Chapter 12 – Fourth Round talks
A/N: Sorry for the delay, things happened and forgot to post last week. Even though I've been trying to post every other week, but cause of what happened there will be another chapter next Saturday.
POV: Todd
Time: 13:00
Location: Fossil Stadium
So, a lot happened in this competition, huh? First as we start, we meet the famous kid from FossilDig Inc. Rupert. He seemed to be very rude at first but, seems like we've finally been starting to get along… though he can still be a bit stuck up.
Then as much as a surprise I have to fight my friend Sarah in the first match… of all people to fight. She really was the last person I wanted to battle. She and Rex managed to win in their first rounds, while I was defeated… they truly are amazing twins. Can't believe I'm friends with them…
Then we went to Labyrinth Jungle, it wasn't bad until I heard rumors of a monster. Though Sarah nor Rex believed in them… and Rex is about as much as a coward as me?! But still… he's growing fast, he managed to find out the monster was fake and fight the master minds like it was nothing. Besides that, spectacle he had during his second-round match was amazing! No way would I have expected him to have such a high rank Daspleto.
Though in that round we did meet some annoying girl… some self-Proclaimed Idol stuff, her mask makes her look more like a monster though. She's annoying as all get out as well. No clue as to why Rex actually likes her. Though she does have skill, I'll admit that. She managed to win her battle in about half the time it took Rex. and Rex got a Perfect score on his tests!
Eh, skipping a head we soon went to the second Island, Cranial Isle. Where the next dig site was an active Volcano! It was hot as all get out there. As me, Rex and Sarah were out digging for Fossils, Rupert showed up… Apparently, he was showing off some new Digging tool from his Father's company, a robot of sorts. It malfunctions, but Sarah managed to stop it… Now, I'm not sure if I should be more afraid of Sarah though.
Though the next day, we got mention of an Evil organization. Known as the Bare Bones Brigade. It sounded very frightening, but Sarah was her usual confident self… no, I think she was angrier, she called them just a knock of version of what her cousin faced. I swear she has no sense of danger; she ran off headfirst without warning, planning on attacking them. She's lucky that Rupert was there to help her. But she managed fearless as ever… Though despite her lack of thinking she is pretty admirable… I sometimes wish I could just run head first into danger like that. Yet again in the third Round Rex and Sarah pass with flying colors…
Then in more recent events, we had a blast from the past. As Rex accidentally got blonde hair dye instead of blue. The two twins I know looked like twins… I practically forgot how similar they looked… if someone told me Rex was a girl, I'd probably believe them. But then later tragedy struck as we found a 'girl' who seemed to have lost something.
For some reason Rex stayed with her. As me and Sarah went to go look for it. But more disaster struck as it was said the BB Brigade were kidnapping girls. The 'girl' was one of them, and apparently, they confused Rex for Sarah. As hilarious as it was, I did feel bad for Rex. But he had it all under control. Apparently, there was a BB brigade General commander or something, and Rex handled it like it was nothing… man he's really come far.
Oh, yeah so about that girl… turns out it was that self-proclaimed idol. She does look cute under the mask I'll admit… but I still don't really like her. But… some of her behavior is a lot like Rex's... I still can't believe I didn't notice that till now… I'm such a bad friend.
But now, Round Four matches are going on now. Rex and Rupert have both passed. Right now, the three of us are watching Sarah's. She's fighting someone named Lucinda, I think she was one of the other girls who was captured. But, from the smile on Sarah's face it looks like she's got this, and having fun too… while I'm stuck between an introvert, and someone who just doesn't start conversations. "So, how was your battles?"
"My opponent barely stood a chance." Answered Rupert. Though he acted as if it was just a waste of time… man is he really that good?
"Crowd had my attention split… I was unfocused…" Rex sighed… his shy attitude definitely shines high when he's on the field… Rex's eyes were fixed on his sister though. "I really wish I was about as half as brave as Sarah…"
"Oh, come on Rex. You're really brave." I try to support him… really, he is a heck of a lot braver than, I. No way would I have the confidence to fight the BB Brigade myself… I'm getting a stomach ache just thinking of it.
"Please, her confidence comes from her lack of intelligence." Rupert snickered… I don't think he'd be that confident in saying that if Sarah was here… Only a true idiot would say that. But Rupert continues. "I mean look at how her team is, I see several major weaknesses in the setup she has for her team. She's just lucky that her opponent hasn't noticed them yet."
… hey he's right… I barely noticed; I look to Rex looks like he didn't notice either… but I do see a sly smile pick up on his face… I think this is one similar behavior of these twins. "Oh? What's this? Are you starting to fall for her, Rupert?"
I can't help but smile… I love how meddlesome they are about love gossip. "…"
"Oh please. Her? It's just that she shows now prowess of strategy. I just find it very odd, of how she keeps just manages to brute force her way through." Rupert sighed with a calm demeanor, showing no particular interest in Sarah... but neither me or Rex buy it.
"Riiiiggght." Rex's sarcasm almost makes me laugh; he then looks to me. "Well, Todd. What do you think?"
"I think we have a lover boy on our case Rex." I smile, oh this is fun. Wonder if we should tell Sarah about this.
"*sigh*. Yet, last night you seemed to be very entranced with Miss Pauleen." Rupert counters Rex… was not expecting a response that quick. I look at Rex, he's blushing… how's he—
"aphtonajwi" Rex is spouting nonsense?! What the heck? This has never happened before?!
"So, he hit an error in finding a defense." I said. For the first time, I see steam coming from Rex's ears. "man… I thought things like this happened only to Sarah during Math Tests."
"And any other tests?" Oh, so we weren't wrong… though I'd hate to see what he'd retort if I continue.
"Other tests? I literally have now clue how, but she's good with literacy. History… if there's an essay it's fine… But when it comes to Math or Science, it's like this." I explain pointing to Rex. Man, I really thought this would never happen to him. "Seriously, whatever one is good at, the other is terrible at. Just like most stereotypical twins."
"Really? She's good with English?" Rupert questions… eh, I'm not surprised that this was question. It makes me feel sad, but it's true.
"Yeah, it takes time, but she can usually figure out words by just context. Though Rex has practically memorized a dictionary, so we just usually ask him, if we hear something we don't understand." It is really convenient on how he knows so much. "Speaking of language, I think Sarah is closing on learning her second language. Rex is close to his third."
"Well them, I have severely underestimated her." Rupert sighs, I think he's a little upset with himself. "I was sure she was the all brawn no brain type."
Oh, that brings back memories. "So, did I at first. I mean with how they act; I was also confused on their genders. Sarah is so straight forward, and tomboyish, it's scary. Meanwhile, Rex is just so shy and kind, it's freaky."
"mm…" Rupert nods along… guess he can relate; he spends about as much time with Rex as I do. "You know, I've been curious for a while now. Do you know why Rex is so shy?"
"Huh?" What's he talking about, Rex has always been Rex.
"By how he talks, it doesn't seem like he was always like that. And whenever I try to ask him about it, he says he was like it for as long as he could remember. But when I ask Sarah, she either changes subject or glares at me until I resign." Rupert explains. "I was wondering if you could possibly elaborate on this."
"Really?" I look at Rupert curiously… I never noticed anything like this. "I mean I've known Rex and Sarah, 7… no 8 years now. This is just they way they've always acted. Even after all this time, they've barely changed."
"I might be overthinking it then." Rupert shrugged.
Though what he says… it does make me wonder. All of those times me and Sarah tried to help Rex with his shyness… Sarah always led it with a grain of salt… Did I just not notice something?...
BZZT.
As a small amount of silence Rupert's Phone starts to buzz. As he gets a message, he picks it up, and sighs… Why? He just looks at me and says. "I have to take this, Tell Sarah my congratulations or condolences… though it's probably be congratulations."
Rupert walks away, and I focus back to the Match. It was looking good for Sarah. She had the type advantage with her Raja out front, while her opponent had a Camara. And it also looks like it's fallen back to Sarah's turn. She has her usual confident grin on. Then she yells. "Raja Rage! Finish this match!"
And the Raja ran forward, giving the Camara two quick hits and reverting it back to its metal form. And as it reverts everyone breaks out in cheers. Including me. "Go Sarah!"
"huh?!" This also apparently breaks Rex out of his stupor. He then quickly analyzes the situation and cheers with everyone else. "Good, Job Sarah!"
As the match finished, me and Rex new that we were had go meet up with her to celebrate. So, as we go to the lobby to meet with Sarah. We see her talking to her competitor, wait? Where'd Sarah get that can of juice from? Well either way we hear the last tidbits of their conversation.
"Right…" Sarah smiled warmly at her opponent. "Let's battle again sometime, ok?"
"Sure, same bet as last time." Lucinda asked, clearly curious.
"Sure, always like getting free food." Sarah laughs.
"heh, it'll be different the next time we fight." Her competitor also laughs.
"Sarah!" Me and Rex shout, waving at her. The girl Lucinda then leaves
"hey, ugh… you guys will never believe this, but that girl confused me for Rex!" Sarah told us once the Lucinda girl got far enough.
"Wow, you getting confused for me? that's nothing new." Rex laughed, "But it is confusing since we both have two different colored hair again."
"Ugh… she basically confessed about having a crush on you… ugh…" Sarah groaned, meanwhile Rex oddly looked away.
"Must have been rough." I say to her. "Oh yeah, Rupert gives his congratulations."
"Did he even watch the battle?" Sarah questions, not really expecting him too. But those eyes say she wants him too.
"partly… He had to leave because of some sort of phone call." I tell her, "It was right around the end though… so he didn't miss much.
"He actually attempted to watch?" Sarah said this in surprise. Her eyes widen then she bites on her nails. "Ah… I should have tried to look better…"
Me and Rex glance at each other, smile and simultaneously. "Ah, youth."
"ah…" Sarah looked at us confused, before shouting at us. "What the heck are you guys talking about?! We're the same age!"
"we're just teasing, you. it's nothing you haven't done to us." Rex snickers. Keeping the funny air around us.
"Yeah, but in all seriousness. I really think you or Rex can win this." I change the subjects to that of a more serious manner.
But Sarah just chuckles and gives me a smile. "Like we couldn't before?"
But Rex, rationalizes my words as he usually does. "we are still Amateurs. So, I feel like Todd has the ability to think that. I mean, if I don't stay focused, my chances of losing increases dramatically."
"Yeah…" Sarah sighs, did she struggle today? "I feel like my team wasn't prepared enough."
"I suppose all this BB Brigade fighting has taken away from your fossil hunting, huh?" A familiar voice hits our ears, we look over and spotted Cranial Isle's Staff leader Terry. "And yet you STILL cleared Round 4! You twins are really something."
As she heard this, Sarah smiled and boasted. "It's just natural skill!"
Rex on the other hand, rolled his eyes and said something that's more likely to be true. "More like trained skill."
Terry just smiled. "Well either way, here. It's a little prize for winning your Round 4 match." It was an oddly shaped Fossil rock, it looked what like a figure eight. I looked to Sarah she didn't know what it was either. "That's a wonderous Fossil rock that can actually power up a Vivosaur."
"What Really?" Sarah asked, it was about as surprising to me… though I think I recall Rex telling me about them.
"Yeah, I've actually added one to Daspleto yesterday. I Explained this to the both of you." Rex stated. Ah, right he did. I guess Sarah just thought he was adding a new arm.
"I just thought you were integrating an arm!" Sarah's response was spot on to my guess, and from that sigh, Rex's intuition. "Is that why it changed color?"
"Yes…" Rex sighed out; I think I'll try to explain what I know about it to her later.
"Other news…" Right, Terry is still here… looks like he something else to say, "I come bearing a special message for you three."
"…" we went silent waiting to hear what Terry had to say.
"It seems word of your heroic Exploits against the BB Brigade has reached the highest levels." As terry said this. Rex and Sarah were all staring at each other with smiles, as if they could already tell what was about to happen. "Joe Wildwest himself wants to speak with you!"
"Yes!" Both Sarah and Rex shouted in unison.
Though I was left dumbfounded, until it finally sunk in. "W-wait! You mean THE Joe Wildwest? He wants to meet with us? Really?!"
"He sure does." Terry responded. "Now I know you're busy, but I bet you can make a few minutes to see Joe up in his suite, right?"
"Of course!" In tune with each other Rex and Sarah continued to shout.
"Heck yeah," I also cheered along. "We can make the time!"
"Good. Just head over to the elevator on the upper deck of the Fighter Station." Terry pointed to the floor above. "It'll take you right up to Joe's suite. Sound good?"
That question was morels pointed to a certain fighter who got motion sickness. Rex stared at the elevator meekly. "An elevator should be fine… Right?"
"It'll be fine!" Sarah said pulling Rex along. "Let's go talk to joe!"
"Alright, hope you be fine." Terry waved, "I've got things to do."
"hey, do you guys think he remembers us?" I asked, while helping Sarah drag Rex to the elevator.
Though… I could tell Rex wasn't thinking straight with the excitement. "Who knows!"
"Gyaaaa!" Sarah was so happy she screamed. "I'm so excited!"
As we got closer to the elevator, we also noticed someone else headed to the elevator… ugh… why is Pauleen here? She looks over at us confused, probably. Can't tell with that stupid mask. "What the heck? don't tell me you're going to meet Joe acting like that."
"Ahem." Rex then shook his head, probably just bringing his rationality back. "So, shall we presume you got an invitation as well?"
She nodded… Ugh. "Ugh… we have to be meeting him with her. This is the pits I thought we were going to chat about old times, but If Pauleen's invited, that seems unlikely."
"Meh…" Sarah, I couldn't tell if she was for or against this.
But either way, Rex gave us a flick on the head. "Don't be acting like that."
Me and Sarah looked at each other then stuck our tongues out at Rex. "nnmm!"
"*sigh*, Children, my friends are spoiled children." Rex said placing his hand to his face… guess he wasn't impressed with our actions.
"…Well?!" Pauleen wasn't impressed either… and her voice started to sound threatening. "Are we going to do this, or are you going to stand around and look depressed all day?"
Reluctantly me and Sarah entered the elevator, as whining wouldn't change anything. And as the one who's afraid of almost all transportation Rex, got on last. "Heh, T-this isn't t-that bad."
I always wonder why Rex is bad with these things. Then I remember what Rupert said earlier… Sarah seems to always change subjects when I bring it up… though once it started to move, I guess Rex instinctively reached for Sarah's hand but…
"Um… R-rex…" It was nice to see the look on Rex's face as he grabbed Pauleen's hand.
"Ah! I-I'm sorry!" Rex panicked and spasmed a bit.
Then next me I could her Sarah mutter. "*Sigh, what a waste…*"
It was fairly awkward for the rest of the ride up… but soon we reached the top of the tower. Where we were greeted by a man in a cowboy hat with two horns on the front, a black and brown coat, black jeans and brown boots. It of course was the man who coordinated the Caliosteo Cup, Joe Wildwest! "Howdy, folks. Sorry to take up yer time, but I'm real tickled y'all came to see me. I'm Joe Wildwest, owner and proprietor of this here Caliosteo Fossil Park. Now, I've been hearing about yer heroics from Terry, and I don't mind sayin' that he's a mite impressed. He told me how y'all rescued them girls from the Bare Bones Brigade. If it warn't for that, I mighta had to shut down the whole Caliosteo Cup! So then, it seems I owe you my thanks."
"There's no reason to thank me. I just did what any beautiful and talented fighter would do." Pauleen says… but she literally did less than me!
"Y-yeah, that's why S-Sarah let herself get captured! T-the old trojan H-horse strategy." Rex Shakily added. Guess he isn't comfortable with being confused for a girl… I think by the eyes he was trying to tell Sarah something via Twin Telepathy. Though I don't think he believes it to be true.
And as it isn't the message failed to be sent. "What are you saying Rex? Weren't you the one who offered to go in my place, since were twins?" Or at least… maybe somewhat gone through?
"…" Rex then lowered his head in shame… but I think he's plotting revenge.
"Whoa there! Let's all just tucker down now, pardners!" Joe waved his hands as he saw a possible fight about to start. "Now, I can tell y'all are skilled Fighters with a strong sense'a justice. And that's why I've got an offer for ya… *Ahem* I want y'all to join the Caliosteo Patrol Team!"
"The Caliosteo Patrol Team?" Sarah questioned, looking at all of us then to Rex. but even he didn't know what it was from that shrug.
Joe then continued to explain. "Them BB Varmints are persistent as Flies on a manure pile, and I reckon they'll strike again before too long. So, I need y'all to keep yer eyes peeled for anything that looks like trouble. If ya smell anything fishy, just let either a staff leader or myself know, ya hear? That's the job of the Caliosteo Patrol Team."
"Oh, so were basically hall monitors." Sarah said, is that what you're comparing it too!?
"Yes, Of course, you, Rex and Pauleen would continue fightin' in the Caliosteo Cup." Joe added. Just consider this a little side job to make life better for all the other Fighters."
Seeing as I'm out of the Cup, I probably have the most time for this. "You can count on me sir! I'll do whatever it takes to stop the Bare Bones Brigade!"
"It definitely sounds like fun!" Pauleen did a spin while saying that… "…Plus, you'll need someone as beautiful and talented as me if you hope to succeed."
"Hey, I'm beautiful too!" Sarah shouted… I think she's more threating though… "But really you're going to need someone who'll beat 'em to scraps." There's the Sarah I know.
"Well, shucks," Joe smiled. "Yer makin' me happy as a pig in slop. So how 'bout you, Rex? Can I convince ya to join the Caliosteo Patrol Team?"
I must have saw a sparkle in Rex's eyes. I think this has the most benefits if he joins. One step closer to following after his cousin Hunter. Getting closer to the girl he likes. And getting over his shyness. I'd be surprised if Rex turned it down. "Definitely."
"I knew you'd say yes!" I cheer slapping him on the back.
"Another step closer to your dream?" Sarah asks him with a smile.
"That, and this is a chance to pay Joe back for two years ago." Rex said with a smile.
"…Pay me back? What'n the heck are you talkin' about, small fry?" Joe says.
"huh?" Me, Sarah and Rex let out a confused noise.
He couldn't have… "Don't you remember, Joe? Two years ago, you came along and saved us from a Rogue Allosaurus!"
"?" He still looks at us confused.
"…Don't tell me you've forgotten." No, Why!? That was the best day of my life!
"Sorry, pardners, but I don't remember anything like that." I can't believe it Joe forgot us!
"No, it's okay." Rex said, trying to console me and Sarah. "It's still an honor to work for you, sir."
"Right then!" Joe apparently liked Rex's ability to move on fast. "I hereby declare the Caliosteo Patrol Team open for business!"
"Right." Me and everyone then proclaimed.
"I'm expecting some great things from the three of you, so don't let me down, y'hear?!" Joe cheered to everyone.
POV: Author (No clue what to put this view point, so Author works.)
Time: 14:35
Location: Don Boneyard's Quarters
There were two people in the room one was a man wearing all white clothes and glasses, he had black hair and a red accent running through it. Though this was just a small commander, but before the commander was the Bare Bone Brigades Leader, Don Boneyard. Don Boneyard a tall figure, his voice was deep and menacing but the strangest thing is that he was a skeleton. "I have a bone to pick with you, my dear Cole… Our brilliant kidnapping Scheme has been foiled by a pair of children. One of these children even defeated you in combat, despite my giving you a team of powerful Boneysaurs. I am Disappointed in you, Cole. VERY disappointed."
Cole looked down in despair and pleaded. "P-please forgive me, Done Boneyard! It's a minor setback is all! It doesn't reflect on my natural style or talent or beauty! My hair wasn't messy enough, see? Also, I forgot my lucky trucker hat at home."
"Gahar har har!" someone else laughed entering the room. A round figure, with green hair in a Mohawk, a spiked collar around his neck black sleeveless jacket and white pants. "You sure like makin' excuses, Cole!"
"Lester! How dare you interrupt—" Cole tried to yell back at the person, Lester but was cut off
"Listen, Don Boneyard. What say you let me take a whack at this next?" Lester asked, ignoring Cole. "I got a rockin' plan! Once it's on, the Cup will be the last of their worries! Gahar har har!"
Don Boneyard even without skin still seemed to smile. "Bwa ha ha ha!... Very well. Lester, as one of my three trusted Bare Bones Brigade commanders, I will let you head this operation. Force the cancellation of the Cup, and drive those cursed Fighters from these islands!"