Journey of the Soul: Journey's End
Souls
Souls, or spirits, are what gives people their character. Every creature on this earth has a soul, be it good or bad. For the longest time, souls were known only as myth and the words of a madman. Of course, it is very easy to believe now.
Mere moments ago, all of the earth bore witness to what happens when a soul is pushed to the absolute limit. They saw the sky light up with fire, and what looked like stars shoot across the horizon. And Now, the world can rejoice knowing that they have been saved. That is, except for a few people.
As Spinax tore through Arawn's draconic body, practically splitting in half, he didn't feel happy. He didn't feel sad either. He felt…empty, like a part of him was missing. This had happened before, but it usually went away whenever Hunter talked to Him. Spinax shot through the sky for a brief moment as Arawn's body exploded into a fiery mass that spiraled down into the ocean. His wings of fire disappeared and, using a controlled burst of wind, landed safely on the ground next to Duna. He felt the energy from soulflame leave his body. The feeling didn't go away. It didn't go away when he brought the unconscious Duna back below to the group of aquatic vivosaurs. It didn't go away as he turned back into a medal, and it certainly didn't go away once Todd landed next to him on his Ptera and began crying.
"I swear." He cried, "the one time I leave you alone and you go and do something like this." Todd fell to his knees and shouted.
"Damnit Hunter! You promised you'd be there for me!" Spinax didn't cry out like Todd. He didn't feel bad for Duna, who was blissfully unaware of what just happened. He felt….
Nothing.
That day, Todd went back to the mainland with a message. Lila Frost and Hunter Cloud, were dead.
….
Three days later
….
The world was celebrating, albeit very subdued. This was nothing like the way everyone celebrated being saved by guhnash. There were no mobs of people flooding the streets. There was no chaos. This was orderly. Everyone had walked out onto the plaza of caliosteo island together. They were waiting for two things:The mammoth vision and a helicopter to take a select group of people to vivosaur island. Todd looked around as he held two things. The first was the grey duffel bag that used to be Hunter's. It was filled with his memories, his experiences, an entire record of his life. In his other hand was a medal holder. It wasn't Hunter's, it was Lila's. Salada rested next to Compso and Dimetro. It was…sad in a way. Todd didn't have the heart to call out the vivosaurs. They could remain blissfully unaware of what had happened. But at the same time, shouldn't they have the right to know? What should he do? What's the right choice? What….what would Hunter do?
"Damnit, can't cry." Todd wiped the moisture from his eyes. He doesn't deserve the right to cry. He said he would be there for Hunter and he wasn't. He couldn't get through Arawn's barrier. He couldn't save Lila, he couldn't save anyone.
"Hey." Todd felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to look. Rupert and Pauleen were behind him.
"Man, were have you guys been?" Todd faked a smile, "I haven't seen you all for three day."
"I was diga-dealing with some personal stuff." Pauleen looked strangely straight faced. Then Todd remembered what Hunter told him about Pauleen.
"Oh….yeah. Sorry."
"It's fine."
"I was discussing matters with my father." Rupert continued, "it seems I will be employed as a secretary to the fossil battle department if I wish."
"Wow, and it's your call?"
"It is. My father gave me the choice, and I accepted. I have a lot of ideas on how to improve digging efficiency. It will make the experience a lot more….fun." Rupert smiled at that. Todd nodded.
"What about you pauleen?"
"Me? I'm gonna be an idol of course!" Pauleen winked.
"Really? I thought-"
"Yeah, I know I saidiga a lot of that stuff while…I had the mask on Digadig, but I wasn't lying. I think it would be awesome! Besides, I totally have the looks for it diga." All three of them laughed. It was nice to talk about their futures, a future where they chose what happened. The future that Lila trusted Hunter with, and the future that Hunter gave to all of them.
"And you Todd?" Rupert asked, "what will you do?" Todd looked at his medal holder.
"Y'know, I always wanted to be a world class fossil fighter. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that maybe I just wanted to be a fossil fighter because that's all I ever knew. I'm not the strongest, not by a long shot. But…I don't have to be. I don't know what I'll do with my life yet, but that's fine. Because I can choose later. I have that choice."
"A fine answer." Rupert nodded, "this may not be my place to say, but I'm sure Hunter would be proud of you."
"…thanks." The three stood in silence for a second before a familiar sound filled the air. The mammoth vision came into view. Instead of Joe or anyone else appear on the screen, it instead showcased a lush green park scene. The scene panned upwards to show a massive rock wall. Inside that wall was a complete tyrannosaurus skeleton. It was the park area of vivosaur island. Todd slowly pulled the photo binder out of the bag and flipped to the page he was looking for. It had a picture of Hunter posing dramatically in front of the T-Rex statue while Duna's thumb covered the top corner of the frame. There was a cliff note under the photo. It read: note to self; when Duna asks to take a photo again, remind her to hold the sides of the camera and not the top.
"That's where they're gonna out the memorial, right?"
"Yeah." Surprisingly, a memorial had been made before Hunter had assumed the fake persona of Hunter Elwood. Since he was presumed dead, there was a bit of a sermon honoring him, despite how many people didn't believe it. The statue that was constructed at the time, honoring Hunter for saving the world from Guhnash, showed him as the much younger boy he used to be. Todd barely recognized him when he first saw it. So, when he was given a passport to go to vivosaur island to see the memorial being placed today in person, he accepted immediately.
"I guess I should get going then." Todd gestured towards the helipad.
"Oh, right. You got the invitation." Pauleen commented.
"Yeah, sorry you guys can't come too."
"That's quite alright. If anyone of use should go, it should be you."
"Right…take care guys. I'll see you around." Todd turned and left Rupert and Pauleen on his way to the helipad. He could hear helicopter blades in the distance, but it wasn't reassuring to him. There was one more person that was going to come with him, but they hadn't shown up. In fact, he hadn't seen them awake since they split up to deliver Spinax.
…..
Duna was alone, sleeping of course. There wasn't really a reason to do anything else. Waking up meant being awake, and being awake meant being aware of what was happening. Aware of how the two people closest to her were dead. Duna let her consciousness drift away and she clamped her hand around the Dino medal she refused to let go of since it happened. When she awoke, she was not in the fighter's lodge room that Todd had let her stay in. She was standing somewhere in the dark. The only light was from a few shining stars high up in the sky. Aside from that, she couldn't see anything.
"What…..what is this place?"
"Oh, didn't expect you to be here." The voice startled her. Mostly because of how loud it was, but also because it sounded oddly familiar despite never hearing it before.
"Who are you?"
"Good question, here's another good question, how'd you get here?"
"I believe I asked first."
"And I believe I don't care." The voice didn't say anything else after that, so neither of them spoke. Instead, Duna watched the small cluster of stars above them twinkle for a bit.
"This place….what is it?"
"Honestly, good question. I…I've never been here before, but I've heard of this place before."
"From who?"
"…if you are who I think you are, then you won't want to hear the answer."
"…Hunter."
"He always was a secretive little bastard wasn't he? He kept this place even from me for a while." Duna was on the verge of realizing who the voice was. No, that's impossible. They shouldn't be able to make contact, especially not within his own soul.
"Are you…."
"Not Hunter, and never will be. Sorry."
"I wasn't going to ask that. Hunter is…..Hunter is gone." Then, the voice made a deep rumbling noise. It was…laughter.
"Man, you have no idea how much I've heard that the past few days. Hunter's gone. He's gone. My best friend is dead and there isn't a damn thing I can do about it. I was SO USELESS. ME! I was the one who wasn't strong enough! I always told him to rely on me, that I could take care of anything that got thrown at us. And then I had to go and be the one who died, who left him alone. Why did I do that? There had to have been some way. Why wasn't it me? Huh? ANSWER ME!"
"I…don't know how to answer that." Instead of getting even more mad, the voice let out a sigh
"I know. I wasn't expecting an answer. Hell, I wasn't expecting you to say anything after that. I just…wanted to yell."
"I understand…Spinax."
"Took you long enough." Duna saw green light at the end of the plateau. Her eyes adjusted for a moment and she saw Spinax sitting on the edge with his crystal emitting a small glow. They way he sat like a person, it was almost comical. Duna slowly walked over and sat next to him.
"So, what is this place?"
"Well, it's supposed to be the inside of a soul." The words sent a chill down her spine.
"Hunter and Dino used to fight here before they worked it out."
"I see….Is this your soul?"
"Not sure. Doesn't feel like it. Yours?"
"I…don't think it is."
"Oh, wait. I know a way to find out. Hunter told me this." Spinax held out a claw. Slowly, stars began gathering around his claw and formed a silvery orb. When the orb dispersed, a stream of blue fire shot outwards towards the sky.
"Man, I'm gonna miss being able to do that. Anyway, turns stars into memories. Pretty neat. Of course, making something both of us remember probably wasn't the best way to narrow it down."
"I see… then allow me." Duna held out her hand. Stars clustered around her wrist until, slowly, they formed a silver orb.
"Now, do I need to think of a specific memory?"
"Nah, it'll be random if you don't, which is what we want."
"Okay then," Duna let the orb drift away from her hand. Slowly, it dissipated. Instead of an image or object, a voice resonated out. A voice she didn't think she would hear ever again.
"YOU HEAR ME! I WILL HAVE HOPE!" It wasn't a line she had heard before, but there was no doubt. That was Hunter's voice. Duna looked to Spinax.
"I've….never heard him say that." Spinax commented.
"I was the one who heard that." A new voice caused Duna to turn her head. Behind them was a mass of shadows standing there. Through the shroud, she could see two glowing blue eyes.
"You…you're."
"I'm me. That's all." The shadow answered, "thing is, he was me too."
"So…this is your soul then?"
"This was…our soul. I guess now it is just mine. Before Hunter…died, He passed the rest of his soul onto me before it burned away. The part of his soul….and the part of Lila's that she gave to him. That's what's keeping me here. Alive, but not, I think."
"Kid…I'm sorry." Spinax shook his head, "I wasn't there-"
"I'm gonna stop you right there pointy. What Hunter did was his call. If anything, be pissed at him for not doing anything about how unfair this is."
"Dino. Pardon me asking, but if you're alive then where are you now?"
"Good question. Our body is somewhere at the bottom of the literal ocean by now. Hell, with the tides we'll probably wash up on shore on vivosaur island any minute now. As for the soul, purgatory's probably the best term for it. I'm stuck here, with no idea where the actual soul is."
"I see. Then Hunter…sacrificed himself for you."
"Not really." Spinax shook his head, "you guys are the same person right?"
"I guess."
"Good enough for me. Then let's get your ass back to the land of the living."
"Huh?"
"Spinax, you…" Duna started, but didn't finish that sentence.
"Hunter was my best friend. The least I can do is make sure half of him gets a shot at living."
"Don't give me hope." The shadow looked as if it sat down, "I've been trying to contact you guys ever since I got here. We have no idea where my soul is. I'd need a body, which is currently in the largest unexplored area of earth."
"Which means you gotta be somewhere close by right?"
"…."
"Duna, What's Hunter's soul range when he reached out?"
"When he contacted me, That was approximately 100 miles."
"Oh revival machine. He's on vivosaur island"
"How can you know that for sure."
"Because it's convenient for me. And if this world has taught me anything, it's that life is incredibly convenient for me and inconvenient for Hunter." Spinax turned to Duna.
"Can you still get to the memorial ceremony today?"
"If I leave now, the helicopter should still be there."
"Then let's go. Dino." Spinax stared at the shadowy mass for a second.
"Sit tight. We'll get you back."
"Y'know, it kinda pisses me off that you're both using me a placeholder for Hunter right now." The shadows dispersed. There, in his tattered white shirt and dirty jeans, was Dino. He looked older. His hair was longer, he had a bit more muscle on his bones, and he had definently gotten taller since last time Spinax saw him. Hard to believe that it had been almost half a year since then.
"On the other hand. I know Hunter would deserve this just as much, if not more, than me."
"Dino," Duna walked up to him, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you. Hopefully this will make up for it."
"…damnit."
"Is something wrong?"
"You look way too sad. You should smile, yeah?" Dino pushed up the edges of his cheeks with his fingers into a wide smile.
"…I'm not the only one who looks sad."
"Yeah, I hate smiling too. But, I know it's what Hunter wanted. A world where people can smile and be happy. So smile, you've got a nice smile anyway."
"I…see." Duna gave her first genuine smile in three days, then immediately began to cry.
"Sorry...I should be more composed."
"I get it. Now, you two get going." Dino watched as both Spinax and Duna slowly disappeared. He walked over to the edge and sat with his feet dangling off. Dino leaned back and clasped his hands behind his head. Stars began to gather around in front of him. They spun together, forming another silver orb. Dino watched as it slowly dispersed into a small scene in the sky. A boy on a boat, looking out to the horizon with no idea what was in store for him.
"…what would coming back do?" Dino thought to himself, "what would I live for?" He tried to think. He wanted his life back, but something was different. Whenever he thought back to what he missed about his time living, he didn't think of being in control. He didn't think about walking through the woods with Todd. He didn't even think about being on vivosaur island. He thought about being with Hunter. He thought about making jokes with Spinax at Hunter's expense. He thought of taking control and talking to Duna frankly for the first real time. He thought of seeing Todd through Hunter's and feeling…proud of how far he had come. That was the life he wanted back. Life as the other half...
"Ironic," Dino chuckled. A single year slid down his cheek, "Hunter tried so hard to help me out and what I wanted, I already had." Stars began swirling again. This time, it was every single star in the sky. Every memory. The good, the bad, the heartwarming times, the bitter tears, the entire journey, it all swirled around Dino like a tornado. Soulflame flared from his eye as he stood up.
"Resonating with your soul to the point where you can cross over from a place between life and death." Dino smirked.
"Sounds like bullshit to me. But then again, that bullshit killed a god."
….
"I'm surprised you actually showed up!" Todd shouted as the Helicopter took off, "Not that is blame you if you didn't. But still, uh, I thinks it's a good thing to be there when uh-"
"I understand." Duna replied. There was a silence that hung in the air afterwards. Todd didn't really know what to say, and Duna was debating whether she could say anything at all. How would Todd react to knowing that they could bring Dino back, but not Hunter. She looked at the Dino medal in her hand again. Technically, Spinax is her vivosaur now. It didn't feel right.
"Todd, can I ask you something?"
"Hm? Sure."
"If I were to say there is a way to recover…Dino, how would you respond?"
"Dino…" Todd looked down steadily for a gods minute.
"I guess…I'd slap him and call him an idiot."
"What?"
"And then I'd give him a hug and probably cry. I'd do the same if it was Hunter, their the same person really, he told me so. So I don't see a reason to treat them any differently. Although, if we're talking about impossible stuff like coming back from the dead, I guess I'd be happier if both of them came back."
"Yes, that would certainly be the ideal situation if possible."
"Duna…..you're talking like this is something that could genuinely happen."
"Perhaps I am. Perhaps it could."
"Then I don't know if that's something you should do."
"…what?"
"You're 'hypothetically' talking about bringing back the dead. That's a false hope, there's no way to…" Todd sat in silence for a moment. Then, his eyes widened.
"Oh my god, that's what I missed!" Todd jumped up.
"Duna! How are you planing to bring Dino back?"
"Well, presumably we'd need to bring his soul to his body again. We are currently unaware as to the location of the soul, but Spinax is certain the body has drifted to vivosaur island.
"So, hypothetically, you'd need to imbue the body with enough energy from the soul to charge it back to life, like a defibrillator."
"I suppose so, it might require me to reach out to Dino's soul again."
"Maybe, maybe not. Tell me Duna," Todd was practically jumping, he reminded her strongly of when they first met on vivosaur island, "what is a common machine that imbues the remnants of a soul with so much energy that it bring the whole creature back to life with a restored body?"
"That's….Todd, are you trying to say we should put Hunter's corpse in a revival machine?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying." The helicopter was silent for a moment aside from the whirring of the blades that could be heard from the inside.
"I mean, think about it. Dinaurians are essentially evolved Dinosaurs, so it makes sense that we should be able to put them in revival machines. Hunter's half Dinaurian."
"37% Dinaurian."
"Not really sure how that works but okay, so why shouldn't it work on him?"
"Because you're assuming you could put a living being in a revival machine and expect it to…..OH MY GOD!" Duna's shouting surprised even Todd.
"TODD! YOU'RE RIGHT! I never realized it before because it's not how I was brought back, but this could work! Do you know how we brought back Hunter from fighting Guhnash?"
"Uh….no, I wasn't there."
"We put him in stone sleep! Stone! As in, a compatible material with a revival machine!" Todd had a realization, then began to give a wide grin.
"I'll be back." Duna said in a dead serious voice while she fiddled with the pendant around her neck.
"Did you just-" Todd started, but she was already gone before he finished. He looked out the window to see the churning ocean below him. It reminded him of when he first came to the islands. It was a good feeling, one he shared with Hunter and, technically, Dino.
…..
The ocean may seemed calm on the surface, but underneath in the parts surrounding vivosaur island, it was a much different story. The water surged as the tide crashed ashore. Children were scampering across the shoreline, trying to find what washed up from the waves. If you were lucky, you could find a couple sand dollars that you could trade with the other kids. If you were REALLY lucky, you could find some kind of treasure someone dropped into the ocean by accident. If you were REALLY REALLY lucky, you could find a fossil and get a vivosaur. However, no one had found a body before. That's why, when someone did, they all gathered around to stare at it.
"Is he….dead?" One of them asked. A few of them looked like they were about to cry.
"No way. Look, you can see him breathing!" Despite the wounds along the body, whoever it was was definently breathing.
"How long was he underwater?"
"No idea, shouldn't we go get someone?"
"Uh, yeah, let's do that." Two kids in the crowd started to run off. The others gathered around the body.
"You sure he's breathing? Maybe he needs…mouth to mouth?"
"No way, he looks gross."
"Ewwwwww."
"Who the hell…are you calling gross." The kids all jumped as the voice filled their heads. They could've sworn it came from the body, but everyone was staring right at it and nobody saw his mouth move.
"Maybe we should j-j-just leave it here."
"Y-yeah, good idea." They began to move away, but not before the two kids who left came back with someone. Someone who they looked up to as the youngest master fighter on the island.
"Come one Rosie! You gotta check this out!"
"Oh, alright. I'll take a look at this 'body' you all found." Rosie Richmond had taken a part time job babysitting. Her grandfather said it would help 'build character'. She didn't mind having to work for money, but still, she much preferred fossil battles.
"And when I show you that its probably just a strange cluster of seaweed, you have to promise not to stick gum in other kids hair again. Honestly, the memorial's starting soon, couldn't you hav me wai-" Rosie froze as soon as she saw the body. There was no way, right? It was a trick of the eye. This couldn't be who she thought it was. No way, he was gone….right?
Rosie started running.
…..
The island was abnormally quiet. Despite the massive crowd gathered around the park area, no one spoke more than a hushed whisper. There where rumors of course, of the idea of whether or not they should be allowing the Dinaurians on the island to attend here. Especially after Dynal had spoken to them.
Dynal had revealed the true reason that Dinaurians came to the planet, and how Hunter's criminal record is a direct result of their actions. After that, there had been a riot. People were angry, understandably so, that they had been lied to for over a year now. However, thanks to Mr. Richmond, the people had been convinced to allow the Dinaurians to stay on the island…for now. For the most part, it was out of respect for Hunter rather than pity for the Dinaurians that anyone tolerated them at all.
The sound of several helicopters landing filled the air as the guests started arriving from both the mainland and caliosteo island. Todd slowly took a step out from the helicopter and looked around. It had been quite a while since he had last been here. It felt like a lifetime ago. The place had hardly changed aside from the crowds being much larger compared to the preliminaries. The sun had sunk low on the horizon and he could tell nighttime was approaching soon. Other people steeping out of helicopters were much older than him, probably some sort of rich entrepreneur or something of the sort. Todd felt a twinge of anger. Hunter wouldn't want his funeral to become some sort of public attraction. Nevertheless, he started walking, ignoring the attention his slung up, casted arm got him. He tried to move through the crowd, hoping to find someone he recognized so he wouldn't be completely alone. He knew Duna had some sort of plan, but that didn't stop him from wishing she were here so he would at least have someone to talk to. He looked down at the one thing he brought with him: Hunter's bag of personal belongings. He would have to make sure no one took anything from it.
From the helipad, Todd made his way to the park area very slowly. Even with a cast, few people were willing to be behind another person when the monument was placed.
"Friends, we are gathered here today, not to mourn death, but to celebrate life." Someone was speaking. Todd peered over the crowd, cursing that his growth spurt was less than expected.
"The life of a boy, no, a man, who saved every life on earth twice over at the expense of his own. That Man was Hunter Cloud" The man speaking was Mr. Richmond, Todd recognized him from the pictures. Next to Mr. Richmond were two other men. Todd recognized one as King Dynal, the other was a mystery. Behind all three of them and directly in front of the massive T-Rex fossil was the statue shown on the mammoth vision earlier. Todd still couldn't picture it. A smiling young Hunter without a care in the world. And yet, that's what the statue portrayed.
"Before I continue, I'd like for these two gentlemen to speak." He gestured to the man Todd didn't know first. They slowly walked up to the podium.
"Everyone, this is Samuel Cloud. He agreed to come here to speak today. He is Hunter's relative." The crowd fell silent.
"Y'know," Samuel began, "I never really liked that kid. And because of what happened to my family because of him, I could happily just write him out of my life forever now that he's dead." Todd felt anger flare up in him.
"But now this kid who I couldn't stand went and saved the world. I guess I have to be thankful for that." He didn't sound thankful. He sounded like he was waiting to say something else and just filling time."
"Now these people on the other hand." Samuel pointed at Dynal, "what have you done for us? That's right, you tried to kill us all! How can you stand there and act like you have any right to be here!" The crowd was riled up now. People were moving towards Dynal.
"Now, folks." Mr. Richmond tried to get people to calm down, but the crowd was quickly dissolving into a mob.
"They Tried to Kill us!"
"Get them first!"
"He lied to us all!" The crowd was practically overbearing now, reaching towards Dynal. Other Dinaurians in the crowd were being singled out and harassed. It was hard to watch. Todd tried to get in between the dinaurian closest to him and the people around him, but he was shoved aside. There was shouting, screaming, chaos. This wasn't the kind of world Hunter died to protect.
"Everyone, STOP!" Todd didn't even realize he had shouted. And he certainly didn't expect his voice to be as loud as it was. He definently caught the attention of everyone. He quickly gestured to the statue of Hunter before people could dismiss him."
"Think for a moment, Hunter would've have known about what the Dinaurians did too right? He didn't say anything, he wanted them to be able to live in peace. Shouldn't we respect that?"
"Keep your mouth shut kid! You clearly don't understand what-"
"As a matter of fact I do," Todd cut off Samuel, "my name is Todd, I was the first person to know that Hunter was dead. Where were you? Aren't you supposed to be his family?"
"Show some respect for your elders you little brat."
"No."
"Wha-"
"I respect people when they do something worth it. Hunter probably had the most respect from me. And since he's saved all your lives twice now, doesn't he deserve respect from you all too? Shouldn't we respect his wishes?" This got a reaction. People began talking among themselves. Todd knew he was good at public speaking, that's how he was able to rally so many people and their vivosaurs to fight Arawn. They were listening to what he had to say. Now all he has to do was hope that, while he was able to get people to respect a dead man's wish, Duna would be able to bring a dead man back.
…..
The teleportation had succeeded. Duna appeared within several rings of orange light as multiple spinning terminals floated around her. Slowly, she walked over to the wide window to the side of the room and looked out. Black space and stars encompasses her vision with a large orb of water visible just out of the corner of her eye. She was back in the Dinaurian ship, the place of Hunter's creation. Duna couldn't help but shutter. After being on Earth for so long, this place seemed dead and quiet. Especially so now that no more Dinaurians were currently living on it. The ship was programmed to orbit earth until it is needed again which, hopefully, will be never. Duna cleared those thoughts from her head. She wasn't here to relive memories, she was here to keep a person from being one.
Duna started walking through the empty halls as she made her way through the ship. There was no time to stop and look around. Besides, she knew exactly where she was going. The stone sleep chamber was the next room. It was also the only room that Duna was glad it felt empty. There was nobody trapped in stone. Nobody that had to wait to live their lives. Looking back, stone sleep was a horrible experience. Being partially conscious but also having no sense of anything, even if it was just for a brief time compared to other dinaurians, is not something she'd do again, Ever.
Finally, she was in front of the large purple "door" that led to the idolcomp room. Duna's hand twitched for a moment as she was a bout to reach out to go inside. What if she was wrong? What if she was just clinging to a false hope? What if she just gave Dino that same false hope, only to crush his dreams in this moment?
"What if….you never even know because you didn't move forward." The voice made Duna jump. It had spoken directly into her mind. For a moment, she wanted to think that it was….but that's impossible. She looked down into her pocket. There it was, Spinax's Dino medal. She chuckled a bit.
"Hunter always told me you were pushy. I suppose I should have expected this." Slowly, Duna walked through the purple screen into the room. The first thing she saw was the main idolcomp staring her down. She immediately wanted to destroy it for trying to send Guhnash to earth, but then she remembered it was their machinery that they had built. And then she remembered that it was HIS fault. Duna shook the thoughts from her mind and looked to the other idolcomps. Their AI had been shut off for quite a while now, yet they still had plenty of character in their design. Duna never realized just how silly they looked. In a word, they were tacky. She moved to the side and slowly placed a hand on the wall. The wall melted away and Duna steeled herself, closing her eyes. She walked down the hall with her eyes shut. It was only a straight line, and she knew when to stop. However, she wanted to see it up close. If it wasn't there, she would know immediately from the lack of light. Duna stopped once she had reached the space she wanted to be. She could tell that she was directly in front of Specimen X's soul compartment. If she opened here eyes and Hunter's soul wasn't there, then he truly was gone and Dino couldn't be brought back. When Hunter contacted Duna by reaching out, she was on the Dinaurian ship. It was very possible Dino had reached out from here. The only way to know for sure would be to open. Her. Eyes.
"Spinax, I don't know if I can look. Can you tell me if I'll be broken by what I see."
"Probably not, considering I closed my eyes too."
"Thank you Spinax, that was very incredibly helpful."
"Oh god, now you're being sarcastic like him too. What happened to you Duna? You used to be such a nice girl until you started hanging around with Hunter." In spite of everything, Duna laughed.
"It must be painful to speak to me. You should conserve your strength."
"Nah, I know more than anyone that being there, even if it's just to talk to someone, can be a real help."
"I cannot argue with that….Okay," Duna held out her hand, it touched cold glass.
"Please…be there." Slowly, Duna opened her eyes. She expected to see one of two things. She would either see a burning blue soul, or nothing at all. She didn't see either of those things. The compartment wasn't empty, that was for sure, but what she saw partially made her wish it was. What she did see shook her to her very core.
It was a soul. A soul that blazed a bright blue light, but also sparked with green fire. All the while, a small white flame rapidly struck at the soul, tearing away at parts of it. On the screen below the compartment, there was a status report.
Specimen XZ
Soul: Present
Warning: Unknown soul present within containment. Possible effects unknown.
…..
It was Dark and lonely where they were. This was not the in-between, as no one but then were there. Theoretically, they were killed by the same thing so that's probably an explanation as to why. That probably doesn't matter though, as it's unlikely either of them cared about it at this point. One of them thought it was kind of cool though. Their own personal pocket dimension they could send people to. Of course, there were three reasons they wouldn't send anyone else here. One: they would have to kill them with blue fire to do it, and that's just wrong. Two: even if they wanted to, they lost the ability to do that. Three: they were trapped here themselves. That being said, those thoughts didn't cross their mind as the y were being repeatedly punched in the gut.
"HOW DARE YOU!" And now they were getting shouted at, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU'VE DONE."
"Y' you've decided to wait until now to start talking, that's a pretty lame thing to start off with."
"DIE! DIE!"
"Oh wait that's right, you're delusional. I forgot, silly me. We're already dead dimwit, Or did you forget when I blew a hole in your head?"
"I AM IMMORTAL! I AM YOUR GOD!"
"You're sad is what you are. Honestly, just let it go already. It's been….how long now? A few days? A week? A year? Time is kinda screwy here." They looked up at the sky while the other was determined to break their neck. Neither could feel pain, it was just personal at that point. Neither had any of their abilities either. There wasn't even a sky to look at, it was all just a black space.
"Whoever decided this is what my purgatory should look like clearly has no soul." They commented, "where's the stars man? That's kind of my whole motif at this point." They sighed.
"Maybe I should invent a game to entertain myself. Hey you, know any good games?" They responded by trying to rip out his tongue.
"For the love of god, get over it. If anything, I should be beating the crap out of you."
"How can you be so calm?" They responded with words this time, "how can you sit there and act like your life has not been ruined?"
"And who was the one who ruined it? Huh? I wonder who it could've been."
"Your death was your choice."
"Yeah, I could either chose to die by you or to myself and I chose myself. Or are you just mad you didn't get that last soul piece back?"
"Oh, it still exists, cursed to never return to me now that I am here. Mush like how your soul with never return to you. Tell me, how does it feel to be soulless yet again?"
"You get used to it. I want to know one thing though."
"…."
"Why? Why go through all this? Why hurt so many people. You destroyed so many worlds for new life to grow, but wasn't there already life on those planets? Why stop something halfway?"
"Old life should be replaced by new life for the evolution of this existence. You know this. That is why you were created. You are nothing more than a tool to catalyze that cycle."
"By that logic, shouldn't you have died out a long time ago? Aren't you old life?"
"I am the one who maintains this cycle. Without me, it could not continue."
"And would that be so bad? All that would happen would mean that life on those planets would end naturally. Who even told you that was how it had to be anyway?"
"It has been the duty of my kind since our inception. I doubt one of my creations such as you could under-"
"And who told them? Why does that have to be that way? The world is obviously fine without it considering it still exists after you're dead."
"And how do you know that existence itself didn't end with me?"
"Because you aren't a god, and you aren't nearly as important as you think you are. Neither of us are. We're just two people who disagreed. You could've accepted that, but you didn't. It doesn't matter what you think, that's no reason to kill so many people."
"You speak as if humans deserve to live. You speak of a natural end, yet humans have accelerated their own end drastically due to their own selfish desires. What say you to that? If no one erases the disgusting parts of this existence, then they will continue to prosper until they engulf not only your world, but all worlds. What say you to that?"
"Simple, it's not my call."
"…What?"
"The fate of that many people, no matter how bad they are, isn't for me to decide. It isn't for you to decide either. It's something that needs to be determined by all of us. It's not a matter of what you think is right or wrong, it's the will to make a choice. A choice of whether or not you can move forward, with both the good and the bad. The world is filled with ups and downs, but that's what makes it amazing. And if the good can't exist without the bad, then I wouldn't have it any other way."
"You speak with knowledge beyond you. It seems that part of my soul affected you after all."
"One problem with that, I'm soulless now. This is a completely neutral thought, something you don't have. Your entire philosophy spreads from the fact that people decided they should be a judge, jury, and executioner with no say from any other side. That's not right no matter what way you look at it."
"That may be the perspective from one such as you, but I-"
"For the love of god, YOU'RE NOT IMMORTAL! You were supposed to die who knows how long ago! You don't have wisdom, you have memories of how things used to be and you refuse to see it any other way. Guess what? The world changes! It's about damn time you realize that!"
"…."
"I remember when I said that we could talk for the rest of our lives and I wouldn't be able to change your mind. But now here we are, with no lives, no reason to fight, absolutely nothing at all, but all the time in the goddamn universe to talk."
"Very well, then answer me this one thing. Why did you stand against your purpose? At every turn, you infuriate me with your annoying prattling about what YOU think. You were never meant to think in the first place. Tell me, how do you stand there neglecting what you were meant to do?" They shook their head.
"….I could think about this for a hundred years, and given where we are I mean that literally, and I would still not really have the most solid answer. My entire memory, everything I've done, it always felt like my choice. Even if I was playing right into someone's hands, it was still my call. I don't control anything important, but I can control myself. That's how it's always been, ever since I got on that boat.
"Do you truly believe that answer is satisfactory?"
"Hell no, but the last thing I'm doing is giving you closure. So here's the short answer, I'm me because you suck." They stuck their tongue out at the other.
"You petulant little child."
"Bite me."
"You're a mistake."
"You smell bad."
"The only solace from this is that the world no longer has you in it."
"What a coincidence, I was just about to say the same thing."
"You were not."
"Yeah I was, and then you'd sound like you were just copying me."
"Neanderthal."
"Asshole."
"Simpleton."
"Prick."
"Primitive."
"Bastard. Keep going, I've got like 20 more swear words that describe you way too well."
"And I have the rest of eternity to break you into nothing."
"Good luck. You're just another voice now, and I've had several in my head." That last sentence hung in the air for quite a while. The two of them sat in darkness for quite some time. There wasn't anything to do but talk, and both of them were done talking. One of them looked up again. Nothingness stared back. Dear god, this was boring.
"There was a time…when I wished for death."
"I thought we were done talking."
"Then be done. I will talk."
"Be my guest."
"There was a time when I considered my duty as a burden passed on to me through my race. I thought if it as then not allowing me to have my natural end."
"…."
"But that was foolish thinking. There is no choice like you speak of. It is my duty and I shall fulfill it."
"And what made you think that way?"
"…history has always repeated itself. The humans are not the first race to doom themselves, and they will not be the last. Many world have become uninhabitable because of it. They take up space that could be used for new life to grow. Instead, parts of the universe are left to rot. It is only one with power such as mine that can right this wrong."
"…you're one twisted fool, you know that?"
"And you are nothing more than failed tool."
"Hehe." They looked down at their own hands, "then I guess this is a fitting end…for a pair of fools like us."
"Don't mock me."
"Bitch."
"…"
"…no."
"…..Dino?" A burning blue light appeared in front of them. Out stumbled a heap that crashed on the ground while simultaneously being alive with blue flames.
"Holy shit that hurt, how did you make this like cool last time? You got all the swirling water and crap and I'm burning alive."
"…..DINO?!"
"Uh….yeah?" There was a cracking noise as he slapped Dino across the face.
"What the hell are you doing here!?"
"I'm here to get your sorry ass! Which remindS me." There was another cracking noise as Dino slapped them back.
"That's for freaking dying."
"Oh real mature there guy."
"Look who's talking!"
"Hey! I'm mature! I gave up our soul for you!"
"After you knew you where gonna die. Selfish much?"
"Well excuse me for you trying to kill up until like a week before I died! You think I was gonna just hand it over?"
"And you think I'm just gonna sit here and take your shit?!"
"Prick."
"Asshole."
"Dickhead."
"Pillock."
"Pointy."
"Son of a…."
"….Son of a Spinosaurus." They began to laugh. It was a genuine laugh that came from the heart.
"Oh man, did I really used to say that?"
"Dang dude, I'm embarrassed FOR you." The two of them laughed, learning in each other. They laughed until tears came from their eyes. Maybe some of it was genuine crying as well, but neither of them would admit that.
Dino, and Hunter. The other half.
"So anyway. It was nice of you to come and visit, but I don't have resonance anymore. I can't leave. I'm stuck with Mr. feel bad for me over there." Hunter gestured to Arawn. Dino flipped him off for good measure before returning to the conversation.
"Yeah, I figured as much, but listen-"
"No, you're not giving our soul back. It's yours now."
"Okay, so that's plan B down."
"Spinax would be so disappointed in us. So what's plan A then?"
"Well, you know how revival machines work?"
"…that is so stupid it just might work. Although I refuse to believe you came up with that plan on your own."
"I can't take credit. I reached out and heard Duna talking about it."
"Duna…is she-"
"She's okay, but let's be real….I'm not you Hunter. I never have been."
"Huh? What's this about all of the sudden."
"They want to bring me back because they think you're dead. I kept saying we're the same person but…I couldn't be more different. I'm the one who nearly ruined all this. I almost killed you, I forced you to push people away-"
"You helped me understand people better," Hunter started, "you were able to help me when I needed you, and you helped save the world. You're right Dino, you aren't me. Hell, you'd make a terrible me. But you're a pretty kickass you."
"Jesus Christ you sound stupid."
"Thanks. So I guess I just sit tight and wait to be a zombie now right?...if this even works…by the way, how long has it been since I died (man that's a weird thing to say.)
"About three days."
"….well this seems a little biblical if it does work then doesn't it."
"You people and your religions." Arawn seemed amused, "there is nothing for you to worship aside from the false gods you create." Arawn then looked over at the two boys. He noticed something. Now that Hunter was closer to Dino, his eyes were a much more intense shade of blue. Even without a soul, He felt that emotion again. What was it? Ah, yes: Fear.
"YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT PRAYING?!" Hunter's voice shook. It was abrupt, but noticeable. A soul in this world, since it shouldn't exist in this world, it has the ability to pass through things. Say, for example, one vessel to the next. In this case, Dino to Hunter. This also meant that all of Hunter's anger came rushing back to him.
"ALRIGHT THEN, PICK A GOD AND PRAY. 'CAUSE I'M NOT LISTENING." The Fire left Dino and blazed forth from Hunter's eye.
"I believe you said yourself it is not your choice to decide one's fate." Hunter gave a dark laugh before walking towards Arawn.
"Tell that to Lila."
….
Duna ran through the streets, pushing through the crowd as she did. It didn't matter how many people there were, she would push past them all if she had to. In her hands was the soul compartment with Hunter and Dino's mess of a soul still inside it. The second it had glowed a bright blue color, Duna knew that was when she needed to get it to a revival machine.
"Duck!" Spinax's voiced echoed in her head. Duna ducked just as a flock of low flying ducks swerved over her.
"Well, actually it was several ducks, but I think you get the point."
"Spinax, this is hardly the time to joke."
"Right, sorry. Guess I'm a little excited." She couldn't blame him. Right now they were at the very end of the guild area. They would have to run through the park area to reach the fossil center. Although, there was definently still some doubt among them. They still couldn't find the body and there was no telling of this would even work anyway. It was based on a theory, and a pretty loose one at that. Perhaps Dino would simply appear for two seconds and then immediately die if the body was too damaged.
"Hey, don't think about those things." Spinax chimed in again, "instead, think about what you're gonna say when he comes back."
"Right, right. Staying positive. Staying optimistic. I suppose I'll…apologize to Dino again."
"And after that?"
"….I'd like to get to know him. I know that he said that they were the same person, but I…they just seem so different." Duna shook her head. "Sorry, I should be more respectful of-"
"Dino was lying."
"…what?"
"He was lying through his teeth to make you feel better. That's another way you can tell that they're not the same, Hunter promised he wouldn't lie again."
"How can you tell?"
"Because I've known Hunter for all my new life, and I've known Dino for all his life."
"That is….an interesting thought to say the least." Duna continued to run until she had reached the park area. That was when she saw the massive crowd and who was spreading to them. The crowd was obviously angry, and she could guess why due to how all the Dinaurians were being kept away from the main group. However, it surprised her to see that Todd of all people was the one talking down an angry mob.
"Todd!" She shouted, not caring for the scene in front of her. Todd's eyes darted to Duna, then to what she was carrying, and then they widened dramatically. Duna looked down, the white part of the soul had disappeared entirely. She began to panic until she realized something. The only way the soul would return to Arawn was if he was still alive and Hunter was dead. Dino kept their soul in this world because he still exists. If nothing like that exists for Arawn…
Duna smiled.
"Todd! I need to get to the fossil center!"
"Right! Everyone! I need you to clear a path for her!"
"What? Why?" There was a bunch of confused murmuring as the crowd only partly dispersed. Duna tried to move through them by force, but kept getting shoved. She could easily force them away, but that would be catastrophic for Human-Dinaurian relations, especially right now. There was confusion and panic. Why was the person who was trying to get them to be so calm no shouting for them to move? Fortunately, there was someone else who arrived that cleared the current situation from everyone's mind.
"Hey! Everyone move!" It was a girl's voice that shouted. The whole crowd turned yet again.
"…Rosie?...HUNTER!?" Rosie was standing behind duna, carrying Hunter's body like some kind of princess. Even more than that, he was BREATHING.
"Rosie, where did you…."
"He washed up on shore." Rosie answered her. She was practically beaming, "I figured I shouldn't drag him by the wrist this time."
"Could someone pick up the phone please?" Spinax sounded like he was holding back a laugh, "because I freaking called it."
"I figured if you guys want to go to the fossil center, you must have a plan right?" Rosie continued, "so count me in, I owe it to him."
"I…thank you, Rosie." Todd jumped down from where he was and ran to the other two. He turned back to the crowd.
"Everyone, I know you're all confused, but you can see this for yourself. Hunter is still alive and we can bring him back, but I need you all to move so we can do that! Please!" There was a moment of silence as Todd's cry rang out. Slowly, there was a path formed that led straight through the park area. In the distance, Duna could see the dome of the fossil center.
"Alright then, let's get going!" Todd shouted as he started running.
"Hey grandpa! You may want to put away that statue!" Rosie followed after Todd. Duna started running as well. This could actually work. They could actually bring back Hunter.
"Todd, why didn't you just call a flying vivosaur and fly over them?"
"It felt better this way. It's nice knowing people support you."
"I…suppose it is." Duna smiled. They reached the fossil center with minimal resistance. As they entered through the sliding doors, Rosie threatened to slip and fall while carrying Hunter.
"Seriously!? You're not even the one walking!" Rosie shouted at the body as she careened backwards. Duna held out an arm to stabilize them.
"I wonder, perhaps one of Hunter's traits as a hybrid is just being naturally off balance."
"You say that so casually." Rosie got back on her feet and the three of them continued to the cleaning station.
"Quickly, place The soul and the body in the revival machine!" Duna checked the soul, it was still flowing a bright blue. She didn't know why, but that gave her hope. As the two were placed in the machine, Todd reached for the controls. He hesitated for a moment.
"Is something wrong?"
"….what if it doesn't work? What is Dino doesn't come back?"
"Huh, Dino?" Rosie looked confused, "who's?"
"Long story."
"I understand Todd, believe me. However, this entire situation in itself is ridiculous. We are attempting to bring a person back from the dead by putting them in a revival machine. As far as any of us should be concerned, we should all be considered crazy for even attempting this."
"Wait, THAT'S the plan?" Rosie shouted, you guys are insane!"
"I know, that's why this could work."
"That's incredibly stupid logic."
"Exactly."
"Duna, you sound like Hunter."
"I agree," Spinax chimed in, "you're definently starting to sound like someone who'd get shot and laugh."
"I know and I hate it, Todd?" Todd looked at the revival machine looming over him. His hands shook as he placed one over the activation button.
"Alright then, let's go." He activate the machine.
"Calculating fossil score…" the machine beeped. A thought crossed Duna's mind. What if Hunter's body wasn't considered clean enough to be revived?
"That would be simultaneously hilarious and depressing."
"Shut up Spinax."
"Dear god I miss Hunter."
"Assessment complete. Score: 72 points." The group let out a collective sigh. Slowly, the revival machine door opened. Smoke trailed out ominously. It was interesting considering that smoke doesn't usually come from the revival machine unless there was a failure. They all waited a moment.
"Should we…go in and check?"
"I don't-" Duna had already walked into the machine, holding Spinax's medal in her hand. She couldn't see very very because of all the smoke, but nevertheless kept trying to look around.
"…..Dino?" She said to no one in particular.
"…."
"….."
"….you really are a clever little bastard aren't ya?" Duna let out noise that sound remarkably like a mouse upon hearing the voice. The smoke finally cleared. Standing there with tattered clothes, spiked hair, and sharp eyes was Dino's Duna started towards him, then stopped. She reminded herself. This was Dino.
"I mean, seriously, that was the dumbest thing you've ever done, and that's saying a lot." Dino continued.
"Dino, are you okay? Did anything go wrong?"
"Really, passing the soul at the point between us right when you saw the light could've killed me dumbass. You were already dead."
"….Dino?"
"Huh? Oh, hey." Dino waved nonchalantly.
"Right…you have full control over the body now."
"Huh? Oh, cool. I guess I can move when I'm in control." Todd entered the machine behind Duna.
"Dino?"
"What's up Todd. Been a while. I'm gonna take the backseat for a while so imma say I'm proud of you before I do."
"Wait- what?" Todd shook his head, there was a mix of emotions on his face, "what do you mean backseat? You're talking like-"
"Can't even use soulflame anymore you prick. That's like literally the one upside to being stuck with you."
"Oh come on, it's not that bad." The voice changed. It was one they all recognized, "I got by without it for almost 14 years." He turned to see everyone looking at him.
"…Sorry. I…I broke another promise." Duna slowly walked up to him and promptly slapped him across the face. He was then assaulted by a blast of wind from the Dino medal. He looked down steadily.
"I did say it was see you later," Spinax said, "and you know what that means?"
"You were right."
"I WAS-…did you just admit I was right?"
"I did. Glad to be back partner."
"…glad to have you back…partner." He did the respectful thing and dampened the mind link so he couldn't hear Spinax crying. He couldn't stop his own tears though.
"So, I just spent the last three days, from what I'm told, beating the shit out of a dead man for killing my sister. What'd I miss?" Duna promptly slapped him again.
"…I guess that it'd be stupid to think that you could do for Lila what you did for me." He said quietly. Duna punched him in the shoulder and slowly leaned into it until her head rested on his shoulder.
"You promised you wouldn't leave." She said, "you promised you wouldn't let go and now you show up? I was ready to let you go."
"No you weren't." Spinax replied. Both of them heard it.
"…no I wasn't." Todd gestured to Rosie.
"Let's leave them to it. We should probably clear the crowd out too." Rosie, for once, didn't say anything and left without another word.
"See you later Hunter Cloud, good to see you again." Todd said to Hunter. He nodded and watched as Todd left. Hunter looked down at Duna. He wanted to hug her, but knew there was something else he should do.
"Duna, I know I don't have any business asking you to do this but, would you mind following me?"
"….fine."
"Can….uh…can I hold your hand?"
"…..fine." With Duna's hand in his, he led her to where he wanted to go. It was nighttime at this point and it was difficult to see, especially since he was avoiding crowds, but Hunter knew the way like the back of his hand. At some point Duna realized where he was intending to go so she walked next to him rather than behind him. It made him happy that she knew the way as well as he did despite how long it's been since they've both been there. Eventually, they arrived at the small outlook in the park area. The one overlooking the sea. The one Hunter and Duna both considered their place.
Reluctantly, Hunter let go of Duna's hand and leaned forward onto the railing. Duna did the same and they two looked at the stars for a moment.
"Duna, can I ask you a question?"
"We are both well aware that I have more questions for you."
"…..sorry."
"I didn't say you couldn't ask your question."
"Oh, right." Hunter scratched the back of his head.
"Dude, I think she likes you." Spinax commented.
"Shut-…please be quiet Spinax."
"Holy shit was that RESPECT?!" Hunter tuned Spinax out.
"I want to know two things. The first is….do you think Lila would be happy with the way things turned out? As much as I hate to admit it, you probably knew her better that I did."
"What Lila wanted…I'm not sure." Duna looked down at the churning ocean. "I'm certain she wanted to be able to live a happy life, but beyond that, I can't say."
"A happy life…I think…I think that the world can do with a lot of improving."
"And I would say that I agree."
"But, maybe that's what I can fix. I can help make this world the kind of world that would give people like Lila a happy life."
"You've certainly made quite a bit of progress already then. Although I'm sure upcoming peace talks with Dinaurians might damper that."
"So everyone know now then. Good, I don't want to keep secrets anymore."
"I'm glad you feel that way. Perhaps now you won't make any promises you can't keep either."
"…sorry."
"I…understand." They stood in silence for a moment. Although neither would say, they were both taking a moment for Lila.
"You said you had a second question, what was it?"
"Right. Well, I want to know. The way I was when you met me, and the way I am now. Do you think I'm a different person from who I was then?"
"That's….a difficult question to answer."
"Yeah, I guess so. Sorry, you don't have to answer."
"No, I believe the answer is something you need to hear. But first, I want you to tell me why you brought this up."
"It's just…I've spent so much of my life thinking a certain way only to have everything I knew as the truth get flipped upside down multiple times. The Hunter you knew, The optimistic kid who never lost hope. I don't know if I'm that person anymore. Hell, I've literally died…..twice. I guess I'm just….I'm scared I'm not the same person that people look up too. That I'm not the same person that saved the world, that I'm not the person that…you fell in love with."
"….a lot has certainly happened, hadn't it?"
"Yeah….I remember, after I beat guhnash, that I thought life was getting a little boring." Hunter laughed, "man, that must've jinxed it." He sniffed back a tear as he chuckled.
"I don't think you've changed at all."
"…huh? Not at all?"
"You're still immature. You still laugh at awkward situations, thus making the situation more awkward, you still break promises, you still do a terrible job of hiding your emotions, you still are unbearably chaotic to deal with-"
"Gee thanks,"
"….you still see the best in others, you still try your hardest no matter what, you still put yourself last compared to your friends, and you're still the person I fell in love with."
"….."
"Hunter?"
"Sorry, I uh, wasn't expecting that." Hunter turned to see that Duna was now right next to him.
"The opportune moment has presented itself." Spinax rocked the edges of Hunter's mind, "you know what to do."
"Hey, Duna, do you remember what we talked about last time we were here?"
"Yes, I believe it was about human ceremonies, specifically marriage."
"Right, well….will you-"
"THAT IS NOT WHAT TO DO!"
"Gah!" Hunter stumbled backwards at the intensity of Spinax's voice. He prayed that Spinax was only speaking to him.
"Seriously kid. You die and suddenly you think you can just ask that at 15?"
"16."
"…..oh god we missed another birthday."
"Yeah, but that's not that important, you know what is though?" Hunter turned back to Duna.
"Duna, will you stay with me?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm a crazy person. I make so many mistakes and I'm nowhere near the person you deserve. But, I think I can be that person. So, I'm asking that you stay with me until I can be that person for you."
"….I suppose I can do that."
"Thanks. That…that means a lot to me." They embraced, holding each other for a moment.
"When I was dead…Arawn told me I have no reason to exist anymore."
"And what did you say to that?"
"I told him to piss off and then ripped off his jaw."
"Was it painful?"
"Sadly no, but he looked really stupid so it was worth it."
"So tell me Hunter, have you found a reason?" Hunter looked around at everything. This island, these people, this world, all of it.
"Yes, I have." Hunter leaned in and kissed Duna. He wasn't used to not asking first, but it was the opportune moment.
"Spinax?"
"Yeeeeeeeeees?"
"Shut up." Spinax laughed.
"72 million years led up to this. Playing wingman for a walking emotional dumpster fire." He sent a mental image of a smirk.
"I wouldn't trade a single second of it."
"I love you Spinax."
"No homo, but I love you to Hunter."
"Right. I love you Duna." He said that last bit aloud.
"…..you just said I love you to Spinax as well didn't you."
"How did you know?"
"I know you well enough."
"Well now this is kind of awkward…..wait a minute, did you just get jealous of Spi-"
"Shut up Hunter." Spinax spoke as Duna cut him off by kissing him again. Hunter didn't say anything else. He didn't need to.
He was happy, he knew it with all his soul.
…..
Cross: Three years ago, there was a guy who decided "hey, why not novelize the fossil fighters manga? You want to go into writing, it'd be good practice." Dear god, what was I getting into.
Dino: and yet you still make so many amateur mistakes
Spinax: it's not even funny anymore at this point.
Hunter: eh, I've gotten used to it.
Well thanks, asshats. Anyway. This is it, we have finally reached the end of our journey. From humble beginnings to literally cheating death twice. I hope every single person reading this story to completion can look back at the memories they have of it and go "yeah, that was a fun little adventure" whether it be getting hype during fossil battles, cringing at how bad my early chapters are, raging at me for the long periods with no new chapters, or even getting a little emotional during some of the tender moments. It's been one crazy ride and looking back, although there are things I'd do differently, I'm very glad I wrote this story and so many people were able to find enjoyment out of it.
Spinax: *sniff*
Hunter: are you crying?
Spinax: you know what? Yes, I'm bawling my eyes out. Man, my little boy's all grown up.
Hunter: I never was a little boy when you met me.
Spinax: I meant physically.
Hunter:….you little-
OKAY, so before I sign off for good this time, I'd figured I'd leave a little epilogue of sorts. Partly because I think it will wrap this up nicely, but also because I don't want my monologue to be the end for this story.
Dino: So….it's finally ending.
Spinax: yeah, it's been fun.
Hunter: It sure has.
So I hope you all can look back on this story and smile. It's been great, Thanks For Reading!
…..
The boat let out a small horn noise as the last of its passengers boarded the ship. The captain looked at this group. A bunch of ragtag misfits if he's ever seen them, but that's usually the group that goes to vivosaur island anyway. Who knows, he chuckled to himself, he might even end up being the one to ferry the next master fighter to vivosaur island.
With a little effort, the speedboat pushed off of the dock and began slicing through the waves. Perhaps if the start wasn't so rocky, someone would've noticed the flash of white light around the boat. Among it's passengers, Two in particular stood out. One was a very quiet boy. His eyes were glazed over and he looked down steadily. He seemed like he didn't know what he was doing here or what he was supposed to do. The other passenger just walked up from below deck. Underneath their tattered lab coat, they wore very familiar attire. He grumbled as he removed a life preserver from his foot.
"Seriously doc, I know you said you didn't perfect location placement, but if I'm gonna test a freakin time machine at least make sure I don't end up in the ocean." Hunter Cloud took a deep breath and then began to look around. His eyes eventually settled on the zoned out boy. He sat down next to them, saw a stack of magazines, smiled, and then picked up one with a vivosaur on the cover. He pretended to read while he looked at the boy. They were staring down still, but he noticed a slight shift in their eye towards the magazine.
"Interested?" Hunter turned the magazine towards them.
"I…haven't seen…one of those." The boy managed to say. It sounded like a challenge.
"That? That, my friend, is a dinosaur. That one in particular is a velociraptor."
"I…..like it."
"Glad to hear it kid, because you're going to vivosaur island. A place where these creatures are brought back by the remnants of their souls as vivosaurs!"
"Vivosaurs?"
"That's right. They truly are incredible creatures. I'd show you some of mine, but I wasn't allowed to bring them along."
"Oh, okay." The boy looked disappointed, but still was listening attentively. Hunter described vivosaurs, fossil battles, reviving, and what it meant to be a fossil fighter. The boy seemed more attentive. There was more color in his eyes.
"And just like us, vivosaurs have souls that they put on the line when they go into battle."
"A soul…" the boy said.
"Yeah, a soul, something you have," for a second, Hunter's voice became stern and his eyes became sharp, "it's your other half."
"My soul….is my other half."
"That's right," Hunter was back to normal, "say kid, do you want to become a fossil fighter?"
"Me? I…..yeah, I wanna be a fossil fighter!" The boy jumped up, the velociraptor claw necklace around his neck jingled a bit.
"Now that I think about it," the boy kept going, "when I was younger I would love watching fossil battles. I…I'm gonna do that. That's why I'm going to this island. I'm gonna be the best fossil fighter this world has ever seen!" The boy began staring at the edge of the ocean excitedly. He had a shine in his eyes. Hunter smiled as a tear rolled down his face.
"Yeah, you sure are kid. You want to know anything else?"
"No thanks, it's all coming back to me now. I just want to watch the horizon until I see vivosaur island."
"Sounds good. But one more thing. Mind telling me your name? I want to be able to brag to all my friends that I knew a future master fighter." The boy turned, his dark blue eyes shining in the sunlight.
"I'm Hunter, Hunter Cloud." The boy turned back and watched the horizon. Hunter smiled before walking to the edge of the boat where no people were. And then he disappeared, just as a vivosaur would appear into battle, with a brilliant flash of light.