Chapter 7
The end of Round 1
MC declare conclusion of Round 1
It was now late evening over Saurus City as the participants of the tournament, both eliminated and otherwise, were gathered in the centre of the arena under the bright orange skies as they heralded the arrival of night to come in a few hours. Seeing as it was getting late the MC prepared to rap things up for the first round's completion, "Ladies and gentlemen, duelists and all! It is with great pride to announce the conclusion of the first round of the Fossil League!" He announced as various cheers and statements came from the excited fans.
"Those battles were best I've seen in years!"
"Who knows what more we'll get to see!"
"I can't wait for Round 2 to begin!"
All around them the D Team could hear praises and positive energy or enthusiasm emanating from them all, as they felt pleased and proud with what they managed to accomplish today, "Heh, you hear that guys?" Max chuckled as the others looked around and smiled too.
"Yeah seems they're really enjoying themselves now." Rex nodded while Zoe giggled and waved out to them all.
"It's just like before years ago….." Cera breathed as she recalled seeing her very first Fossil League Tournament a long time ago, when she was in the crowd and seeing her dad defend his championship title and how the crowds roared with applause upon his victory in title defence, never before had she imagined that she would be taking part and even surpassing her own father too.
Max then grinned cheekily and rubbed his nose, "But we all know I got the most cheers right?" He snickered holding his head up high and making the others squint at him, "I mean you guys saw how they all ate it up right? Hehe."
Before anyone else could say a thing, "Hmph, you call those battles? Ha! They were simply appetisers!" Dr Z boasted as he showed off himself, "Once I finally hit the stage I'll give them all the main course and then with me standing at the very top, that'll be everyone's dessert! Not to mention when they worship and remember me forever as Dinosaur King, that's the icing on the cake! Hahahaha!" He laughed out loud as his Alpha Entourage came to support him,
"Why yes of course Dr Z!"
"It's written in the stars after all! It is your destiny!"
"And we'll gladly be your loyal and faithful subjects to the end!" They call said one after another as they posed with him.
"Hehe, why naturally. So be grateful you all have a place in my future dinosaur kingdom to come." He grinned eager for his time to shine next round while the others tried to ignore them as difficult as it was.
It was then though that Cera realised something she could agree with from them, "You know what guys, they're right about one thing, this battle has gotten everyone stoked." she said before punching up to the sky herself, "So I say we keep the momentum going and take this tournament to the top!"
Her enthusiasm rubbed off on Max and Rex as they got themselves pumped up too, "Haha! Bring it on!"
"I'm ready for anything and anyone who comes my way!"
"Mhmm." Zoe nodded, though she can't fight anymore she can at least be there to support everyone else.
Up above amongst the cheering crowds their families and friends added their own applause to the mix, "Way to go you kids!" Spike waved his arms out and stood up punching to the sky, "And Max win it all for us!"
"Good luck in your match honey!" Aki cried out.
"Oh Rex! We're expecting great things from you in the battles to come!" Cretacia cheered herself, "Even if you lose you'll always be winner to us!"
Her statement earned a sweatdrop from her husband, "Is that really encouraging dear?" He wasn't sure whether their son would find it as discouraging or encouraging.
"I have to agree with you on that sir…." Jonathan shook his head at that.
"How unfortunate Zoe couldn't make it further…." Dr Drake sniffled wiping away a tear from his eyes before blowing into his hankie.
"But at least she and Paris gave it their best so that's what counts dad." Reese responded patting him on the back as he choked on a few bitter tears.
"Yeah you're right there." He muttered in disappointment still, for he was counting on her to get their family noticed more in this world.
Rod and Laura were rather conflicted when it came to them giving support to either their friends or family, "As much as I want to root for gramps and rest of the team….why can't I bring myself to do so?" Rod muttered to himself as he folded his arms in thought.
"Oh come on, if grampa becomes dinosaur king it can't be that bad right?" Laura added, though as she began to think long and hard about it, picturing Dr Z becoming a deranged dictator ruling over mindless subjects and dinosaurs as they marched out to conquer every state in the world, she then shuddered and shook her head, "Nope it's way worse…."
Their parents though didn't seem to think as such as they cheered them on, "Papa Z! Best of luck to you and everyone else!"
Sweatdropping at their parents Rod shrugged his shoulders, "Well if you can't beat them, join them I guess…." he muttered as they both decided to 'support' Dr Z and the Alpha Gang, "Do your best grampa!"
"Just try to behave yourself too, no cheating or we'll tell you on Helga!" As Laura said that, Helga's eyes flashed red as her disciplining protocol was initiated and at the ready.
With everyone's spirits fired up, the MC then announced, "It seems everyone is raring to go for Round 2, which we're proud to announce will begin tomorrow!" Everyone then looked to the screen as it lit up, "Behold the matchups!"
And it revealed as such:-
Cera vs Kaze round 1
Max vs Hua round 2
Ed vs Craig Round 3
Dr Z vs Blaze round 4
Ursula vs Rex round 5
As each duelist faced off with their selected opponent, "Just as expected…." Cera smirked seeing Kaze's image, though he wasn't present at the moment she was feeling ready to show him what she was made of.
Max smiled at Hua who remained calm and serene at him. Ed shivered at Craig who grinned rather sadistically his way while Dr Z cackled eying Blaze who folded his arms confidently at the doctor's way. Finally Rex narrowed his eyes at Ursula as he recalled her match as he steeled himself antiicpating the old lady to sneer at him, but to his surprise she simply looked away from him, ignoring eye contact with him which caught him off guard as he blinked his eyes trying to figure out what she was up to.
"Duelists from across the globe and even time itself!" The MC then announced getting everyone's attention, "We truly are grateful for the astounding matches you have brought to us today. Thus we shall conclude today and we look forward to seeing what else you bring to the table tomorrow onwards! Do rest well and we look forward to seeing you all again soon!" The MC concluded as cheers and clapping erupted from the stadium and as the stars in the sky began to slowly appear, everyone began to disperse and make their way home, looking forward to the duelists fighting one another at full strength tomorrow, while a series of fireworks exploded in the sky to conclude the matches today.
Some time after everyone had dispersed from the premises including the captains, the D Team and Alpha Gang regrouped outside the arena as their friends and family went to congratulate them on a job well done today, "Max as your father I couldn't be more proud of you." Spike patted him on the shoulders before crying emotionally, "Really makes me wish I was young again…." And the fact he couldn't believe Max was his very own son moved him as if he were a mountain.
"We're both very proud of you."
"Aww mom…dad….you're the best!" Max laughed as he hugged them both closely and they hugged him back.
Dr Drake meanwhile patted his younger daughter on the shoulder trying to comfort her in his own way, "There there Zoe, I hope you're not feeling sour about what happened today." He said in a caring tone though not was aimed more towards little children, "We just wanted to let you know that we're happy with you being yourself and doing the best you can."
Zoe pouted taking mild offence, "Dad, I'm not a little kid anymore, losing isn't that big of a deal to me…..much…." She looked away feeling rather salty actually after her loss, also a little downcast at letting her family and the D Team down too.
Reese tried to suppress a chuckle seeing a bit of her little sis still in there, the way she pouts and acts childish when she doesn't get her way, even after growing up so much and coming this far she still found it amusing how some things still stayed the same.
At Rex's side, his parents and Jonathan stood proudly before him, "Rex, we look forward to your duel tomorrow." Dr Ancient smiled as he knelt down and put both his arms on his son, "So give it your best shot for we're behind you all the way."
"Just make sure you go in and kick that old-I mean Ursula's butt real good!" Cretacia grinned as she pumped up her arm with vigour, "Do that and you can be sure to get an entire cookie jar filled with my very best cookies with your name on it!"
Jonathan nodded with them while Rex scratched his head chuckling, "Hahaha, thanks for the support mom and dad, it means a lot." His smile vanished though as he looked behind him, "And I might need it too….." As he and his family turned they sayLook behind seeing Dr Z berating the Alpha gang even further, putting even more pressure on the 2 who managed to make it to Round 2.
"Listen up! You clods better not mess this up like you always do! Or you can just forget about being my personal retainers in my future kingdom!" Dr Z growled shaking his angry fist at them as they lowered their heads in shame and croaked.
"Y…Yes Dr Z…."
"We gotcha….like the last 100 times…."
Nearby Zander looked away and whistled with relief, lucky he got off easy since he was made to duel Ed so it was unavoidable in a way, and Dr Z couldn't be mad at the loser in this case. He was tempted to snicker behind their backs but then lowered his head in disappointment when he realised his only regret about losing was that he couldn't impress Reese anymore.
"But Seth lost too so shouldn't he be yelled at too?" Ursula pointed out before scratching her head in thought, "Then again technically he's no longer one of us and he's flown the coop too so nothing we can do about that."
"True…." Ed then sighed as Zander came in to pat him on the back.
"Geez gramps, cut them a little slack will you?" Rod muttered feeling they've been pressured most unfairly today. He and Laura felt they should have taken part in the tourney today if only the A Team hadn't beat them to it first.
"They did do the best they could after all, in fact as their dad and mine you should be proud of them." Rod's dad added feeling pity for his step siblings.
"Plus at least they made everyone happy in the end….." Laura smiled before frowning at the odd one of the bunch, "Well almost everyone."
"Urk…." Ursula croaked as she felt her bad experienced from just now be rubbed in her face again as though it was an entire open wound! She then glared at the 2 kids, tempted to rip them to pieces for insulting her but looked away from them with a deep sigh, "You're lucky I'm in no mood to give you your just desserts you little no good ankle biters."
"Even if she was she wouldn't dare….." Helga thought to herself as she sported a hard scowled.
At the last family, Cera stood before both her parents who smiled with eyes filled with love and pride, as her father knelt down to look at her on eye level, "I expected great things from you and your friends Cera since you restarted the Fossil League and took over the D Lab." he said to her most proudly as he stroked her head gently and with love, "And as always, you continue to exceed them every time." At this point it doesn't surprise him anymore how far she will take things for dino society and beyond, ever since she succeeded him she surpassed trial and challenge as they came with flying colours and more, setting the bar and standard higher than the last time and truly becoming a shining star for their city and the whole world.
Cera sniffled feeling emotion welling up inside her as she smiled back at them with honour, "I'm glad I could make you both proud…dad…and mom." She choked a bit on the tears in her eyes as er mom placed a hand on her cheek and gently stroked her.
Maia shook her head in response, "Oh Cera, we were already proud of you the moment we had you." She said lovingly as she gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"And we couldn't be more prouder of whom you are right now." Lunensis followed up as the 2 parents hugged their beloved daughter in closely and she sniffled feeling so emotional as she hugged them both back.
Right after everyone took their time it was already nearly 8pm, and it was then Spike stood forth taking an initiative, "Well guys, think we should all head home to our times and rest up for tomorrow?" He asked the others especially since they came from different time periods they'd better get time transported back home and rested up for the next day and matches ahead.
"It makes sense there."
"Man today was quite the day…."
"I'm here with you there." A handful of voices came up in exhaustion, some of them yawned a little or grumbled to themselves seeing they had to make quite a way back now from where they were.
A few though like Dr Ancient, Reese and even Dr Z, were a little reluctant to depart so soon, "Still it'd be such a shame to go back home and leave this all behind after we came all this way.…." Ancient commented as he looked around seeing a tapejara land on a nearby street lamp before flying away and even hearing the calls of a few dinosaurs in the distance too, "There's really still much more I'd like to learn about this time period before we head home to be honest…." His words brought up several mixed murmurs amongst the families, some were even thinking they should do a vote on whether they should stay here till the tournament ends or come and go as they pleased.
Hearing how a handful of her friends were reluctant to leave after coming here to the future, not to mention it would be a hassle to send them all home and bring them back again, Cera looked to her parents who both nodded already knowing what she wanted to ask them. Smiling upon having their support she stepped forward, "You know you guys." she called out getting their attention as they listened her way, "At the Fossil League all participants are treated to a complimentary stay at the Relic Hotel." The words complimentary and hotel really rang in the minds of everyone repeatedly, and hearing it from Cera she had to be telling the truth. Seeing their expressions of awe and growing excitement made her smirk as she was getting to the good part, "The finest living accommodations that Saurus City or any other city in the world has to offer."
Pressing a button on her dinoshot it brought up many different images displayed on the screen-depicting several kinds of rooms and facilities available to all hotel guests, a magnificent spa room in a prehistoric kind of setting with hot springs, mud baths, massage rooms and aromatherapy ideal for healing. A gym with all kinds of training equipment, sports court room and an enormous swimming pool underground. There were a number of green spaces with ferns or plants growing along the walls of the exterior and interior of the hotel and the hallways were enormous enough to accommodate a seismosaurus herd like a museum would house many dinosaur skeletons! The hallways glistening with marble flooring and sparkling with bright lights with a royal kind of feel to it along with a most fancy dining hall lined with all you can eat buffet lines and suite rooms with comfortable beds, carpeted floors and deluxe decor! All the services were catered to accommodate for both humans and dinosaurs alike!
Everyone couldn't believed their eyes as they laid eyes on the countless luxuries and services they'd be treated to for free right here and now as they widened their eyes and gasped with amazement at how much generosity the universe was shining upon them.
"Say what!?"
"No way!"
"A hotel!?"
"For real!?"
"Royal treatments, all you can eat buffets, spa treatments and room service all in one in a super suite!?"
"All for free!?"
"Mhmm." Cera nodded answering all their questions with just a single gesture.
"We all expect nothing less than the best from all participating duelists after all." Lunensis added, "And what better way for them to be at their best than to be in the best living accommodations our city has to offer."
Everyone could hardly contain their excitement as they ran over to Cera and her family unable to hold themselves back from exploding with excitement and gratitude.
"Awesome!"
"This is the best day ever!"
"Cera! You're our best friend for life!" Her fiends cheered, including Rod and Laura while most of the adults looked towards thanking Maia and Lunensis.
"Truly your kindness knows no bounds, we shall never forget this." Jonathan bowed with respect and thanks.
"Aww thanks you guys." Cera blushed red feeling touched by their kind words but before she could say anything more, Dr Z and the Alpha gang interrupted her rather rudely.
"Hahahah! About time you showed us decent respect!" Dr Z cackled as he held his head up high, "After all it's without us that you and your future wouldn't even be a reality in the first place!" He then turned around and looked to his men and held his arm out to the sky, "Alpha gang! Tonight we feast like kings like we were destined to!"
"Woo hoo!" They all cheered and danced a victory dance to celebrate which was rather cringy as several of the others looked away, sighed shaking their heads or facepalmed at how foolish they were all acting now.
"Oh boy…."
"Here we go again…."
It was then though that Max decided they might as well go with the flow at thus point, "But still, the fact is we're gonna get treated to the greatest experience Saurus City has to offer." He said as he cried out at top of his lungs and withy high spirits, "So let's not waste anymore time and get on with it!"
"Alright!"
"Yeah!" Everyone cheered as a large white tour bus with the D Lab logo on it with chibi dino markings on it came in through the driveway before picking everyone up and then driving off in the distance towards the greatest hotel in the world.
(Later)
A while later as their tour bus came to a stop in front of the grandest 5 star establishment of living accommodations the city had to offer them, the families stepped out and gazed upon the entrance of the relic hotel which was far more magnificent than the computer images displayed. The front entrance looked like that of a grand palace and huge with pillars of brachiosaurus supporting it up and pteranodon shaped gargoyles perched above on higher spots for more aesthetic decoration. They had seen really great luxury hotels before in their own times but this one really took the cake and ate it too! Just every square inch of the hotel's design screamed grand and royal, to call it a relic would be insulting to it, though relics are priceless artefacts themselves too so in a way the name did fit.
Stepping through the doors was a completely new and overwhelming experience for everyone seeing the shining marble floors, sparkling jewel chandeliers and all kinds of sculptures and decor was too great for their eyes to comprehend, it took much self control to keep themselves from running around and being caught up in said excitement, even more so for Ursula which required Ed and Zander at full strength to restrain her from fangirling and try to purloin whatever riches she could put her grabby palms on. Thankfully security droids in the area helped in keeping her under control along with the punishment of a million in fines should anyone ever break the rules or damage even a piece of property within their finest establishment.
After checking all her friends in at the reception, Cera lead them to the dining hall where an all you can eat buffet awaited them with lines filled any kind of cuisine one could find in their times western, chinese, japanese, indian you name it, along with several new kinds of cuisine invented thanks to dinosaurs being integrated into society. Needless to say it was paradise especially for food enthusiasts or those with big appetites like Max, Spike or Ed, and their excitement at the sight of such an enormous assortment of meals far exceeded their enthusiasm upon arriving at the hotel's doors. There was plenty to go around for everyone especially for their dinosaurs who were now in small forms as they ate under the large tables with enough space to go around. In fact Miku was present too having been brought over by Cera's servant robot a little while ago so she could join the group, having recovered from her stomach ache and not wanting to waste anymore time in missing out on family fun.
Like before in lunch they had lively conversations around the table, mostly having to do with Dr Ancient's curiosity about the future and how the world came to be like this, though eventually it became hard to hear anyone's voices over the uncivilised gulping and munching over by the Alpha Gang as they stuffed their faces with gourmet grub like wild animals.
"Ahahah! Finally! A feast fit for the future king and his royal guard!" Dr Z laughed with his mouthful of cheese pizza, a famous Roman Recipe apparently.
"Now this is the life!" Ursula's eyes filled with tears as she slurped down specially made ramen noodles before moving onto a plate of spaghetti next while Zander and Ed shoved sushi and indian curry down their respective gullets, "This is like heaven on earth! This easily beast what we have back in our time! In fact I wish we never have to go home!" She cheered.
"That's best idea I ever heard from you Ursula!" Dr Z's eyes brightened up before standing up on the table most rudely and pointing out to the sky, "In fact, tomorrow I want you to pack my things back home cos we're moving here!"
"YAY!" The trio then cheered clapping their hands and supporting Dr Z all the way from behind.
Their actions really soured everyone's mood in different ways, most knowing how badly they would ruin the lives of everyone else living here, a few of them like Rod and Laura's parents didn't want them gone since they were still family, while a slightly larger number of them wouldn't mind the peace and quiet back home once they are out of the picture, being the Ancients mainly.
It was too good an idea though and sadly impossible as Rod had to point out, "That wouldn't be a good idea gramps…." he shook his head earning a suspicious look from the old man.
"I agree with Rod," Dr Ancient sighed feeling regretful about bringing them home with him but there was no other way, "Considering the role we both have to play in the making of this time Dr Z, it would be unwise for us to be absent from our time given it would cause irreparable damage to the time stream again…." The Space pirates were bad enough to thoughtlessly damage the timeline before in pursuit of selfish goals so last thing they needed was the Alpha Gang going down that same path too.
"Then your previous kingdom along with Cera and all these amazing people in it would cease to exist too." Jonathan calmly added as he brought over a bottle of fine wine for Rex's parents and then pouring it out into glasses for them, "Do you really believe that is wise?" He then added in a serious tone making the others scowl the A Team's way as they shuddered at the potent glares they were getting, making them frown in defeat.
"Oh…."
"Way to ruin the moment you killjoys…." They muttered in disappointment.
Though it didn't take them too long to quickly recreate as Dr Z took initiative, "Well in that case let's enjoy the time we have left and dig in like there's no tomorrow!" He cheered as his men brightened up with hope and enthusiasm once more.
"Don't need to tell me twice!"
"I ain't holding anything back!"
CRUNCH! CHOMP! MUNCH!
With that the idea of having a pleasant peaceful dinner to wind down from today's action was thrown out the window much to everyone's disappointment.
"Typical Dr Z…."
"Some things just never change do they?"
"Nope not at all." Various comments murmured having lost hope or patience with him and his followers.
How deeply they were put off by their lack of manners, and to top it off how many people were still staring at them from around the dining hall, the fact they were well known for being saviours of Cera's time and the bad image they were presenting to them right now was really making the mood awkward for them. Clearly they wouldn't be expecting too much fanfare from them tonight not while the Alpha Gang was around, though then again a bright side to this was that they'd keep onlookers from hounding them for autographs or questions at least.
"Let's hope they don't go pound on us for autographs later hehe…." Rex chuckled jokingly as he sweat dropped after taking in a spoonful of chinese soup.
"Actually I wouldn't mind that." Max grinned as he leaned back in his chair and smirked cockily, "After all it's natural for celebrities to give back to the fans that supported them all this while too." He said looking behind and seeing a few families that were eying at the true heroes with hope and inspiration, "Plus they look up to us all as heroes remember, it's the last we can do for them."
Zoe then smiled after finishing her last bit of crab and egg fried rice, "When you put it like that Max." She and Rex couldn't argue with his words there way he put it, something which also made their parents very pleased and happy to see their children become such great role models and hopefully they will carry this on into adulthood.
Having finished her meal, Cera wiped her mouth clean with her napkin before asking them, "I take it you all are satisfied?"
They all looked to her with expressions that were more than satisfied, "Did you really have to ask? The answer's obvious! Of course!"
"Hehe, well this is simply the appetiser, wait till you see what else we have in store." She chuckled further adding fuel to their excitement for what was to come as they grinned and cheered eagerly.
(Later)
Needless to say the suite rooms were the best 5 star living quarters anyone could ask for, with extra large soft beds with equally comforting pillows and warm blankets with the highest quality air conditioning possible. Most of the services were AI controlled and could instantly adapt to fit the occupants' needs or preferences along with automated doors, not to mention the water in the bathroom showers would always be set at the ideal temperature on the spot with no need to wait for heating up. The bathrooms too were lined with marble floors, jacuzzi bathtubs and toilets which even had seat warmers too, with room service just a button push away. Along with a high definition flat screen tv, refrigerators, deluxe quality sofas or furniture it was easily paradise for anyone lucky enough to afford a suite, and even luckier was the fact that all Fossil League Tournament participants were granted suites after signing up, and they could even allow their families to stay with them too, with suites ranging for single person to even family sized too.
It didn't take long for everyone to settle into their accommodations and already different kinds of family drama could be seen in each room, beginning with Ursula who got her own room separated from the rest of the Alpha gang as she sat on a chair with her makeup mirror as she tried to practice smiling in a more friendly manner, "L…Like this?" She wondered as she tried to pull up her cheeks a little but saw that she was showing a little too much teeth and was tensing up a little noticeably, "No…Too forced…." She sighed in disappointment before trying again, "How about-" She was about to try again when she noticed Zander and Ed were peeping through a gap in her door, which she forgot to lock as she jumped up in shock, "GAH! Haven't you peeping toms ever heard of knocking!?" She screeched violently shaking a fist at the 2 men as they came in clean.
Ed twiddled his fingers with mild guilt, "S…Sorry Ursula…it's just that we wanted to know if you're enjoying your room as we have."
"But then when we opened the door and saw you, we've been kinda watching for a while and…." Zander and Ed then covered their mouths trying to suppress their laughter but failing miserably after finding it hilarious how badly Ursula was failing herself at trying to be nice. "Hehehehe!" They snickered through their teeth which added fuel to Ursula's embarrassment as she blushed red and sweated nervously.
"Y…You!" She screeched as her red in embarrassment turned to red in rage! "Grr…why I…." she growled tensing a fist at them both making them turn pale and squeal!
"YIKES!" They huddled together and shut their eyes bracing themselves to be pounded into jelly, but Ursula grabbed her fist with her other hand and pulled back as she struggled immensely to contain her frustration.
Swallowing down her anger she took a calm breath and smiled lightly. "I mean…please knock before entering, that would be very much appreciated thank you. Not to mention what you just did was real rude." she said through a very forced smile as a tick mark and twitching eye gave away the pain of her internal screaming in pain.
The both of them blinked their eyes in surprise, "Huh?" It was strange that they didn't find a fist in their faces given Ursula's history of poor self control, but even more so was her apologising to them instead when they were the ones at fault.
They looked to one another in confusion to make sure they were hearing right, "Did she just?"
"Yup…." Ed nodded at Zander's question before they both narrowed their eyes with suspicion at her.
"Ursula have you hit your head or something?"
"Who are you and what have you done with Ursula?" They questioned her seriously, even popping up their knuckles and clenching their fists in event they had to get all physical with the potential imposter.
Ursula's eyes looked in another direction as she sweated nervously while trying to force another smile on herself again. "Wh…What are you talking about? This is just me…being me." As her friends' suspicious looks didn't falter in the slightest, she sighed lowering her head seeing the jig was up not that it was going anywhere in the first place, "Oh who am I kidding….after what did earlier today no one's ever gonna like me at all." She sighed feeling hopeless and giving up as she slumped over to her bed and plopped on it lifelessly, "I just wanted to try and make myself less scary and more likeable, is that too much to ask!? Oh why must you be so cruel to me world!?" She cried into her pillow.
Ed and Zander widened their eyes in deep surprise that Ursula actually did some self reflection and admitted to her own faults rather than blame it on others. Clearly this was more serious than they first realised.
"Sigh….guess some people are destined to be born with such bad hands in life after all, and I'm just going to have to live with it…." She then muttered to herself preparing to accept her fate and seeing there was no going back for her.
The 2 of her friends looked to one another and nodded, seeing it was their duty to support her through thick and thin, "Nonsense Ursula!"
"Yeah! Don't give up so easily! After what we've been through together this is just a cakewalk in comparison!" They yelled at her seriously to her, "Those guys just don't see it but we do!"
Ursula widened her eyes recognising their words as genuine support. She had known them for a long time so she looked towards them as they continued to help restore her morale, "You're great the way you are and if they can't see it it's their loss!"
"And if anyone says otherwise we'll make sure they eat their words!" They added at the end making Ursula feel most touched and appreciated that all along she had friends, no family, who truly cared and looked out for her.
"You guys…." How blind she was to have not realised this sooner, when seeking the attention of many strangers she didn't realise she had those who supported her from the beginning…how selfish she truly was.
"But still if you really insist on being nicer, we'd be happy to help you out!" Ed pumped up his arm while Zander grinned and nodded with him.
"You'd…do that for me?" She gasped feeling deeply moved by their words as they nodded back at her.
Zander held out a hand to her, "Hehe, of course that's what friends are for after all." He chuckled.
"I…I don't know what to say…." Ursula then took said hand as he helped her up, before she sniffled and teared up as she hugged them both rather closely, "Except you guys are the best friends I could ever ask for."
Ed and Zander both felt surprised by her showing such affection to them, it was a rare occasion indeed, and one they appreciated deeply as they hugged her back, "Aww she really does care about us…."
"Mhmm, there may be hope for her yet." They both thought looking at one another before they let go.
"Now we've just gotta find the right guy to practice with." Zander then put a finger to his chin and Ed scratched his head wondering whom they could find who wouldn't tease or taunt Ursula given her past history and thus wouldn't trigger her to be all violent and give in to said instincts.
As if right on cue, "My lovely Ursula! You've finally come to accept my proposal at long last!? It's a miracle!" Dr Owen suddenly barged into her room making her turn pale and squeal in terror!
"AIYEE! Get away from me you maniac!" She cried out as Dr Owen began chasing her around the room while her friends looked on.
"Not again….." sighed Ed and Zander seeing they were back to square one again.
"Still, I do wonder how my angel is doing right now, maybe I should pay her a visit?" Zander then scratched his chin in thought, seeing how Dr Owen was all about love for Ursula, he then wondered whether he had been showing enough dedication or commitment for the woman of his dreams.
Next door, Dr Z dressed in his nightwear and pyjamas was trying hard using pillows to cover his ears but failing to block out the yahoo going on as he grumbled uncomfortably, "Tch! Nincompoops….." And he thought the quality of living here would be 5 stars, tomorrow he was thinking of suing the hotel for false advertising….though he had bigger things to worry about as Terry, Spiny and Tank inn their small forms, unwilling to go to bed just yet ended up dino piling on him as they wrestled about with one another, with Dr Z caught in the middle until they and the covers wounded up in a big tight ball! "WAAAAAH!" Dr Z cried out in agony as he found himself becoming his dinosaurs' chew toy again for the umpteenth time as they covers rolled right off the bed and onto the floor! He was starting to take back having them restored to small size, at least when they were bigger they were easier to control.
A floor down from where Dr Z was, Rod and Laura along with Helga and their parents could still hear the commotion going on above their heads, the thumping and stomping could even be heard through the ceiling as they looked up and even found their room chandeliers shaking a bit in the process. "Sounds like papa and the others are having quite the party up there." Rod's dad smiled oblivious to what was really happening, as his wife too giggled in amusement.
Their kids put that aside seeing it as nothing to worry about, as they decided to have to some real fun now, "I can't wait to stay up late and play video games till next morning!"
"Count me in on the fun too!" Laura waved as she went to grab another game console from Rod, only for them to be snatched by a rather burly hand!
"Hey!" They yelled mad only to cringe when they saw Helga staring at them with siren strictness and wagging her finger at them.
"Absolutely not, you 2 children are going to get an early night's sleep whether you like it or not." She said with an unwavering firmness, "You know how important rest is for growing up at your age."
"Aww….." They whined before looking to their parents hoping to get support from them, "Mom? Dad?"
Unfortunately they wouldn't be getting any support this time around, as their parents got under the covers themselves, "Sorry kids, Helga's right this time around."
"We've got another big day ahead tomorrow, so do get some sleep so you don't miss your grandfather's match tomorrow." They said as they switched off the lamp on the table next to their bed, leaving the kids with no choice but to give in and go to bed.
"Aww…." They muttered, finding it much like back on the Backlander when Helga forced them to go to bed early nearly every night, and they could just give up trying to sneak outside for midnight snacks too, as she folded her arms and kept her unblinking robotic eyes fixated on them the whole night….which made sleeping way harder than it was for the siblings.
In another room away from the commotion, the Taylors and Ancients were chatting it up in one room as Max and Rex were together in one side with their beds next to each other.
"Heh, just like old times huh Rex?" Max smirked as he rested his head above his arms on his pillow while looking up to the ceiling.
Rex smiled, "Yeah, heh it's crazy when you think about it with all of us from different times getting together in the future like this." He then chuckled a little finding it a bit crazy in a way, "Kinda hope we don't cause some kind of time paradox when this is over with…" He admitted a little nervously there.
"Aww relax, you worry too much." Max assured him, "We'll always be able to fix things no matter what happens." He smiled at him assuringly, "After all, with what we've overcome I'd be surprised if there WASN'T a thing we could handle."
"Heh, when you put it like that…." Rex could see Max's optimism was a great motivator and most encouraging too in boosting morale back when they needed it most. If it weren't for him they wouldn't have been able to defeat the space pirates and the shadow empire, and how much he wanted pass on said hope to the people of this time and world, it was something he wanted to bring back with him to his own time too.
Their parents looked upon them and smiled happy for their growth and mature, but that aside, Dr Ancient then clapped his hands getting their attention, "Well you two, better get some sleep now if you want to be ready for your big match tomorrow."
"Aww can't we stay up just a little longer dad?" Rex whined a little while Max pouted at being treated like a child.
"He is right Master Rex." Jonathan added in agreement with Ancient, "It's for your own good after all if you want to be at your very best, both you and your dinosaurs." He said as he looked to the side to see Ace chasing Chomp about the premises, as they knocked into a nearby lamp stand to the boys' alarm, luckily the android butler was quick to speed there in time and save it from crashing on the floor. It was then after putting it back in place he then eyed them seriously, "Or would you rather I to call down Helga to put you both to bed now would you?" He said to them in a scary tone which made them both and their dinosaurs turn pale as they shook their heads and hands out.
"N…No!" They yelped before quickly getting under the covers in a panic.
"You know suddenly I feel sleepy right now."
"Yeah! I'm totally beat! Let's turn it right now!" They quivered as their parents laughed in amusement seeing perhaps they could use Helga as a way to keep their kids under control, after all it did wonders for Rod and Laura, not to mention the Alpha Gang too. In fact Spike and Aki were even thinking of ordering one such robot for themselves to bring home to manage Max if only it wouldn't cause damage to the time stream.
At the Drakes' room, Reese held onto her dad's pjs as he tried to run out while holding a new mega needle he brought along for the trip, "Oh come on dear!" He pleaded with teary eyes, "I just want to go check on the other hotel guests and see if their precious little dinosaurs need any sort of treatment or TLC!"
Reese shook her head firmly before dragging him back to the bed, "No dad, you're going to stay here and behave yourself." She grumbled before plopping him back on it as he pouted sadly while hugging his needle tightly, "I'd rather not let you leave a bad impression of our family, especially Zoe, to everyone." For extra reassurance she grabbed his ear and pinched it hard before twisting it making it bulge red and throb causing her dad to tap out and cry.
"OW! OW! Okay! I give up! If you keep this up I'll need a doctor!" He whined as Reese, satisfied with his answer, released him as he slumped down and began resting his ear on his pillow before pouting with jealousy, "Still it's no fair Zoe gets to go out and sleepover with Cera…."
"Oh grow up dad…." Reese facepalmed, finding it hard to believe she was related to this plump man child, sometimes she wonders if she's the only real adult around the family given her mom was too nice as she smiled looking at them from afar, while Zoe was still immature most of the time. If only they could be more like Cera…..
Speaking of her, she was staying in another suite room with her parents, along with Zoe who decided to crash in with her for the night given she did so with her family a lot of times before it would only be fair if she returned the favour in some way. Already the 2 good friends got together for their pyjama pillow fight party and engaging in girl talk involving celebrities or gossiping a little about the boys too, while Paris sang at the side with Miku swaying to the beat as their parents looked upon their family with happy looks, truly their girl had not only grown up but made fantastic friends along the way.
"Hahaha! This is just like back at home." Zoe clapped her hands as she got in snuggly with the covers.
"Mhmm I couldn't agree more Zoe." Cera nodded in agreement feeling nostalgic like old times before.
Zoe then got up and leaned a little closer to her, "Hope one of these days you could invite us over to your place here in Saurus City." she pleaded taking her hands.
Cera sweat dropped a little seeing she got in a bit close for her comfort, "S…Sure thing Zoe, though apart from being similar but slightly smaller to Rex's house in the future, it's not really all that special to be honest." She replied which made Zoe croak a little.
"Urk…." Rex's house was almost like a palace to them, and for Cera to say her own house wasn't as good but close enough in size, truly her standards of average living were far greater than anything she had in her time in Sanjo City.
It was then Miku leapt off the chair she was perched on and glided to the bed at Cera's and began pecking at her getting her attention, "Hmm?" Looking to the little micro raptor chirping at her, she sighed a little sadly as she let her climb onto her finger and she raised her up to eye level, "Oh I'm sorry Miku, I've already entered Erwin as my dinosaur to use in the tournament so according to the rules I can't switch out…." Miku lowered her head and let out a sad chirp, as Cera smiled back and nuzzled her chin, "But don't worry next time I promise." She replied making Miku flap her wings with joy and excitement hoping the next tournament would come soon after this.
Zoe sighed a little nervously as she was reminded of whom Cera's opponent was going to be, "Say, your match is going to be against that scary ninja Kaze right?" She muttered nervously as the mood turned rather serious and tense.
Cera lowered her head a little and sighed, "That's right, not to mention being our captain of wind and our special tactics division leader." She thought back recalling the harsh training regiments she received from him when Lunensis transferred her to his division for his tutelage, and just thinking about all she was put through….it made Craig's trainings look like mere warmups compared to Kaze's. She then shook her head and smiled back feeling confident in herself, "But don't worry….I've already got a plan in mind for him…." She told Zoe before her confidence tipped again, "Question is…whether it will work or be enough…." she added feeling a bit nervous herself given she recalled Kaze being skilled in identifying weaknesses and openings in enemies, strategies and formations while coming up with effective counterattacks himself. From the captains she trained and battle he was the one she never could beat in battle or surpass, even when she had assumed the role of captain she never tried once out of some fear of him even.
Lunensis himself narrowed his eyes seeing the worry and doubt in his daughter, for among the captains Kaze was the one he had the most difficulty getting along with, having hired him in desperation for the position as money was the only thing tying them to their cause Kaze didn't acknowledge them as actual comrades at the time, even calling them to be in his way and refusing their help whenever he performed reconnaissance or strike forces too. Still though, he believed in his daughter knowing she and her fiends had overcome much as he walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder, "I know you'll do well Cera." He assured her as she looked up to him, "As the new Captain of our D Lab I'm certain you'll do great."
Seeing his smile and those from Zoe and her mom, Cera then nodded feeling her morale and confidence boosted as well, "Mhmm. Thanks dad, I really appreciate it." She nodded feeling assured in her plan for tomorrow.
"We'll be cheering you on too." Zoe pumped up her arm as well, "And hope you can do the same for the rest of us too." She sighed being eliminated from the tournament herself so it was up to Max and Rex to carry the rest of the D Team forward, and while Cera's side was with the Resistance she too was a member of the D Team as well so she hoped to get support from her too.
Without question Cera nodded back at her, "Oh course Zoe, I wouldn't have it any other way." Deep down she knew chances high that they would need to fight each other at some point, but for now they'd best focus with whatever hand that fate is dealing them now.
That all aside, Maia then spoke up, "Well, shall we turn in for the night then?"
While everyone else nodded, Cera then got up, "I need to use the bathroom first, excuse me a bit." She said as she went inside and the others decided to get ready for bed soon. Once she shut the door behind her, Cera took out her phone from her pocket and began dialling on it, as she made a certain private call. Putting the phone on her hear she awaited for it to be answered and a female inaudible voice was heard, "Hi Minmi, has that rehabilitation program been well?" She asked seriously and after hearing the response from the other end she nodded and smiled lightly with ease, "That's good to know, once the time comes I hope Saurus City will be able top welcome the hybrids into Dino society as any other dino." That was one less burden off her chest now, hopefully in due time they'd be able to adapt Goma's hybrid dinosaurs into society and hopefully they'd be accepted like any other dinosaur. After all despite being made from an evil madman she didn't want them to be locked away for eternity for she saw potential in them to reform and contribute to society in the future.
After that though she then narrowed her eyes as it came to another more serious matter, "Make sure that no one else knows about that other thing too." After Minmi replied to her on the other hand, Cera nodded firmly, "Good, no one must ever know. And good night to you too." Only a certain few truly remember Arkosaurus and the destruction he and his army caused forcing Cera to change the past, something she didn't wish to do but was left with little option. Hopefully this secret would be one that would never see the light of data again and she wants to keep it that way as she exited the bathroom and decided to turn in for the night in preparation for her next big challenge.
(Meanwhile)
In other rooms away from where the D Team and Alpha Gang were, the Captains of the Resistance were having their own family drama play out at each of their individual rooms through the hotel. In one of them, where Marina and Blaze were staying, Daigo was seen chasing Camille around who tried to run from him as he played predator vs prey, while Blaze wearing flaming nightwear sat at his bed calling on a phone, "Hey mom, hope you're feeling better now." He asked his mother, Flaria, on the other end of the phone, "Don't worry I've been well, and Marina's been great too, you can be sure I'll look after her as I've done for your station since I took over from you." He grinned. It had been years since his mom retired from the Fire Division and since then Blaze had stepped up to the mantle himself to fulfil her fiery duties, which he had done more so given his recent victory ion the tournament. After conversing a little longer he nodded, "Love you too, and don't worry I'll get everyone fired up again when I win my next match so stay tuned and hope you don't miss a second of it!" He said at the end before ending the call.
"Hey Blaze, your mum's been well?" Marina asked him as she sat in a comfy chair while wearing a blue nightgown not too far from the tv in the room.
Blaze nodded back at her, "Mhmm, she may be retired but she's got quite the spirit burning in her." He smiled, despite being old she was still quite the adventurous and fiery female she always was, maybe even too hot for handle for his dad to handle who was on the lighter side of the fiery family compared to her.
Marina covered her mouth suppressing her giggle seeing it to be just like Flaria, "Haha that fiery spirit of yours sure runs in your family, maybe it could be in your dna even." Her family and Blaze's have been close friends for a long time, and she knows how hot spirited and hot headed they are at times at times, but that was part of Blaze's charm that won her over before. Twiddling her fingers a little hesitantly, she swallowed hard mustering up the courage to share a certain secret with her beloved husband, "Speaking of family….there's….something I've wanted to tell you for a while now." She said somewhat uneasily making Blaze blink his eyes curiously.
"Oh? And what's that?" Blushing red slightly Marina smiled with mild embarrassment but also with happiness which made Blaze feel a little nervous that it was something serious, "Is something wrong Marina?" He asked hesitantly.
Marina then giggled as she gestured him to come close, "Come here for a bit." She said to him, which also got the attention of their dinosaurs in the room as they looked her way with Blaze.
"O…kay?" As he walked closer to her, she then moved closer to his ear.
"The thing is…." After whispering into Blaze's ear, his eyes widened with shock and surprise, that his arms fell rather limp and he almost turned slightly pale in the process as he felt deeply overwhelmed inside.
He blinked his eyes repeatedly trying to process the breaking news he just heard, and after getting his thoughts straightened he looked back to Marina, placed his hands on her shoulders and leaned closer to her face, "Y…You're serious?" She responded with a nod and smile, which made Blaze laugh joyously as they both embraced one another, "Ahahaha! This is wonderful!" Blaze hugged Marina closely before pumping himself up with determination and punching up to the sky with energy, "That does it, forget the next match I definitely will win the whole tournament for all of us! That's a promise for I intend to keep!" He declared with upmost confidence he will succeed and making his family proud,. as Daigo joined him and let out a confident growl standing by his partner's side to the end of time.
"Oh I know you will honey, I know you will." Marina giggled with joy herself looking forward to seeing his match tomorrow, while Camille, came in closer to listen to her stomach, sensing a second heartbeat inside her.
In the room a few doors down, Raina and Hua were both crashing the same room and the Lightning captain was busy updating her data and recalibrating a few things on her computer before wiping away the sweat from her brow, "There…there….and done!" Raina sighed with satisfaction as she finally finished at last, while Colin and Jolt were eating mixed vegetables from some bowls on the other side of the room.
"You've been at that computer a while now Raina…." Hua sighed feeling a little worried for her friend's eyes as she sipped some calming jasmine tea while reading a book on medicinal plants in her yellow and green nightwear, "You know like Max did say you rely a little too much on data and technology, sometimes it's better to stick with the old natural ways like I do." She suggested, which made Raina frown a little as she looked back her way from her desk taking slight offence.
"I'm aware of that Hua and I intend to try a new kind of training regimen right when the tournament is over." She replied rather assuringly before folding her arms on her hips and standing up from her desk, "But as a scientist it wouldn't hurt to keep past records and record such valuable data as we collected yesterday." She then said pumping up her arm with confidence before pointing out to the sky, "Not just for me but for the future of dino duelling and saurian society."
"When you put it like that I suppose you are right." Hua sighed. She didn't always agree with her, since Raina was usually all about evolution and scientific revolution while she herself thought of preserving the old ways and nature, given development often resulted in the loss of the old natural state of the world where everyone's origins came from. To Hua, technology and nature don't always get along and sometimes she feels nature being tainted by tech and the old ways like sustainable farming or organic ways are best.
RING! RING!
A call then rang up on her dinoshot as she looked to the desk and picked it up, "Excuse me for a bit." She said to Raina before answering the call where a woman appeared on screen, with the same face as her but with longer hair and sporting a japanese flower comb in her hair. Hua smiled happily seeing the woman whom she recognised as her older twin sister, "Hi Hana, it's been a while." She said to which Hana replied with a gentle wave.
"Indeed sister, it's been a little too long since I've seen you." She replied.
Hua covered her mouth suppressing a laugh, "Well given I've had to take over Grass division duties and you've been stationed at Gobi Village to take care of matters there it's no surprise we haven't had time to catch up." She then frowned with some disappointment.
"Indeed, ever since that sleeping sickness incident came up I've had to work double time to ensure Gobi Village's base didn't fall," Hana shook her head sadly, "And even after that I had to coordinate restoration and relief efforts there too, so it's no surprise we haven't had time to catch up."
"True but I feel despite our commitments and duties, we really ought to try and make some time to call once in a while, we all miss you very much." Hua replied.
"The same here too." Hana nodded understanding her sister's feelings before smiling lightly, "Still, I have to say since you assumed my old position in the Resistance you've done very well in raising up the grass division." She said feeling proud of how far her sister had come since they parted ways and yet she still kept contact with her exploits such as leading the medical team there. In the past Hua's specialty was mainly in the medic department given her dislike of violence as well as vice captain to Hana, whose specialty was in leading their grass related attack divisions and restoration efforts. When the sisters had to be split up it was a hard decision but a necessary one to make, and yet the entire time Hua had never failed to uphold the mantle.
"I'll continue do my very best to live up to our family's expectations." said Hua feeling very encouraged by her sister's words who nodded back at her.
"I know you will and that you'll even surpass them too dear sister." She replied with a smile, "We look forward to your battle tomorrow against Max."
"Mhmm." Hua nodded as they ended the call there and then decided to put her book away as she prepared to get under the covers, "Well, I think it's time to get some sleep. You know how important it is for good health." She said towards Raina who smirked.
"On that I agree with you Hua." It was then she took off her lab coat revealing her sportswear underneath it, "Right after a quick trip to the gym first, after today's battle I feel I need to get out of the lab a little more often." She replied eagerly taking off her swirly glasses and replacing them with some contact lenses before heading downstairs with Jolt following after her, leaving Hua and Colin alone in their room.
"Haha, some things just never change." Hua then laughed finding her friend's behaviour most amusing, the more things change the more they stay the same apparently, as she closed her eyes and relaxed as Colin began to sing a little song for her as she dozed off into dreamland.
In the indoor gym downstairs, "HRRRGH!" loud grunts and growls were heard in one section, while most of the trainers or trainees had left for their rooms to turn in for the night, there was still one man who was training tirelessly in preparation for his match tomorrow. Craig having removed his shirt and was flexing his muscles as he did barbell lifts weighing as much as half a tonne before completing his 5th set and 25th rep before pushing it up on the rest spot before sitting up himself. Taking a sip of dino drink and wiping the sweat from his brow he let out a deep breath, "Huff, that makes a nice warmup, now for the real thing." He then exited the indoor gym and went to the sporting hall next door, and grinned taking out his dinoshot and slashing it a card! "Alpha slash!"
Appearing from the purple light was a purple and yellow scaled ankylosaurus which roared out fiercely as he stood before his partner, who crossed his arms in front of him and grinned, "Alright Bash, let me have it! We're BOTH going to get ourselves psyched for tomorrow! So you better not slack off one bit!" He roared out a battle challenge spurring the ankylosaurus to wag his tail eagerly before he swung it with full force at Craig's arms! The collision let out a big shockwave which sent vibrations through the premises but while Criag didn't budge, Bash's club was deflected off him! Feeling psyched and seeing no need to hold back himself, Bash continued thrashing his club at Craig who grinned feeling his spirit tempered and strengthened further with each blow repelled! "Heh, tomorrow Ed, I'll show you what it really means to command the earth itself!" Craig thought to himself as he eagerly awaited for tomorrow to come.
(At night mediating in house of village)
It was late into the night as the moon shone high above a roaring waterfall hidden deep in the mountains on the outskirts of Saurus City, water rushing down with tremendous force from some ragged mountains up high above, and yet behind the waterfall was a secret entrance to a special village. Inside the mountain where there was a massive crater in the centre had a large spring surrounded by many ragged cliffs inside where the water from the waterfall originated. Built around the springs and rivers there was a moderately sized settlement, primitive in appearance given many homes were wooden or bamboo, with flags or tapestry laid out with various japanese symbols written on them. Other parts of the village had groves of bamboo forests growing around along with either open spaces for training and torches which lit the way of various paths.
There were also a number of farms for rice paddies or other forms of crops and farming techniques where the villages sported more traditional wear which was much like that of the Sengoku period long ago. This hidden village was founded long ago by the descendants of Hanzo and Ofu, ninjas who operated under Tokugawa and Takeda respectively and yet while initially were bitter enemies in the war, generations later as japanese civilisation developed the ninjas were in danger of losing their traditional ways and as such their descendants put aside their bad blood as they made peace and retired in seclusion or exile after being freed by their masters to make lives of their own. While some may have split off to share their ways with the world hence the Ninja Village in the D Team's time, the majority who remained hidden in seclusion have protected their land and kept its isolated from the world except only to a few chosen ones who could be trusted with their greatest secrets.
Inside the largest building there, a dojo with the wind dinosaur symbol at its gate, which also had a set of training spots like bamboo poles for balancing above a pond, training mazes and even a weapons armoury. This was the place where plenty of ninjas here who trained hard and graduated as assassins, bodyguards or mercenaries in service to others like their ancestors have in the past. Inside the main dojo room, Kaze sat cross legged in a meditative stance with candles lit around him while the room also hung with portraits of legendary ninja and samurai like Hanzo and Ofu, even ninja outfits or weapons too hung on the walls around him as he seemed to be immersing himself with the principles and culture of his very ancestors too. It was something he took immense pride and dedication since the day he left the village years ago to learn about the world and its ways before choosing his own path which he decided to keep the ninja assassin tradition alive and well. Which became more apparent during the Shadow War when he took the place of the wind division's captain when its' former leader went out of commission during battle.
The entire day he trained hard and well fine tuning his skill and senses to a fine edge, having steeled his resolve as he prepared his match against his best student for tomorrow, a day of reckoning to see if she truly graduated in his eyes. Being Master and Student it would be disrespectful for him to not push her to the extreme or to show even the slightest bit of mercy, for that was for the weak especially during times of war in the past and he wanted to ensure she still had that strong resolve in battle even now in an age of peace, hoping what she built up then hadn't dulled at all. While he was mentally prepared, he needed to conduct one last test first as he calmly awaited for the moment of truth, which soon came as wind blew in through the openings around him snuffing out the light of the candles.
Still he remained calm and his eyes closed, relying not on sight but his other senses on full alert as only the sounds of the wind blowing from outside could be heard along with the rustling of the leaves in the trees from the wind. His hand remained where they were on his lap as he took in calming breaths and stayed motionless. Upon hearing the sound of a slight creak up above, his eyes sharply opened as a dilophosaurus launched himself from the roof above snarling at him! Quickly he somersaulted back evading the predator's failed sneak attack! As the dino's jaws snapped close it screeched out loud as a monolophosaurus leapt in through one of the open window spaces thus trapping Kaze in a pincer like formation! Instantly, Kaze readied his kunai as he took a battle stance keeping a close watch on both dinosaurs as they circled him waiting for an opening.
Keeping an eye on their movements, seeing their legs squat for just a small inch, he leapt up high into the air as they both launched a pincer attack at him only for their heads to collide and sending them back! Shaking their heads in disorientation, Kaze threw smoke bombs down at them causing smoke to erupt around them, blinding their senses of sight and smell, so they had to rely on hearing as they found themselves the prey! Looking around and hissing agitatedly they saw what seemed to be 2 Kaze's charging at them! They lunged at the ninjas, only for them to explode into wooden dummies as they got their fangs or claws stuck in them! Having dislodged them in time, they looked around only to see Kaze spinning around them in a blur before striking at them in a mayfly like movement, further cornering them both in a limited space as they found their movements heavily restricted!
Kaze then appeared in front of both dinosaurs, as Hunter the Alpha dilophosaurus launched hurricane beat, leaping up and kicking out at Kaze, who skilfully blocked or parried the kicks with his rapid punching and the crossing his arms in front as Hunter somersaulted his tail at him! As he landed back, Chase the monolophosaurus was prepared to charge up cyclone but hesitated due to Hunter still being in his line of fire, it was then Kaze saw his strategy of throwing off his opponents' movements was successful, getting them so close to each other they wouldn't be able to attack without getting the other involved in the crossfire! It was then he leapt up and struck down in the the middle between them both, the impact knocking Chase off his feet and stunning Hunter! Before they both could recuperate and then retaliate with a bite or claw at Kaze, they froze in place having realised his kunai in both his hands was aimed right at their throats! The sharp pointed tip already making contact with their skin, one wrong move and it would tear right through them in an instant!
It was then they realised the battle was lost as they submitted and backed away slowly from him. Smirking under his facecloth he folded his arms with pleased eyes, "Impressive, you both are getting better and came close to actually being able to touch me," He complimented both his dinosaurs as he eased up, their training session complete as tensions subsided. He then hardened his gaze and spoke strictly, "But you gave yourselves away far too easily, unless you know how to completely conceal your presence you'll never be able to take me by surprise or catch anyone off guard." He scolded his dinosaurs with no hesitation and firm discipline, which made them both lower their heads in defeat, realising despite their difference in species it was clear the gap between each other in terms of skill was all too clear.
"I have made my decision." His eye turning, he then took out his katana and aimed it right at the Alpha dilophosaurus, "Hunter, since you were the closest to reaching me, I shall allow you to accompany me tomorrow against my best student ever." He stated as Hunter nodded and snorted with affirmation, lowering his head submissively and with honour to his master, who then pressed a button on his dinoshot to revert him to card form. After that he looked towards his monolophosaurus, "Chase, you will remain here and keep watch over our village while we are away. Is that clear." Chase snarled with slight jealousy at being outdone by Hunter, but his master's word was law and thus he relented as he stepped back. With a few hand gestures, Kaze then vanished in a cloud of smoke, leaving Chase alone to watch over his land as he turned around and left the dojo to patrol Ninja Village and make sure everything was kept in order.
A little breather being the calm to the storm to come, pun intended. Here we also get a glimpse more into the lives of some of the captains like Blaze and his mom by fulfilling her previous duties and more or with Hua and Hana as well, with Hua having taken Hana's place. Also we hear from Kaze how he is a descendant of the ninjas in the ancient Japan arc and how Ninja Village in Max's time is tied to them too.
For Hua, it can be hinted she dislikes violence and brutal attacks even for grass dinosaurs, example even though she used two platoon crush or dino force before she dislikes using attack moves liken that because she finds them violent, something her sister Hana is better adept with being stronger mentally and with more conviction too, somewhat like Zoe in a way given how most of her moves are meant for damaging the opponent. Still while Hua may be the slightly less adept battler than her sister, her actual strategy in battle is quite the opposite from Hana and let's just say it will be more tricky to handle.
Regarding Kaze's home village you can consider it to be an improvement of the Ninja Village from Ninja Nightmare with elements from Pokemon Legends Arceus be it the peoples' clothing and civilisation, or also with ideas from Naruto as well.
For the Relic hotel I used the same name from the Fossil Fighters game but for references you can use Marucho's house from Bakugan Battle Brawlers.
Side note also a brief mention of Arkosaurus too.
Reply to reviews
tsukikami02
Zoe did give her best indeed and fought a match everyone can be proud of. I like the way you did Gorgon better now.
Here I explained some of Kaze's backstory and his dinosaurs being those that were abandoned and ridiculed for being weak. Shows how the world is a cruel one and some have to find ways to survive.
I don't think I would do that otherwise Dr Z would learn of the eternal youth fruit and then it would cause time problems later on if you know what I mean hehe.
Drew Luczynski
Seriously you should sleep earlier and ignore these notifications till you wake up. I will try to flesh out the captains more in this story since I didn't manage to do so in my first 2.
You are right Paris often relied more on assist moves and you'll soon see how Hua does, you'll find her to be quite different from Zoe.
Dr Z will have a challenge indeed, second round fights will be tense too and this chapter sets the scene.