Disclaimer: I do not own Fossil Fighters, any of the vivosaurs or characters (Except for Creed), and am simply writing this for my own amusement.
A/N: As the sequel to my previous fic, Dark Horse Gambit, this story will continue building up on the foundation I have already laid down. It shall detail the adventures of novice Fossil Fighter Vestello Leoncor as he competes in the infamous Caliosteo Cup. What sort of troubles will he face? You are welcome to read and find out.
Acknowledgments: Firstly, I would like to thank Devaro Ayanami for his wonderful help as both my Beta and my sounding-board. Secondly, I would like to thank Tempest Bound for encouraging me to post this story now, rather than later. Thirdly, I would like to thank Vathara for all the wonderful stories -which I highly recommend you read- she has posted. Reading them has helped me find ways of expanding my own writing style.
Chapter 5
Rise of the Caliosteo Patrol Team I
Subject: Re-On a Roll
From: Leveche
Congratulations on your latest win, it is nice to know that you are improving yet still aware that you have further to go.
Buried in sand? *Snicker* I must confess that I've never suffered such an experience, though only just in some cases. And as to your question (I'm not sure if you were being serious or rhetorical, so I'll just answer it): Does one always need to see to know what's going on around them? The eyes can deceive you and are generally limited to a narrow scope of vision. Try using you Fighter's Spirit to feel out the situations your vivosaurs are in if you are unable to observe them directly. While in their medals they can see through our senses, cannot the same be done in reverse?
If I had doubts before I have none now; the BB Brigade is following a completely different modus operandi than the BB Bandits did. They really want to stop the Cup, but they draw the line at actually harming the participants. I think there is more to the whole situation than it first appears. Keep your eyes open, something funny is transpiring on the islands and I'm getting a bad feeling that the Brigade will be the least of your problems.
This Cole was emitting a Fighter's Aura? Interesting. From your description of the event I'll assume that he is not a Synchro Fighter, but a regular Fighter of a high caliber. That is actually quite rare, as I've mentioned. Regular Fighters rarely achieve such a high potential by themselves, he must be under the influence of an unknown Synchro Fighter, possibly Don Boneyard himself.
So no, it is not cowardly to be leery of encountering the man, it is wise. If Don Boneyard IS the Synchro in question then he is a very experienced one. Cultivating the strength of a non-Synchro to such an extent is by no means an easy feat.
You are young and still coming into your own strength and thus vulnerable to his pull. Your experience with myself and Joe Wildwest will protect you somewhat from his influence. Hopefully you will have grown strong enough to hold onto yourself by the time the two of you do meet. I am confident that you will manage, as it is unlikely you will encounter Boneyard personally for some time yet.
Take care and do not worry. You will not succumb easily, if at all.
/\/\/\/\
"You know what? I really think you can win this Cup, Vestello."
Still high from his victory, Vestello grinned.
"I suppose all this BB Brigade fighting has taken away from your fossil hunting, huh?"
Blinking, Vestello looked up at the newly arrived Terry. The man looked impressed if the curve of his eyes were any indication.
"And yet you still cleared Round 4!" A shrill whistle escaped him as he leaned back. "You're really something, Vestello."
He said that with such convection that Vestello felt an uncharacteristic blush rise across his face.
"Oh, here. It's a little prize for winning your Round 4 match."
Cocking his head, Vestello recognized the proffered gift as a Wonderous Fossil Rock. He accepted the gift with a smile, blush still warming his cheeks.
"That's a wondrous fossil rock that can actually power up a vivosaur." Terry explained, unaware that Vestello was already familiar with the topic. "Also, I come bearing a special message for you two."
The man grinned with perhaps a trace of mischief in his eyes as he leaned closer to the pair.
"It seems word of your heroic exploits against the BB Brigade has reached the highest levels." He shared, tone lowering to almost conspiratory levels. " Joe Wildwest himself wants to speak with you!"
Vestello froze, eyes wide.
"Wait, you mean the Joe Wildwest?" Amazingly, Todd retained his ability to chatter despite his shock, or perhaps because of it. "He wants to meet with us? Really?"
Terry straightened up, still grinning. "He sure does. Now I know you're busy, but I bet you can make a few minutes to see Joe up in his suite, right?"
As if we'd do anything except go see him. The snarky part of Vestello's psyche sent.
"Heck yeah, we can make time!" Todd glanced at his still frozen friend. "Right, Vestello?"
The blunette retained the sense-of-mind to nod an affirmative.
"Good." Terry nodded towards the balcony above them. "Just head over to the elevator on the upper deck of this Fighter Station. It'll take you right up to Joe's suite. Sound good?" He shooed them towards the nearer of the two staircases. "Go on! Go talk to Joe! He's going to be happy to see you."
With a final salute, the man turned and left.
"Hey, maybe he remembers us!" Todd's eyes shown like an eager Golden Retriever. "Do you think?" Quivering with excitement, Todd continued without waiting for a response. "I'm so excited! Let's stop standing around and just go see Joe already!"
/\/\/\
Pink? Vestello's still dazed mind registered.
"Oh no! Don't tell me Joe invited you two jokers along!"
"What are you doing here, Pauleen?" Todd demanded, hackles lifting. "Did Joe give you an invitation, too?" He growled, glancing at Vestello. "Aw, man. This is the pits." His tone dropped lower. "I thought we were going to chat about old times, but if Pauleen's invited, that seems unlikely."
You make it sound as if we've personally known Joe for years…
That didn't stop the sliver of disappointment that shot through Vestello. He wanted to show Joe how much Vicious had grown. How much he had grown…
"Well?" The pinkette stamped an impatient foot. "Are we going to do this, or are you going to stand around and look depressed all day?"
Turning, she strode into the elevator, Todd and Vestello clambered on behind her.
/\/\/\
Meeting Joe was a good thing. They had not seen him since the Feral Allo incident. Now they were in his tournament and he had requested them by name. It was beyond a good thing, like a peasant being brought to the castle to dine with the king himself!
So why were the hairs on the back of Vestello's neck standing on end?
And the dense Pressure in the air was Not. Helping!
"Howdy, folks." From the other side of the impressive office, Joe stared out the window overlooking the town below. "Sorry to take up yer time, but I'm real tickled y'all came to see me."
The veteran Fighter turned, smiling. "I'm Joe Wildwest, owner and proprietor of this here Caliosteo Fossil Park." Stepping around the polished oak desk, Joe stood before them. "Now, I've been hearing about yer heroics from Terry, and I don't mind sayin' that he's a mite impressed."
He looked over the three of them, but Vestello saw no recognition in cerulean depths as his gaze swept over them.
"He told me how y'all rescued them girls from the BareBones 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."
Pauleen stepped forward, head high. "There's really no reason to thank me. I just did what any beautiful and talented Fighter would do."
The corner of Vestello's mouth quirked and he tried to smother the smile.
"Yeah, like stand around and do nothing…" Todd scoffed under his breath.
Growling, Pauleen spun on him. "You stay out of this!"
Now's not the time. Suddenly feeling nervous, Vestello stepped between them with placating hands.
"Whoa there!" At Joe's voice, both teens backed down and looked forward again. "Let's all just tucker down, pardners!" He studied them, expression thoughtful. "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…"
Offer? Eager, Vestello leaned forward, as did the other two teens.
Joe grinned. "I want y'all to join the Caliosteo Patrol Team!"
Join the patrol team? He wants us to join the patrol team?
Why was it so hard to breathe all of a sudden?
He wants us to…wait, what patrol team?
And that brought Vestello back down to earth, leaving him feeling very puzzled.
"Them BB varmints are persistent as flies on a manure pile, and I reckon they'll strike again before too long." Joe went on. "So I need y'all to keep yer eyes peeled for anything that looks like trouble."
Sounds simple enough.
"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." The cowboy paused, looking over Pauleen and Vestello once more. "Of course, Vestello and Pauleen would continue fightin' in the Caliosteo Cup. Just consider this a little side job to make life better for all the other Fighters."
As if we'd say no.
Todd stepped forward, saluting. "You can count on me, sir! I'll do whatever it takes to stop the BareBones Brigade!"
Something flickered in Joe's eyes, but it was gone before Vestello could identify it.
Beside him, Pauleen twirled and struck a pose. "It sounds like fun! …Plus, you'll need someone as beautiful and talented as me if you hope to succeed."
Vestello could almost hear Todd rolling his eyes at the declaration.
"Well, shucks, you two." A slow smile spread across Joe's face. "Yer makin' me happy as a pig in slop."
Then why do I feel like turning and running away? Vestello wondered, torn between feeling flattered by the elder man's words, and out-of-place terror by the exact same thing.
Bright cerulean landed on him and Vestello suddenly felt paralyzed.
"So how 'bout you, Vestello? Can I convince ya to join the Caliosteo Patrol Team?"
Amber blinked, unfocused, then sharpened as the bluenette straightened up. He grinned and gave a crisp military salute in response.
"I knew you'd say yes!" Todd cheered, slapping Vestello's shoulder. "Besides, this is our chance to pay Joe back for saving our lives two years ago!"
Confusion flickered across Joe's face.
"…Pay me back? What'n the heck are you talkin' about, small fry?"
And if that statement alone wasn't crushing enough…
"Don't you remember, Joe?" Todd's tone was almost pleading. "Two years ago you came along and saved us from a rogue Allosaurus!"
Still no recognition stirred.
"…Don't tell me you've forgotten us!"
Now Joe's expression grew apologetic. "Sorry, pardner, but I don't remember anything like that."
Disheartened, Todd drooped. "No, it's…it's okay…"
His tone suggested anything but.
"Right then!" Joe straightened, all business once more. "I hereby declare the Caliosteo Patrol Team open for business!"
The cowboy smiled as the three teens whooped and leapt in the air.
"I'm expecting some great things from the three of you, so don't let me down, y'hear?"
We would never disappoint you Joe- Wait…why did that sound more like a warning than teasing encouragement?
"Now don't forget to update yer licenses! "
And with that, they left Joe's office. All the way down the elevator Vestello's stomach churned uncomfortably, but he couldn't figure out why.
/\/\/\
"I have a bone to pick with you, my dear Cole…"
Standing before Don Boneyard's podium, Cole shivered at the deceptively smooth tone.
"Our brilliant kidnapping scheme has been foiled by a pair of children." The Brigade Leader went on. "One of these children even defeated you in combat, despite my giving you a team of powerful boneysaurs." If a skull could frown , Boneyard certainly would have been at that moment. "I am disappointed in you, Cole. Very disappointed."
The hipster whimpered. "Please forgive me, Don Boneyard!" His body quivered no matter how hard he tried to make it stop. The heaviness of the surrounding atmosphere did nothing to help his composure. "It's a minor setback is all! It doesn't reflect on my natural style or talent or beauty!"
Don't look at me like that, please! I'll do better, I won't fail again!
"My hair wasn't messy enough, see?" The younger man rattled on just this side of hysteria. "Also, I forgot my lucky trucker hat at home-"
Uproarious laughter cut him off and Cole froze.
As if this wasn't bad enough.
"You sure like makin' excuses, Cole!" The newcomer chortled as they approached the podium, unaffected by the sense of pressure that felt like lead weights on Cole's shoulders.
Ridiculously lime-green hair gelled up into an equally ridiculous Mohawk shown under artificial lights as their owner strode arrogantly up.
Cole slunk to the side, feeling as relieved to be out of Don Boneyard's gaze as he was outraged by the newcomer's impudence.
"Lester! How dare you interrupt—"
"Listen, Don Boneyard." Lester ignored the other entirely. "What say you let me take a whack at this next?"
Bristling, Cole ground his teeth. How dare he speak to Don Boneyard in such a manner?
"I got a rockin' plan!" The wannabe rocker went on. "Once it's on, the Cup will be the last of their worries!" More disgusting laughter.
But Don Boneyard seemed to approve, for he laughed as well and the heaviness of the atmosphere seemed to recede.
"Very well." The skeletal figure nodded his approval. "Lester, as one of my three trusted BareBones Brigade Commanders, I will let you head this operation." His posture shifted, taking on a more severe air. "Force the cancellation of the Cup, and drive those cursed Fighters from these islands!"
/\/\/\
"The Caliosteo Patrol Team!" Pumping the air, Pauleen strode out of the elevator. "I'm getting excited just thinking about it. Soon it will be time for Pauleen to shine!" A pause, then she added: "…More so than usual!"
Their paleopagers all beeped.
"All Round 4 matches of the Caliosteo Cup have been completed. A new dig site is now open: Hot Spring Heights. Hot Spring Heights is a hot-spring resort and dig site in a cold winter landscape. It's located on neighboring Llium Island. If you wish to visit, please take a helicopter from the heliport. Please remember to dress warmly. Appropriate snow-wear may be bought or rented in Llium Villiage. Also, the next round of the Caliosteo Cup will take place on Llium Island the day after tomorrow."
"They opened Llium Island!" Pauleen pumped the air again. "That's the last island in Caliosteo Fossil Park! Now, look." Planting hands on her hips she shot the two boys what was probably a serious look had the mask not been in the way. "I know I'm on the Patrol Team and all, but that doesn't mean I'm going to neglect the Cup! Seee Yaaaaa!"
A flash of yellow-tipped pink and a rush of wind, and the kabuki-mask-clad girl was gone.
Todd glared after her but didn't comment on her attitude. Instead he looked to his friend with hurt eyes.
"I can't believe Joe didn't remember us at all." The blond wilted, the picture of misery. But for once, Vestello was in complete agreement and so didn't see anything to tease about.
"It was one of the best days of our life, and he just…" Clenching his fists, Todd shook his head. "Well, being disappointed won't make things better!" A determined expression settled over the teenager's face. "So here's the plan, Vestello! We're going to be great at the Patrol Team and also win the Cup! If we do that, Joe will have to remember us!"
If there was a hint of desperation in Todd's tone, Vestello didn't call him on it. The bluenette merely nodded his agreement and that seemed to satisfy his friend.
"Yeah!" Mood brightening, Todd straightened. "When I look at it like that, it makes me feel a lot better. Now come on! Llium Island needs patrolling!" The duo leapt up, pumping the air in unison.
"Let's do this thing!"
/\/\/\
An icy breeze swept passed, provoking a shiver from Vestello.
What's with all the ice? He wondered, missing the dry warmth of Cranial Isle and the moist humidity of Ribular Island. Though just how the three islands had such conflicting climates was a mystery he'd be quite interested in figuring out. If he had the time.
"Hey, dude!"
Vestello's head snapped up.
"Welcome to Ilium Island!" The speaker, a laid-back seeming man clad in a light blue and yellow version of Terry's attire, strode over. He eyed Vestello's shivering form and snickered. "We get some pretty gnarly weather here, dude, so make sure you stay warm and don't catch a cold."
The dry look Vestello sent the man rivaled the sandiest of deserts.
Ignoring the look, the man gave him a once over. Then jerked, eyes widening.
"Wait… Are you…Vestello?"
Blinking, Vestello nodded.
"Yeah, so my name's Kent, and I'm the Staff Leader on Llium Island. Terry and Stella told me you're a pretty radical dude, but if you need anything, just lemme know." Kent paused, then a sheepish expression overcame him. "Oops! Sorry, dude, but I wasn't done pointing out all our awesome facilities here in Llium Village."
Turning he gestured to a large ice-ridden building.
"So that humungo building in the center of town is our Fighter Station." Shifting, he then gestured to a smaller building off to the side. "And that huge-o building right there is the Fossil Guild." Turning back to Vestello, he smiled. "The Fossil Filters they sell at the shop there'll totally help you out with Llium's dig sites, dude."
Finally he gestured to a bridge leading to a large glacier. "Oh, and if you wanna get to Hot Spring Heights, just take the big bridge to your left."
Verbal tour completed, Kent turned his attention back to Vestello, giving the blunette another once over. "You're a Patrol Team dude, so I'm expecting some totally tubular things from you." A frown. "We gotta stop those gnarly BB types from messing the Cup, you know? 'Cause that would be a bummer."
Spinning on his heel, Kent strode away, leaving Vestello alone once more.
A sudden beep caught the teenager's attention.
"A pay-to-dig site has opened at Treasure Lake."
A pay-to-dig site? Sounds interesting. Maybe I'll investigate it later…
/\/\/\
Clad in more cold-suited attire (orange in color, naturally) and still shaking off the static-cling from the last Tudor Brother's lecture-this time about joint attacks done by three vivosaurs working together-Vestello stepped out onto the icy tundra that was Hot Spring Heights.
Digging in snow…this should be interesting.
Smiling, he set out to explore the new dig site, relishing in the warmth provided by his new attire. Above him, the sky slowly darkened as evening descended.
/\/\/\
A short time later found a bemused Vestello approaching the far end of the dig site.
Lots of Jewel Rocks, dark fossil rocks, even another of those weird hexagonal fossils, but only a few fossil rocks…maybe my sonar is faulty…
Faulty or not, he still ended up getting challenged to a couple fossil battles. One of which showed him firsthand how useful a team skill was.
As it turned out, Stark proved capable of using a team skill when partnered with Vicious and Spirit. An impressive fire skill called Wild Wheeze which sent a massive current of fire over the enemy's team, with the chance of enraging the opposing vivosaurs. Very useful, especially when used against a completely Earth-based team.
Wonder what I'll find in those caves…
"Okay, breathe, girl!"
Huh? What's that?
"Breeeeeeatheeee…"
Puzzled, Vestello approached someone who appeared to be holding a conversation with a snowman.
"Hello, diga! My name's Pauleen, diga! Nice to meet you, digadigadig!"
That…really is an odd verbal quirk, maybe I'll ask Leveche about it.
"I can talk normally to a snowman, diga. It's really nice, digadig."
Eh? I think I'm missing something…
"But when I talk to people, diga, I get all flustered and nervous and my face turns red." Pauleen sighed, reached down, and picked up her mask. "I hope I can get rid of this mask soon, digadig…"
Recalling her interactions with Todd when she had lost her mask, Vestello could suddenly understand. Though just how the mask helped her speak was beyond him.
Turning from the snowman, Pauleen ran off without spotting Vestello.
Before he could attempt to get her attention, his pager beeped.
"Joe Wildwest here with a message for my new Caliosteo Patrol Team."
Despite Joe being nowhere nearby, Vestello felt himself straighten up.
"I got a little job for ya. Can y'all meet me at my suite in Wildwest Tower? I'll be waitin'!"
The pager beeped once more, then went silent.
Wonder what that's all about? Vestello mused. Well, I suppose I better head back.
A glimmer of metal caught his eye, and the teen smirked.
I think I'll see just what that 'warping' feature of the VMM machine is all about.
/\/\/\
Boot treads struck not-so-solidly against icy ground and Vestello yelped as his feet slipped out from under him.
A hand caught his upper arm, stopping him halfway down, much to his relief. Before he could glance up to see his rescuer, a familiar pulse through his sternum told him who it was.
"…Oh. Hello, Vestello."
Rupert helped get his feet back under up and then took a polite step back. Vestello shot him a grateful look, then a quizzical one.
"My father is taking a moment out of his schedule to come by the fossil park." The gold-eyed teen explained, his tone trembling ever-so-slightly with anxious energy, though his posture betrayed none of it. "I have been ordered to wait for him here."
Vestello blinked, then signed: [Here?]
What kind of person would make their kid wait in the snow and icy wind?
Whatever response Rupert might have given was interrupted as something caught his attention.
"Ah, this must be him now."
Then Vestello heard it, the sound of rotor blades. A moment later wind and snow whirled around the two teens as a helicopter came to rest on the platform.
"Thank you for coming to see me, Father." Rupert greeted, tone almost hesitantly happy.
Blinking snow out of his eyes, Vestello studied the man in question. Clad in purple with a high collar of some specific style-of-which-he-could-not-name, the man examined his son with sharp, no-nonsense eyes.
Rupert dipped his head. "I know your time is most valuable."
"I hear you are making steady progress through the Cup, Rupert." The CEO of FossilDig stated. "However, I expect you to continue on and win. I will accept no less than total victory."
Okay, I do not like this guy's attitude.
Vestello wasn't sure which he disliked more, the guy's presumptuous tone… or the way Rupert had gone totally subservient, nodding his head obediently at his father's command.
I think…I'm beginning to see what Leveche meant…
Rupert was a primarily water-aligned Fighter, susceptible to the pull of family. With that utter loyalty, his father could run totally roughshod over him! Vestello may not know much about the Faro family, but that did not sound like a healthy living environment.
"Your unbeaten streak is the finest advertising FossilDig, Inc. could want, and it must continue at all costs."
Don't growl, don't growl, it is really bad manners to growl at someone you haven't even been introduced to. Vestello told himself firmly.
Now if only he could get his vivosaurs to stop growling at the man…
"Do not fail me in this, Rupert!"
The silver-haired teen shivered, then nodded. "Y-yes, Father."
Mr. Faro sniffed, but seemed satisfied with the response. "Very well. Perhaps I will take a tour of this little park before I leave." He turned back towards his helicopter. "Since this park is the grand prize, it will inevitably become part of the FossilDig, Inc. empire. As such, it would behoove me to know a little something about the place…"
It was fortunate the whirring of the rotor blades drowned out Vestello's growling as the CEO of FossilDig left.
As the helicopter left, Rupert took care not to look at Vestello.
"Well, as you can see, my father is a very…driven man." He commented in an almost off hand manner, as if it explained everything.
"How can FossilDig be more profitable?" The teen went on. "How can it corner the market on all fossil-related industries? These are the things my father thinks about." Red clad shoulders tensed. "They are all my father thinks about."
Was it Vestello's imagination, or was there actually a trace of bitterness in the other's voice?
Now Rupert turned to face the now frowning bluenette.
[Father-your, jerk] Vestello signed in an almost deadpanned fashion.
That Rupert did not defend his father spoke volumes.
He did, however, slip behind his rich-boy attitude once more, an almost condescending expression crossing his face. "Yes, well, this is really none of your concern, Vestello. Please forget any of this happened." And with that, he walked away, head high and looking for all purposes like the powerful company heir-in-training that he was supposed to be.
Yet there was no mistaking the pained sadness winding through the Pressure the other was unknowingly giving off.
Vestello ached to help him, but didn't know what to do.
/\/\/\
"Took you long enough, Vestello!" Todd scolded as Vestello stepped off the elevator.
With a sheepish smile, Vestello signed a quick apology, joining the other two members of the patrol team.
"The Caliosteo Patrol Team is finally all accounted for." Visibly impatient, Pauleen spun to face Joe and an unknown man.
"I'm glad y'all made it. Sorry for ropin' ya here on such short notice. Lemme introduce ya to someone." Joe turned to the man next to him. "This here's Minister Pomposa from the Kingdom of Nomadistan—"
The minister stepped forward, sticking his chest out and chin up with an arrogance only a politician could have before harrumphing loudly and saying: "I am Minister Pomposa! See that you address me by my full and proper name!"
More like Minister Pompous, if you ask me. Very deliberately, Vestello maintained a blank expression and refrained from sniggering at his own mental word play, and also ignored the pained mental groans coming from Vicious at the joke..
"Geez, all right." Todd muttered. "No need to act like a big shot."
Vestello was pretty sure that Joe was smothering a laugh of his own as he stepped forward.
"Now listen up. Minister Pomposa's got somethin' very important he wants to tell y'all."
The minister humphed again. "The words Minister Pomposa—"
He addresses himself in third person. Great.
"—will now speak are of vital importance to the Kingdom of Nomadistan."
"I've never heard of the Kingdom of Nomadistan!" Todd whispered.
"Duh!" Pauleen whispered back. "It's a country in the west!" She paused. "…Or maybe it's up north. Actually, I don't know."
Standing between the two, Vestello very pointedly ignored them.
Minister Pomposa, however, did not.
"No one may whisper when Minister Pomposa is speaking!"
Both teens had the decency to blush at the rebuke. At least, Vestello was pretty sure Pauleen was blushing behind that mask of hers.
Behind the minister, Joe was definitely fighting down laughter if the carefully pursed lips were any indication.
"Now, if you are done being rude…" The minister fixed them all with a dark, disapproving look. "The Kingdom of Nomadistan has a lovely princess whom the people treasure above all else. However, our beloved princess has recently gone missing!" He paused as if to amplify the shock-value of his statement, not that it actually did, before continuing. "This is simply unacceptable!"
Pompous attitude aside, now the minister actually looked worried.
"Minister Pomposa has traveled far and wide in search of the princess, but with no success. However, we now believe we are close to finding her whereabouts." Another disapproving look settled on the man's face. "It seems she has entered herself in the Caliosteo Cup! This means she is here in this very fossil park. Minister Pomposa is sure of it."
The man accented his final statement with two abrupt humphs.
"As y'all can see—" Joe stepped forward. "—this is a matter of some sensitivity, and we've been asked to keep it under our hats."
Understandable. People catch wind of a 'royal persons' and they go all mob on them, like fangirls.
The shiver that ran up his spine earned him a bemused look from Joe, but the cowboy didn't call him on it.
"But I figured if anyone could form a posse and track down this little lady, it would be my Patrol Team!"
The trio swelled up with pride at the veteran Fighter's words.
"I don't mind looking for the princess, but Minister Jerkface there is really starting to bug me!"
Do not smack self, or Todd, in face. Vestello told himself firmly at Todd's low whisper.
"What did you say?"
Apparently not low enough.
"I..um…said you have a very nice mustache, sir!"
Nice recovery.
The minister puffed up, stroking said mustache. "Yes, it is quite fine. Minister Pomposa brushes it with 100 strokes every night."
I…am not even going to try and think about that.
"Now then. If you return our princess, we shall reward you most generously." A slow smirk spread across the politician's face. "You shall be given a miraculous fossil rock so fine, Fighters shed tears of joy just to be near it."
Amber blinked slowly. Miraculous fossil?
Evidently it was something very important, judging by Todd and Pauleen's reactions to the mere mention of it.
"Really? You'd just give something like that away?" Pauleen's tone was…Vestello wasn't sure what to call it.
The pinkette seemed to sense the blunette's confusion, because she turned to face him. "I've heard of those! They can make vivosaurs transform or evolve on the spot."
So…like a wonderous fossil, then?
"I can't believe they'd give away something so valuable…" Pauleen murmured, facing forward again.
"You have the word of the great and terrible Minister Pomposa himself. And his word is stronger than oak!"
"Okay, it's a deal!" Todd pumped the air. "I'll find your princess!"
"Step off, shorty!" Pauleen scoffed. "You need someone beautiful and clever to find a missing princess. Someone like me!"
Vestello blinked owlishly as he felt himself knocked off center by a sudden rush of wind.
"Um, wait. What does the princess look like, anyway?" Todd's sheepish voice came from in front of the elevator.
"Yeah, I'm good, but I'm not that good."
The duo re-joined Vestello, looking up at Minister Pomposa expectantly.
The minister snorted. "Yes, it seems that information would be helpful." Reaching into his coat, he fished out a small photo and held it out.
Hey…isn't that…?
"Behold, our beloved princess!"
"Wha!" Todd actually stumbled back.
"It seems you appreciate true beauty! Your lips utter the cry that your heart cannot." The minister puffed up again.
"Sorry to drop this on y'all." Joe apologized. "But I don't know who else to trust."
Your Staff Leaders, maybe? The distant portion of Vestello's psyche not puffing up with pride at Joe's trust in them supplied
"Ya might wanna ask around first." Joe continued. "See if some'a the townsfolk know anything. But for heck's sake, don't tell 'em yer lookin' for a princess!" Relaxing again, he waved them off. "All right, team. Get out there and scare up that missing lady!"
The trio saluted dutifully, then made towards the elevator.
/\/\/\
"Hey, Vestello?" Stepping out of the elevator, Todd turned back towards the bluenette. "That girl in the photo was Joanie, wasn't it?"
Vestello nodded. [With Lady P-O-O-C-H.] He signed.
"I can't believe she's a princess!"
Neither can I…
"Look, if you guys want to stand around and chew the fat, you're more than welcome. But I'm going to find the princess and earn the miraculous fossil rock!" Pauleen spun around. "Seeee yaaaa!"
A gust of pink, and she was gone.
Todd scoffed after her. "That miraculous fossil rock is mine! No one's gonna beat me this time!"
A gust of green, and Todd was gone in hot pursuit.
I wonder if they plan on getting any sleep tonight? Vestello mused, noting the late hour.
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Subject: Re-re-On a Roll
From: Harmattan
Use my Fighter's Spirit to see instead of my eyes? Can that actually be done? If so, I don't know if I could manage it, but I'll see what I can do.
(Hey, I made a pun!)
Don Boneyard a Synchro? Don't even JOKE about things like that! I'm scared enough by the idea that I might have to fight him someday. But to say he might be a Synchro? There's no way I could beat a Synchro Fighter that strong! I'd be lucky if I managed to avoid being reduced to a mindless thrall if I tried to face him!
On a different note, remember when I asked you if your friend Rosie was participating in the Cup? Well, there was a reason for that. See, there's this girl here that has big pink pony-tails, except hers have yellow tips. Anyway, she's quite a character. She wears this bizarre kabuki demon mask and acts all arrogant and conceited, but when she doesn't have it on she becomes shy, a real cute kind of shy. And she develops this really weird vocal tic, which is what I wanted to ask you about. Do you know anything about a tic that makes someone say 'dig', 'diga', 'digadig', or some variation of the three?
Well, I better go. Joe asked me, Todd, and Pauleen to join a Caliosteo Patrol Team in order to counteract the BB Brigade. Right now we're looking a runaway princess that's competing in the Cup. Whoever finds her first gets a Miraculous Fossil (whatever that is) and Todd and Pauleen got all competitive about it. I need to make sure they don't kill each other.
Wish me luck ^_^
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Reviews are always appreciated. They let me know my story is not simply collecting virtual dust. And by reviews I mean something a bit more than 'awesome story' or the like. Tell me what you enjoyed, and even what you did not (though please refrain from going on a tangent).
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To DunaN2 (Guest): ((Thanks for the reminder. I'm recovering from the flu (or something similar) and thus totally forgot about updating today))
I agree, Creed probably won most often, but just barely. I suspect she loses, or the fight ends in a draw, more often than you might think. Afterall, they are simply sparing, not fighting for the fates of their respective people, so Creed isn't sending out an army against him. It's usually one-on-one, I suspect, with her using different vivosaurs to see how they'd do against Dynal, and they probably spar personally from time to time. Creed does live for a good fight, even if she's mellowed out a bit over the years, and Dynal is probably one of the only people she knows who has a strong chance of beating her hand-to-hand. ((Dinaurians are stronger than humans, so it's her skill versus his strength AND skill))
Have you considered making a Word Doc journal kind of thing? Where you treat it as if you're updating someone over an email, but don't send it? Maybe that'll help.
Hm…that makes things quite a bit more difficult. I've been playing around with raptor names and I've come up with two: Pyra, based off of the 'Pyroraptor' (an actual dinosaur), and Atra, Troci, Aseara (A-Sear-a, get it?), all derived from the Atrociraptor. Do any of those sound promising?
Even if you based their growth off dinosaurs, it's still too fast considering they are known to live past the age of forty (Dynal is over forty and still a force to be reckoned with, so perhaps he is still in his prime?) When I looked up how scientists believed T-rex's aged they came to the conclusion that they grew gradually and very little for the first ten years of life, then had a major growth spurt in their teenage years, in which they gained most of the mass of an adult. They have a chart showing it on the Tyrannosaurus page on Wikipedia.
So at such a young age, Dunal would be very fast, yes, but so as to avoid injury she isn't strong enough to take yet. Speed and accuracy would allow her to take down many opponents, but she would also be very frail and unable to take hits very well. One good hit could kill her.
In regards to 'being bred as Dynal's bodyguard'…that reason just doesn't fly. Why? Because if Dynal WAS going to have a bodyguard 'bred' specifically for himself then it would be from another Dinaurian family who had a good legacy as fighters, but not from his own immediate line. Also, typically when someone is born to be someone else's bodyguard they are about the same age, or the bodyguard is older. For Dynal to have decided to have a bodyguard bred for his own protection (which, personally, seems like a ridiculous concept to me because he has the Dinomatons and warrior Dinaurians, but that's just me) wouldn't he have had that done ages before during or prior Guhnash's attack on their homeworld? Now when things are relatively at peace seems kind of silly, and pointless.
As for the reason why Dunal is so different… I have a bunch of questions: Why would Rosie be so deep in Dinaurian territory? She has no real connection with them, not like the main character or Dr Diggins did. Why would she draw her blook for a random needle (and why was the needle lying around half-filled anyway?) why would the solution ended up injected into Dunal? Why would Duna have gotten x-rays while pregnant? Wouldn't the Dinaurians know that X-rays can be harmful to their young? (why would she have jumped out a window, anyway?) And being influenced by x-rays, contrary to popular belief, would severely damage/cripple/even kill but not render radioactive and stronger than average.
She attacked Dynal? That sounds adorably hilarious!
Please keep in mind that, even if she will grow powerful that it will take a lot of time. Not just to gain strength, but the stamina to utilize it.
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Sneak Peak:
"What's the big deal?" The man demanded, face ashen and eyes wide.
The snake just hissed, fangs barred, as it maneuvered massive coils between the man and the fallen Joanie without breaking its gaze.
A vivosaur? Joanie wondered, initial panic fading. There was supposed to be a giant snake-like vivosaur, wasn't there? But who was controlling it? Unless, of course, it was a feral, but that possibility was simply to horrible to consider because if it was a feral then Madame Pooch would soon be devoured right along with the great oaf who dared kidnap her.
Please, have a Fighter. Please do not eat Madam Pooch—