Chapter 3- First Round Rivals

POV: Sarah

The Next Day

Time: 12:00

Location: Treasure Lake

This is the second day of the competition. Even though it was one day of digging, we found as many fossils as we could get. Between Rex and me, I think we have at least one of each type of Vivosaurs here… Though I haven't decided who I want on my team yet. Other than Aeros of course, he's going to be the star of my team. Speaking of Aeros I was surprised to find that species fossils here. But, now as the second day of Competition, this is where the first round starts.

Anyways, right now I'm here with Todd. Apparently, he heard something about a celebrity at Treasure Lake, and won't shut up. "Sarah! What are you waiting for there's a celebrity at Treasure Lake!"

"I heard you the first time!" Todd is so irritating when he gets like this.

"Where the heck is Rex?!" Did Todd just now realize this?

If this celebrity was a voice actor of his favorite anime. He'd be here for sure. "Rex said he had to do things. For some reason his sonar was in pieces."

"…" Todd stares at me blankly. Probably like me, being unable to understand what Rex was doing. "You don't think he's adding the Sonar to his goggles? Right?"

He wouldn't, he said those goggles are still in testing. "I don't think that what he's doing… I hope. Anyways let's see who the celebrity is!"

"Alright…" Todd, not convinced of what I said (neither am I). Still we wanted to go see the celebrity.

By the time we found where the celebrity was. A crowd had already formed. I couldn't get to good of a view but, there was a camera man, and reporter. So, whoever this celebrity was is getting interviewed.

"Ooh, he's so dreamy! All mysterious and smoldering and stuff…" I heard a girl squeal out.

"well, crud. Didn't expect to see him here. This just makes Cup whole lot harder." Someone else complained. The Celebrity is a top tier fighter then.

Me, and Todd had been pushing forward to try to get a better look. with my great perceptiveness, I saw who the celebrity was first. It was a boy approximately my age, he had white hair, yellow eyes, and I couldn't leave out that signature red coat. I recognized him from the Professional fossil Fighting matches. Yes, those matches were broadcasted on TV. He is one of the youngest among the professional fighters.

"Todd that's Rupert!" I could barely keep my excitement hidden. "THE Rupert has entered the Cup!"

Todd, for once was actually able to keep his cool. "Yeah. It looks like they're about start an interview."

And on que, the reporter started the interview. "Good Morning. I'm Linda R. Porter, reporting for Caliosteo TV. With the Caliosteo Cup underway, we have an exclusive interview with one of the fighters. This undefeated Child prodigy is on a stunning run of victories across multiple Fossil Fighting tournaments. He's also the heir to a multinational corporation that produces a wide range of goods for Fossil Fighters. It's the prince of Fossil Dig, INC. and the talk of every fighter in town. Ladies and Gentlemen… Rupert!"

Everyone around, started to clap and cheer. Meanwhile Rupert was calm and just waved to the crowd. "Hello."

The reporter held the Microphone in front of Rupert. "Rupert, let's get right to it: Do you feel confident about winning the Caliosteo Cup?"

Rupert answered in a calm manner. "Oh yes, quite so. There's little point in entering a competition if one does not expect to win."

To me that sounded a little over confident. Th reporter begins to speak again "Spoken like a true Champion. There is little doubt this young competitor has sipped oft from the cup of victory. Were any other Fighter to say as much, we might accuse them of Hubris. But from Rupert, it is a fact. Will this title come to him as have all the others? Or will a new hero emerge?"

With that question murmurs come from the crowd. Guess everyone wants to beat Rupert now.

"Actually, how about the news on that newcomer? That one who got the perfect score. Rupert, what do you make of him?" oh, Rex came up. I wish he was here! If he was, I'd kick him into the Interview area.

By the looks of it, Rupert is somewhat surprised. "Oh, that fighter. It was quite surprising to be honest. Those qualification exams were originally for the beginner Fighters. But they were also used to make up the Match list for the Professional Qualification matches. Out, of all the fighters who took the exam. That kid, he was the only one to get a perfect score. It is really strange."

Linda seemed intrigued. "Does this mean you view him as a Rival?"

"Hm… since he wasn't even a professional… No. he probably received his first Vivosaur this week. If compared to the teams of any professional. It's doubtful to assume him as a threat. But, to those who are also beginners… best of luck to who your opponent is." Rupert's words would probably irritate me, for what he said about Rex. But that's if he was some random fighter.

"Well, one thing is clear: all eyes will be on the Caliosteo Cup! Oh, and we've been asked by the organizers to pass a message along to our viewers. Despite his fame, at the end of the day, Rupert is still a competitor in the Cup. Though you may be smitten by his charm, please do not mob him or try to steal locks of his hair. Any Entrants found annoying Rupert in any manner, maybe subjected to Disqualification." Rupert seemed to sigh at that. "And that's all we got time for. For Caliosteo TV, this is Linda R. Porter saying Good day, and good fortune."

As the Interview ended, the crowd of people started to disperse. Me and Todd hung off to the side as people were leaving.

I noticed Rupert by himself. I could barely hear it, though I believe he said. "…Idiocy." Soon after that Rupert too went on his way.

About fifteen minutes pass by as I hang around the fence with Todd. "Ooh! I'd like to chase after Rupert and see if he's really all that!"

"Are you sure it's worth the risk in getting disqualified?" I warn Todd. Rex would be upset if either of us got disqualified because of that.

Todd hesitated for a moment. "…Hey, yeah! They said not to annoy him, but they didn't say we couldn't challenge him to a battle!"

Todd made a good point. I know what I said earlier, but I wouldn't mind teaching him a lesson for Rex. "Alright. I wouldn't mind fighting him."

It doesn't take too long to find Rupert. He was still nearby after the Interview.

Todd called out first. "Hey! What say you and me have a good old-fashioned Fossil Battle?!"

"…" Rupert just looked at him annoyed.

Todd tries again. "You know that excited feeling you get when you meet a tough fighter? That's what I have!"

"…" Rupert continued to stare. I guess, he doesn't want to fight.

"You like Fossil battles, and you know that feeling." Todd continued. "So, let's have fun!"

Rupert finally responds to Todd. Though he doesn't have a good tone. "Please go amuse yourself elsewhere. I don't have time to waste on the likes of you. "'Let's have fun'? 'Excited feeling'? such disgusting treacle is enough to make my porridge come up! Frankly, I abhor having to associate with Fighters such as yourselves."

"Abhor?" I feel like I've heard that word before. I don't remember what it means though… I'll ask Rex later.

"If you wish to face me in a Fossil Battle, you must win your way to my standing in the Tournament." Rupert's tone changes to a smug one. "Of course, there's no chance of that happening…. Now run along and take your sad Vivosaurs with you."

Outraged by that I start to yell. "What?! You barely know us! There's no way you can judge our talent like that!"

"You don't know how talented I am!" Todd continues, and tries to provoke him. "I think you're a Chicken! Bawk! Bawk! Bawk!"

"So, you demand satisfaction, do you?" Rupert shakes his head. Todd's mocking worked! "Very well. If it will keep you from stalking me in the future… Once I show you what a true Fossil Battle is like, you can run home and tell mommy about it." Rupert grabbed two medals from his side and threw them out on the field. A Raja, and a Mapo.

"This is what I'm talking about." Todd excitedly. He choses to throw out Stego alone.

The battle was fairly quick. After Todd's Stego missed its attack, it was Immediately taken down by Raja.

"I-I lost…" Todd said, "I lost a lot."

I try to console Todd. "You could have won if your attack connected."

"Truly pathetic," Rupert seems more annoyed at us. "Are you even paying attention to the Elemental Types of your Vivosaurs?"

"Elemental Type?" Me and Todd ask simultaneously

"oh, this is sad indeed. To think a Fighter was able to get here without knowing about Elemental Types… Very well both of you pay attention…" Rupert sighs and goes on to explain elemental advantages and disadvantages, "Now if you knew this beforehand. Your mid-range Stegosaurus would have targeted my Mapo… though not much good it would have done. The battle would have ended with the same result."

"…" I ready Aeros for battle, I should have a second Vivosaur ready as well.

Rupert in response to my preparation shakes his head. "Oh, come now. What is this nonsense? Must I battle every slack-jawed yokel who slinks into view?"

"What?" I feel like I've just been insulted.

Rupert continued. "In simpler terms. I mean, I will spend not time battling a girl who doesn't even knows what abhor means."

"Ah!" Okay, I'm going to kill him. Todd realizes my intent and grabs my arm.

Rupert starts to walk away. "With that I say good day."

Todd looks at me, "Sarah, you had that look in your eyes again."

"He's the one who pissed me off." I say back to Todd. Hopefully Rex doesn't have to deal with that guy.

POV: Rex

Time: 15:00

Location: Treasure Lake

I've been Searching for some fossils since around one o'clock. I've found several good Species of Vivosaurs. Other than Tricera, I'll probably put Metchi onto my team as well. But other than finding other Fossils what I'm really interested in finding is Triceratops body, I still haven't found one yet. As I find a new spot, I start to dig. "It's a New one! I hope it's a Tricera body!"

"May I see that fossil." I hear a voice call over to me.

When I look to see… it was a guy with white hair and a signature red coat. I start to shake from anxiety. "Y-you're R-Rupert!"

"Oh, there seems to be some fighters who recognize me." He seems relieved at this. But still meeting him has me freaked.

Not knowing what to do, I shakily hold out the fossil rock that I just dug up. "Um- y-you wanted the fossil, right?"

"Interesting, in most circumstances Fighters would usually jump at the chance to fight me." Rupert confronts my cowardice. "Why do you not?"

"I-I started recently… and I don't have many Vivosaurs. I'd doubt I'd fare well against you…" If Sarah heard my reasons, she'd probably hit me, then tell me fight anyway…

"*sigh*" Rupert seemed annoyed at my response, "Great another newcomer. Am I going to have to Teach you about elemental typing, among other things?"

"No! no…" He must not know who I am… I doubt he would know me… "Y-you probably don't know, or heard… But I was the kid who got a hundred on the exams…"

Rupert seemed to be surprised at this. "Oh! I was hoping to see what you were like."

I give a slight laugh, "N-not what you were expecting?"

"I'm curious how you got through the tests." Rupert then asks me. "If you're a nervous wreck right now. It's surprising how you passed."

That's a common thing to think. Most people are curious how I survive, being barely able to keep a conversation. "T-tests are easy… P-people… not so much."

Rupert looks at me curiously. "then, what about the competition? If you're this nervous with me. How do you expect to win?"

"W-while Knowledge can make… l-let you go far. The s-strength of you V-Vivosaur will bring you farther." I'm a stuttering mess. "Y-your one of the few amazing champions here… As long I don't fight you… I should be good in the first round."

Rupert give a small smile, "I see, then you should be happy to hear. You need not worry about that till the third round. Due to my skill I automatically passed the first two rounds."

Hearing that I felt really happy. "R-really that's a load off my chest… Here You wanted this right?"

I hold the Fossil rock up to Rupert. "No. At closer expectation it's a Tricera Body, of which I have no need."

"R-really?! Thank you so much!" I heard some great news, and found the Fossil that I was looking for. This is the best day ever!

"No need," Rupert is a much nicer person than I thought. "If the two from earlier had at least half the amount of respect you have. Then this competition would be better."

Ugh… why do I have a bad feeling? "Um… the two from earlier…"

Rupert sighs. "Two annoying idiots I met. Neither of them understood Elemental Type advantages. And the Girl didn't understand most of what I said."

That last insult was something that I dealt with very often… "Did the girl have Blonde hair, in a pigtail?"

Rupert looks at me with a confused expression. "Yes… do you know her?"

Sarah! Why? I bow my head. "Yes… that was my twin sister… I am very sorry for whatever she may have said or done to you." That wouldn't be enough… I take out my sonar. "In exchange for your forgiveness I'll help you find fossils for the rest of the day."

He looks at me strangely. He's probably just noticing the similarity of Sarah and Me. "Its fine… You already maximized the sonar space at the Fossil Guild?"

"I-I did it myself…" it was very hard to do so, I left the room in a mess. I should clean that up soon… Wait! "Wait that's already open?!"

"It is." Well by the looks of it. Rupert has a higher opinion of me.

Beep! Beep! The Paleo Pager that I had started to beep. "Incoming FMS Message. Round one of the Caliosteo Cup will now begin. Rex's opponent will be Fighter Joseph."

"Well you should go." Rupert said. "Good luck with your match."

"T-thanks!" I'll need it. Before I left, I said to Rupert. "If you need any favors, I'd be glad to help you!"

Time: 18:00

Location: Fossil Stadium

"Phew." I had just ended the fight that I was in. I won the match, but it was really hard. I could barely keep my focus during the match. The simulations and tests were so easy compared to actual battling. It was both thrilling and scary to have so many people cheering… I wonder how Sarah is handling this… wait who is she fighting?

Once I think that I go to the reception desk to ask. "Um, who is Sarah Lucertola fighting in the first round."

The receptionist cheereful looked at me. "Let me check. She is fighting Todd Tocchi."

"Thank you!" Politeness first, surpise later. But really? Of all people, here I thought I'd be fighting her first. I don't want to miss it, I decide to head back to the Stadium as fast as I can.

When I get to the Staduim area. I saw that Sarah, and Todd had reached both reached their platforms.

I hear the Announcer count down for the battle to start. "3… 2… 1… BATTLE!"

Sarah and Todd throw their medals at the same time… actually let's let the announcer narrate this

"We see both sides throw out their medals! A Raja and Aeros from Sarah Lucertola! Two air types, Stego and Goyle from Todd Tocchi! Speed calculations are under way, the first turn goes to… Todd Tocchi!"

With Todd getting the start of battle, he gives his first comand. "Stego! Spike Tail on Aeros."

"With the distance between them the attack did half of Aeros' health!" As the announcer explained. All I could think was, good thing Rupert taught Todd Elemental types, now he atleast stands a chance.

"Now it's my turn! Raja! Fang attack on Stego!" Hmm… if she didn't learn of elemental types, I can only think that she would be surprised at how much damage occurred.

"Ooh! We have the first Vivosaur down with Raja Fang on Stego!" (Announcer)

Todd readies his revenge. "Goyle! Use Body Axe on Aeros."

"Goyle runss forward swining it self like an axe! The second Vivosaur of this match has fallen! What an Exciting Match so far!"

I looked at my sister she looked angry… "Grr. Raja get avenge Aeros with Raja Rage!:

"Raja charges forward, it conects twice with Goyle! Oh! It reverted back to a medal! With that the match is decided! Both Vivosuars on Todd Tocchi's side are down. The Winner is Sarah Lucertola!"

I cheer for my sister, before I can realize it. "Woo! That's my sister!"

In the cheering of the crowds Sarah stands with a victor pose. That look… oh no, she's going to declare something. "Take a good look! The Girl you see here is going to be the Champion fo this cup! And this Girl's name is Sarah Lucertola!"

A half hour later I find myself stanfing in the loddy of the stadium with Todd and Sarah.

"I can't believe I lost." I saw him holding back his tears. I give him a pat on the back. "You don't need to feel bad. We were going to end up fighting eachother at somepoint."

"Yeah but I assumed the first Match I'd be fighting Sarah." I show my relief.

Todds eyes seemd to change, "But the fossil battle was really fun! Just look upon your new Cheerleader. Until the Cup ends, I'm going to be the President and CEO of your fan Club!

"Doesn't that mean the same thing?" Sarah asked. It practically is.

Todd ignored Sarah. "You guys are my Champs now. I'm entrusting my dream to you!"

I was about to say, don't put more pressure on me. But someone call out to us first.

It was Stella. "Congratulations you two. You guys are cleared for the second round. Hold your heads high those battles were amazing. Anyway, I'm passinf out prizes for the winners of round one."

She hands me and Sarah two separate packs of Time Plus. Before I can explain it to sarah, she asks "What's this?"

I go into explanation mode. "Something you'll need for cleaning fossils. When trying to clean Fossils, the time plus gives you added time. A Time bounus."

Stella nodded in agreement. "Yes. They are pretty valuable. Though they can be purchased at the Fossil Guild. Also, your Paleo Pagers should alert that-."

Beep! Beep! On que as if this was a story, the Paleo pagers started to beep. "Fighter has done enough fighting and digging to progress to Fighter Level Two. FP recharge is now at Eighty and Max FP is at two-hundred-twenty. Posting information to battle technology."

Stella contues to explain why we leveld though. Yes, you guys are now a level higher. That was due to the battles you just fought."

"Cool!" Nice it's instantaneous, I love Technology.

"Neat." Sarah didn't seem to be as excited as I was… oh yeah, she never understood the joy of playing RPGs, so how could she know.

"Alright then I'm off." Yeah, she had hand thing out to the other winners as well. "Hope thhe roomates you have are no bother."

After heraring that I froze. "Wait. We have Roomates?"

"If we do, then mine never showed." Sarah said, I haven't met mine yet either….

"Yes, we do. We got them on our first night here." Todd gives us a confsed look. "Don't tell me you never questioned that second room?"

"I thought it was like a water heater." I really did explore my room when I got it. I thought it was that cause I could never get into it… "Wait all of my electrical stuff is scattered! See you guys tommorrow, at the next dig site."

I ran as fast as I could to my room.