Orso Fiction 007

Orso Fiction 007-A Friendly Competition (Part 1 of 3)
Zach leaned back, reflecting on Zeke’s words, as he had been doing for the last two days. He hadn’t eaten, and barely slept at all. There had been no way to stop him, he knew. If it hadn’t been for Mike being on the battlefield, they might have lost, and the entire family would have died for his foolishness. But that was past, he knew that. He had to focus on the present. Zeke was alive, and could kill him with his presence alone. He needed to find a way to protect himself, and everyone else. The battles from here on out would be on a totally different level than before. He didn’t feel ready, and he didn’t know how to change that. He was startled by a knock at the door. Maggie and Charlie walked in, and Zach mumbled a hello.

“Hey, Zach…Brittney, Sam, and Ted are back. They got the package.”, Charlie said, unused to seeing Zach this way.

“Oh, good. Thanks.”, Zach said.

“Also…Now that they’re back, everyone is ready.”

“What?”

“The game you planned, before Zeke…before Zeke arrived. Everyone is ready to play. The applications are in.”

“Oh…Oh, right…Charlie, why don’t you handle it? You can MC just fine.”

“Zach…I can’t do that. You know it needs to be you.”

“Charlie, please. I don’t need a fight right now…”

“Zach, I won’t let you skip out on this. The drawings will take place in an hour. The entire family wants to see you. They’re worried about you, you know that?”

“I…No, no I didn’t.”

“Well, they are. They’re just as disturbed about Zeke as you are. But they can’t do anything about it themselves. They need a leader. And you’re that guy.”

“Charlie, I just can’t focus on anything. I just-“, Zach was interrupted as Maggie slapped him across the face. Charlie jumped back, afraid he was next.

“Zach! Quit your bitching, and get ready. The game starts in an hour, and you’re going to be there, if I have to drag you there myself.”, she said sternly. “You’re being pathetic right now, you know that? Aren’t you always saying that the first step to success is a positive attitude?”

“Maggie…Charlie…”, Zach began, then he smiled. “You’re right. I’ll get ready.”

“Good. We’ll be in the base’s auditorium.”, Maggie said, glad she got through to him. She and the Primo Thunder Guardian began to leave.

“Guys…Thanks.”, Zach said to them. The two turned around and smiled.

“It’s what we’re here for, Zach. To be the steadfast thunder that defends the family with their own body.”, Charlie said. Maggie rolled her eyes.

“And to be the reliable sun that destroys the family’s obstacles with their own body.”, she sighed. “You only picked us because we’re the best at it.”

“I know. Alright, I’ll be there in a few.”, Zach said. He was glad they had snapped him out of it. Nothing really made him quite as happy as competitions with convoluted rules of his own design.

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Zach, under the school’s auditorium, stood on the stage of the base’s auditorium. In front of his was a cardboard box filled with pieces of paper, standing on a podium. Around him sat his Guardians: Amy Hirrlinger, Maggie McClary, Charlie Steiger, Stacie Bosely, Katie Stewart, and Trevor Etheridge. To his left sat his Varia Officers: Matt Carney, Bradley Ratliff, Megan Etheridge, Rachel Larkin, Hayley Madeira, Laura Wise, and Adrien Wagner. To his right sat his Agents, declassified after Mike revealing his status at Choice: Mike Fornaro, Taylor Houston, Paige Lewis, Nicole Roberts, Allison Boyd, Sabra Bushey, and Jess Biemiller. Behind Zach sat his Outside Advisor, Scott Deisher. While Scott had never attended Century, he had grown attached to the chaos of the family, and Zach had been happy to find him space in the headquarters to call his own. In front of the stage, in the many rows of seats, sat every other member of the Orso family.

“Alright, guys. It’s the time we’ve all been waiting for. A little while ago, I announced a family-wide competition, but kept the rules hidden. Those interested were to put your name in this box. I’m going to draw eight names, for the competitors in this game.”, Zach announced, and the family went silent with anticipation. He drew a piece of paper from the box. “CJ Benoit!”

The Class of 09’s resident railroad lover shouted a victory cry from somewhere to Zach’s left.

“Nick Seese!”

The Second Generation Varia’s Storm Officer meowed loudly as he jumped up and down in glee, his Storm Mongoose Tatsu dancing in victory.

“Nick, so you know, we went through these ahead of time. Next time we hold this game, please don’t apply four hundred times. Maggie didn’t appreciate that at all. Next person…Brittney Drummey!”

The Second Generation’s Rain Guardian cheered, and those around her applauded.

“Sammie Albright!”

The girl was too busy reading yaoi to notice, and it took Alex Nichols mentioning chocolate to get her attention long enough to tell her what was going on. She smiled contently, and went back to her reading.

“James LaDow!”

James and the other techies exchanged high-fives, shouting in excitement. They all put on a set of Kamina glasses, so great was their excitement.

“Adam Podskalny!”

Adam stood slowly to be recognized, and a bit embarrassed by the applause, shrank back into his seat.

“Ben Diaz!”

The techies all put on another set of Kamina glasses on top of their previous pair.

“Matt Iannone!”

Matt stood, highly confused, but sighed when he saw Brittney wink at him. She had signed him up for this. Of course. She was far too excited to get him active within the family.

“Now, that’s our eight.”, Zach said, once applause had died down. “Can I have all of you come up here? Everyone else, as part of the contest, please head back to your offices. Our conversation will be broadcast over your TVs.”

The eight found their way up to the stage, and stood around Zach, as everyone else left.

“Alright, you guys. Congratulations. Now, the first thing I’m going to say is that this is going to be unlike any competition you’ve ever been in. At least, until the next time you enter this one. Everyone, right now, is watching us, so I don’t want you to feel any pressure when I say that this competition will involve bringing one partner to fight alongside you. Pick the partner you feel is most suited to helping you succeed. Strength, intelligence, willpower, soul, advantages, disadvantages, and bonds. Take all of those into consideration when you pick your teammate. The eight of you, scatter throughout the auditorium, and call your first choice on your cell. Tell them to come up to the stage, and we’ll announce how we’ll play this game. The only rule is that you can only pick an Orso, who is not on this stage already. “

The eight ambled to their own corners of the auditorium, and began to make their calls. Within a few minutes, Robbie Carroll walked in.

“Good to have you, partner.”, CJ said with a big grin, holding out his hand. Robbie took it with a confident smile.

“The birds and I are ready for another round.”, he proclaimed. “I just pity the ones who get put in front of us.”

A few more minutes passed, and Kelly Graff ran in. She hugged Nick, who froze, not knowing how to respond. At about the same time, Cody Cooley strolled in, and Brittney hugged him.

“Thanks for coming, you!”, Brittney said happily.

“No problem. Thanks for picking me.”, Cody responded, sizing up the competition.

A little later, Alex Nichols and Thomas Haden walked in, followed by Jake Federkeil and Adam Ellerbrock. Those that had been drawn tried to figure out the matches. Sammie picking Alex was easy enough, as she hugged him tightly, then went back to her yaoi. Thomas and James nodded to each other in a very manly fashion, and sat down to discuss an upcoming game of D&D with Ben and Adam, who had shaken hands tightly upon seeing each other. Adam Podskalny smiled when he saw Jake.

“I’m glad you showed up.”, Adam said with a smile.

“Would I let you down?”, Jake asked. “Ken and I will do our best to push you to the top.”

It was a few more minutes before a figure clad in black robes joined the group. He exchanged a silent nod with Matt.

“Well, I guess this is the sixteen of you.”, Zach said. “Alright. The first stage of the contest is simple. All sixteen of you will be put in a battle royale. The first two teams with both their members out of commission are out.

“So, everyone fights everyone?”, James asked.

“That’s right. Six pairs of you will go onto Part 2 of the contest.”, Zach said, smiling. “So it’s not just ability to win in a normal fight that guarantees a victory. You need to be strategic. There won’t be a break between the first and second part of the contests, either, so you may want to conserve your energy.”

“So, we need to take care to not bite off more than we can chew.”, Thomas whispered to James, who nodded.

“Now, everyone come on to the gym, and we’ll begin.”, Zach said brightly, leading them all to the base’s gym, a replica of Century’s. Each pair settled on a particular area.

“Now, we’ll close the door, but the camera set up will feed everything going on to the other members. We’ll stop the fight when six teams are left, or if something goes wrong.”

“Ready, Adam?”, Jake asked with a smile.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”, Adam replied. “Let’s have some fun.”

“On my mark…”, Zach said, walking backward toward the door, slowly closing it. “Go!”

“WHO WANTS SOME?!”, Nick shouted, holding his fist out. Tatsu imitated him, squeaking aggressively.

“Nick, you’re going to get us knocked out if you’re not more caref-Never mind.”, Kelly said, shaking her head. She lit her Sun ring and entered it into her box, releasing a Sun Okapi. “Sunny! We’re keeping Nick from getting himself killed, alright?”

She looked back to Nick, to find that he was already gone. She sighed, and looked around for him, and saw him battling James LaDow, with his Storm Armadillo, Cody, Thomas Haden, and his Sun Lizard, Davis, Ben Diaz and his Sun Tasmanian Devil, Lucy, and Adam Ellerbrock and his Thunder Bat, TK. She shook her head and joined the battle.

Matt and the cloaked figure stood back a distance, watching the fights begin.

“This isn’t how I wanted to introduce myself to everyone…”, Matt groaned. “I’m so glad you came.”

The figure nodded, and quickly drew a sword to block Alex Nichols’ Storm Dog, Gurren’s, fangs. The dog’s hair was styled into a ponytail, much like its master’s. Alex and Sammie walked toward them coolly.

“Hey there, new guy. This is actually the first time you’ve had to fight at all, isn’t it?”, Alex asked. Matt nodded. “Awesome! Hey, let me ask you for a favor. Let’s act like we’re fighting.”

“What?”

“You heard me. This is your first time fighting at all, and Sammie and I aren’t fantastic at it. If we LOOK like we’re going at it, then we can keep each other in the match until two teams lose.”

“That’s insane.”

“I know. Brilliant, right?”

“Let’s do it, you crazy-haired bastard!”, Matt said, plunging his ring into his box, after failing to hit the right side once, and releasing a Sun Owl. “Alright, Muffins! Let’s go!”

“Your animal’s name is-“

“Brittney named it.”

“Ah. My condolences.”

“My turn!”, Sammie shouted randomly, and released her Sun Cat, Derpy. The cat yawned once, and stared at Sammie vacantly. She smiled and hugged it. The cat’s face remained expressionless. “Okay, Derpy! Attack that owl!”

Derpy turned toward Matt’s Box Animal, and continued its vacant stare. Bubbles countered with a vacant stare of its own.

“This is so intense!”, Sammie thought.

“This is a mafia fight, huh? I’m getting kind of excited…”, Matt thought.

“I don’t believe this is so lame.”, Alex thought.

The figure in black simply shook his head.

Elsewhere, CJ and Robbie faced down Brittney and Cody.

“So, you two…”, Robbie said, with a hint of a smile. “You two have grown up to be quite awesome, you know that?”

“We had good upperclassmen to look out for us.”, Brittney said. “Should we start?”

“We won’t hold back, now.”, CJ said. “We’re the oldest ones here, we’d look a little silly if we were the first ones out.”

“Then hope the other fights go fast.”, Cody said, grinning. “Because we’re way stronger than you think we are.”

CJ and Robbie opened their boxes, releasing CJs Sun Bull, Jimmy, and Robbie’s Storm Hawk, Tybalt, and his Sun Falcon, Romeo.

“You guys might be pretty big deals, but we’ll always have experience over you.”, Robbie said. “You better not underestimate us.”

“Just so long…”, Brittney said, opening her box, releasing her Rain Jackal, Anubis. “…as you don’t underestimate us. Anubis! Cambio Forma!”

Anubis barked once, and began to glow blue, slowly changing shape. The baby jackal assumed the form of a black staff, which fell into Brittney’s hands. The tip ignited into Rain flames, making the staff resemble a paintbrush. Near the tip was a blue gem with a white “II” written on it, signifying Brittney’s place in the Second Generation Guardians.

“Pennello di Pace. That’s what we call this form of Anubis.”

“Not bad, kiddo.”, CJ said with a smile. “Jimmy! We’re doing the usual!”

“Get to it, guys!”, Robbie called. His birds flew up to Jimmy’s horns, the Sun bird perching between them, and the Storm bird perching atop the other.”

“Oh no you don’t!”, Brittney called, and stabbed with her paintbrush. Rain flames shot from the tip of the brush and hit Jimmy. The birds flew off and returned to Robbie. “I’ve seen you do that before. Jimmy’s Sun flames enhance Romeo’s Sun flames, and Romeo’s Sun flames enhance Tybalt’s Storm flames even further, so he hits with way more power than usual.”

“Hahaha, saw threw that, huh? Well, Robbie and I have something NOBODY’S seen yet. Shall we, amigo?”, CJ said with a grin.

“Let’s do it!”, his partner called. The birds began to circle around Robbie’s head in a peculiar way, and CJ pulled his hat from his head as he mounted Jimmy. CJ positioned himself in front of Robbie. “Ready when you are!”

“Let’s go!”, CJ called, and began to charge, preparing his hat as if he were to slash at them with it. “Cowboy Crusher!”

“I don’t think so.”, Cody said, leaping in the way, releasing his box animal, a Thunder Ram. “Osiris! Cambio Forma!”

The ram began to glow green and change shape, becoming a mask, large enough to cover Cody’s eyes, with two small horns. On the forehead area was a green gem with a white “II”. He threw it onto his face, and began to crackle with Thunder flames. Jimmy collided with Cody, and an explosion of Sun and Thunder flames blinded all present temporarily. When the smoke cleared, CJ was lying on his back, Jimmy beside him.

“Maschera Rinata. This is the weapon of the right hand man of the second generation’s boss.”, Cody said solemnly. “It isn’t much good as a weapon, but when I’m wearing it, it pushes all of my abilities through the roof.”

“We’re not done yet!”, Robbie shouted. The two Guardians realized what he had been planning. The birds had been laying Dying Will Flames in Robbie’s hair, which was now a mass of Storm and Sun flames, resembling a full sun. “Solfro!”

He charged at Cody, who prepared to accept his attack, but he suddenly stopped and fell to his knees.

“Robbie! Are you alright?”, CJ called.

“I’m fine…I can still go on.”, he replied.

“No…no, you’re still injured from your battle with the Apostles! You said you were fine!”

“I…I didn’t want to let you down, Ceej…Of course I said I was good to go.”

“Damnit, Rob…Hey! We quit! We’re out! And I’m going to sit on this fool until he gets all the bedrest he needs and more.”

The two worked their way into a corner to sit and recover. CJ looked up to Brittney and smiled.

“That’s a nice weapon you’ve got, kid.”, he said quietly.

“Thanks, Soda Pop.”, Brittney replied.

“You too, Cody. Even I can’t take the Cowboy Crusher on my own.”, Robbie said, breathing heavily. Cody nodded quietly. “You better go on to win this thing.”

“We won’t let you down, Robbie.”, he said.

In the middle of the gym, Adam Podskalny and Jake Federkeil stood quietly, waiting to be involved in a fight.

“Do you think they realize we’re here?”, Adam asked.

“Oh, yeah, I’m sure. Probably just afraid to fight us.”, Jake said.

Neither spoke for a moment.

“I think they forgot about us.”, Adam said sadly.

“Yeah. Yeah, they forgot about us.”

In another corner, Nick and Kelly were breathing heavily, surrounded by the four opponents they had challenged.

“Nick…I think you bit off more than you could chew…”, Kelly said slowly.

“No…no way. I’m the Varia’s Storm Officer…I can’t lose in a place like this. I’m going to make it to the top! With my Dying Will!”

“Cody! Davis! TK!”, James called. “It might not be complete without Ken, Yolei, and Kari, but let’s give it a shot!”

The lizard began spitting huge amounts of Sun flames at the armadillo, who erupted in Storm flames. The bat swooped down, scooping Cody up, and covering him in Thunder flames. The bat flew up to the ceiling, and then sped toward the ground, holding its volatile cargo. Nick braced himself for the worst.

Suddenly, the one in black robes flew across the gym, quickly knocking James and Thomas off their feet, and unconscious. Nick raised an eyebrow quizzically, and the figure nodded to him, holding up one finger. Nick nodded back.

“Alright! That’s two teams down!”, Zach called from the loudspeaker. “Everyone standing right now, congratulations! You’re all going onto Round 2!”

Ben and Adam regarded the black-robed figure with a measure of anger, having knocked their allies out so easily.

“So it’s all official-shiny-keen, here’s the twelve going onto the second round! Brittney Drummey, and Cody Cooley!”

“I think we’re the only ones who actually won a fight fairly…”, Cody said, a bit sadly.

“Next round won’t be easy…”, Brittney said, holding Anubis tightly. The little jackal yawned and fell asleep in her arms.

“Nick Seese and Kelly Graff!”

“Nick, who was that?”, Kelly asked.

“Don’t worry about it. He’s a friend of ours…for now.”, Nick replied.

“Ben Diaz and Adam Ellerbrock!”

“I didn’t get to do anything…”, Ben said, scratching Lucy on the head.

“Yeah…What a bummer…”, Adam trailed off.

“Adam Podskalny and Jake Federkeil!”

“Huh. That was easy.”, Adam said.

“I think we can turn this into an advantage. If no one notices us, then no one will try to fight us…”, Jake said, thinking aloud.

“Sammie Albright and Alex Nichols!”

“Sammie…Sammie…It’s over. You can stop having a staring contest with Matt.”, Alex tried to protest.

“And Matt Iannone and…Matt’s partner.”

“Whew…They didn’t give you away.”, Matt said.

“Well, it’s only a matter of time.”, the figure in black said.

“Why did you save Nick, anyway?”

“He was going to make me look bad.”, he responded simply.

“Alright, for the next part of the test, you’ll be given a GPS with a location already mapped onto it. You must make it to that point within one hour. And as a warning…Three of us of the Primo Generation will be wandering the areas you need to get to, to try to stop you. Don’t let us.”

The Primo Guardians walked into the gym and presented each pair with a GPS.

“Any questions? DIDN’T THINK SO! Alright, and…GO!”

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