Chapter 7- The Unlikely Duo
Me: It's a week late, but here's chapter 7! :D
Dina: Please -insert non-funny comment here-!
Me: ...Disclaimer: I don't own Fossil Fighters!
Dina: You need new ideas.
Me: Ya think?
Also, special thanks to Little Tsu for mentioning Nycto, because she helped me add a little bit to the story! :)
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Yesterday had exhausted the heck out of me to the point where I just wanted to lay in bed all day. Unfortunately for me I had to go smash a gargantuan bolder of some-sort over in Mt. Krakanak. So I went over to the Fossil Guild, bought a Pepsi (not the best breakfast ever, but hey), and headed over to the dig site.
I heard the usual scuffle of feet behind me. "Heey, Dina!" Todd's high-pitched voice shouted behind me. I turned and met his eyes, "Morning, Todd..." I said, still some-what drowsy.
"So...err..." he stopped, "D-do you still think it's ok to break this bolder? I mean what if...!" He stopped suddenly as I slammed my pickaxe into the giant rock.
"I mean... You're good and all, but this thing's on a whole different level!" Todd continued. I turned, "Todd, it's a giant rock... for crying out loud."
I kept breaking it, slowly but surely, and eventually Todd sighed and started to help me. After a while, I stopped to catch my breath. That's when a sigh sounded behind me.
"...At this rate we'll all be old by the time this boulder's gone." I turned to recognize Rupert. Di66-R was with him.
I smiled, "Hi Rupert." I dropped my pickaxe on the ground and stood to face him. "So," I started, "Are you here to help?"
He nodded, "Of course. Now please stand aside." he turned to Di66-R, "Di66-R, please remove this boulder!"
Todd and I stepped over by Rupert as Di66-R floated automatically over to it, "Yes, sir or madam, I will be happy to assist you." It raised a metal fist, "Initiating digging mode! Digging... Digging... Digging... Digging..." Within five minutes time the bolder was almost completely reduced rubble; only half of it remained
"Amazing, Rupert!" I stated, "That thing is really fast!" he smirked proudly at that comment, but then frowned as Di66-R once again sparked and whirred. "Digging... Diiigging... Diiiiiiiigggginng... ERROR. FILE NOT FOUND."
It's robotic arms flopped around as Rupert groaned with frustration at the robot, "It's running out of power! And we're so close to completion, too..."
I quickly grabbed for my pickaxe. Rupert looked at me curiously, while Todd grew nervous due to Di66-R's prior incident, "Be careful, Dina!"
I ignored him, slamming my pickaxe down onto what was left of the rock. Di66-R sparked, then rotated so it was facing me. "Does sir or madam wish to assist Di66-R?" I nodded.
"No one has ever assisted Di66-R with digging before... Now I know why it is that you humans smile." Di66-R whirled around happily, full of energy, "Digging mode initiated!" I turned back to face the boulder and Di66-R and I made quick work of it.
Todd cheered as he always did, "You did it, Dina!"
Rupert smiled; he seemed to smile a lot more often now, "Well done, Di66-R. You have made me very proud." he turned abruptly to me, "Urr.. Um.. Nice job to you, too, Dina.." he quickly added. I blushed at his praise.
"Well," he continued, "Whoever put this boulder here must still be in the area. I'm going to look for them." he motioned for Di66-R, "Let's go."
"I will obey, sir or madam." the two rushed toward the summit of Mt. Krakanak. Todd walked happily over to me, "Well, I guess people can start digging here again, huh?" he turned and began to walk back into town, "I think we should head back until they catch the culprits. What do you think?"
I shook my head, "No way, Todd." his mouth dropped open, "Oh, come on! You want to help Rupert catch the boulder-rolling culprits?"
"Well, yeah. I mean, he can't do it alone no matter how much he says he ca-" Todd cut me off with a panicked shout, "B-but what if it's the BareBones Brigade?"
"That doesn't matter, Todd. If it is them, well, that gives me more reason to go after them!" I turned around to leave, "So, are you coming?"
Todd blinked nervously, thinking, "Well.. um... I just..." he dropped onto his knees, "Oooohhh! My stomach! It huuuurrts! Why did I eat that mayonnaise that was left in the sun..."
For the first time in a while I laughed, "Do you want to go back to your room for a while, Todd?"
"No, just go on without me. I'll catch up in a bit." I nodded, and rushed off down the ash covered, dusty path.
I wasn't more than halfway up the mountain when I met up with Di66-R, who was standing guard. "Sir or madam has gone ahead to search for the culprits." he said. I quickly ran up a little more until I saw Rupert.
"Rupert! Hey!" I said when I caught up with him. He jumped and turned around, frightened, "D-Dina? Oh, be still my heart. What are you doing here?"
"What do you think? I'm helping you catch the criminals!"
Rupert sighed, "I wouldn't have expected any less of you. I've spotted a few unpleasant types sulking about, and I have no doubts that they're with the BareBones Brigade." he motioned ahead to two people in black outfits, "Those two are our guys. Are you ready for battle?"
I grinned, "Of course I am! Let's go kick some bad guy butt!" Rupert nodded, Right, let's go then." we both turned simultaneously and walked up to the pair of guys.
"We're gonna show those Fighters what the BareBones Brigade is all about!" the first shouted. The second one laughed, "Haw, haw! There's no way they'll get past our awesome boulder.
Rupert spoke from aside of me, "Actually, we've reduced your boulder to pebbles." the two gasped, "No way! How'd you break our beautiful boulder?"
His accomplice simply laughed, "Well it doesn't matter, rich boy! Our magnificent boneysaurs are gonna make you regret the fact that you messed with us!" Rupert and I exchanged bewildered looks.
"...Boneysaurs?" he questioned, "That's just absurd!"
"Shut up! It is not! BareBones Brigade members get special skeletal Vivosaurs called boneysaurs!" he smirked evilly, as if he thought he'd convinced us otherwise, "They're truly horrifying, and now you'll see them in person! Ha ha ha!" he laughed.
Rupert reached for his Dino Medals, "Think you can handle that one, Dina?"
"You bet, Rupert!"
"Ok, here we go!" he shouted, then we started the battle.
"Attack 'em, B-Lambeos!" his three Vivosaurs, or boneysaurs actually, were the strangest thing I'd seen in a while. They were living skeletons with a strange shadowy blackness that seemed to hold them together, their ghostly purple eyes glowed with an unearthly rage.
I sent out my usual team and let loose my first attack. "Dimetro Fang!"
Dimetro drew back and then ran at the first B-Lambeo, but it shifted sideways and gracefully ducked out of his reach. 'Impossible! They're faster than I'd anticipated!' Dimetro growled.
"What's wrong? Don't tell me you're chickening out already!" the BB Brigade goon shouted from across the field. He waved his hand at the B-Lambeo that dodged Dimetro's attack, "Boney Chomp on Tricera!"
Tricera's eyes lit up with fear and he jumped just as B-Lambeo hit him in the side with a sharp slam, knocking the breath out of him. He stumbled sideways before catching his breath and resuming his battle stance.
Dimetro growled in anger at his opponent and recoiled with a Dimetro Fang attack to B-Lambeo's side. The Boneysaur roared at him, the sound resonating throughout the volcano. Coatlus followed up with a Wing Cutter that quickly overwhelmed the Boneysaur, knocking it out. "Way to go, guys! Great work!" I cheered.
But we're not finished yet, I'm afraid. I thought. Dimetro's gaze told me he thought the same.
B-Lambeo struck out with another Boney Chomp against Dimetro, who quickly dodged but still got a bit of damage. A few turns passed before the second B-Lambeo was in a corner.
"Dimetro Whirl!" I commanded quickly. Dimetro spun at the enemy, its tail lashing and its fangs bared, until it slammed into the skeletal beast full force. Its mouth gaped open and it fell backwards, defeated. Dimetro growled confidently.
"Y-you haven't won yet!" the goon yelled, his voice shaky. B-Lambeo glanced back at his master, "Get him!"
Its head snapped around and glared at Dimetro, the one who seemed to have taken down his brothers. With a valiant roar he charged at Dimetro and skidded sideways, bashing his flank against the Triassic Vivosaur which sent him rolling backwards. He shakily got up and struggled to regain his balance.
Coatlus stepped up next to Dimetro, changing their formation, and growled something to him to which Dimetro nodded. Coatlus took a quick look at me.
They're picking their strategies, amazing. I thought. "Alright, Coatlus, let's see if you can take him down." I pointed at the opposing Boneysaur and shouted, "Wing Cutter, now!"
Coatlus fanned out its wings again, screeching a battle cry before soaring high into the air. His eyes narrowed as he aimed at B-Lambeo, then he plunged downward at the enemy until he was within range. His body spun midair, landing multiple blows on the Boneysaur before finally retreating, leaving B-Lambeo to fall into the dust.
I turned to see how Rupert was doing just in time to see his Mapo take down his opponent's final Vivosaur. Both of the goons backed up as they realized their defeat.
"Noo! We lost!" shouted one.
"They're completely unfazed by the horror of our boneysaurs!" shouted his friend.
The first stepped forward again, "Well don't feel so confident that you beat a couple of lackeys! Our boss, Don Boneyard, is the meanest dude around! He also has three commanders that are almost as strong as he is! It's best you don't mess with us again!"
"Ha ha! You're cruisin' for a brusin' now, chumps! Just remember that you asked for it!" with that remark, they ran off.
Rupert walked over to me, "Well, those two certainly are full of tough talk considering we just pummeled them into submission. I must admit, though, the BareBones Brigade does manage to inspire a certain kind of awe."
"It's the boneysaurs, I think. Those things are powerful, but not in the least bit creepy to me." I agreed. Rupert nodded.
"Heeeey!"
We both turned, unsurprised, as we heard a shout from the slope. It was Todd, of course.
"Are you guys ok? Did the BareBones Brigade show up?" he asked with curiosity.
Rupert nodded, "Yes, bit it was nothing we weren't able to handle. They've run home to mummy now." he joked. Todd groaned, "Aw, man! I miss all the fun stuff!" he hung his head, "If it weren't for my stupid stomach ache I could've helped you!"
"Er, Dina?" I turned to Rupert, his eyes sparkled with a sense of gratitude. "Though this pains me to admit, that fight was not altogether easy. I'm not sure I could've handled them without your assistance. I owe you my thanks once again."
"Rupert, it was nothing, really." he shook his head, "No, thank you, Dina. You fought well." he seemed a bit... shy when he talked to me. I wonder why?
Todd's amused laugh made me turn, "Rupert! You just acted humble! Are you feeling alright?"
His cold attitude suddenly returned, "And why would you find it amusing that I offer thanks for a job well done?" Todd laughed again, "Haha! It's just a joke, Rupert!" his face turned red with embarrassment as he realized how harsh he'd been. I giggled.
Rupert's cellphone suddenly rang, "Hello, Father. What do you need?"
Todd's eyes glittered with awe, "Oh, wow! I forgot Rupert's dad is the CEO of FossilDig Inc.! That must be so amazing!
"...Di66-R's field test results?" Rupert paused, "I'm sorry to say that it suffers some fundamental design flaws from a consumer standpoint. Some problems can be overcome with a little redesigning, but I fear most Fighters will have little interest in it. It would work well as an emergency-assistance robot, however."
There was a short pause, "...Yes, Father. ...I understand, Father. ...Yes, of course I will win the Cup. Goodbye, Father." he hung up his phone and put it in his pocket.
Todd stopped him, "Wait, Rupert. You just said you could launch the robot if you made a redesign. Was.. Was that a lie?"
Rupert shook his head, "I never lie. I do believe that Di66-R's technical problems can be overcome. However, the issue I see is that no one will purchase the device. You showed me that Fighters like to dig as much as they like to battle. They find it... fun."
I smiled. Todd spoke, "That's right, you get it now!" he turned to me, "Come on, Dina, let's head back to Cranial City! We can come back and dig later, ok?" I agreed, "Ok, Todd." I waved goodbye to Rupert, "See you later!"
He smiled, "Bye, Dina." then, just as soon as she was out of earshot, he murmured to himself..
"...Those two are quite the amusing pair."
Todd and I arrived back in the city. "Hey look! The Mammoth Vision is coming around again!" Oh, God, I thought, Please don't let it be Don Boneyard again! I've had enough of him already!
Luckily, it was just Joe Wildwest.
"Howdy, Fighters. I know most of you may already know this, but it seems we're being hassled by a band'a crooks called the BareBones Brigade." Todd and I exchanged irritated looks.
"They're tellin' us we gotta cancel the Cup and vamoose outta this park once and for all. Well, horsefeathers to that! This here Cup is my dream, and I know y'all share it! So if they want me to cancel it, they'll have to saddle up and make me! The Caliosteo Cup will never surrender! We'll beat them varmints or my name ain't Joe Wildwest!" The crowd cheered with approval.
"Yeah, you tell 'em, Joe!"
"Yeah! Get 'em! Saddle up!" Todd shouted. I jumped up with excitement, which was then added to by my Paleopager beeping alerting me of my Round 3 match.
"...Nell has been chosen as Dina's Round 3 opponent." I'd never heard of Nell, but at least it wasn't a weirdo like Rockin' Billy!
"I'll be waiting at the Fossil Station, Dina. I'm counting on you!" Todd said. I smiled, "I won't disappoint you, Todd!"
"Dina!" I turned and saw Terry strolling over to me. "Hey, what's up?" I asked.
"You did a great job taking care of the BareBones Brigade over at Mt. Krakanak, so I've decided to level you up to Fighter Rank 4! Keep up the good work!"
"Thanks, Terry!" I quickly ran over to the door to the Fossil Stadium. I was called for my match almost immediately.
"Nell and Dina please report to the Fossil Stadium for your Round 3 match." the usual announcement echoed. I met up with Nell, who was a seemingly harmless little girl.
"Bwa ha ha ha!" she laughed.
...or not. I sighed, then she turned around, "Tee hee! I sounded evil, right? After I heard Don Boneyard's laugh I decided to try it for myself!"
I sweat-dropped, "...Uh, ha ha, yeah."
"Well now I shall crush you in battle! Bwa ha ha!" she cackled as we entered the stadium. The usual round of applause and cheers erupted around us. Nell sent out her team of Fire Types: Berto, Yango, and Sungari. I sent out my main team and we started the fight.
I mixed things up and had Tricera lead off the battle with Running Smash on Berto, who was at a type disadvantage and within perfect range.
Tricera charged at the large carnivore with sharp horns angled at its middle. The Vivosaur jumped but Tricera quickly copied its movement, depleting half of its opponent's LP.
Nell let Sungari attack next, "Sungari Beam on Dimetro!" she commanded. Sungari let out an earsplitting screech as its attack let loose. Dimetro winced at the loud noise booming through his head. He dug his claws into the ground to try to try to deal with the pain.
'...Geez.. I never knew something so loud could actually cause damage!' he growled. Luckily, the Enrage condition didn't affect him this turn or I would've been in trouble.
"Coatlus!" I yelled on my turn, "Wing Cutter on Sungari!" the winged Vivosaur whirled around and sliced through Sungari like a knife through paper, landing a major critical that knocked out Sungari with the first hit. Dimetro sighed with relief. 'I'm glad that thing's gone...'
Leaving some LP for Dimetro to attack, he rushed at Berto with a swift run and leapt onto his back, clamping his jaws down. Berto roared and lashed out in fury as the medium Vivosaur held on. Finally, Dimetro let go before giving Berto one last snap on the side before retreating.
Yango and Berto rotated so that Yango was within range of Dimetro. He walked closer to Dimetro, who stood his ground, then without warning spun in a circle with his tail out. The Spike Tail attack hit Dimetro directly in the face, leaving scratches across the side of it. He smiled suspiciously.
Next, he attacked first with Dimetro Whirl, putting all his effort into this one attack. He leaned back on his haunches, then leapt supremely high into the air. His back-sail wove in midair, then he flipped backwards, gaining speed as he fell before slamming into Yango's back, knocking the air out of him and almost depleting his health. Coatlus followed up with a Wing Cutter that took out Berto.
Nell whined, "Nuu! You can't defeat the great Vivosaurs of Nell! I won't allow it!" she turned to her Yango, "Take down Coatlus!"
Yango jumped into the air this time, whipping its tail at Coatlus, who proceeded to duck. However, Yango smashed its tail into Coatlus's wing just before he landed, aggravating his former injury. Coatlus growled with rage and pain.
'Yango, I can tell you now that flight isn't everything!' Coatlus said mater-of-factly.
Folding his injured wing against his side, he ran at Yango, who froze in fear. Opening his good wing, he pushed himself off the ground and smacked Yangon with it repeatedly until the exhausted Vivosaur fell. The crowd gasped.
"Never before have we seen a flying Vivosaur attack on land! Impressive!" Coatlus cawed approval, and Dimetro and Tricera joined him with victorious roars. Once again we'd won in an impressive battle, and my heart swelled with pride.
Todd jumped happily again, cheering, "You did it, Dina! I knew you could! You were spectacular, fantastic... other words for awesome!" he grinned from ear to ear.
"Wow, that was a smoking-hot battle!" we turned and saw Terry heading over to us. "Congratulations for clearing Round 3, Dina! Here's your prize for making it this far!" he handed me a humongous fossil rock that I quickly shoved into my case. It was heavy!
Todd gasped, "That's a giant fossil rock! It actually contains all four fossil parts! But since it's so big, I bet it'll be a nightmare to clean on your own."
Terry nodded, "Ah, yes. But you can always head over to the Cleaning-Party Emporium for help if you need it. Lots of people can clean one fossil at once, and in the end you all get one!" he turned away, "Well, I'd best be going. Good luck in the next round!"
"Thanks, Terry!" I replied, and he headed away. Just that moment, my Paleopager announced the opening of a new dig site called Rainbow Canyon. Supposedly, it had many different elemental types of fossil rocks. I looked at Todd, who shared my excitement.
"Who knows what we'll find there? We have to head over there, A-S-A-P!"
A sudden, somewhat familiar voice spoke behind me, "Wait just a moment, Dina. Aren't you gonna say hi to me?"
I turned slowly, unsure of who it was, but as I recognized the face I ran over and hugged him. "Dino!"
"Hey, little sis! What'cha been up to? I heard you defeated some BB Brigade goons earlier!" he said.
As I mentioned before, Dino is my older brother. His best friend is Hunter, a kid who pretty much saved the world a couple years ago from a planet eating beast. He often helps Dr. Diggins, a scientist over at Vivosaur Island, so I barely ever see him.
"I haven't seen you in so long! I missed you!" I exclaimed. There was so much to tell him. About Todd, about Joe, and Pauleen and Rupert.
And, as if reading my mind, he asked, "So what's up with you and that Rupert guy? Is he your boyfriend or something?" My face went pure red.
"Stop it! He's just a good friend, not my boyfriend! Besides, why would I want to date that rich snob?"
Dino laughed, "Um, because he's rich?" I punched him in the arm, "Ow! Well, Di, why don't I head to Rainbow Canyon with you?" Todd suddenly chimed in, "Oooo, yes! I want to hear all about how Hunter defeated Gunash and the Dinurians, too!"
Dino smiled, now noticing Todd, "Hey there, Todd." Then he thought for a second, "Well, I don't know much about the battle, but I can tell you what I know."
Todd looked delighted, "Oh, yeah! I can't wait! Let's go now!"
"Wait," I said to them, "I want to try cleaning my new giant fossil rock first. Why don't you guys come with me and help?" Todd looked disappointed, but I reassured him, "Dino can tell you the story while we clean it."
"Ok! That sounds cool!" he ran out the door, not even knowing where to go, and jumped and waved his arms to signal that he wanted us to follow.
My brother laughed, "Oh, Todd. Same childish, hyperactive attitude he's always had." he said gleefully. We both walked outside and pointed Todd in the direction of the Cleaning Emporium.
3..2...1... GO!
The timer started as we drilled and hammered at the rock. Todd would glance at Dino every few moments to see if was going to start the story. Eventually he sighed and started.
"This was about three years back, over on Vivosaur Island. There was a Cup similar to yours, Vivosaurs, too, but not as many, and I had great friends. Hunter was my best friend, and the two of us ended up battling each other in the second to last round of the tournament. Of course, I lost, but only by a little bit."
Todd looked up from excavating, "What was your team, Dino?"
Dino thought, "Well, my first Vivosaur, the one that was always with me, was U-Raptor. In that battle I recall having him, T-Rex, and Elasmo. Those three were, and still are, a great team." he looked at me, "I'd challenge you, Dina, but I won't. No offense, but you'd lose."
I stopped drilling for a heartbeat, "Why?
He blinked. "Well, all of my Vivosaurs are Rank 20 and Super Revived. Your Vivosaurs aren't even close to being that strong."
"Super Revived?" I asked. Dino nodded, "They can either change form or color by integrating a silver or gold fossil rock. I'll show you them later, and nice work on your match before, sis!"
"Thanks!" I smiled. Now I understood his concern. His Vivosaurs were at max power. They'd kill mine if I let them fight...
Then the timer beeped and all of us looked at the giant fossil. We'd gotten a little careless, but it was still able to be revived. The attendant put the fossil in a special revival machine that duplicated the fossil for us.
"It's a Peloro." he said. Bright, crimson sparks flew around in the chamber until a blinding flash lot up the room. Three matching Dino Medals were sitting there for us with little pictures of ox-like Vivosaurs on them.
"Cool, cool, cool, cool, COOOL!" Todd screamed. His eyes lit up with enthusiasm. Dino smiled again, "I'll tell you the rest of that story on my way to Rainbow Canyon, ok?"
Todd nodded, speechless and excited.
I asked as we got outside, "What kind's of Vivosaurs do you have right now?"
He grabbed his Dino Medals, "I have my team I said before, Neo, and Nycto. I don't use Nycto much though."
"Is there any Vivosaur you don't have?"
"I've got most of them, but I need Seismo, Onyx, Tsintao, and Tricera." he shook his head, "You can't imagine how hard it is to get a simple thing like a Tricera on Vivosaur Island."
I reached in my pocket and looked down at Tricera's medal, Would it be best if you went to him? I thought, looking at him. Tricera spoke to me.
'I may be a staple member of your team, but maybe having me with him will help him to think of you. You know, like having you there when you're really not.' he said, and I nodded, kind of understanding what he meant.
"Ok!" Dino shouted, "These are my Vivosaurs!" he threw the three maximum level Dino Medals into the air. A flash of bright, gold light shone as they appeared.
"This first guy is my U-raptor, Super Evolved with a silver body fossil." The U-raptor was different then normal U-raptors due to its evolution. Its body was black, it had deep, ruby red eyes, pale blue feathers, a red belly and teal markings.
"And this is T-Rex, now evolved to a T-Rex Lord." This guy looked like an oversized, overpowered version of the carnivorous beast. It had narrow eyes, huge feet, and long, sharp claws.
"Finally, we have Elasmo. This guy doesn't even look close to his previous form! He's now a Kaishin." Dino was right. Kaishin was silver with pale, pale blue details and red beady eyes with small sharp teeth. It didn't have the slightest hint of being an Elasmo.
Dino quickly retrieved his Vivosaurs. "Well, that's my 'oh so legendary' team!"
Just then, his phone rang.
"Hello?... Duna? Hey! What's up?... Hunter's helping set up the next tournament?... You want me back there?..." there was a long pause, "...Yeah, I'm still here. Tell you what, I'll get on the next flight out of here and meet up with you guys, k?... Alright, see ya!" he shut off his phone and frowned.
"Well, I knew the fun wouldn't last long..." he sighed, "Sorry that I gotta leave so soon, Dina." My heart felt like shattering, but I said nothing of it.
"I understand. And Dino..." I took a glance at Tricera, who encouraged me, then handed him to Dino, "You might want this. Take good care of him for me, ok?"
"W-wha...? You're giving me your Tricera? Dina, I..."
"That way you'll always be able to have something of mine with you." I said. Dino smiled, then grabbed my hand and placed one of his Medals in it. "Then take this, to keep with you." he hugged me, and I returned it. Then he waved goodbye.
"Awww, man!" Todd whined again.
"What, Todd?" I asked.
"He didn't tell me the rest of that story!" I laughed and put my hand on his shoulder. I watched my brother walk away, then looked down at the Dino Medal that Dino gave me.
...Nycto.
I ran ahead of Todd, still disappointed that my brother had to leave so soon, but then I noticed a girl and her dog walking around the dig site.
Todd walked next to me, "What'cha looking at, Dina?" he looked over my shoulder, "Aww, cool! That Fighter has a dog! We should go say hi!" I nodded, knowing he would probably do it even if I said no.
"Hi!" he said as we approached them, "I've never seen a Fighter with a dog before!"
The girl's voice had a thick accent, "My goodness. I am glad, no? At ze moment I was thinking... Ah, but no. It is nothing." she smiled, "Bonjour, Fighters! My name is Joanie." she motioned to her dog, "And zis is Madame Pooch. She is entered with me in ze Cup."
"I'm Todd, and this is my friend, Dina."
"Hi." I said shyly. The girl suddenly gasped and I jumped.
"Sacre bleu! I was almost forgetting! I have discovered here a thing which is being quite lovely." she pulled an odd object from her backpack. It was a bowl with odd spikes coming out from underneath it.
"It is lovely, no? It is big and round, and so I have made with ze filling it with fruit!" Todd and I exchanged weirded out glances.
"...Well, she's different." he stated quietly to me.
"Bark, bark, bark!" Madame Pooch yapped. "Of course, Madame Pooch! We shall be making ze exit now." Joanie waved, "Adieu, Todd and Dina!" the pair then walked off.
Todd murmured, "Er, well, I guess we should deeper into the dig site now, right?" I nodded, "Yeah. I'm dying to see what kind of fossils this place has!"
We walked along the bridge to the other side. Todd kept glancing nervously from side to side as if the bridge would fall at any minute, which was impossible because that thing was being held together with so many cables. Terry was standing on the other side.
"Hey, it's you two!" he exclaimed, "You beatin' the heat and diggin' your digging?"
"Yes!" Todd said happily, though truthfully we hadn't dug up anything yet.
Terry pointed to the cliff side were a lift stood, "Well, one of the things that makes Rainbow Canyon a premier dig site is that Fighters can excavate using the gondola! All you gotta do is get in and pull the lever up or down to move."
Todd's eyes were wide with excitement. "There's also a place at the bottom for some additional digging. Well, you two have fun! See ya!" then Terry walked off.
Todd jumped in the gondola, "Well, come on, Dina! The digging won't do itself!" we rode slowly down the cliff, digging the whole way down.
"I never would've expected that, I mean... You got two giant fossil rocks in one day!" Todd shouted. I'd just dug up a new one on the way down, as well as a new normal fossil rock.
"I told you you could help me so you can get one, too, Todd."
"But it's not the same as getting one myself!" he pouted. I noticed suddenly that a girl was walking around, distressed. She looked awfully familiar.
Todd followed my gaze, "What are you looking at, Dina?" he noticed the girl, too. "Oh, there's someone there." we walked a little closer to hear what she was saying.
"...Where is it, digadig?" she muttered, "Without it, I..." she walked around again, searching for something. "Hmm, I know I diga-dropped it right around here." She resumed searching again. Todd
looked up at me, "Do you see that, Dina? That girl..." he held his hands up to his face, "...She is SOOOO CUTE!"
Then it hit me. I knew I recognized her! It's Pauleen! She wasn't lying about herself, I suppose. I didn't tell Todd, though. I wanted him to find out for himself that he had a crush on her himself. He would die.
"Come on! We should go help her!" he said with happiness, then slowly walked over.
"Hey," he started, "Are you having trouble? ...Because I can totally help!" Pauleen whipped around, "Giyaa!" she screamed, then hid behind a huge rock, peeking around the side. Todd looked disappointed at scaring her.
"Whoa, wait! Sorry! We're nice, I promise!" he turned to me, "Right, Dina?" I nodded, trying to suppress a laugh, "Look, I'm Todd, and that's Dina." a big smile crossed his face, "I wasn't expecting to find a cute girl like you wandering around Rainbow Canyon!" he adjusted his hat, "Someone must have dropped an angel, because I can see myself in your eyes! ...Wait, that's not how it goes." Todd was terrible at flirting with people, but it was amusing to watch.
He blushed faintly, "N-never mind, what do you need? We saw you looking for something."
She stepped forward hesitantly, "Can you... help me, digadig?" Todd jumped forward, making Pauleen jump back a little, "SURE!" he shouted, then looked at me, "Right, Dina?"
"Todd, you're scaring me..." I murmured. "What was that, Dina?" I spoke up, "I said yeah, sure!" Todd jumped gleefully, and we both listened to what she had to say.
She looked down shyly, "Ok... I dropped something very important, digadig. Please, diga, help me find it." she said softly.
"Don't you worry!" Todd said, "Just stay right there and we'll find your... Um... Your... Hey what are you looking for anyway?" She met Todd's eyes, "You will know, digadig. It is big and round and helps to protect me." Todd gasped, "Hey, that sounds like the bowl Joanie found!"
"We'd better find her, then." I said to him, then turned to Pauleen, "We'll find it for you."
"Thank you, digadig." she said happily.
Todd turned and walked to the gondola, "Well, let's go then, Dina! We have to find Joanie!"
We got to the top and we found Joanie almost instantly. She was at the top of the cliff with her dog admiring their "bowl".
"A bowl zis big, it is rare, no?" she asked Madame Pooch, "I can fit so many things inside it! Like cheese! Or ze baguette!"
"Ar-ooooo!" her dog exclaimed.
"Wait! Waaaaaaait!" Todd yelled, as if they were going to just disappear into thin air. The pair jumped at his sudden shout. "Ah, it is Todd and Dina. You are well, no?"
We explained the whole ordeal about the girl and how she was missing the "bowl". Joanie blinked, surprised, "Escargot! The owner of ze bowl, she is missing it, no?" she sighed, "Ah, it is a shame. We have grown so attached to ze bowl, you see?"
She thought for a moment, "Very well, we shall return ze bowl..."
"ARF, ARF, ARF, ARF!"
"No, no, Madame Pooch! If we do not return ze bowl, we are no better than the burglar of cats, no? ...Although, you may be more of ze dog burglar."
Todd and I exchanged embarrassed looks, then Madame Pooch proceeded to growl.
Joanie laughed awkwardly, "Ah! You do not find ze joke to be amusing, no?" but Madame Pooch suddenly barked an idea, or at least I think it was. "...Ah, I see, I see. Very well, zat is what we will do." Both Joanie and her dog turned to us, "Ahem!" she cleared her throat, "...We want to make ze Fossil Battle with you. If you can defeat Madame Pooch, we shall give you ze bowl."
Todd looked completely confused, "...You want us to battle your dog?"
Joanie shook her head, "Ah, no. I have not said zis correctly. You will make ze Fossil Battle with me, Joanie." Todd nodded, now understanding, "All right, we can have a Fossil Battle!"
Madame Pooch started whining. "No, no! Zat will not do! She wishes for me to make the battle with Dina. Zis is good, no?"
I stared at her, "Me?" but then Todd had to chime in, "Look, lady. We just want the bowl." Joanie looked at me, and I whispered to her, "He likes the girl that owns the bowl."
"Ah, zat makes sense. Well, we shall start now, yes?" Joanie asked. I agreed, "Yes, let's battle!"
I was up against Joanie's Peloro, Tryma, and Machai. I looked down at my Dino Medals. Next time, Nycto. Next time you can battle with me. I thought. Dimetro asumed his position in the AZ, backed up by Coatlus and now, temporarily, Peloro. I get first attack, so Dimetro goes first.
His back sail waves cheerfully as he charges at Tryma, his teeth gleaming in the bright sun, and he clamps his jaws on the little ostrich-like Vivosaur, who squawks angrily. Peloro follows up with Peloro Horn, using the last of our FP. With both range and type advantages over Tryma, we just about take down the bird in one turn.
Joanie's turn is next. She also has a Peloro, who charges quickly at Dimetro. But Dimetro leaps out of the way, just barely missing its sharp horns.
"Oh, zis is not good... Machai! Attack ze Dimetro with the Machai Fang!" Machai obeys, baring its long, saber-teeth at the red Vivosaur. His mouth opens wide as he smacks Dimetro in the side and then sinks his teeth into his arm.
"GRAAAAAAAAAHH!" his pained roar resonates within the large canyon. Joanie's attack landed a critical on Dimetro, meaning he's probably going to be a bit slow for a while due to his injury. He does gain me some FP, though, like his ability always does.
"Coatlus!" I command, "Wing Cutter on Peloro!" The air Vivosaur screeches a battle cry, then angles himself with the ground and moves swiftly forward, turning only when he spins to deliver the attack. The rounds go on for a while before Peloro is finally knocked out by Coatlus's Diving Thrust.
Joanie and I are now sweating from the heat. I call out one more attack, "Dimetro Fang on Tryma!" The little bird jumps for the ground, but it's too late. Dimetro already has it in his mouth as he whips it to the ground. Tryma is now defeated. Machai is last.
"Machai Twist!" The saber-tooth jumps at Coatlus, baring his fangs before head-butting him in the ribs. Then he regains his aim and whips Coatlus's side. The Vivosaur, who had already taken multiple hits from Peloro before, went down. I grabbed his Dino Medal as it landed near me.
"Now, Peloro Combo!"
Peloro charges at Machai, who proceeds to dodge but not before Peloro jumps aside of him in surprise and head butts him backwards. He then run at him again and hits him into the air. Within a few more turns, Machai is knocked out; Peloro is only hanging on by a thread.
Dimetro lets out a victory roar, his scars from the previous Cup battle are now showing by his eye. I feel I bit sad that he was injured that bad, but it seems that he takes it as a sign of strength.
Joanie wails, "Our Vivosaurs, zey have lost!" she pats Madame Pooch's head, "Do not be angry. It was bad luck, no?" Madame Pooch isn't convinced, and proceeds to growl. Joanie simply turns to me, "Well, you have defeated me, so I shall return ze bowl." She grabs it from her pack and hands it to me.
"ARF, ARF, ARF! Madame Pooch woofs happily. "Madame Pooch says ze Fossil Battle was fun. But for now, adieu!" Joanie calls Madame Pooch and she follows immediately.
Just as we head for the gondola, Todd begins to talk about Pauleen, or "the girl", again. "..She's got to be thankful, right? Maybe she'll even like me!" he smiles, them laughs a little. When he obsesses over a girl, it creeps me out.
The sudden beep of my Paleopager alerts me of something. I quickly grab it. Surely Round 4 can't start this soon?
"This is an alert for all Fighters. The BB Brigade has begun kidnapping Fighters from Rainbow Canyon. Todd and me both gasp, "Th-they're whaat?" he exclaims. I quickly quiet him, "As of now, they appear to be targeting young females. Female Fighters are urged to seek shelter immediately."
Todd panics, "They're kidnapping girls? How low can you get?" he gasps, "Joanie's got her dog, and you've got me, but what about that cute girl? She's probably in real danger!"
He quickly jumps into the gondola and drags me in without a second thought, "Come on, we have to get back and find her!"
The instant we get to the bottom of the canyon, the more panicked Todd gets as the girl is nowhere to be found.
"Hello? Hey, cute girl! ...Are you there?" he turns to me, "W-where'd she go?"
"HELP ME, DIGADIG!"
We turn to see two BareBones Brigade goons putting the girl into the gondola, she's looking right at us as they stand guard by her, "Uh-oh, Meddlers! Let's book it!" They quickly shove the lever up and go to the top.
"NOO! Dina, come on! We have to go after them! They can't get away with this!" his eyes are watery and he looks extremely mad. I quickly nod my head, Alright, Todd. Let's go now."
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Me: Once again, my apologies for having this a week late. (truthfuly, it was done last week but I got sick and wasn't able to post it until now..) I have many, many big school projects due next month that I haven't started. Plus I'm also working on a bunch of other stuff, too, so story writing isn't my top priority right now. I will continue the story, even if the chapters take a while to get done. But you know, school comes before stories unfortunately, so they'll be a little late but I will still work on them. I hope this one's not too terrible because I really had to rush it...
Please review!
