Chapter 18 – Expectations
POV: Sarah
Time: 19:15
Location: Ilium Island (Fighter Station)
So… Guess I'm doing another recap. First yesterday when visiting Hot Spring Heights' hot spring, the Bare Bone Brigade did something to the pump that caused the hot spring water's turn to jelly. After learning where the pump was, me and Rupert went into the inner workings of Mount Krakanak, and stopped the BB brigade, and destroyed jelly machine. Marvelous I know.
It had just been like an hour since the Jelly machine was destroyed. Rex, Hunter and Todd were all rescued from the gelatinous water, and were now just back in their rooms taking a shower. Meanwhile… Me and Rupert were forced to help others getting out of the jelly pool, and do some paper work. Why paper work? Hell, if I know, something about protocol… Rex never said anything about helping with paper work when he did things! If you ask me, Kent just seems lazy!
"*Yaaaaaawn* There the last one!" I call out to Kent as I finish up with this last paper. Rupert appeared to have finished his at least a few minutes before me, but was polite enough to wait for me.
"Well done, dudes, you totally saved the day once more." Kent thanks us as he takes the paperwork.
"All in a day's work for the Caliosteo Patrol Team!" I say back to him
"Heh, the reputation of the of the Caliosteo Patrol Team is growing by the day!" Kent smiled as he gave me a thumbs up. "Totally Gnarly, dudet!"
"Thanks, well, we'll be on our way now!" I said desperate to just get out of the office. And out to do something… that's not boring paper work.
As soon as we leave the office, Rupert then decides to ask. "The Caliosteo Patrol team?"
"Did Rex not say anything to you? Odd…" I would have expected Rex to have said something… well… then again, with the festival, Hunter arriving… he might not have had time to. "Ehh, since me, Rex, Todd, and Pauleen seem to keep getting dragged into the nonsense of the Bare Bones Brigade we've been formally made into a team. Anything else regarding is to stop other fighters from cheating, and other stuff like that."
"Hm… I would have expected that the Caliosteo Cup would have had that beforehand." Rupert analyzed and explained. "Though including you and me, there are only eight fighters left. Seems like you'll be out of a job before you know it."
"…" I do a quick rundown of calculations. "So, wait… we only have three rounds left?! No… I want to fight more people… I don't want the cup to end!"
"Pfft…" Rupert gives a chuckle at that, meanwhile I put my cheeks at him. "I'm sorry, but aren't you fighting to trying to win?"
"…That is a good counter." I say, "But like we all live in different areas! I'll never be able to see you or Pauleen ever again!" I mean Rex is my twin, and Todd's my best friend so of course I'd be seeing them. but… I still…
"there will be other competitions." Rupert shrugs…
"Heeeeeeey!" Before I could continue to argue with Rupert about this, we both get a call from two familiar voices. I look over to see Rex and Todd running over to us.
"It is good to see you two well." Rupert nodded his head as Todd and Rex got close.
"Likewise!" Rex said back to Rupert. Mean while before I could even ask. "Right, Hunter got a call from his… one of his friends, said he'll be down in a bit."
"Okay," I have a funny feeling that Rex was trying his best to hide Hunter's Relationship with Rosie, well whatever. As Rex get close, "You still smell like grapes."
"Ugh… don't remind me." Rex sulks as I mention this, showing me that his skin is still a bit purple. "Literally the jelly made our skin turn purple!"
"I just hope Vivosaurs don't mistake us as dessert…" Todd mumbles, as I notice his arms are purple as well. heh, this is funny.
"Heh, you'd probably give them a stomachache." Rex joked, causing the four of us to laugh.
"Hey!" our laughter gets interrupted as Pauleen rushes to us. I see Pauleen is in her usual get up of Her pigtails, her weird looking mask, tank top, and grass skirt paired with shorts.
"Hey, where you've been?" I ask, I haven't seen her like at all today!
"I heard!" Pauleen yells at me. "I heard all about it!"
"'bout what?" I ask her.
"Geez! Sarah! We're supposed to be a team, guys!" yeah were the Patrol team… what does that have to do with anything? "I mean, I'm the most beautiful member and all…"
I cut her off as she says that. "I will fight you for that title."
"Th-that doesn't matter!" I was probably a bit more intimidating than I wanted to be. "Why wasn't I informed about the Jellification of the Hot Springs? Huh?!"
"…" right… I could have asked her to be my back up.
"That would be because me and Todd were stuck in jelly, and Sarah had no way to contact you." Rex came to my defense.
"So, all the work was pushed on to your sister, hmm?" Why the hell is she acting like this?
"No, Rupert came to my aid!" I said proudly,
"Huh? You were there, too?" Pauleen said in almost disbelief.
"Is that odd?" Rupert questions back.
"Ha! What made the little rich boy decide to help? Were they carrying gold coins or something?" Pauleen said smugly, to which Rex.
"You have any right to say that?" Rex whispered to her, "not like any of us knew where you were."
"…" Pauleen fell silent, man Rex has managed to develop a tongue.
"I just…" I heard Rupert mumble something, "I just felt like helping. That's all."
"…" Everyone then just stared at Pauleen.
"Well… whatever! I guess the reason doesn't matter." Pauleen said trying to change subjects. "There's no backing down now, Rupert! You fought the BB Brigade, and you protected Caliosteo Fossil Park for the sake of the Cup. There's no doubt about it. You're the newest member of the Caliosteo Patrol Team!"
Rupert looked incredibly surprised to hear that. but before he could say anything. "That's a great idea! We'd love to have Rupert join us! Right, guys!" Todd directed to that to me and Rex.
"I'm fine with it… though I feel the position as the most intelligent member is now threatened." Rex admitted.
"Please, I'm smart. But you are a true genius." Rupert showed a modest side, how surprising. "But in all honesty… you want me to… join you? To become your… friend?"
"What are you talking about, we're friends already aren't we?" I give him a look of confusion. But he seems to be really happy…
"I… I don't mean… I just…" he seems to be stumbling on his words, as he stops and takes a breath. "…Oh, very well. I'll join you."
"…" He seems to have dodged the question…
"Great!" Though I don't think Pauleen had noticed it… "Then from now on, the four of us are the Caliosteo Patrol Team!" Pauleen Cheered. "Just remember that I'm the pretty one. All right?"
"And again, I will fight you for that position!" I declare once more. "But hey, let's do a cheer!"
"Do… Do we even have one?" Rex commented. "Or rather do we need one?"
"Of course, we do!" Pauleen shouted. "Here! Go, team, go! Fight, team, fight! We fight creeps all day and night! Gooooo, Patrol Team!"
"Go patrol Team!" Me and Todd follow after her and jump into the air.
"Um… Rupert, Rex? We all have to do this together, all right?" Todd noticed that neither of them did it.
"…but's it embarrassing…" Rex groaned turning a bit pink.
"Okay." Pauleen sighed, "Let's try this once more… Go, team, go! Fight, team, fight! We fight creeps all day and night! Gooooo, Patrol Team!" We all then jumped into the air, Rex and Rupert included.
"heh, heh." As we jumped, I could hear a small laugh from Rupert.
As I smiled, but before I could say anything, we heard a shout from behind us. "What is this nonsense?" We all looked behind us, Rupert the first to recognize him…
"F-Father!" Rupert immediately rushed to meet with the man.
"What do you think you are doing, Rupert?" The Man that was Rupert's father said sternly. "I've heard reports that you helped another fighter take on the Bare Bones Brigade! Need I remind you that you are the public face of FossilDig Inc.? We cannot afford to have you going off on such fool's errands! You might have destroyed our image! This is a sad day for me as your father."
Rupert looked really pale as his father said this. "I'm… I'm sorry, Father. I only—"
"Apologies are worthless without action!" his Father responded. "If you are truly sorry, you can prove it by winning Round 5 of the Caliosteo Cup. Crush your enemies, Rupert, or I will know where your loyalties lie." With that the man had walked away…
"Wow, Rupert." Todd said frustrated. "Your dad is a real hard case. I can't believe he said that stuff to you."
Rupert however just waved his hand off at it. "Don't concern yourself with it. …I'm used to it." Though I could See the smile that was once on Rupert's face had disappeared. "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to join the Caliosteo Patrol Team. From now on, just leave me alone." Rupert had a cold aura around him now… like he was a different person, from who he was before… as he walked away, I could hear him mumble. "*…You know, remember a time when I thought Fossil Battles were fun. *"
Later that night… I heard that he didn't show his face in Rex' room…
POV: Rex
Next Day
Time: 10:00
Location: Ilium Island (Fighter Station)
It was the day after helping Sarah dealing with the Bare Bones Brigade. The new day for Fossil battles, otherwise the end of the fifth round. Sarah and Pauleen already had their match battles and both had won. Mine is soon, but me, Sarah, Todd and Hunter all watching Rupert's Match. He seems to be doing well… but after yesterday, I really don't know…
"Hm…" Hunter who was paying attention to the match made a noise and scratched his chin. "To think something like that would happen."
"I know… He seemed really sad when he left yesterday." Sarah sighed, she seemed to really be hit the hardest from this…
"What? He seems to be at the top of his game like most of his matches." Todd said, which is true Rupert doesn't seem to have a problem with his opponent. But… watching this… I don't know… I'm not the best in describing this.
"He's incredibly skilled enough to know when to call off emotions and just focus. But that doesn't really do well for the fighter or their Vivosaurs." Hunter said to Todd. "Fossil Battles can be really competitive at points, but the main point is to really just focus on fun. Tell me Todd, does Rupert seem to enjoy fighting right now?"
"…" Todd focused his eyes onto the match just like me and Sarah. "No…?"
"You guessing… nevermind doesn't matter." Hunter isn't the type to like unsure answers. "But that is right. and because of that, his Vivosaurs are stiffer than usual. Which tends not to be good, makes them more likely to get a status effect, or get hurt more by an attack that usually wouldn't do as much."
"Hunter… Do you think-?" Sarah was going to ask Hunter a question, but it was clear to everyone it wasn't one to worry about.
"No. His team is strong, but if Rupert was himself, this would have ended much faster." Hunter sighed.
"Okay…" Sarah nodded to what Hunter said.
Looking at the Fossil Battle Rupert still had two of his Vivosaurs, while his opponent only had one. I guess it's about time for me to get to my opponent. "I think it's about time for me to go."
"Right, good luck Rex!" Todd cheered for me.
"yeah, teach that dog who's the real bone finder!" Sarah exclaimed… which is funny since I'm fighting Princess Pooch, a small dog who is the Princess of a country called Nomadistan.
"Right, I'll walk you part way." Hunter offered.
"Really? Come on, I'm not a child anymore." I responded to him; I don't need to be walked there.
"You know where it is?" Sarah at this point asked me.
"Yes!" Jeez, I can navigate a building just fine!... It's just once I leave the building, I have trouble.
"Well I was more or less saying as I needed to use the restroom." Hunter explained, "…Do you still have problems getting lost?"
"…" I ignore everything else and just leave the stands. I don't care if Hunter follows or not, just end me already.
"hey! Wait up!" Hunter calls as I walk away from him.
Skipping a head, a bit, Me and Hunter have split. I'm just about to enter the Common Area for where Fighters wait between battles. All of a sudden, a huge cheer rings through the stadium, the battle is over. Guess Rupert won. As I enter, I immediately see him exiting the arena… Guess I should say something. "Hey, Rupert!"
"…" No response…
"You did very well!" I try to praise him, "Me, Sarah and the others were there cheering you on. It was very impressive."
"…" Still no response, and he's walking past me.
"Make sure you keep your eyes peeled! I'll be fighting you in the next round! I just know it!" I shout as he leaves. Not sure how he feels… Well either way, I come to the passage leading into the arena I hear a familiar bark.
"Arf, Arf!" Madame… or rather Princess Pooch comes up barking at me.
"Hey there." I give her a smile; I think I'm getting better at interreacting with others.
"Arf! Arf!" um… She seems angry.
"Ah." Joanie follows from behind Princess Pooch. "Princess Pooch wishes for me to give you zis Message. "Bolster your view of wining if you must. Know zat I shall not be defeated.""
"Well then." I smile. "May the best fighter win."
POV Change: Rupert
… I can't believe that battle went so poorly. I should have been able to make it through the match without a single loss of my Vivosaurs. Yet, I was un able do so. What an embarrassment.
"Hey, Rupert!" I look to see that Rex is calling over to me.
"…" he doesn't have time to waste with me, he has a match in the next few minutes.
"You did very well! Me, Sarah and the others were there cheering you on. It was very impressive." What is this sarcasm? I know I did terribly.
"…" I Just silently pass him, as I reach the door, he calls to me once more.
"Make sure you keep your eyes peeled! I'll be fighting you in the next round! I just know it!" He shouts as the door closes behind me.
What nonsense he should be focusing on the battle ahead of him. Not dreaming of pointless guess work. For all he knows he could be fighting his own sister in the next round. I make my way to the stadium seating area where Father is. As I make my way to the door, I hear talking coming from the other side.
"hello, there sir. It's nice to meet the CEO of FossilDig." …that voice. Why is he here?
"The pleasure is mine. It is not everyday that, one gets to meet The Fossil Hunter." There is a respect in Father's voice. "There have been many business negotiations between myself and your friend, granddaughter of Mr. Richmond. I would be sure you are endorsed well by them due to your relationship with her."
"Relationship…" Hunter seemed to drift off at that word. "Eh, that doesn't matter. I'm not one to like advertising. I just like Fossil Fighting."
"Your skills are very impressive; it would not be a surprise for you to win this. If you were entered." The way Father spoke… It was nothing like I've heard him before. "You know, you are the reason why my son has taken to Fossil Fighting."
"Ah, yes. Your son, Rupert." I couldn't see them, but from what I heard Hunter had an odd smirk to his tone. "he seems to be a great fighter."
"He is and He will become the best." Father had said, pride in his voice. "Though, it would be better if he casted off those four that seem to be gaining dangerous form."
"Dangerous?" Hunter questioned. "they aren't doing anything that is less dangerous than me at their age."
"But they aren't you." Father reasoned. In honesty, Hunter's journey as a Fossil Fighter is noted far and wide. Spanning from his first fossil being 100 points, to his face off against a planet eater. Hunter is noted as truly impressive Fighter, a Genius that comes once in a hundred years. It is true I have called Rex a genius, but that exists in science and mathematics.
"They aren't." Hunter seemed to admit. "If they were compared to me… I feel like they'd snap under the pressure. Besides it's nice that a Planet destroying alien doesn't just appear ever other decade. But that's not what I'm getting at." Hunter's tone seemed to change. "Just as I'm sure that Pauleen, Todd, Rex, and Sarah would snap under the pressure of being compared to me. I think you should lessen the pressure you have on Rupert."
"What?!" Father was surprised at Hunter's remark… myself as well… I… I never thought he would say something like this. To my Father of all people.
"The pressure you have on him is too much." Hunter repeated. "He is a good Fossil Fighter; I'll give you that. But the pressure you have on him won't let him grow as you intend."
"…" I was speechless from what Hunter was saying.
"Those four, they may be goofballs. But they are definitely the only ones that can push Rupert to becoming better. Vice Versa for them as well." Hunter continued. "Though the way you talk to Rupert. You're basically telling him to ignore them, that will only hurt him… More ways than one."
"You don't know—" Father was cut off by Hunter.
"I do know." There was a calmness in Hunter's voice. "I've seen better fighters crack under less."
"Your faith in those four is unfounded." Father's voice seemed to raise; he was not happy… "If I'm not mistaken one of those four lost in the first round. How could he pose any threat to Rupert?"
"Todd, he's a bit rough around the edges, a lot of stuff he needs to smooth out about his battle style. But he's got the right spirit." Hunter responded to Father, his voice unphased. "That girl, Pauleen, she has her own problems but I see that she's working through them. Sarah, that little rascal, she's hard headed but she doesn't give up till bitter end. Rex… If only he can lose those shackles he has, he'd probably be the one to win."
Shackles?
"Tch, you say that, but look at the field." Ah, yes… Rex's battle.
I walk around the corner and take a look out seeing Rex's battle… His opponent J-… Princess Pooch? She seems to have three Vivosaurs up, two are damaged significantly, though they are both Gomp, her Marple seems to be doing just fine. Rex it seems that he had lost a Vivosaur, but still has a Camara and… a Ryden! Strange… with the Camara I would have thought Rex would have targeted the Marple first. His chances for this fight seem to be low.
"Heh, looks like those shackles will loosen a bit." I overheard Hunter say from above.
Looking at Rex, from what I normally saw from his behavior… he would be scared, timid… but for some reason, I could see a bright confident smile on his face. The turn shifted to him; his FP maxed. "Alright! Ryden Rage!" As Rex shouted that, Ryden lifted its long neck high into the air swinging it down shifting its whole body with momentum. Crashing down onto all three of Princess Pooch's Vivosaurs. I could sense the power of that single sing from hear as it took out the two Gomps. "Not just yet, Camara! Storm the Marple!" The Camara shook its body following that the field started to shake as well. the Marple in front of everyone in one attack fell to half health.
"Now that's the Rex I know." Hunter shouted pride and trust towards Rex. "Well, we both know who will win now."
Hunter was right… Princess Pooch's Marple had no way to counter attack to the straight power of those attacks… but that smile Rex had in fighting… would he care if I was his friend?
As I was lost in thought, Hunter had exited the room, walking straight past me. "Hey Rupert!" Smiling… did he know I was there? "You did good in your match. But have more faith and trust in those around you. Sure, you can get pretty far by yourself… but where's the joy in such a lonesome journey. Don't exclude yourself." With that he walked off… it was barely five minutes when the announcer sounded Rex' victory.
{A/N: Okay… I'm sorry for those who liked to read the Fossil Fighters Champions Fanfiction… I'm really thinking of just not doing it. The more I look back into my original plot-line for this game, the more plot holes I find. More things that just don't work… especially with the Fossil Battle system. Maybe it'll start back up one day, when I'm either really back into Fossil Fighters or something but… it doesn't look likely. My apologizes.}