don't!" said Alfonso fearfully.
"Rosie, no!" Benjamin protested as he grabbed her arms from behind.
"I GOTTA GET THEM OUT!" Rosie shrieked in panic, "I GOTTA! THEY COULD BE BURIED ALIVE OR WORSE!"
"Rosie," Benjamin protested.
"LET GO OF ME!"
"We will figure something out, alrighty," Benjamin continued, "Don't do anything rash! You'll only make the situation worse."
"NO LET ME GO!" Rosie wailed.
"ROSIE!" Benjamin screamed, turning her around and holding her by the arms. The blue cat flinched as she looked at him angrily.
"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" she screamed, "IF YOU HADN'T CLIMBED THAT STUPID WALL YOU STUPID DOG! YOU STUPID DOG! You...stupid...stupid..." Rosie began to break down before Benjamin just pulled her into a hug to comfort her as Rosie began to weep. Yet he only held her for a few more seconds before abruptly pulling her away. Rosie stopped crying and looked at him, seeing a very stern but determined look on her face. He said nothing as he let her go and then headed up the hill.
"What are you...are you crazy!?" Alfonso exclaimed, "The rocks will bury them for sure of you try digging them out, it'sa me!"
"Not if I find a stable place to dig, alrighty!" Benjamin said sternly and boldly, "I gotta save Roll! And Chrissy and Francine too!" Benjamin began to feel the rocks as he crawled around them carefully, looking for a safe place to dig. He suddenly stopped, tapped a few rocks a couple of times with his knuckles before he started burrowing through them. Rosie and Alfonso just exchanged worried glances before they watched Benjamin disappear.
On the other side of the rocks, Roll, Chrissy, and Francine were all huddled close together as the avalanche of rocks finally came to a stop. They were covered in dirt, had some minor scratches on their arms and legs, and coughing furiously as the dust began to finally settle down. Roll was the first to clear her throat enough to talk.
"Everyone okay," she asked concerned as the two polka dot sisters coughed a little longer as all three felt their eyes adjust to the darkness so they could at least see each other a little bit.
"We're okay, sparkles," said Chrissy as she felt about her arms and legs, "Dirty but nothing's broken...right sis?" Francine just trembled fearfully as she saw the pile of rocks now blocking their way out.
"Sis?" Chrissy asked again.
"We're trapped, karat," said Francine with much dread, "We're gonna die in here!"
"No were not!" said Chrissy retorted, "We'll figure a way out of this!"
"She's right," said Roll, "Rosie, Benjamin, and Alfonso made it out okay. They'll send for help and we'll be out of here in no time." Chrissy smiled in agreement as Francine just sighed in defeat as she plopped herself on the dirt.
"This is all my fault, karat," said Francine, "I'm such a klutz! We're wouldn't be here if I hadn't tripped over my big feet!"
"Stop Francine," said Chrissy, "I know we've had alot of things to regret but we can't let it get us down."
"Yeah well I don't feel really confident in myself anymore, karat," said Francine and added timidly, "I'm scared. You know I've always hated the dark..."
"I know, sparkles," said Chrissy, "and I'm sorry I teased you about that. I'm scared too, but we can't give up. Just like you didn't want me to give up back at the waterfall. I won't let you give up here." Chrissy knelt beside her and held her older sister. Francine just held her back, feeling better being in her sister's arms. Roll just looked at them sadly as she sat on her knees.
"I'm sorry I put you through all of this," said Roll, "It's my fault were in this mess. I just thought..."
"Roll...we came in this adventure with you by choice, karat," interrupted Francine as she let go of Chrissy and stood up.
"We knew this would be a risky adventure when we came along, sparkles," said Chrissy, standing up as well.
"We are actually very grateful for everything you've done for us, karat," said Francine, "you've been a good friend to both of us and not choosing sides."
"You helped us realize that we were both to blame for getting distant with each other, sparkles," said Chrissy.
"Yeah, karat," said Francine, "with everything we've been through, we had forgotten how to be open and honest with each other. How to work as a team instead of trying to just carry our own weight."
"When you love someone, sparkles," said Chrissy, "You don't let the little things or differences pull you apart. You still do your best to work together."
"We build on each other's strengths, karat," Francine concluded, "and look out for each other's weaknesses."
"We had forgotten what is means to be sisters..."
"...and to be a team."
"As you can see," Chrissy pointed out, "we are so close..."
"...that we can finish each other's sentences," Francine finished and they both laughed. Roll chuckled as well.
"Our point is this," said Francine, "even though we've been so difficult lately..."
"...you never gave up on us," Chrissy finished this time, "or threw out of the house."
"So thank you Roll," they said together with a light bow, "You are a real friend." Roll smiled proudly when she suddenly felt the ground start to rubble again. The girls quickly huddled close together again when they saw a several rocks tumble out of the pile of rocks and a familiar dog appeared before them, coughing lightly since he was exhausted.
"Benjamin!" the three girls exclaimed in surprise.
"Hey, alrighty," he said, clearly exhausted, "Are you guys alright?"
"Yeah, just some scrapes and dirty clothes," said Roll, "but nothing is broken. So...you dug to find us?" Benjamin nodded as he crawled out and sat on the floor.
"I had to," said Benjamin, "It's my fault those rock came down and you guys got stuck, alrighty, Poor Rosie was falling apart and worried sick about you. I couldn't take her being to mad at me. I had to try and rescue you myself." Francine and Chrissy hugged him.
"Our hero!" they exclaimed and kissed his cheeks several times. Roll giggled since despite the darkness she could see Benjamin's cheek flush bright pink.
Back outside, Rosie was just holding Alfonso's arm, she had started crying again after Benjamin had disappeared a few minutes ago. Alfonso just held her as she let her tears continued to fall.
"I...I hope Benjamin and the others are okay, silly," said Rosie with worry.
"Me too, it'sa me!" said Alfonso, just as concerned as Rosie, but it didn't show due to his lax face. Then they were both startled when they heard some light rumbling and began to stare at the hole Benjamin had entered. They saw a few rocks pop out of them before Benjamin came out with a smile on his face.
"They're okay, alrighty," he replied in exhaustion as a rather battered and soiled blonde girl came out of the hole first. Alfonso and Rosie gasped in amazement as Benjamin helped Roll to her feet.
"ROLL!" Rosie called out as she ran into her arms and glomped the blonde girl tightly. Roll flinched since she was a bit stiff from the crawl and her eyes were adjusting to the brightness of the late afternoon sun, but returned the hug as Rosie began to cry again.
"I'm so glad you are okay, silly," she sobbed. It was then Benjamin helped Chrissy and Francine climbed out as well. Rosie just sniffled as a soft smile appeared on her face as she approached him.
"You did it Benjamin!" said Rosie excitedly, "You saved them, silly!" Benjamin blushed and just rubbed his feet against the dirt. This stunned Rosie but she didn't think too much about it when she noticed that the two sisters were hugging each other.
"I guess things are okay between the two of you now, silly?" Rosie asked as she dried her eyes.
"Yeah," said Francine, "we're a team."
"And this time we are gonna make sure we stay that way," said Chrissy, "right sis."
"Right sis," said Francine as they smiled at each other. They were suddenly interrupted when they heard someone applauding nearby. They turned to see KK Slider clapping for them with a warm smile on their face. Next to him were Isabelle, Bunnie, and Sable. They had felt the rumbles and had come to see if everyone was alright.
"Now that is harmony," said KK and paused impressively.
"What do you mean, sparkles," Chrissy asked as she and Francine gave him puzzled looks.
"This is what you two were lacking from before," said KK, "You need to not just be in harmony musically, but also with each other."
"I...don't get it," said Chrissy.
"KK's talking about our sisterhood, our friendship, karat," said Francine, "we were working, but not working together." Chrissy blinked for a bit and then smiled.
"Now I get it," said Chrissy, "We had alot of tension and anger between us...and we've made peace with it."
"Precisely," said KK, "Remember, no matter how famous or difficult things become, never forget those you love and cherish the most."
"We won't KK," said the polka dot sister together and smiled at each other.
"Well then," said KK, "you guys clean up, rest, and then meet me by the stage later tonight for rehearsal." KK gave them a wink. Francine and Chrissy gasped and then hopped up and down with glee as they hugged each other. They were gonna perform after all.
Three days later, everyone was backstage with KK and the polka dot sisters as they got themselves ready for the concert. Since they were in the tropics, Chrissy and Francine had each worn a muumuu dress in the colors of their sibling, which meant that Francine was wearing a pink floral muumuu while Chrissy wore a light blue one. This also included a red hibiscus as well. While Isabelle had wanted to just have KK to herself, she decided to invite the others to join her. This also included Benjamin and Alfonso. The biggest shocker was when Benjamin had asked Rosie to be his date for the concert. While Rosie said yes, she was still baffled at the fact Benjamin even saw her that way, but she would worry about it another day. For it was the stroke of 8 o'clock at night, which was the time KK usually started his concert. Everyone in the audience applauded as he made his way to the stage.
"What a groovy summer night," he replied, "my name is KK Slider. I used to play down at the local train station, but now...I've gotten used to performing at Club LOL. Anyway, thanks for welcoming me to your island home. Before I take requests, I have a special surprise for everyone tonight. You've seen them on the album covers of Bubblegum KK. Ladies and gentlemen. I give you...the polka dot sisters." The crowds cheered excitedly as Chrissy and Francine appeared on stage, holding each other's hand.
"Thank you everyone," said Francine, "we are very honored to be here this evening, karat."
"Before we begin, sparkles," Chrissy continued, "we would like to extend a special welcome to a new and very special friend, Roll. She is the mayor of Animal Town and it is thanks to her that we were able to perform for you tonight."
"My sister and I have been having issues lately," Francine explained, "but it is thanks to Roll we were able to settle those differences with each other."
"She reminded us that no matter how rough life gets," Chrissy concluded, "Never forget those who love you. Because they will be the ones who help you get through those hard times."
"It because of Roll was so helpful that we invite her to join us for the song as a triplet," said Francine, "Come on out Roll!" Roll was stunned hearing they wanted her to sing with them. She almost was afraid to move and wondered if she should have picked a different outfit. She had chosen a sky blue dress that was the same style as the red dress Sable had asked her to wear on mother's day, matching headband, but her hair in pigtails. Rosie and Sable both pushed her forward so she began to make her way towards the sisters. The audience began to applaud her, which only made Roll even more shy. Once she was close enough, Francine guided her towards Chrissy and they positioned her in the middle of the silver mike while they stood on each side of her.
"Guys," Roll whispered nervously, "I've never sang before."
"You'll be okay, sparkles," said Chrissy, "just follow our lead and you will be okay."
"Plus I've heard you sing to yourself when you think no one is listening," Francine added, "You can do it." Francine nodded for KK to start playing. Roll was a little timid at first, but her voice got stronger as the song continued. She was perfectly in sync with both sisters and on key too. Everyone was smiling as she sang with the two sisters. Once they had finished, Roll was given a standing ovation. The blonde girl just gave a shy smile and curtsy before following the polka dot sisters off the stage. KK applauded for them as well before taking his position at the center stage.
"I must apologize again," said KK, "Now I would like to do something special...for a very special friend of mine. Isabelle...would you come out please?" Isabelle's entire face began to glow with a shade of red. She, like Roll had to be pushed, onto the stage. She had chosen to wear a pink bud tank with a dry denim skirt and had added a fresh pink orchid that was tied to her bell ribbon. She nervously jingled as she walked up to KK Slider. He offered her a pink wooden stool with a matching cushion to sit on before taking his trademark position on the nearby plain wooden stool.
"Isabelle has a very special place in my heart," said KK, "so here...is a very special song for her." The audience, as well as Roll's group, "awed" as Isabelle blushed shyly as KK began to sing. Her shyness turned into joy when she found that he was singing his "I love you" sing to her. That was a dream come true for Isabelle. Roll and the group couldn't stop smiling as KK sang to her and then let her stay with him as he took song requests. Everyone was very happy, and Roll was the happiest of them all.
She had not only helped to mend a broken sisterhood, but had also helped her best friend make a long time dream come true.
The cave scene for the ammonite and seismosaurus from the DÅbutsu no Mori was just so fitting for an island adventure that I had to base an adventure from it. Hope you enjoyed my twist on it!
Also Roll's remark of Alfonso's and Benjamin's pirate attires is a Star Wars reference.
Rosie's exclamation sentence was from the Tinkerbelle movies.
Just cause these animals are "human" doesn't mean that they don't have natural talents like regular animals. How else would Benjamin be experienced in digging and have ultra sensitive smelling abilities? In time, I might unveil other natural abilities of other villagers.
Here's the preview for the next story arc:
The fireworks show: As the fireworks show approaches, Roll and her crew visit Anemone's town to join her friends for the festivities. However, one of her villagers has taken a liking to their town mayor. Can Roll and her friends help this villager woo Anemone? Also known as "the lemon fairy"?
Until then, see you next time!