Chapter 6
Zoe vs Blaze
It was late evening and the sun was beginning to set over the city and arena, causing the skies to turn a hue of orange with the setting sun and behind it was the swirling tones of indigo amongst the clouds as the sky began to darken, even the first few stars could slowly be seen on the darker areas of the sky. And yet, despite that the arena was still buzzing with activity and excitement, especially since the final duel for the day and first round was about to kick off as the MC called out, "Ladies and gentlemen it is with great pride and joy to announce that the final match of the Fossil League's first round is about to go underway!" He announced earning cheers and excitement as always before holding out his hand to one side, "First off! From the D Team, let's welcome Zoe Drake! One of our greta heroines who helped save Dustberg from the Shadow Empire!" He called out to Zoe as she stepped out from her seating booth down below and began waving to her adoring fans as they cheered with energy.
"Hahaha! Thank you! Thank you! You're all too kind!" She laughed and returned the cheers back at the people's admiration. She was used to being part of the cheering audience when famous celebrities came on the scene, but to be the star of everyone's praise and applause on the other hand, was making her rather emotional on the indie as she felt a feeling of appreciation she hadn't experienced ever before.
It was rather double sided though, as a certain member of his family couldn't help but share ALL of his love and admiration for her at where he sat, "Zoe! Honey!" Mr Drake called out loudly as he tried jumping up and down waving out his arms, given he was rather short and plump himself so he tried to stand out as much as he could for his daughter to see, "Don't be scared now! Daddy's here to cheer you on! Go on and win this for us!" As much as he was supporting Zoe, a minor ulterior motive of his was that hopefully when she wins the people here will trust him to check up on their dinosaurs and make the Pet Hospital back home even more well known in the future!
"Dad….knock it off please?" Reese sighed as she facepalmed finding his behaviour rather immature, and what annoyed her more was that Mrs Drake simply smiled and let him do as he pleased despite the teasing looks a handful of spectators were aiming their way.
Zoe felt rather nauseous and grimaced in embarrassment, "Oh dad….Just how old do you think I am…." She looked away hoping to avoid eye contact with him and several others who were snickering or staring at her, even Max and Rex were eying her in a cheeky way which made her pout with annoyance. As soon as her mom and Reese clapped their hands for her, she nodded firmly with determination, "I'll make you all proud! Just watch me!" She thought to herself as she planned to give everyone a show to remember.
The MC then turned the other direction as he announced the arrival of the next contender who was now making his move onstage, "And in this corner representing our Captain of Fire and our blazing symbol of hope and justice! Blaze!" As soon as the Texan/Australian man heard his name called, he smirked fingering his hat as he turned it around and stepped forward into the spotlight.
It was then a spark was ignited in the souls of the audience which caused them all to cheer and explode with even more energy and excitement, as especially when he eyed them all and flashed a grin their way. "Hehe, hope you're all ready because I'm going to set your souls on fire!" He announced pointing up to the evening sky which was already coloured in the orange hue of fire as they all erupted with immense enthusiasm.
"YAY!"
"Bring in the burn!"
Several male fans and young children shouted though majority of them happened to be female as they followed up with cheery squeals.
"We love you Blaze!"
"He's so totally hot! Literally!"
At another side, the Alpha gang had just came back up from the waiting room having believed they laid low long enough, they even brought Patrick and Dr Owen with them who were still gagged and unconscious though thankfully no one had noticed them return since they were all solely focused on the upcoming match though to be more precise Blaze. For Ursula however, having felt her heart betrayed and broken earlier by him, she couldn't find the energy or enthusiasm to cheer him on as she couldn't forget the look of disgust he shot her way after she defeated Marina.
Speaking of Marina though, at the Captain's side as her husband continued to be showered with amorous praise by many fan clubs, mostly women or young girls, she couldn't help but harden her expression and pout with jealousy as he continued to smile and wave back their way. "Hmph! Does he really have to be that popular? I mean sure he's an icon for Saurus City l but still…." That flashy behaviour of his was part of his charm since they were kids and one of the reasons why she fell in love with him, not to mention his loyalty and faithfulness, but even still she couldn't help but find that he was a little too popular….
As Blaze continued giving back to the people of Saurus City, even the girls who were all head over heels in love, even knowing he was married, a cold aura began to form around her as she even gave off a chill her fellow captains noticed, earning mixed reactions.
"Oh my, seems the water lily is as prickly as a cactus." Hua giggled covering her mouth in amusement like it was out of some rom com skit.
"Hee hee now this is a moment I must document!" Raina cackled as she took out her notebook and began writing down key points to remember this by. As much as she documented and studied dinosaurs whenever there was a new discovery to be made on people she wouldn't pass up the chance for it either.
Craig on the other hand didn't handle it so well as he shuddered uncomfortably as he could literally feel Marina's ice cold jealousy aura come his way. "Brr I can't believe someone so pretty can be so scary at the same time…." he shudder hoping that Blaze would turn up the heat with a red hot battle soon and hopefully warm his wife up before she turned into the ice queen.
On the other side where the D Team sat or stood, Max whistled in surprise and amazement at the support Blaze was getting just by being there, "Wow, that's quite the fanbase he's got there Cera." He commented.
"Yeah, I don't think we've seen any celebrity back home get that much love and attention before." Rex added as he thought back to both Max's time and his own, no celebrity or famous person ever had that much support or energy before as far as they could remember.
Cera smirked, "Heh I'm not surprised given among our captains' popularity poll he happens to stand the highest." She said, "After all given all the great work he's done for us in the past and even now I'm not surprised he's become quite the heroic symbol for Saurus City."
Hearing her mention that piqued their interest, "Oh?"
"What kind of work has he done?" Max and Rex blinked their eyes in surprise.
"Hope you don't mind sharing with us." said Zoe as she returned back to hear her out, given Blaze was still taking his time returning the audience's support, "Do tell, we'd like to know." As with each Captain as they came they couldn't wait to hear about the amazing people and friends Cera had in her life and maybe give them an idea of how they may perform in battle.
Cera leaned her head in the back of her hands as she felt proud to share her feelings with her friends, "Oh he's done some of the greatest works of service for us as long as I can remember from my dad." She thought back carefully as far as she could, "Long ago Blaze signed up to the part of INTERFOL, or International Fossil Police." She explained as she remembered seeing him in a certain security uniform before joining the resistance.
"Dino police!?" Her friends exclaimed in surprise at what she just said.
"You mean-"
She nodded back at Rex with a softer smile knowing where this was coming from, "Mhmm, believe it or not even in a dinotopia we still had our fair share of challenges." She said with a hint of sadness before frowning slightly, "In the beginning, some time after Dino Society had finally stabilied, crime and corruption involving dinosaurs was rather rampant for a while, be it underground dino fight rings, illegal genetic experimentation, smuggling and poaching of either fossils or dinosaurs themselves you name it." She said in disgust as said crimes were merely the tip of the iceberg. An example she thought were the BB Bandits who were evil dino duelists who worked in such shady operations, but they were merely a nuisance in comparison to the next one on her mind, "In fact there was even a time where there was a criminal organisation intended to travel back in time to erase humanity's origins….by wiping out their mammal ancestors after being disillusioned with human corruption and failures being repeated again and getting worse such as from what I mentioned just now." She said with a rather heavy heart which came as a huge shock to her friends, especially Rex who was hit harder than the others.
"Say what!?" Max gasped.
"No way….." Rex breathed sadly realising they'd have to be extra careful and responsible in setting rules or guidelines with time travel when he goes back home.
"I never thought things could that messed up before…." Zoe frowned, now they realising why Raina was sensitive about time travel too.
Cera nodded back with slight regret that it was real, "Yeah that happened, and they even used all kinds of devices to brainwash dinosaurs to use as pawns for their mad ambitions too…." She sighed before smiling lightly given this story had a happy ending, "Thankfully though their plans ended in failure when Blaze and his crew managed to put a stop to them and bring them all to justice, along with erasing any damage they did too." She added at the end, "In fact there was a time my dad actually fought alongside him as his partner too in some of those missions. And boy were they quite the combo…." She nodded with pride at that fact. Though deep down she was hiding the fact that she was real glad none of that happened during the time the Ancients were carrying out their dino rescue project in the past too….If they somehow met who knows how badly the time stream would collapse from such a paradox, and it should be better left unsaid.
"Whoa…."
"That's real awesome…." Max and Rex breathed in awe.
"And even now Blaze's sense of justice burns brighter than ever," Cera smiled as she looked ahead and seeing how Blaze was greeting all his fans and even signing autographs for some of them, "All of his work between organisations to help keep the peace be it as a dino ranger in the nature preserve or as rescue and relief for people and dinosaurs from natural disasters." She then folded her arms on her hips and lightened up, "Thankfully though with dino crime at an all time low things have gotten much better, especially with you guys helping to stop the shadow war and all. But as he once said a hero's work is never done." She then continued, made evident given when not fighting dino crime he often worked in a rescue center for damage relief such as helping to save people from natural disasters, this action packed lifestyle made him tough to the point nothing fazes him and he was totally fearless in the face of danger, though making him somewhat daring and maybe even reckless from another point of view.
"A hero huh?" Max thought to himself before gritting his teeth in annoyance, "Aw man! If I had known how awesome he was I'd have wanted to fight him instead of Raina!" He whined stomping his feet in a tantrum as Zoe patted his back.
"Hehe better luck next time Max." She giggled adding salt to his wounds.
Rex looked ahead at Blaze and smiled, "The way he's acting now, he sure is kinda full of it isn't he?" He commented seeing how Blaze was now striking cool poses for photos or even selfies now, "Kinda like those comic book heroes where they often pose and make those overdramatic speeches for the public and all….." How can he do all that with a straight face was something he wondered.
Cera couldn't help but smile a little at her friend's comment as it brought up another key point about Blaze for her, one she nearly forgot to mention, "Funny you mention that Zoe." She said getting her attention, "You see a long time back Blaze was always a big fan of comic books and superhero shows. In fact those shows and books while you may call childish and cliche in plots, those were what inspired him to be a hero for everyone. "His favourite show of all was Dino Troopers. In fact he has the entire set from their first season in your time all the way to season 20 right now, and he's still keeping up to date." She said which made her friends' jaws gape in amazement and surprise.
"Say what!?"
"You're kidding!"
"Oh no, far from it."
She covered her mouth struggling to hold in her amusement and laughter, "In fact every time a convention comes up it's guaranteed he'll be first in the line every time, he's been so devoted he won't hesitate to camp out in the front line days in advance." She said, "I can't even remember when or even if there was a time he didn't come first….." Cera sweatdropped having heard from her dad when at times they were kids and he was dragged in and forced to camp with him too in their childhood days. Right now his collection of Dino Trooper trading cards and collectible figurines was unmatched, bought using the money he earned while at work and even now it continues to grow. In fact he knew far more about the dino troopers than any wiki page could tell from when each episode aired and the time it aired to even whom the actors were and where they came from. If that wasn't true fandom then she didn't know what was.
Zoe blinked her eyes and felt real unnerved at the thought of it, "That's….real creepy….and we've seen our share of creepy…."
"Man…I mean I like that show a lot too at home but only as one of those Saturday morning cartoons….not even I'm that crazy about it….." Max commented, he could get a kid being crazy about all that but from a grown man is another story altogether.
"You can call it whatever you want, but the fact is his beliefs stemmed from those childish dreams." Cera said rather proudly, "All about justice, saving lives, punishing evil and protecting the innocent….." She started closing her eyes calmly then opening them again, "At first he simply wanted to do all that because he thought it was cool and wanted to be popular since the heroes always won in those stories." She said before smiling feeling touched by the best part of the tale her father once told her, "But as time went on and Blaze grew older knowing how the world worked, he realised heroes do their job because it's a responsibility and it's not about the glory, oh not that's just the surface." She said knowing how well it relates to real life, "It's all about protecting those who can't and above all he wanted to protect those he cared for and protect their smiles most of all. So in the end, being a hero is its' own reward, and he hoped to pass that belief and inspiration he had on to the future generations so they'd use their power to protect too." She concluded in the end, for she knew with fire being the element of energy and drive, Blaze's resolve solidified with him changing the foundation of his dreams and thus diverting his will and desire preventing anyone from getting hurt or ever being sad. And not just simply protecting people in general but to be the icon for them all to look upon and follow an example by so future generations onwards can care for and protect others too.
Her friends stared or gasped in awe and feeling themselves inspired by Cera's words and the very principles Blaze lived by, truly him being an icon was not for show in the slightest, it defined him all the way, "Wow….that's just deep…."
"Yeah…." They breathed feeling that they could relate too, their personal duty to protect the dinosaurs from evil in their time and to set the example for people to come, Rex will be sure to tell his dad all this when this is all over. Also maybe what one dreams of as a child, those notions or bright spirit of youth untainted by world realities if they kept strong they can bring about a great age, not alone but together too.
As the 4 best friends looked at one another they nodded with firm resolve.
"Well, from what we do know everyone is doing their part to make sure the spirit of dino duels comes back stronger than ever to Saurus City." said Rex in agreement with what Cera told them.
"It's a great dream for everyone to strive for together." Max nodded before pumping up his arm withe energy "And we'll be sure to do our part to make sure it becomes reality!"
"Yeah! You bet!" Zoe then agreed energetically.
They soon looked to her seeing it's Zoe's time now to do her part, for everyone was putting in their efforts to make this League a success and to restore the spirit of dino duelling to the masses.
"Zoe, we'll be rooting for you every step of the way." said Max as he put a hand on her shoulder.
"We look forward to it too, show everyone just who we are as the D Team!" Rex held a thumbs up and a confident smirk, for their goal now wasn't to win but to inspire the people too as they have done and to pass on their beliefs to bond with the dinos and their friendships that transcend space and time.
Zoe sniffled feeling rather emotional at the torch being passed to her now, as tears well up in her eyes she then took out a handkerchief and wiped her eyes dry, "Thanks you guys," She sniffled momentarily before Sporting a more confident look, "You can be sure I'll do my best and give everyone a battle we can all be proud of!" She declared firmly as they all nodded her way and smiled knowing she'd do them all proud.
"Hey Zoe!" A voice suddenly called out to her interrupting their moment. As they looked up they saw Blaze had finished greeting his fans and now was on stage raring to go, "Looks like the crowd's getting all stoked up, they're looking forward to us duking it out." He said looking around and the crowds were all fired up more than ever, he had no intention of disappointing any of them after stoking them just now, "What do you say? Feeling up for the challenge and ready to give them all what they came for?" He smirked pushing up his hat.
"Heh, I'll be there to give them a show alright!" Zoe responded back, "Just you wait!" She was about to make her way on stage, before deciding to get a little last minute advice first before gesturing with her hand to the MC she needed a minute, before running back to her friends, "Say Cera, any tips you can share before me and Paris hit the stage?" She whispered.
As she thought carefully about how she ought to put it, placing a finger to her chin, she then folded her arms rather seriously, "I'll say this….play with fire and you're sure to get burned…." She stated making Zoe blink her eyes in confusion.
"O…kay…." Clearly she didn't get it one bit.
Cera then continued, "Basically, Blaze is a man who knows no fear, he doesn't know the meaning of retreat or surrender, he'd rather lose with honour and dignity as long as a primal fire rages within him." Given his past battle records before were to save the world involved him being put in situations where he can't afford to lose, so he will keep going to the end, be it in a real fight or tourney. Plus said battles also involved him training hard to build up said bond and power with his dinosaur to help save and protect the lives of others too. "In fact that fire will get stronger as the battle rages, adding more fuel to it and making it grow stronger along with his duelling spirit. I speak not just for him, but for his dino too, in fact he and his dinosaurs are almost of one heart and mind, that I can say." She concluded, making Zoe regret wanting to understand what she meant more, as Cera ended up painting a way more challenging picture for her.
"When you put it that way…." Max gulped taking it back a little on wanting to face Blaze just now.
"That's gonna be real tough to overcome…." Rex folded his arms in thought.
Zoe then frowned feeling offended her friends were doubting her already, "Oh yeah? Well I'm no pushover either!" She cried out as she pointed to herself, "Like Hua once said, even after a blaze a forest can still regrow….some can even withstand the flames too…." She spoke purely with confidence and being untainted with arrogance. "I'll show them all that it'll take more than a little fire to keep me down!" She declared firmly as her friends smiled back her way looking forward to her battle no matter the outcome they'd be proud regardless.
As she ran up to where the battle was going to be the fans began chanting in excitement.
"Dino duel!"
"I can't wait for this!"
"What a way to end the day!"
Blaze then whistled at Zoe's bravado, "I've gotta say, you're pretty stoked yourself to fight too. I'm impressed."
"Heh, I'm full of surprises, way more than you can expect." Zoe smirked back at him, which made him chuckle in amusement.
"Hahah! Now that's spirit! I like that in a duelist! Especially one who duels for a just cause like I do." He remembers what she did before in Dustberg, and since her heroic deed there he had looked forward to a one on one duel with her for some time. Looking at her and eyeing her carefully, he nodded with folded arms and affirmation, "Mhmm the fire of youth sure burns brightly in you. I can't wait to see how it's used in your future." He thought to himself. As a fire user himself he knew building the fire is one thing but how it's used is another, the power that's used for the empty selfish purpose of being the best of all and nothing else wasn't the power he sought in the slightest. Something Ursula demonstrated unfortunately a while ago, shame given she was the other heroine in Dustberg's story though hopefully one could learn for the better, but that was a story for another time and this was now.
"And now duelists! Summon your dinosaurs!" The MC then announced as they both took out their dinoshot and cards.
"Gladly!"
"With pleasure!" They both said one after the other!
"Dino slash! Parasaurolophus! Bloom!" Zoe called out slashing Paris on her dinoshot summoning forth her Parasaurolophus to full size as she let out a battle cry!
Blaze grinned feeling stoked and a spark lit up inside him as he slashed too, "Dino slash! Daspletosaurus! Burn them to the ground!" Summoning forth his most trusted partner his daspletosaurus appeared on the field and let out a mighty roar of power as the energy dome generated around them in the battlefield!
As the field materialised in full view, Zoe's heart skipped a beat as she saw the playing field was far from even, "Uh oh…." She gulped as a bead of sweat trinkled down her cheek, and she had reason to be anxious for she and Paris found themselves against Daigo and Blaze in a volcanic field where the volcanoes in the far back were erupting lava and they were within a rocky valley at the base of the volcanoes! Already she could see this was a fire battlefield and was already at a severe disadvantage as Blaze smirked with confidence and Daigo let out a fierce roar her way, his battle instincts fired up!
Her friends too sweated and tensed upon seeing her predicament, "This….will be a challenge…." was all Cera could say, she was on her own in there and all they could do was wish her luck.
"Let's see if how that dandelion of a duelist Zoe handles this." Craig contentedly with a serious look on his face while Raina and Marina observed calmly, while Hua sported an expression of concern.
"Goodness! Talk about a worse case scenario! A grass dinosaur fighting in a fiery field as this!? As if that wasn't bad enough, it's like a lamb facing off against a lion! Already the odds are way out of her favour!" The MC announced in shock.
"Gee thanks for the vote of confidence….." Zoe muttered taking offence, she couldn't think of a more biased announcement.
At the spectator seats her family and friends looked worried and concerned not just for her performance in the duel but also her own safety, "Oh my….This isn't looking good for Zoe that's for sure…." her mom spoke.
"It'll be a tall order to pull off a win under these conditions….." Reese narrowed her eyes.
Dr Drake however gritted his teeth and shook out his fist in anger, "Hey! This duel is rigged! Someone redo it! My little girl deserves a do over!" He demanded as Reese held him down from getting out of his seat.
"Dad please sit down and behave…." She said to him sternly before pinching his arm making him cringe and yield. After he did though, her expression softened to that of a concerned front, "Though I have to admit…this is a rather unfair setup…." She said after that as all around her various comments began to come out with doubt and worry for her.
"She's done for! No way can Zoe win this!"
"Bummer, was really hoping the match wouldn't end too quick but guess I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up…."
"This is gonna be a slaughter that's for sure…."
Hearing their lack of faith and near insults to their friend Zoe, Max, Rex and Cera frowned in annoyance their way wishing they could give it to them.
"Tch! I think I know whose hands I WON'T be shaking after today….." Zoe clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes.
"Oh just ignore them Zoe." Blaze then told her getting her attention, "I'm sure they'll all change their tune right after you show them all a battle we can all be proud of." He said to her with assurance and also encouragement too.
She nodded back at him with a smile, "Yeah, I agree to do just that." She then hardened herself, "Even if things aren't in my favour, no way I'm backing out just because of that. That's like the lamest excuse ever!" She threw her arm out saying that before looking behind to her comrades, "My friend Max has given it his very best earlier and so is everyone else here in the tournament to help bring everyone's spirits back up, to back out would be to disgrace them." Zoe explained, "Plus, we've been through way worse situations than this, in fact this is just a walk in the park compared to what we've overcome before!" She smiled with confidence and pumped up her arm, "So you can count on me bringing my A Game to this duel and any other no matter what!" She declared firmly with determination.
Her mature response brought proud smiles to her family and friends' eyes as they cheered her on and applauded her strong spirit.
"You tell em Zoe!"
"Show em whose boss!"
"We're standing by you all the way!"
Others feeling motivated and more assured of her in the duel soon joined in, in response giggled with glee and waved back to them all. As she did so, Ursula pouted with mild jealousy wondering how could she have gotten admiration and adoration so easily compared to her.
Blaze then smirked, "Heh, instead of puttering out her fire is refusing to be snuffed…..The fire sure burns bright in you." He thought. Blaze can tell he was going to like her and looks forward to what she would bring to the table, "In that case in honour of that spirit, feel free to make the first move. After all it's common courtesy for ladies to go first." He offered.
"Hee hee how nice of you." Zoe smiled before turning serious, "Too bad Paris aren't that nice when we get serious!" She declared as her partner bellowed out courageously towards Daigo, who would be her natural predator in the wild but here she could fight back no problem, "Let's go! Emerald garden!" Paris flashed green as she charged a green sphere in her mouth and fired it at the daspletosaurus causing a garden to spread around his legs as he could feel the energy being sapped slowly away by them! "Hehe! Let's see you beat that!" She smirked with confidence.
"And Zoe makes the first move with a powerful energy sapping Emerald garden! Look at how fast those vines are taking up Daigo's energy!" The MC called out as the crowds gasped shocked.
"Nice move Zoe!" Max and Rex called out.
Cera smiled and nodded, "A smart choice, given this field gives fire dinos power it would be unwise to fight head on…." She soon frowned though, "Then again, Blaze isn't as hotheaded as one would think…." Knowing Blaze's burning soul, no way was he just going to sit back and let her do as she pleased.
Meanwhile Blaze put a finger to his chin and smiled, "Impressive…." Clearly Zoe thought this through well, but he was a man of his word and he wouldn't hold back anything, "However, a pretty garden like that won't stop us for long!" He slashed fire move, "Daigo! Burst of flames!" Flaring red, the daspletosaurus fired a stream of flames from his jaws in a circle around him burning up the plants before the energy transfer could complete!
Paris bellowed in surprise while Zoe gulped nervously sweating, "Uh oh…."
"And Blaze counters by reducing the garden to ash in a single move! As to be expected by the best of our 6 captains!" The MC announced firing up the audience again though stirring up a different kind of fire in a few others.
"Tch! He's overrated if you ask me…." Craig clicked his tongue taking offence.
"Hahaha…." Marina laugh amused at that while Hua pouted, seeing how he burned up plants like that, she planned to give him an earful when this was over.
Meanwhile back at the battle things were about to get heated up literally, "I'm just getting warmed up! Go!" Blaze thrusted out his hand as Daigo charged in unable to contain himself much longer! He opened his jaws wide to grab Paris but luckily she dodged to the right as he snapped shut missing his mark only to be met by a battering ram to his head by Paris' crest! Shaking it off he lunged at her forcing her to pull back.
"Paris! Don't let him get too close!" Zoe called out as Paris let out a sonic screech from her crest straight in Daigo's face making him groan and roar in pain as the sound began shattering his ear drums!
"Urgh!" Blaze grunted in annoyance as he could hear some of the sound waves rattle his ears forcing him to cover them up, "Not bad, but not good enough!" In response Daigo focused hard and let out a loud roar at close range which soon cancelled out that of Paris' screech and neutralising it!
Zoe couldn't believe her eyes, "Say wha!?"
"AH!" The D Team and Alpha Gang never thought that move could ever be countered, especially not like that.
"Paris counters with a sonic screech from her crest but Blaze counters easily with a mighty roar from Daigo! Already Zoe is running low on options, what can she do to make a comeback!?" The MC then announced which made Zoe swallow hard as she found one of her trademark moves being rendered useless now.
"Urk…."
Blaze smirked and chuckled, "Usually I don't like to play rough with girls, but this is a battle and it'd also be disrespectful if I held back from using full power, so I hope you won't hold it against me." He said politely but inside he was feeling ever so more stoked than before and he couldn't wait to turn up the heat!
Zoe despite being cornered then smiled with confidence back at him, "No worries, I'll take anything you throw at me and dish it right back at you!" She pointed out at him, "I'm won't go down as easy as you think!" Deep down she still felt confident she can hold her own.
The fire captain could feel that she wasn't trying to put up a front but genuinely believed it so, as he nodded pleased with her attitude, "A good answer, guess that means I won't have to pull any punches then!" Grinning eagerly he called out, "Let's kick this off with a bang Daigo! Critical bomb!" The daspletosaurus roared out as he flared in flames before charging at Paris before she could react! Turning her around he grabbed her tail and swung her around and threw her at some rocks nearby as she smashed through them and crashed several feet away!
"WAH! Paris!" Zoe was starting to regret it slightly but there was no turning back now!
"What brutality!" The MC announced in surprise while much of the audience gasped at the sheer strength in Daigo's throw and the hard pummelling Paris was taking!
Her friends and family winced or gasped at what they witnessed, "AH!"
"Zoe!" Mr and Mrs Drake gasped.
"Ouch…that's gonna leave a mark…." Reese cringed hopefully they'd be able to patch her up just fine later.
Seeing Paris down on the ground battered and sore, Zoe cringed in pain seeing there state of her partner, but mustering up her courage she called out, "Paris get up! Come on! We can still do this!" She cried. Hearing her, the parasaurolophus responded by pushing herself up, struggling hard to do so before getting back on her feet and bellowing back.
Blaze whistled impressed and admiring her tenacity, "Wow you handled that rather well, not too shabby there." He commented tipping his had off to her.
Zoe clenched her hand into a fist and glared at him, "Grr! You wanna play rough? Fine then! Let's see how you like getting your just desserts!" She growled taking a move card and slashing it, "Egg attack!" Even whelk down, Paris let out a cry for help as a series of screeches echoed from different directions which got Daigo and Blazes's attention.
"Hmm?" He blinked his eyes and looking around, he stepped back in surprise as 3 oviraptors appeared from around tall rock stacks in the battlefield and getting into position their fired a barrage of egg bullets at the daspletosaurus, pelting him mercilessly in shells and yolks hitting him at the speed of bullets and forcing him back! "Ugh….disgusting…." Blaze grimaced as he had to pinch his nose at the revolting smell. Daigo too felt rather nauseous himself, for a carnivore with a sensitive nose this was putrid and interfering with his sense of smell as he groaned in pain and disgust.
"Nice counter Zoe!"
"That's the way!" Max and Rex both cheered on with excitement, though others didn't quite share their view.
"Still the way she did it though…." Reese turned green and felt her stomach turn around inside seeing Daigo covered in rancid egg yolk, "I'd have thought Zoe would try something a little more civilised…."
Most of the audience were beginning to feel sick like Reese too as groans soon echoed amongst some of them.
"Urk! I think I'm gonna be sick…." Laura covered her mouth feeling as though she was going to throw up, Rod also bringing her a barf bag just in case.
"I'm never gonna look at eggs the same way again…." He moaned, perhaps tonight they better avoid any crab and egg fried rice.
Back at the battle Zoe got her confidence back as she pointed out at Blaze, "You like that!?" she declared, "I'm not holding back either!"
Blaze grinned back, "Well said, cos it's time for us to pay you back for that!" He retorted as Daigo kicked himself back up and shook the yolk off of him before roaring out fiercely and in anger!
Paris stepped back as Zoe assessed the situation, "He's still going…." He was tenacious as Cera told her, but then so is she! "Go! Chaos green!" Slashing the move, Paris growled green as she created a giant hole in the ground in Daigo's path!
Just as he was about to fall in, Blaze smirked seeing the opportunity for a counter! "Time for one of my favourites! Explosion!" Instantly Daigo launched himself over the whole and spinning like a torpedo, wrapped himself in fire as he shot like a meteor towards Paris and her team!
"No way!" Zoe widened her eyes as many others gasped at the daredevil move Blaze pulled off! She was stunned by what she saw she realised Daigo had gotten in rather close as she cried out, "AH! Get out of the way Paris!" Luckily her dinosaur was able to jump out of the way but barely as she could feel the heat from the meteor flow over her back! Her oviraptor trio though weren't so lucky as they ended up being bowled through by Daigo before reverting to card form! The daspletosaurus then shot through several rocks and a huge explosion erupted on contact!
BOOM!
Blaze narrowed his eyes, right after that, as the dust began to settle, Daigo stomped out undeterred or unfazed even as he roared out fiercely at Paris, unnerving both her and Zoe as though nothing was working on him!
"Urk…." she croaked as she began to see there was a heavy resemblance with Blaze and Max. Like her best friend he was fearless and easily went with his guts and instincts, letting the heat and excitement of the battle fuel and drive him on! While no doubt as reckless as Max, however with his great power he also had the experience to properly use it and not to mention the faith in his partner dinosaur rivalled that of their own too While something to admire, it wasn't the best combination when facing off against as an opponent! On top of that he also used said strength for the noble cause of helping others and inspiring them too, even feeling herself inspired to do better and to keep fighting even in such straits….something Max was capable of himself.
That aside, realising she was now trapped with no way out but forward towards their foe, Zoe narrowed her eyes as she braced herself for an unavoidable confrontation, "Nowhere to run….guess we've got no choice but to fight head on!" She said out firmly as Paris bellowed and charged head on at Daigo!
Blaze grinned with excitement, "Heh, you've got guts coming at us like that, only fair that we respond as such!" He responded as the daspletosaurus roared and charged at her too!
Paris was able to land the hit first as her head rammed right into Daigo's chest making him cough out and stop in his tracks! However despite his arms being tiny he was able to grab hold of Paris' crest and throw her off him! Immediately he swung his tail out snd swatted her away!
As she landed back she bellowed out towards him. "Leaf slash!" Zoe countered as she slashed a move card causing a whirlwind of bladed leaves to swirl around her dino before launching them at full force towards Daigo! Already they began to pelt and slash at his scales, making several clean precise cuts that stung tremendously making him roar in pain!
Everyone cringed or grimaced seeing it akin to paper cuts all over, Blaze too, but he gritted his teeth and held firmly, "Break through with overheat!" He cried out as Daigo's eyes flared up red and he charged forward through the storm of leaves, enduring the bladed edges as he closed in on Paris as Zoe and everyone else widened in alarm and shock!
"AH!"
"No way!"
"I can't believe it!" Everyone exclaimed or gasped in disbelief as though the blades had no effect on him as he ploughed oil through resisting them!
As soon as he reached Paris, he scooped his head under her and then flipped her up high with ease! "Paris!" Zoe cried out in shock but her worries were far from over as Daigo turned around and his tail flaring up with fire speared right through her with a blade of fire to her alarm! "AAAH!" She cried out loud.
"Zoe no!" Dr Drake cried out worried for his daughter.
"Paris doesn't look too good out there…." Spike commented tensing up as everyone looked on worriedly.
Max swallowed hard feeling the heat from the battle get to him, "Man…." Was all he could voice out while Cera gripped tighter on her lap as she continued to watch the fight play out and her friend was clearly on the losing end.
"Come on Zoe….you can do this…." She still felt hopeful despite it not looking too good for Zoe.
After Daigo was done, he tossed his helpers opponent to the side as she crashed across the ground, who groaned in pain as she seared and smoked black from the scorching flames and from the impact of the fall! "Paris! I'm coming!" Zoe cried out as she ran to her partner's side and wen tup to her face, "You okay?" She asked pityingly with love and concern. As Paris looked up to her weakly, their eyes met as she snorted a bit her and let out a heavy breath before lowering it to the ground. "Oh you're hurt…." She said feeling deep pity for her, she knew after this she would have to treat her for any burns, while this was a tournament with rules she still couldn't help but feel worried when her loved ones were in pain.
"Are you quite finished now?" Blaze then called out as he and Daigo began to approach them. The smile from his face was now replaced with a rather disappointed frown, he had looked forward to more of a fun duel but seeing Paris was on her last legs he didn't want to push them any further….though a small part of him wanted to see whether their fire would still burn.
"Urgh…." Zoe herself felt like a towering wall was before her and under the conditions of the battlefield, the strength Blaze and Daigo commanded and how badly driven into a corner they were, she could feel her determination begin to ebb away….till Paris let out a bellow getting her attention. "P…Paris?" She looked into the eyes of her partner, who despite were groggy and dazed, her determination was still as firm as always! Seeing how strong her dinosaur still was, Zoe felt inspired herself as she pushed herself back up and faced their opponents, "No! It's not over yet!" She then declared out loudly and with firm determination at him, which caught Blaze by surprise that she wanted to continue. But the surprising thing was he could sense no selfish intent in her motives but instead purely firm faith in herself and her partner, fuelled by assurance that they could still fight on and even prevail.
This was made evident as Zoe looked back to her injured friend, "Paris, if you can still fight and if you still want to, know that I'm here for you to the very end! I always have and always will!" Acknowledging her spirit and determination, Paris then forced herself up to her legs, though shaky at first she soon worked her way up again and stood firmly with Zoe pumping herself up with a smile, "That's it Paris, I'm here for you all the way."
Seeing such companionship between friends made Blaze smile happily for them, knowing that bond will definitely take them and their friends far in life as it had for him.
"Ah….thank heavens…." Dr Drake sighed with relief putting a hand to his chest to calm his racing heart.
Reese folded her arms and narrowed her eyes, "The odds are still against them though, will they be able to make a come back?" She then blinked her eyes in surprise as she and many others noticed something strange happening to them.
Standing firmly together, Zoe and Paris could feel a surge of power growing in them as they flared together in an aura of green which everyone began to take notice of and recognise, "Blaze! It's time for Paris and I to show you that we can always bounce back no matter what!" She declared as everyone held back their anticipation and Blaze smirked knowing what was coming his way and he gladly welcome the challenge! "Let's do this together! Elemental fusion!" Paris exploded in the aura of nature and appeared in her awakened form and let out a powerful bellow which also energised the faith and enthusiasm in everyone!
"Awesome!"
"Nice!"
"Yay Zoe!"
Blaze nodded pleased with what he saw, "Impressive, looks like I was right about you the whole time…." He could feel his heart begin to race as the thought of facing a worthy foe at their best, that was made duels all the more sweet for him and Daigo who then stomped his foot and roared out ready for the challenge!
"Paris has now awakened to her super form! The question is will their bond be strong enough to overcome Daigo and Blaze's fiery assault!?" The MC then called out.
Zoe grinned, "Here's our answer!" She declared taking out a move card and slashing it, "Go Dino force!" As she slashed Paris let out a rallying cry summoning forth an army of dinosaurs! A group of minmi began to assemble to her side, while a side of the field exploded revealing a pod of muraenosaurus and through the skies came in a flock of tupuxuara as they circled overhead!
Blaze stepped back in surprise, "Oh boy…." he sweated, believing they bit off more than they could chew as he and Daigo found themselves surrounded now and he could only look around in confusion and worry.
"Now that's bringing in the Calvary!" Craig cheered out in excitement.
Hua nodded, "I expected nothing less from the bond they so carefully cultivated together."
"Honey! Don't do anything reckless now!" Marina covered her mouth worried he may be in for it now!
"Quickly go!" Blaze commanded as Daigo attempted to attack Paris, the herd's leader and take her out so that the other dinosaurs would vanish, Paris intercepted him with a tail swat stopping his advance before flipping him up into the air! Letting out the signal with a cry, the tupuxuara swooped in and struck the daspletosaurus who was still in the air! On cue Paris gave out another call as the minmi troops charged in and rammed Daigo into striking range of the muraenosaurus who then fired water cannonballs at him! Blaze widened his eyes. "Daigo!" he called out for the first time worried for his partner as he was sent back and hit real hard!
Everyone cheered or gasped in shock and amazement at what they saw, "WHOA!"
"Alright! That'll show him Zoe!"
"Way to go Zoe!" Her friends called out.
"You're doing great out there!" Reese then cheered out loudly, normally she was calm and reserved but now she couldn't help herself but be excited now.
Zoe then clapped her hands and jumped for joy, "Ahaha! Yes…I can do it! We can do it! I know we can!" She cheered as Paris let out a pleased bellow as their troops regrouped together ready for another showdown.
As Daigo struggled to push himself back up he panted catching his breath as Blaze noticed the hard beating he just took, feeling it himself seeing the bruises he had now, "That was some attack…." He whistled tipping up his hat before chuckling in amusement, "Good move, have to say we didn't see that coming, you sure got us good." He complimented her to which she smirked smugly.
"Heh told you not to underestimate me and Paris!" She replied before Paris stomped her foot down and bellowed out as her forces regrouped, "And we've got way more where that came from too!"
"I for one believe you there." Blaze nodded calmly before a grin suddenly spread on his face as the spark in him lit up into a wildfire! "So maybe it's time I started trying!" He declared as Daigo stomped his foot on the ground and roared out fiercely which made Zoe eat her words as she gulped nervously.
"Uh oh…."
Max gritted his teeth, "Man, he just won't quit!"
"You weren't kidding Cera…." Rex commented as he swallowed hard, "I've seen lots of tenacious dinosaurs in our battles but Daigo is starting to be in my top 3."
"You haven't seen anything yet you guys…." Was all she could respond as her eyes narrowed, the real battle begins now.
Blaze then grinned with such energy and excitement it almost looked sinister as he called forth one of his trump cards, "Heat eruption!" Stomping on the ground Daigo roared out in fury as he began to summon forth the wrath of the volcanoes and the magma beneath their feet! Eventually the volcanoes spewed chunks of molten rocks all occur the battlefield as meteors crashed down and erupted around them! Lava even began to appear in the cracks formed form their impacts and the dino force troops were scattered in a panic while Zoe and Paris found themselves being shaken up violently!
"WAAAH! This is crazy!" She cried out but then widened out in alarm as the meteors struck down her tupuxuara while explosions sent her mini flying away and the muraenosaurus were forced to retreat under water before they all turned green and reverted back to their move card! Seeing how easily her force was wiped out made Zoe sweat anxiously, "No way…."
"Man, that was one of Zoe's best moves…." Max sweated nervously feeling anxious, deep down he was feeling rather relieved he wasn't fighting him now.
"And Blaze just made short work of it, and he's not even awakened yet…." Marina gasped on the other side, she knew her husband for a long time but she had to admit she was real impressed by what she just saw.
Blaze then laughed out loud with energy feeling his inner child screaming with energy and excitement inside him and it was now he was letting said inner child loose, "Ahahaha! It's been a while since me and Daigo could cut loose on a battle! One we could fight to our heart's content together as a team with no high stakes involved!"
"G…Glad you're happy…." Zoe gulped nervously before feeling that things may have just gotten hotter for her this time around, "Huh?" She widened her eyes seeing lava flowing down from the volcanoes and beginning to circling the base of the battlefield trapping them in a wide circle, and all around them the ground began too crack and glow red from the heat and magma flowing through the crust under their feet! "Oh no! The field's starting to erupt ablaze!" She gasped while looking ahead and seeing Blaze and Daigo were undeterred in the slightest! Either they were really brave and confident or had gone mad and were just plain reckless! If anything it could be all of the above!
"Oh boy is she in trouble!" Zander gulped while Ed bit his nails in a panic!
"That heat, even in super form Paris is losing stamina every second while Daigo seems to be getting stronger! Colour me impressed!" Dr Z couldn't help but admit while Ursula looked on, while she loved seeing the D Team go through trouble herself she couldn't bring herself to cheer on for Blaze still, however after hearing from the duel his reasons for battling she was beginning to do self reflection all this while.
Craig narrowed his eyes tensely, "She's running low on options and on time…." He noted wondering how she would be able to deal with 2 problems closing in on both ends.
Zoe sweated from the heat and anxiety as Daigo and Blaze seemed to reach the peak of their power, "Zoe! You've helped stoked us up to this point, so don't quit on us now!" He called out to her and pointed her way, "And know if our positions were reversed I wouldn't quit either! Not when we've got something worth fighting for!"
She blinked her eyes as she thought carefully about what he just said to her, "Worth fighting for…." As she looked around to see her friends and family still standing strong supporting and cheering her on, she then braced herself and tensed up, "Heh, alright then, you want us to keep going? With pleasure!" She respond as Paris prepared to give her best too, "Time to bring in the big guns! Super impact!" She slashed her ace in the hole, as Paris swirl with leaves as she summoned forth supersaurus who let out a mighty bellow as he appeared on the battlefield to everyone's amazement!
"Whoa! Now that I didn't see coming…." Blaze gasped at first before smirking with no regrets as he loved a big challenge.
"Hehe, Blaze is in for it now!" Craig grinned punching a fist into his hand eager to see what he'd do to get past this giant wall of power.
Hua smiled at Zoe's efforts seeing she was truly tapping into he power of grass, Marina while happy that Blaze was getting a match he could enjoy she was also worried he may push himself too hard or get hurt at this point, while Raina and Craig widened their eyes in amazement. Clearly they underestimated the power of grass.
"Heh, bring it!" Blaze then called out as Daigo roared ready for it!
Zoe grinned, "Alright if you insist!" She pointed out, "Paris! Let him have it!" Paris looked to the supersaurus who coaxed her onto his head before carrying her up and tossing her high into the air and making her spin like a cannonball before falling down at Daigo!
"Fire cannon!" Blaze countered as Daigo fired a fire ball at Paris! However she smashed through it instead and began to shred right at his stomach and send him flying to his alarm! "AH!" Blaze gasped as Daigo was sent flying through some stone stacks which then collapsed on top of him! As he ran up to where they were and looked carefully through the rubble, he suddenly stood still and smiled with a shade over his eyes, "Well well Zoe, I have to say your parasaurolophus is quite impressive indeed. It's clear you both have been through a lot and your fire sure burns brightly with warm passion along with a noble sentiment to keep it alight." He said as he looked back to her, "For that I commend you."
"Hehe, thanks…." She blushed scratching her head sheepishly, though it was this moment she let her guard down.
"However," He suddenly said catching Zoe's attention, who stepped back nervously as a red aura began to flare around him, "The stronger the foe and challenge, the more me and Daigo will always rise to the challenge!" He shouted out at the top of his lungs! As if on cue red light flashed through the gaps of the rubble underneath as Daigo exploded out of the rocks and roared out in immense fury before pulling himself out of the crater and rejoining the battle to everyone's alarm!
"AH!"
"He's still standing!?"
"No way!" It seemed as though nothing would stop him, and what would happen next would soon solidify that point!
"Now it's time we evened up the playing field!" Blaze grinned as he decided to bring in the inferno! "Elemental fusion!" Daigo exploded in an aura of fire and emerged in his awakened form and roared out a powerful ferocious roar! A roar which sent shockwaves through the battlefield and even made things way hotter too as the volcanoes began to spew not just smoke but magma from their chimneys and embers began to fly all over the field!
"Just when things seemed to be going Zoe's way, Blaze tips the balance back in his way!" The MC called out as the crowds roared with energy again!
"Urk…." Zoe croaked and sweated seeing the fumes from the volcanoes begin to obscure her vision and the heat was even more immense than ever! It was getting hard for her and Paris to breathe now and the pressure was on, "I've got to end this quick…." She thought to herself as time was running out, wasting no time she brought out her best of all, "Alright, you wanted my best then here goes! Two Platoon Crush!" As supersaurus charged towards Daigo and stared down at him, Seismosaurus erupted from the smog behind and both massive sauropods stared down on the daspletosaurus who looked between both gigantic foes!
"AH!" Blaze gasped not expecting this in the slightest while the audience cheered once more.
"Incredible!"
"Haha! Oh yeah Zoe! You've got him this time!"
"No way can anyone beat those 2 together!"
"Hooray Zoe!" Her friends and family cheered her on and she got the support of the crowds.
Zoe grinned motivated more than ever, seeing she couldn't lose now! "Alright boys! Let them have it!" She called out to them as both sauropods roared out at Daigo who stood in place stunned in deep surprise as he found himself caught on both sides as they raised their massive bodies up ready to stomp down!
"Whoa! Both seismosaurus and supersaurus together!?" The MC announced clearly not expecting this himself, "This will truly have explosive results!"
It was that very moment, Blaze blinked his eyes as he put 2 and 2 together, "Explosive….Wait! That gives me an idea!" He grinned with excitement as a crazy idea came to mind for him, one he saw in the movies but no doubt he could pull it off successfully here and now! "Daigo! Hold fast! Get ready!" He said to him, while Daigo had a little uncertainty, looking into the eyes of his faithful partner, he grunted and nodded as he obeyed. "Wait for it…." At that moment both supersaurus and seismosaurus smashed down on the ground causing Daigo to fly up before they readied their necks for the right timing!
"We got him!"
"She's won!" Everyone cheered….but boy were they in for the surprise of their lives….
"Now! Fire bomb!" Blaze commanded as he was about to fall, Daigo's motuh erupted in a blaze as he nose dived right towards Supersaurus to their alarm and shock! The supersaurus looked up waiting for the moment for Daigo to fall back, only to be surprised when the daspletosaurus sped down towards him with flaming jaws! He soon clamped his jaws hard on the sauropod's neck who roared in pain from the bite and fire! He was about to slam his head down only for a huge explosion to erupt from the bite!
BOOM!
"WHA!?"
"No way!"
"Supersaurus no!" Zoe cried out in shock and horror as her ultimate move was interrupted and one of her sauropods collapsed down to the ground out of commission! No one could believe their eyes and stared speechlessly at what had just transpired, as Daigo emerged from the black smoke and stepped upon the neck of his defeated enemy and roared out!
Unfortunately for her Blaze wasn't finished yet, "Now for the other one!" He called out as Daigo turned his attention to the seismosaurus, who reared up on his hind legs readying himself! Sadly nothing could prepare him for what the fire captain had in store! "Explosion!" Daigo flared up furiously in fire before charging forth and launching himself like a burning torpedo landing a direct hit at seismosaurus' chest! The resulting impact caused a massive explosion which sent the behemoth sauropod off his feet as he crashed down to the ground!
"Oh no!" Zoe cried in horror to see Digo defeat both sauropods with unbelievable skill and Blaze's superb battle tactics, as they both changed green and reverted back to a move card. "I….don't believe it…." She croaked having bet everything on that one move, with almost nothing left her knees began to buckle and weaken. Everyone watched speechlessly as Daigo stepped forward towards Zoe and Paris, letting out a huge roar shaking the battlefield and making fire erupt from the ground around them! "Grrgh!" Zoe held out her arm to shelf her face from the heat and embers flying around them! As the daspletosaurus charged at them with fire burning in his jaws she could see Paris was string to back away in fear, "E…Emerald garden!" Zoe cried out nervously in instinct as she slashed her next move without hesitation, fear slowly getting to her as picked out moves on instinct unable to think carefully anymore. Paris then generated her energy ball and fired it!
Blaze was more than prepared this time around, "Fire cannon!" He countered as Daigo charged up his fireball and blasted it, pushing though the energy sphere further adding fuel to Zoe's worry!
"WAH!" she cried as it exploded at Paris sending her flying back! She held her ground firmly with determination and seeing she could still fight spurred Zoe not to give up either, "Urk….No…I won't quit! Not ever!" She grunted as she took another move card readying herself!
Her parents and friends looked on in amazement, "Zoe…."
"Just look at her…." They could see the determination still strong in her, despite fighting a losing battle she refused to back down since Paris and her were each still willing to continue on.
"Metal wing!" She slashed it will fully strength as she summon forth the pteranodon trio who took to the air and swooped down at Daigo! The daspletosaurus quickly grabbed some rocks around him and threw them right at the pterosaurs, dispersing them as they scattered before circling around and coming together as one single dive bomb!
Blaze had no choice but to both commend and admire Zoe for such determination, "In the face of all odds you continue to fight against adversity to the end….." He saw some of himself in her, if this were to save the world it'd be no different, her passion is true and strong he could guarantee it. "It's a shame to snuff out such a noble fire as yours…." He said with a hint of regret, "But alas, this is a duel and it would be dishonourable to not finish it with dignity." He looked towards his partner who nodded back at him, "Daigo! Let's give everyone a fiery finale!" He called out as his daspletosaurus roared and the crowds cheered as the endgame came! "Explosion!" The awakened daspletosaurus roared out as he wrapped himself in fire once more and shot out as a meteor, breaking through the pteranodon trio's combined dive-bomb before hitting his mark on Paris causing an explosion to erupt!
BOOM!
"WAAAAH!" Zoe cried out as she held her arms out to stead herself against the impact and smoke! Before long Paris was sent flying out of the dust and crashed down before her, as she reverted back to her normal form and lay still on the ground while covered in scorches and burns!" Paris!" She cried out running to her partner's side and gently stroking her head. Her dinosaur looked up to her and bellowed out weakly, "You're okay…good…" Zoe sighed with relief as she smiled sadly and shook her head, "You did well….thank you…." She said feeling grateful for her friend's efforts as she pressed a button to her dinoshot recalling her to card form, "Go get some rest now…." She said to her card before hugging it to her chest.
With that done, the battlefield dissipated and both Blaze and Zoe were returned to the arena, "Th…The winner is Captain Blaze!" The MC then announced while everyone looked on, unable to applaud or cheer just yet as they just stared and tried to process what happened.
"So that's it…." Max sighed lowering his head with disappointment as Rex and Cera both sighed sadly as well, "It's over now…." They really wanted and hoped for her to win…guess they couldn't win them all. And yet, as Zoe looked back to them they smiled her way and held thumbs up or clapped to praise her efforts as she nodded back at them with gratefulness, feeling satisfied herself with no regrets either since she gave her all and that was what counted. The audience then began to clap and cheer also commending her efforts in the face of adversity.
"WAAAAH! Zoe lost!" Dr Drake cried out into his arm, how deeply he wished his little girl would win….as Reese and her mom patted him on the back to comfort him.
"There there….it's okay…." Mrs Drake said comfortingly to him though his tears continued to pour out like a fountain.
"Zoe still did her best and didn't quit till the end," Reese assured her father before smiling proudly at her sister down below, "I feel in a way she has won." Reese could see her sister was growing up into a fine young adult now and she couldn't be happier to be her sister.
"Yes I know…." Dr Drake sniffled rubbing his nose and blowing into a hankie, "But still…." He then shook his head and smiled, "No…it's fine…." How much it moved them despite the fact she was being so cornered in the duel, the result in the end made them proud deep down.
Hearing the praises given to her for her duel, Zoe waved out to them, though deep down a part of her was sad since she wanted to give them all a good win instead.
"Hey Drake." A voice then spoke to her from behind. Turning around she came face to face with Blaze who had just recalled Daigo, "That was a good fight and you were as strong as your spirit was." He said bowing to her which surprised her for showing such humility and gratitude, "Thanks for helping to reignite that spark which Daigo and I haven't felt for a long time in a battle." He said with much appreciation, "We're really grateful for that and we won't ever forget this."
"Y…Yeah…" Zoe smiled sheepishly, still feeling a bit sour for losing before shaking it off since that wasn't what mattered in the slightest, "You're welcome too….eventhough we lost….I think Paris and I….still had fun….apart from all the searing lava and fiery ash raining but overall it was fun in an exciting way I guess…." She said as she held out a hand as Blaze eagerly shook it.
"Heh, make sure you never lose that spirit of yours," He told her, "It's that youthful visor and passion that will help bring great things for the world as you have for us all."
She nodded back firmly as everyone around them erupted into applause and praise. One of which soon stood out for her, "Zoe!" She looked up to her dad waving out his hands at her, "Did you get hurt or singed out there!? I'll be sure to check up on both you and Paris soon! I'll fix you both up and you'll be better in no time!" He called out to her, "Plus I'll give you a lollipop as an added bonus too!"
She then facepalmed in embarrassment, "Oh dad…." She groaned, maybe she had inspired him a little too much there, before laughing out in amusement and then waving out to everyone, as her friends in the D Team ran up to embrace and congratulate her for a duel well done!
Whil;e everyone seemed very pleased with the battle that took place, there however a few critics present, "Bah! He calls that fire!? I'm sure Terry can do way better than that any day!" Dr Z scoffed in disgust as he clicked his tongue seeing everyone eying the D Team and not his way, "Tch! Look at them eating it up like dogs to a trash can…." He then grinned deviously rubbing his palms together, "Very soon I'll have the fans cheering for me! Especially since me and my boy are gonna make spicy mincemeat out of him! Hahaha!" He cackled as his men pouted at him feeling he ruined the mood since they were rather inspired themselves. Especially Ursula, who smiled happy for Zoe and Blaze, as she began to see the clear difference between herself and Blaze whom despite being wielders of fire, used fire very differently….in a way she didn't see possible….and she wondered whether it would be possible for her to follow said example too.
And thus the final match of Round 1 concludes! Stay tuned for Round 2 to come in due time. At the final stage of the battle where the field turned fiery you can look to Dino Stalker for references in the final battle against the tyrannosaurus in that game.
A little tidbit to share, for the Captains and many duelists in Cera's time they either raised their dinosaurs from eggs or adopted them from certain licensed centers, or should they desire it they can excavate fossils and revive them much like in Fossil Fighters. Others may have found them in the wild and took them in too.
In Blaze's case he raised Daigo from young, his parents hatched his egg at the Institute and brought it back for him, while Gorgon was a rescue dinosaur from poachers and while at first detested humans and distrusted them, he warmed up to Blaze and became his second partner while remaining aggressive to most others at times whenever Blaze or Daigo aren't around. Also hope you like the cameo of the BB Bandits or Syndicate X from Fossil Fighters and Fossil League respectively. Mannerism I'd like to compare him somewhat to Jim Cook from Yugioh GX but him being of Australian and Texan descent both places having animal wrangling like bull rodeos or wrestling crocs you can be sure Blaze won't hesitate to get in on the action too, think of it like Spike Taylor doing the lasso, Blaze wouldn't hesitate to lasso a t-rex's jaw himself and then ride it like a bull.
Reply to reviews
tsukikami02
Both Max and Raina while using lightning they have different battle styles. I don't think I'll be able to include every past bit from Cera's time plus that was one memory her parents may be embarrassed about and not want to share so she likely doesn't know it.
I don't think I'll feature the secret dinosaurs in this story too much not unless you want a time paradox with the past and future selves meeting.
Personally I can relate a little to Raina in comfort zones too and when things don't go how I hope them to be I can get stressed too. I plan to make the Captains and characters more human in this story so readers can understand them better.
Feel free to write about the Captains a little if you want I'm interested in what you come up with.
Drew Luczyński
Not my intention, jokes aside do get enough sleep.
I try not to use deus ex machina characters as they make the situation unfair and seem cheap or cliche.
Yup Raina studies up to be prepared but she doesn't do anything underhanded-Like Alpha Gang machines for example that is cheating.
I do plan for the Alpha Gang to be developed better and as for Zoe she put up a fight here that's for sure. Still it will be whole new ball game given Blaze's next opponent will be Dr Z.