Dinosaur King: The Fossil League

by HunterHQ

The Shadow War has ended and the threat of Arkosaurus neutralised. With the timeline finally reset and stabilised once and for all, it is a time of celebration for Saurus City with the revival of the Greatest Championship of all!

9. Max Vs Hua

Chapter 9

Max Vs Hua

"That was awesome!"

"As to be expected from our Commander!"

Whistling and cheers that praised Cera's victory over Kaze echoed through the stadium halls as she waved back to them with gratitude and bright smiles before returning to her seat with the D Team. In her heart she could also feel some cheers echoing across the world too from those touched by her duel, including old friends as well such as Towa and Dorothy. Though they may be far from her physically she could just feel them with her in spirit right this very moment, how deeply it warmed her heart to inspire such good feelings in everyone just as she hoped for from the Fossil League.

"Hahaha! Way to go Cera!" Looking ahead she saw her friends from the D Team run up to con gratulate her with excitement, "You were awesome! At first Kaze was like whoa! And then you were like WOW! And then-"

Rex snickered at Max's uncontrollable excitement and energy before offering up his own thanks, "Heheh in short version, it was a great battle you put on for us there, we couldn't be more proud of you." He smiled putting a hand to her shoulder while Zoe smiled and nodded.

Cera blushed a little with embarrassment before smiling back to them feeling touched, "Hee hee, thanks you guys I really appreciate your kind words." She then shook her head, "Though really I should be thanking you just as much or even more so."

Her friends blinked their eyes puzzled, "Really? Thanking us?"

"For what?" Zoe and Max both asked.

Cera looked behind her to the spot Kaze once stood at before he vanished, before letting out a happy sigh, "Well, it may not have looked like it, but it's thanks to you and your impacts on everyone here in Saurus City, that I felt a certain development in Kaze." She said feeling more at ease, "As though the winds of change were blowing in his heart, a change for the better to be precise." She then looked back to them as they listened with interest, "And I felt it the moment he allowed me and Erwin that brief moment of rest during our battle, that was proof enough to convince me of it too."

While Rex widened his eyes feeling rather surprised that Kaze of all people would change for the better, he was also deeply moved by Cera's straight and true words which were also inspiring him to be a greater example for the people of his time when he goes home for they would be planting the seeds that would grow into Cera's future. He was also convinced of it too having observed the battle closely and listening to the flow of the battle from moment one and it made him hope he and his friends would be able to continue doing just that for the people off Saurus City.

Max and Zoe though weren't all that convinced though, "Really? From Kaze?" Zoe raised an eyebrow with suspicion.

"No offence but….it didn't look like it very much though." Max shrugged his shoulders not buying it and being rather blunt about his honesty which made Rex frown at his insensitive rudeness.

Cera chuckled a little, understanding his point of view, "Heh I don't blame you, Kaze sure knows how to give….unsettling first impressions," She admitted knowing how its felt when she first met him, "But if you've been around him as long as I have you'll be able to see it." She then added as Zoe and Max looked to one another wondering what the other felt about him. "Regardless of whether you do or not, I certainly saw it in him, and for that I'm thankful to you my friends, for helping him realise the importance of bonds and true honour again." Cera concluded which made the 3 members of the D Team smile happily and also feeling honoured at making such a great impact on Cera's friends, way they saw it no matter where they went be it space or time they always managed to inspire such great feelings in people and pass on something for them all to take to heart and carry forth to the future.

Max then nodded firmly feeling energised for his match now, "Well, in any case, guess it's time for us to set even greater examples for the people of your time." He then grinned pumping up his arm energetically, "And who could be a greater example than me and Chomp hehe!" He declared holding his head up high and brimming with confidence in his eyes and a fired up spirit, "My turn's up and I'm going to give everyone a show they'll never forget!" He then headed forth to the stage not wanting to waste anymore time and keep the crowds waiting anymore.

"Say Max," Zoe then put a hand on his shoulder stopping him, "Wouldn't you want to hear a few tips from Cera regarding Hua?"

"It would help to know your opponent a little in advance before your battle, you can't be too prepared or careful after all." Rex added in agreement with Zoe.

Max thought about it for a brief moment but soon shook his hand declining the offer respectfully, "Nah, I'm sure I can handle things just fine." He replied with a confident smile, but that confidence soon turned to mild arrogance as he held out his head high, "After you saw how I did against Raina right?" He grinned which made his friends all frown or pout at him feeling offended that he was looking down on them indirectly, "Besides I'd like to go spoiler free today in this duel, should make things more fun and interesting hehe!" He snickered before running up the stairs leaving his friends behind.

Zoe pouted and folded her arms on her hips crossly, "Hmph! How rude, and here Cera was going to offer you some helpful advice…." She muttered and huffed, no doubt he was way in over his head after clearing his match, given Zoe lot hers and Rex hadn't had his yet so he must be real full of himself.

"Well after the shocking victory he pulled off against Raina it's no surprise there." Rex sweat dropped, "Still he's letting it get to his head." A part of him was feeling worried about karma biting Max in the butt later,

"Haha well Raina is one of our smartest and tactical captains so securing victory over her is no easy feat, so I suppose it's understandable….." Cera giggled seeing it to be just like him before frowning in agreement with her friends, "Then again….Hua isn't one to be underestimated either…."

"About that since we're on the topic," Zoe then asked Cera curiously, "Anything we ought to know about Hua? As far as I already know she's leading the grass division and the Resistance's medical department." She said before remembering the time she visited a long while back, "I've seen her use dinosaurs in medical purposes and treatment when I visited there, have to say it was really neat." She smiled before clapping her hands together feeling most relaxed and at peace, "Not just that, the zen garden and ikebana class it was so soothing and tranquil you just get that sense of peace you can't find anywhere else…."

Cera nodded in agreement, "Mhmm that's just like Hua along with her older twin sister Hana, it basically runs in their family."

Her friends blinked their eyes in surprise, "Hana?"

"Older twin sister?" Looking to one another they both looked to Cera with curiosity, "But we never saw her before."

"Oh that's because she was the former grass division leader but she got reassigned to Gobi Village to lead the relief team during the time when the sleeping sickness hit our base there hard." Cera answered which made Rex feel a little uneasy.

"I remember that….." He shuddered a little, recalling the medics on standby in the village as though a plague or epidemic had hit given there were a lot too, so then Hana had to have lead things there and they didn't get the chance to see her since they were on such short notice.

Cera continued, "Since then Hua stepped up to the mantle to fill the void left behind, and what can I say she did just as good a job as her sister in the healing department." She said before smiling, "Not that surprising though given they both come from a long line of environmentalists and herbalists." As far as Cera could remember, Hana and Hua had their roots stemming from long ago in both Japan and China where their ancestors began humble lives as farmers or town healers so caring and healing with the power of nature was in their blood from the beginning. Currently their father being the leader of environmental restoration efforts and their mother specialising in the field of healthcare and through the use of natural healing methods through plants and other old fashioned techniques but were just as effective as any chemical drug, or perhaps even more so.

"Wow, that sounds just perfect." Zoe breathed with amazement while Rex nodded.

"Yeah like 2 peas in a pod…pun intended of course." He snickered.

"Heheh yeah they get that a lot." Cera giggled in amusement knowing both sisters would welcome it, "In fact while their parents worked in those fields, Hana and Hua both began their own family hospital health spa relying on natural medicines and healing techniques." As far as she knew it was like a family tradition passed down in their ancestors and they continue to grow as new plants and potential were discovered within them, even more so when dinosaurs were brought in along with bringing back several of the prehistoric plants they relied on for food and thus coming with them many potential uses too which revolutionised healthcare

Zoe then patted a fist into her palm, "Ah yes I remember now." She recalled, "That time you used massaged therapy to help Paris and the others that one time."

Cera nodded in agreement, "Mhmm, that was merely one method they used, along with aromatherapy with naturally scented candles too for instance and not to mention making the richest herbal tea you can imagine." Having taken part in the classes herself Hua served as a great way of motivating the soldiers' morale after a hard battle everyday and ensuring everyone was always in top form and got the best medical treatment they could both humans and dinosaurs. Medical care to treat any physical wounds and therapy helping to calm down mental or emotional trauma suffered in battle, all through their japanese and chinese heritage.

"Of course they also do specialise in other fields that branch out from their family's, be like sustainable agriculture and permaculture too." Cera continued having recalled visiting a farm they had in Gobi Village when she was younger, where the people are well attuned with the land much like Marina's folk whereas they lived on the sea, Hana and Hua gave thanks to the land and nature. Seeing sustainable farming practices and traditional methods to give respect to the soil and treat it with love and care along with growing diverse crops

Zoe and Rex both widened their eyes with interest and amazement, "Wow, I used to think of farming as just cows and sheep," Zoe whistled most impressed, "Who knew you could get that deep with food beyond just your dinner plate."

"Guess we do have to think a step further regarding the impacts our actions have on the natural environment." Rex thought to himself as he began to look at the much bigger picture he never thought was possible.

Cera nodded in agreement and happy witty Rex's thoughts, "Yup, Hua and Hana have a mindset of getting everyone back to their roots. Without the over reliance on heavy machinery or the chemical fertilisers and pesticides, when the old ways are and always have been the best ways." She continued, "While the sisters share many similarities in fields of expertise, when it comes to handling dinosaurs and battling with them, they have very approaches to them. As different as a cactus is from a rose or sundew."

Zoe blinked her eyes puzzled by Cera's statement, "A cactus and a rose?"

"Not quite the comparison I'd use though…." Rex scratched his head.

"Haha on the contrary it actually works perfectly for them both." Cera laughed, "Like the cactus which is very sharp and formidable, Hana specialises in more offensive methods of battling and doesn't hesitate to use the direct approach in battle. You know with moves such as metal wing and big foot assault."

"Oh now that you think about it…." Zoe began to see what Cera meant given the grass moves she often used involved getting most physical with the opponent. Rex also shuddered not suspecting plants to pack such a powerful punch, guess they were more than just pretty.

"As for Hua….she doesn't enjoy using such violent methods unless forced to but even so in terms of fighting she isn't quite as skilled as Hana is." Cera added, "Although, strength isn't always enough to win a duel. Hua does more than make up for it in a few other ways that even Hana isn't that quite capable of pulling off."

"Oh?"

"How so?" Zoe and Rex asked her curious as to what she could mean.

Cera then closed her eyes and smiled deciding to stop here, "Maybe it's better you see for yourself," She concluded before looking ahead of them, "Cos we're just about to get started."

Zoe and Rex then looked ahead narrowing their eyes seriously as the next battle was about to begin, with the crowds growing restless and Max's turn coming up in a few minutes, "Rex, if what Cera's saying is true…."

"Yeah…." Rex nodded in agreement with Zoe before focusing on Max ahead who still brimmed with confidence but Rex feared there may be arrogance and ignorance mixed in with that, "Max….you'd better watch out or you'll be in for a heap of trouble." He thought hoping Max would do his best and to use his head as much as his heart this time around.

Meanwhile on Captain side, Hua had just sat up calmly from her seat as she prepared to make her way to the battlefield for her upcoming turn. Taking out a fan from her sleeves rather elegantly and opening it up revealing many cherry blossom patterns on it she gained a sense of calm serenity to ready herself.

"Hehehehe, well Hua, looks like you may have your work cut out for you given that you're facing Max next." Raina snickered cheekily as she typed into her dinoshot and grinned, "By my calculations…..I'd rather not say. And I'm saying it based on both data and first hand experience. Still hope you'll do your best." She then said at the end hoping to make it sound encouraging despite little effort being made into it.

Hua though responded with an undetered chuckle, "Hee hee we shall see whether your calculations are as accurate as you claim them to be Raina." She smiled lightly as she folded up her fan, "The outcome isn't what matters to me though, all I hope for is a duel for all of us to enjoy." She calmly replied as she made her way most elegantly to the stage, though a rather crafty smile soon came on her face. Despite her serene appearance she did have a rather heated rivalry with Raina at times in terms of beliefs and methods, so perhaps if she could defeat the one who defeated Raina, she can also show the people, especially Raina herself, that the natural way of doing things is better than overrated scientific methods which they rely too much on.

Soon both duelists arrived at the field as the MC eagerly announced the upcoming matchup, "And here we have it folks! A confrontation between our grass division leader Hua Lee against Max Taylor of the D Team! Now to get this battle underway!"

Cheers soon erupted loudly to see a fan favourite being part of the next round, many of which were so inspired by Max's performance in the last round they couldn't wait to see what he would bring to the table this time around.

"Alright Max! Go for it and make me proud!" Spike cheered his best.

"Do your best honey!" Aki clapped as the other family members joined them too.

"We're behind you!"

"Yeah!"

The A Team as usual weren't as enthusiastic compared to the others when it came to the D Team though, "Well it looks like it's Max against that plant princess captain Hua next." Zander noted putting a finger to his chin in thought.

"Who do you think's gonna win?" Ed asked.

Ursula shrugged her shoulders and smirked, "Heh my money's gonna be on the kid, no way is that lady gardener going to win against him. They might as well hand over the victory to him already."

"But if they do that then we'd miss all the fun….." Ed pouted, he never thought they'd ever root for the D Team of all people though he also hoped they would root more for each other should they take the stage too when their turns come, and for praise from the audience too, given the applause they received was bu a fraction compared to Max and the others.

"Bah! I couldn't care who else wins." Dr Z scoffed with little interest in the outcome of this battle, "All that matters is me winning mine, and eventually standing up on stage as the Dinosaur King as they all worship me! Hahahaha!" He cackled before an idea hatched in the back of his mind, once they make dino duelling a big time sport back home he was thinking they could even make big bucks with entry fees or ticket fares! Better yet even put betting up as well! He rubbed his palms together and grinned most deviously as he began entraining said idea….till frowning and sighing disheartened when realising no doubt the Ancients being the party poopers they always were, would no doubt get in his way again.

Without wasting any time Max took out his card, "Dino slash! Go triceratops! Roar!" Chomp bellowed out a battle cry before stomping on the ground, just as eager to battle as Max was showing how much alike they were.

"Well well, someone's full of energy and very eager today." Hua commented as she opened up her fan.

"Here's to a good battle Hua." Nodded Max before cheekily grinning and holding up his head somewhat snobbishly, "Though you know what? Since I'm in such a good mood today, maybe me and Chomp could go a little easy on you and not to finish it too quickly hehe." Behind him Zoe pouted and huffed taking offence that Max would see his battle as a cakewalk, while Rex and Cera sighed worried for him that he may be a little too full of himself. It was that kind of attitude that would be inviting all kinds of trouble.

"Hee hee, how generous of you…." Hua giggled covering up part of her face with her fan, though a rather sneaky smile was hidden behind it, "Though I must warn you that even the most beautiful flower can have the nastiest thorns…." Like a carnivorous plant luring in prey with its' alluring fragrance she would be sure to give Max a fun time before seizing victory for her own, as she soon replaced her fan with a dinoshot from her sleeve, "Dino slash! Go Corythosaurus! Blossom!" Her corythosaurus appeared on the field and let out a loud cry before looking down to his partner, "Alright Colin, can I count on you top do your best today?" She asked him kindly to which he responded with a calm hoot from his crest. Hua smiled knowing what that meant as she stroked him gently on the head, "That's good, and know that I'll be rooting for and supporting you till the end."

"Was that a pun she just said?" Max sweat dropped a little seeing Hua was way more enthusiastic about plants than he first thought. Even though Chomp's a herbivore even he isn't that into plants himself.

The audience cheered excitedly knowing what this meant, "Both corners have brought forth their dinosaur partners!" The MC announced out loudly as he gave the signal, "Now let's go time warp!" A forcefield appeared around the arena as the 2 duelists were enveloped inside and they appeared in a meadow filled with plenty of tall grass big enough to hide an elephant inside as the skies turned multicoloured with the battlefield!

Hua smiled lovingly as she petted her partner on the side, "Well well Colin, looks like you'll be well at home here. How lucky for us." She said as Colin bellowed out with enthusiam.

Despite his opponents' terrain advantage, Max wasn't all that deterred as he grinned with positive energy and excitement, "Heh no biggie, Chomp and I welcome the challenge."

"Max seems pretty confident." Zoe noted back at their seats as she and the rest of Max's friends watched.

Rex folded his arms and narrowed his eyes, "Hmm maybe a little too confident if you ask me…." he commented with mild concern.

Cera frowned hoping he doesn't get in over his head, while Hua may not enjoy battling but that doesn't mean she didn't know how.

Max, unaware of what he was getting himself into, his battling spirit supercharged into overdrive by his excitement, threw all caution to the wind as he seized the first chance he got, "Alright, we'll go in and hit em hard and fast! Go!" He ordered Chomp who bellowed out a battle cry as he rushed forward making the first move!

As they eyed the charging ceratopsian, Hua then looked up to her partner who then looked back down to her, "Colin, stand your ground." She instructed him in a calm tone to which the corythosaurus nodded back before turning to face Chomp and then lowering his body down as he prepared to meet Chomp head on to the surprise of the others, curious as to why he would try to take on a triceratops in a full on rush!

Max however grinned in response seeing there was no way he could miss now, "Not gonna move? Fine then!" Seeing his opponent giving up the chance to dodge, Chomp sped up his charge as Colin held out his arms and raised himself on his hind legs! Pressuring forward both arms collided hard at Chomp's face managing to hold back the triceratops from knocking him over though only barely. Max was surprised at first widening his eyes and being taken aback at the hadrosaur being able to hold him and Chomp off, but seeing the corythosaurus' back legs stagger a little as he dug in his heels and was doing hard not to give ground, he grinned seeing things were still good, "That's it Chomp! Keep it up! Push harder!" Max cheered on Chomp which inspired the trike to push harder in the hopes of knocking Colin down!

Despite their best efforts the corythosaurus was able to shift sideways and thus causing Chomp to be thrown off balance and with the extra momentum as he tumbled across the ground and landed with a hard crash!

Max gritted his teeth in annoyance but was undeterred, "Urgh! That's not gonna stop us!" he retorted as Chomp easily shook it off and snorted before charging ahead, swinging out his horns and hitting Colin in the face! The Corythosaurus stepped back a little but easily recovered after shaking his head clear and then smashing his head crest in between Chomp's horns as both sides began to engage in a tight close up stalemate as neither seemed to budge!

Everyone looked on closely unable to take their eyes off for even a second for it takes just that much for a drastic change to happen, "Max seems to be doing okay." Zoe commented with a light smile thinking he may actually know what he's doing.

"Mhmm sure looks that way for the moment…." Cera nodded before narrowing her eyes, "But looks can be deceiving if you look closer."

Rex and Zoe blinked their eyes in surprise at her words, "Huh?" Upon eying the battle closer, they could see that from his original position, Colin had barely moved an inch and still he was holding his ground firmly in place despite appearing he was struggling to keep control. In reality Colin showed little signs of fatigue while the same couldn't be said for Chomp as he began to struggle with fatigue no matter how many times he collided and made contact with the hadrosaur! The sight of it made them stare in disbelief.

"Urgh…." Max was starting to feel the same as Chomp that very moment as he began panting and sweating under pressure, while Hua remained calm and collected as she had been since turn 1. "Man no matter what they just won't budge…..as if they're completed rooted in place!" Max grunted in annoyance which earned a light snicker from the grass captain.

"Hee hee, it looks like you're starting to see it now, also thank you for the compliment." She giggled cheekily holding up her fan to her face as Max shook out his hands in denial.

"H…Hey I wasn't trying to…." He then clicked his tongue in annoyance not letting himself get distracted, "Tch! I can't give in now, I've gotta somehow try and knock him down….." He thought to himself, which made him picture a tree being knocked down by a bulldozer, if he said it out loud no doubt it'd offend Hua. But under the circumstances he had no choice, as Chomp then smashed heads once more with Colin and shoved hard at one another before they both broke away upon flinging their heads up and then smashing at one another again! Each time Chomp and Max attacked, Hua and Colin easily intercepted and defended, holding their ground and refusing to give their enemies more room, much like a resilient forest refusing to be cut down for urbanisation.

Hua then closed her eyes calmly already having everything planned like a carefully plotted field, "I don't need you to take an ikebana class to know the kind of person you are Max Taylor." She thought to herself, already having an idea of his high energy and spirited nature along with his aggressive but passionate battle style. Yet he could learn a thing or two about calming down like in one of her zen garden classes, otherwise all that excess energy would be wasted and he'd end up hurting himself or Chomp should he get careless or overconfident, as she soon planned to make him realise the hard way.

Closing up her fan she revealed a rather serious expression as Colin flung up his head throwing up Chomp's head as they brown away, only for him to swing his tail in retaliation and sending Chomp away to Max's surprise!

"AH!" He gasped as Chomp was knocked down and everyone gasped in surprise!

"No way!"

"Max hang in there!" Several voices called out to him.

"Wow, for a doctor, Hua sure is no daffodil." Rex whistled most impressed while Zoe stared with widened eyes and gazing in awe and amazement.

Cera nodded at Rex's words, "Like a tree rooted to the spot will hold its ground and endure all challenges, Hua's waiting for Max to tire out and the perfect opportunity to strike back." She explained as she narrowed her eyes seriously with concern, "If Max keeps wasting his energy acting all reckless like that, he'll wear out his batteries in no time flat!" She was beginning to worry for him as his friends couldn't stand back any longer and cheer, he had to change his approach and fast.

"Max! You can't rush in head on this time around!"

"You need to plan your attack or else you'll run out of steam!" Both Zoe and Rex called out to him.

Cera however remained quiet as she knew better, for even if he did that, holding her ground was not the only strategy Hua had in mind….

Hearing the words of his friends, "Urgh….I know that!" Max grunted in annoyance feeling more ticked off as time flew and yet still he hasn't managed to make much progress as he and Chomp struggled to regain control of the duel. "But I just don't know what to do in this case…." Looking back at the battle he could see the frustration and exhaustion in Chomp's eyes too. It seems even with some of his best advances Colin and Hua still weren't just holding up but their energy levels still seemed to be at very high levels while his were beginning to run on empty. "Tch! I've just got to keep trying and wait for an opening then….." Seeing no other way and being focused on the battle Max decided to still trust his instincts and to keep attacking as hard as he could and hope he gets lucky, "Chomp! Keep at it! No way can they hold out forever!" He yelled out spurring the trike to continue fighting hard as he lunged forward only for Colin to side step him as he then swung out his tail in Chomp's face and smacking him with it thus deterring his advance once more!

"Like a mighty redwood, Hua and Colin have held their ground firmly and haven't budged an inch despite Chomp's relentless attack barrage! Can her durability and perseverance actually rival that of the Earth division!?" The MC announced as many of the spectators gasped in awe and others cheered.

"Look at her, she's holding back Max!"

"Captain Hua's a lot stronger than I first thought."

"Guess the grass is greener on the other side at the grass division…."

"For some reason seeing all this nature almost makes me want to go vegan or vegetarian." Many of them began to comment.

"Hee hee I did tell Max he ought to eat his veggies to grow big and strong given they are very strong in their own way…." Aki chuckled in amusement before stopping herself, "Though now isn't really the time for jokes…." Getting back to the matter at hand.

"Oh dear at this rate things may not turn out well for him…." Cretacia commented worriedly, seeing Chomp was getting tired and losing the will to resist Colin as he was slowly being pushed back himself, while Max gritted his teeth and sweated under pressure.

"He's finished, I knew his hot headedness would get him into trouble eventually." Rod shrugged his shoulders seeing this as no surprise.

A handful of them though were seeing a new side to Hua and her squadron and various responses came as a result, "Hmph! I used to think the grass division was all full of softies and wimps, but now…." Craig took some offence at a tree hugger like Hua being compared to him, but he has had trouble with her before in a match they once had and needless to say despite the appearance of a daisy she has the strength of a full grown tree! As much as he hated to admit it, she was someone who could give him a run for his money in the endurance department.

Raina began to sweat nervously seeing the match turning away from Taylor's favour, "Come on Max, I know you can do better than this….Please don't let your victory over me go to waste…." She pleaded worrying that Hua and others wouldn't take her seriously anymore if they were to see the one who defeated her lose this badly. Plus, she also saw a certain potential within Max and didn't want him to lose here, she wanted to see so much more of what he had to offer especially since he was the first to bring elemental fusion to their society after all.

It was then Hua, hidden behind the cover of her fan, "Now that you've gotten in close enough….like a fly to a sundew's scent," She smirked rather sinisterly as she then quickly slashed her move card, taking Max by surprise, "Parasite tree." She said with the sweetness of honey yet hiding the deadly toxin within, as Colin glowed green brightly to Max's alarm!

"Wh…What the!?" He stepped back in alarm as Colin fired a ball of energy from his crest right on the spot where his head was connected to Chomp's! In an instant Chomp reared back in surprise as green energy sparked over him and he bellowed out in pain and agony as he then began scraping his head on the ground most irritatedly and frantically, "Chomp! What's wrong!?" As Chomp looked to him he saw what looked like a seed with vine like appendages attached to Chomp's forehead which pierced into Chomp's skin as it seemed to be leeching energy out of him! "AH!"

All his friends and everyone else gasped in horror.

"Wh…What is that thing!? Is that a seed!?" Zoe turned a little pale seeing the grotesque growth on the triceratops' head, and even a grass user herself she was having difficulty stomaching this down.

"What it is, is trouble…." Rex gritted his teeth tensely.

Meanwhile Cera hardened her gaze and gripped her hand rather tightly into a fist, "You guys don't know the half of it…." She said in a hard tone, for while Hua had the sweet beauty of a flower on the outside, there are times when she gets serious in battle that he harbours the sting of a nettle.

Hua then held up her fan and calmly explained, "Parasite tree," She said as Max listened, though what he was about to hear next would make him take back at what he first thought her, "With that your energy will slowly drain away and you won't have the strength to continue." Her tone was as sweet as honey yet had a darker intent hidden behind it.

It was more than enough to make Max widen his eyes in full on alarm, "Ah! No!" He was beginning to regret all his previous moves prior to this point, how he let his overconfidence blind his instincts to danger, to call it a foolish mistake would be a massive understatement.

"I knew he was asking for trouble attacking recklessly like that!" Zoe cried out in mild exasperation towards Max's previous cocky attitude from earlier.

"Hang in there Max!" Rex called out to him worried himself.

"This isn't looking good…." Cera noted, trying to remain neutral and not show favouritism for either side, though she couldn't help but worry for Max her friend as well as what Chomp was going through right his moment. In her opinion she would rather have the match end quickly so neither side would have to suffer for long, though in Hua's case she much rather keep her side in top condition while forcing the enemy to yield themselves….

Amongst the audience many of them began to gain looks of great unease and nausea upon seeing Hua's real face!

"I'll never kick a tree for the fun of it anymore, from now on I'm hugging trees!" One man cried out being a developer but now seeing the consequences should he incur nature's wrath, perhaps he should retire to be a farmer instead after this.

"I'm a vegetarian but now after seeing this I'm getting second thoughts…." Another croaked wearily.

"Max! Stay calm and don't get too worked up!" Aki called out pleadingly to her son knowing how acting all reckless would only get him hurt badly as times before like in sports or some digging expeditions in the past.

Rod and Laura needless to say felt the most impacted of all as they turned green and their cheeks puffed up as they tried to hold it in, "I'm never looking at plants or vegetables the same way again….."

"Urk I'm getting sick just looking at it." They've seen lots of disturbing things but that takes the cake.

"Nonsense you two, vegetables are very good for you." Helga suddenly wagged her finger at the 2 kids as they jumped at her words, "In fact for lunch today I'll be serving you both some boiled broccoli and spinach salad to ensure you have a healthy colon."

"Eww yuck!"

"Gross!"

They both whined and flinched in disgust.

"Don't worry, I'll be making sure your grandfather has his share too." Helga then added at the end unfortunately or luckily depending on how it would be perceived.

Down below, "Achoo!" Dr Z suddenly sneezed back at the Alpha Gang corners, "Brr I just felt a chill come over me…." He shivered with discomfort, which startled his men as they looked to him in surprise.

"Eep!" They yelped.

"You catching a cold Dr Z?"

"Please stay away from us, we don't want to catch your bug."

"Or we could send you to the doctors later, am sure she'll take you in." They each said to him one after the other after being reminded of their experience the last time someone got sick.

As Dr Z looked closer and saw what Hua was doing to Chomp he turned pale and shook his head squeamishly, "Urgh…on second thought I feel so much better now! Hahaha…." He laughed out loud trying to hide his fear, given he was supposed to be the leader of the Alpha Gang yet finding himself in utter terror at this seemingly psycho plant lady.

Back at the battle, Max"Chomp! Don't give into to that leeching bud! Fight it! I know you can!" He cried desperately to Chomp who tried his best to smash his head on the ground in an effort to shake the seed off. Unfortunately not only was it deeply rooted into his face, bit his horns made it difficult for him to get it into position for him to scrape it off, and as the seconds passed he felt more of his energy drained as he roared out in agony. Max gritted his teeth seeing that Chomp couldn't get it off by himself, "Alright, looks like you need an energy boost. Well help's on the way!" He said taking a move and slashing it, "Lightning axe!" In response, Chomp managed to gather electricity within his horns before generating the axe from the centre of his head! The result caused the seed to be vaporised in the immense lightning thus freeing him from its curse as he roared out in triumph as his axe vanished! "Alright! Ahaha! Way to go!" Max cheered punching up to the sky with joy that it worked.

Rex pumped up his arms and grinned, "Nice! He got it off before it could drain him dry!"

"Yeah, and not a moment too soon….." Cera nodded with a light smile glad Max and Chomp didn't lose out so soon, before frowning a little, "Though it did cost him quite a fair bit." She noted as she, Rex and Zoe looked on to see Max panting for air and sweating in exhaustion, while Chomp breathed out heavily before falling to his knee.

"Hua really is something…." Zoe once again couldn't help but be amazed of the people in Cera's time, Hua was no exception given she knew how to both heal and fight with the power of nature. Clearly if she wanted to become a doctor herself she could stand to learn a lot from her when this is all over.

Hua scowled a little seeing her plan having been thwarted but she then nodded with acknowledgement of Max's abilities given that move was not an easy one to overcome, "Not bad Max, your determination and will is something to be admired." She admitted which made him grin with confidence….but it didn't last long as Hua added a bit more concerning news his way, "Though unfortunately for you I still was able to reap some reward from that first move as you can see in your partner." As she finished, Chomp's legs were beginning to buckle as he fell to one of his knees!

"N…No…." He breathed feeling worried for his partner while also tensing up at their opponents who clearly were crafty individuals to say the least. "Grrr…."

Hua then sighed shaking her head in disapproval at their hostility, "Such a wild and restless spirit you have….." Seeing they were too agitated, as a doctor and spa manager her job was to make sure her clients and even her opponents are relaxed and having a good time no mater the occasion, this may be her greatest challenge yet. Luckily for her and unfortunately for Max, she had just the treatment and cure in mind for them, "I apologise to have put you both through such a hard time. Don't worry though, I'll make this quick and painless as possible." She said taking another grass move and slashing it, "Go Emerald garden!" Glowing in green aura, Colin fired a green energy ball from his mouth right at the weakened Chomp!

Max widened his eyes in alarm seeing and recognising it, "Oh no! Not that move! Chomp run!" Reacting fast, Chomp was able to evade the energy sphere in time as it exploded where he once stood as a grassy garden sprouted, but since there was no target it soon withered away as Hua pouted in disappointment.

Up above the families sighed with much relief, "Phew….That was close, if he took that attack."

"He'd lose even more energy while Hua and Colin leech him dry…." Dr Owen finished for Reese.

Max then narrowed his eyes as a bead of sweat dripped from his brow, "I've got to get to cover fast. We're not safe out in the open." Changing tactics knowing the direct approach got him nowhere but in trouble, he looked around seeing the tall grass around them would be a good place to gain a new tactical advantage, "Chomp! Into the grass quick!" He instructed, to which Chomp obeyed as he retreated into the thick brush and out of Colin's sight.

Yet Hua remained calm and collected, smiling peacefully as the wind blew and grass rustled together, "I'm afraid you can't hide from me in here, nature is my most trusted ally after all." She stated before eying a certain patch of grass where the wind didn't ruffle them as smoothly as the others, "I listen to the voices of the grass, and they've aided me in determining where you're trying to lay low." Colin then focused his attention on said patch as he and Hua located Chomp's hiding spot, as his friends widened their eyes in amazement at how closely tuned with nature Hua was.

At first Max appeared frustrated but a smirk suddenly appeared on his face, "Heh, who's hiding?" He grinned to Hua's surprise.

"Hmm?" She blinked her eyes puzzled with his behaviour but she soon got her answer.

"Alright Lightning strike!" He yelled out slashing a move card, as Chomp flared up yellow generating lightning before firing the bolt at full force out of the grass, vaporising all in its path while coming at Hua's way!

"AH! Dodge!" She gasped in alarm, as Colin began to rise up on his hind legs and did a rather graceful spin around the lightning bolt before landing back on all fours, much like a kabuki dancer would to everyone's amazement and surprise!

"Whoa!"

"No way!"

"Wow!"

"What a graceful dodge! From the firmness of a redwood tree to the delicate dance of a blade of grass in the wind! What can we expect from our leader of grass!" The MC announced as the crowds gasped in awe.

Hua chuckled as she opened up her fan once more, "I told you, for the grass and I are friends." She said doing a cheerful but graceful spin herself before putting on an elegant pose, "Be kind to mother nature and she will be kind back to you." She added feeling her connection with the land most strong and thus would gift her with the reward of victory.

"Ugh…." Max grimaced uneasily, all this while he thought a bed of roses would be soft but apparently he's been getting the thorns since the very start.

"Strong and firm like the tree while flexible and easy like the grass in the wind…." Zoe uttered worried herself, "Now I get what you mean by defensive….not the best matchup for Max…." he swallowed hard.

"Indeed….." Cera had to admit she didn't expect Max to struggle this much against Hua given long dragged out battles are what he struggles to handle the most, given he prefers too end things as fast as lightning strikes. Plus Hua was only starting to get serious, no doubt if the battle drags out Max would be driven further into a corner….she just hopes Hua wouldn't resort to using poison based attacks, she'd seen her do it before whenever she deemed it necessary or went into a bad mood and it wasn't pretty in the slightest for whoever was on the receiving end…a part of her gurgled inside her stomach with nervousness hoping Max wouldn't be Hua's next unfortunate victim.

"Grr these lousy tricks are starting to tick me off…." Craig growled as he punched his hand into his palm and ranted in annoyance, "She's just as cheap as Kaze! Fight like real warriors already!" He bellowed shaking out his fists.

Blaze then shrugged his shoulders, "Well not everyone can be a brawny bruiser like you Craig, who always acts with his muscles and thinks never." He carelessly mentioned making his friends wince at his words as he just stepped on a landmine.

He soon stopped upon hearing the earth captain's fist tighten its grip, "You wanna get mauled? I'll beat you into the pavement if I get another wisecrack like that from you Blaze." He growled tensing it at Blaze so hard a bulge could be seen on it, "Don't forget I've got the death grip!" Tensing it in Blaze's face, the fire captain held out his hands sweating nervously as he got the message to zip his lips now.

"Ehehehe…." He scratched his head chuckling nervously while Marina sighed shaking her head in dismay and facepalming herself, one of these days he was going to get himself into big time trouble if he kept running his mouth like that….

Back at the battle, Max tensed up seeing Hua being able to quickly dodge stronger moves with ease while holding her ground against normal ones. It was then he decided to take a chance and follow up with another attack hoping to throw her off balance or that she wouldn't be able to respond in time, "Alright Chomp quick! Electric charge!" Slashing it, a bolt of thunder fired from the sky super charging Chomp as he rushed out of the grass towards Colin hoping to knock him while he's off balance.

She however frowned and shook her head in response, "Sorry to disappoint, but I saw that coming."

"Wha?" Max blinked in surprise as Colin leapt right over Chomp and landed gracefully on the ground as Chomp dashed passed her and missing his mark completely off! "Argh! Not again!" Max stomped his foot on the ground in annoyance.

"Incredible! Another elegant dodge by Colin! With the grace of a Kabuki dancer on top of that too!" The MC proclaimed.

Meanwhile Max grunted in annoyance, but as Chomp dug in his heels to stop himself and turn around, it was then Hua smirked seeing the chance she had been waiting for!

"Now you've left yourself wide open!" Hua grinned as she took a different move and slashed it, "Power drain!" Colin then began to absorb energy from Chomp as the trike bellowed out weakly before collapsing to the ground in exhaustion before the corythosaurus let out a burp upon swallowing the energy down!

"Oh no Chomp!" Max couldn't believe his eyes at what the just saw.

"Man she's draining nearly all of Chomp's energy and she's barely lifted a finger herself." Ed commented in surprise mixed in with a hint of amazement and worry should she win how would they be able to handle her in battle.

"I never thought I'd ever see the spiky haired brat get backed into a corner so badly…." Zander whispered, finding it rather insulting that the kid who gave them the most trouble in the D Team was losing this badly to some random doctor of all people.

"I'm starting to regret whom I've put my bet on…." Ursula croaked and paled realising she'd have to cough up 100 bucks if he did lose, she never thought she'd want Max to win of all people.

On the other hand Dr Z who was entranced by the battle for so long, he realised now he could've been using said ideas for himself when they got back home before yelling out at the Alpha Team, "Don't just stand there you twits! Take notes! These will come in handy for future strategies and even new moves we can come up with when we get home!" He yelled out making his 3 men yelp and salute him.

"Y…Yes Dr Z!"

At the seats above needless to say all those supporting Max were on the edge of their seats seeing how badly he was getting cornered, "Max!" Spike cried out for his son.

"Oh my, this isn't looking too good for him." Dr Owen shook his head feeling bad for Spike's son and his growing string of bad luck.

"Si Senor." Patrick nodded in agreement and worrying himself over Max's poor odds.

"This isn't looking good at all…."

"Can she really read the grass like she said Cera?"

She said nothing at first before shrugging her shoulders feeling unsure herself, "Who knows?" Was all she replied, "All I know is that she's so in tune with nature she can tell what a plant actually feels, what may cause it to wilt or what would make it happy….either way….it's clear that's giving her the edge over Max here."

Her reply creeped Zoe out a little as she sweated and smiled rather uneasily, "You sure know a lot of amazing people huh?" She gulped before looking back at the battle going south for Max.

"Chomp!" Max ran out to his partner's side as he breathed in exhaustion and in pain, his vision blurring slightly as it became harder for him too focus or even see Max right in front of him. As the brunette looked on and stroked his dino's face, it was then he widened his eyes in realisation it was due to his own carelessness and reckless actions that got Chomp in this situation, "No…what have I done…." He felt regretful about what he did, and right now it was too late to take it all back as the damage had been done.

"I truly regret it having come to this." Hua voiced out to him as he looked up to where she was, as she held out her fan before her face and expressed her condolences, "I do not wish to put your dinosaur through anymore pain than he already has endured. If you surrender now you'd be doing him and yourself a favour." She offered him mercifully hoping that he wouldn't do anything more careless and make things worse than they already are.

He quickly glared at her in anger taking offence at her words, "Surrender!? I'd never do anything that disgraceful like running away!" He assumed she believed she had him beat and how quick he was to get on the defensive, plus it was hardly in his nature to give up so easily given he much rather lose.

Hua frowned a little seeing Max's passionate spirit and honour to be very strong to the point he would rather lose than give up, while admirable from a certain perspective she wondered whether Chomp was in the same boat as he was, "I understand what you mean, but allow me to clarify that there's a difference between running away and backing down." She explained before he and her looked at Chomp when was on his last legs breathing heavily and unable to stand, "At this moment, what do you think is best for your partner? Do you think your choices so far have been in both your best interests?"

"I….I…." Max stuttered unable to talk back to Hua. Every word she had said was right and as much as he didn't want to give up, that wasn't a choice he could make by himself. He didn't stop to consider what Chomp would've wanted this whole time and pushed him to fight as he saw fit without realising it wasn't working out and thus he had put his own partner in such a compromised position. He felt as though he may have been unfair to his partner and even a few thoughts of being unfit to be the trike's partner if he couldn't even listen to him this whole time, as his will to fight was gradually weakening….till a loud grunt suddenly snapped him out of his thoughts.

GRUNT!

"Huh? Chomp?" He blinked his eyes in surprise as he listened to the continued growls and snorts from the triceratops, as though his voice were as clear as actual human dialogue to him. "C….Can you stand? You sure you still want to keep going?" Max asked him with concern for his current state while also worried his partner may not trust him as much after his carelessness had gotten them in this situation. Yet despite that, Chomp stomped his feet on the ground and wagged his tail eagerly, barking at Max to which he grinned and laughed out joyously, "Heh, yeah that's the spirit! If that's what you want I'm with you all the way too!" He cheered to which his friends smiled happy for them and seeing it wasn't as over as they first thought.

"Looks like Chomp doesn't want to give up either."

"He's really responding to Max's desire to continue no matter what's happening to him." Rex and Zoe both commented on the situation, truly among them Max really had the closest connection with dinosaurs given he was the one to first bond with them….second only to Cera of course.

"Glad their fighting spirit and bond is still strong as ever." Cera smiled feeling most moved before frowning again with concern, "But still, it'll take much more than that to beat someone like Hua." As strong a bond it, it would be wasted if not used right, hopefully from his earlier experience Max wouldn't blow this second chance he's been graciously given.

He then turned to face Hua head on and looked at her in the eye, "Alright Hua! We've decided we'll keep going! As long as Chomp's willing to fight then I'm sticking with him till the end win or lose!" He declared with a smile recharged with motivation and energy as Chomp roared out while Colin bellowed back at him acknowledging his challenge.

"Hmm?" Hua blinked her eyes in surprise at first before a small smile came across her face as she felt somewhat touched by their strong connection together, making more than partners, perhaps even family too. With such a bond between them perhaps it would be wrong of them to give up and wrong of her to force him to choose that. Seeing no other way around it but feeling no ill will or negative emotions from it, Hua then conceded with accepting their decision, "Very well then, in that case I shall say no more, with your choice I shall respect it fully and respond as such with the best of my abilities."

"So will we!" Max punched forward while Chomp bellowed out behind him in full agreement!

His friends behind him were glad his fighting spirit hadn't diminished at all, though they still had their concerns, "Max be careful!"

"Don't just charge in recklessly! You'll only end up hurting yourself even more than against Hua!" Rex and Zoe both called out to him as he looked back and nodded.

"Y…Yeah I gotcha…." He then looked ahead uneasily, heeding his friends' advice while also seeing them as tall orders to follow through with, "Rex and Zoe are right, I've got to think smart here…." As he eyed the situation seeing Chomp's energy in the red zone as his dinoshot blinked, her then nodded at his partner's way, before choosing a move from his hand, knowing just the perfect one for this situation, "Aright! Change of plans! Go giga generator!" Slashing it, Chomp shone yellow as his body surged and charged with electricity which began to restore his energy levels to more acceptable parameters, as his wounds seemed to fade and his movements appeared much faster and more refined than earlier!

Hua blinked her eyes in surprise, expecting another attack initially, "Oh? How interesting…." She mused. She was surprised having expecting another attack move, but to think that he would resort to something out of his usual style like being defensive but it also meant that he is now doing some actual thinking, being smarter about his current situation while also caring for his dino's wellbeing. While on one hand it would make things a little harder for her, it was also very touching for her to see such brotherly love between them.

"What a surprise! Max has gone on the defensive and reenergised his dinosaur's energy! Let's hope its enough to help carry him through the rest of this match!" The MC called out as the crowds began cheering for their fan favourite.

"Maybe I've been coming as way too obvious in my approach just now, so it's time for me and Chomp to mix things up and try something a little different!" stated Max finally realising his mistakes from before and making sure not to repeat them, "Now that Chomp's batteries are charged up we'll be able to pull off anything now!"

Hua nodded with a smile pleased with his answer, "Very bold words and you seem very confident you can back them up." She responded holding out her fan his way, "Shall we put that to the test then?" With graceful movements of a geisha she swapped the fan with her dinoshot and slashed a move, "Emerald garden!" Colin glowed green with energy as he began charging an energy sphere in his mouth not intending to miss again.

"Heh, challenge accepted!" Max grinned as he already had a counter planned, "Counter blitz!" Chomp roared out summoning a thunder cloud in the sky which struck Colin dead centre before he could finish his move causing him to fall to the ground and twitch as lightning surged through his body!

Hua for the first time was caught by surprise, "AH! Colin!" she gasped covering her mouth.

"An unexpected counter attack! Right before Hua had a chance to make a move! Could we be seeing a turnabout!?" The MC announced excitedly as the fans cheered and smiled too see their fan favourite make a comeback.

"That's the spirit Max!"

"Keep it up honey!" His parents cheered him on as their friends and family joined in, the cries of the masses helped continue to fuel Max's determination even more so.

Hua ran over to her partner and began stroking him gently on the head, "Colin stand up please!" Hearing her kind voice, he slowly stirred and opened up his eyes making her smile more at ease before she backed away giving him space as he forced himself back up to his legs again.

Max smirked seeing that the battle wasn't over so soon but he wasn't going to let their opponents get the chance to fight back, "Let's follow it up with lightning strike!" He announced slashing one of his favourite moves as Chomp surged charging lightning in his horns before throwing it out and shocking Colin right before he could dodge and once more surprising Hua!

"AH!"

"Great shot Max! Now we're talking!" Rex called out punching forth with enthusiasm while Zoe cheered and clapped happily for Max and Chomp's successful counter! Cera though remained silent and smiled with approval, happy to see Max was thinking straight now and hopefully could fight better now.

His spirit was also beginning impress the other captains, "Hehe, for a kid he's got spirit! I like it!" Craig grinned seeing Max's determination having left an impression on him.

Raina nodded in agreement, "Heh, therein lies his unpredictability and bond, as I expected him as such." She smiled feeling more at ease and seeing Max's chances greatly improving now, while victory still wasn't guaranteed they were more promising as was this future.

"Mhmm, not bad at all…" Blaze nodded with before grinning with approval, as Chomp charged in and thrusted out his horns multiple times like a warrior fencing, giving Colin little time to react as he could barely move fast enough in his weakened state as each horn slashed and jabbed him!

It was then he swung around using his tail, he smacked Colin right in the face and sent him crashing a few feet away, "Hehe looks like we've got them on the ropes now!" Max grinned pumping his arms up with excitement seeing victory in sight as Chomp became more relaxed seeing it impossible for Colin to continue….unaware they were dropping their guard and not realising the match was far from certain, as Hua had hoped them to believe.

"Hmm….perhaps it's time I stopped beating around the bush…." She mused as she gracefully danced in a twirl and swapped her fan for her dinoshot again, "Perhaps it's time I showed you some real flower power." She stated as she slashed the move! "Eternal herb!" A bright green light erupted around Colin as he lay on the ground making Chomp and Max close their eyes at the blinding radiance and being forced to back away!

"Wh…What's going on!?" He grunted at the glare, before a trio of pteranodons swooped out from the light, coloured yellow, blue and pink as they let out a loud screech that echoed across the battlefield to everyone's surprise! "Pteranodons!" They soon began to fly in a close circle around Colin below and began showing him with green energy as well. "Wh…What are they doing!?" As Max and Chomp looked on, before long the energy revitalised the defeated Colin as he pressed himself back up on his legs and bellowed out to the skies thanking his pterosaur friends as they vanished back into a move card in Hua's hand! Max widened his eyes and staggered back in disbelief and shock, "AH! No way! Colin's back up again!?" After all his hard work now Colin was back up again!? He couldn't believe his eyes that such a move to bring back a defeated dinosaur existed and the same expression was mirrored by everyone in the arena!

"Incredible! Talk about back from the dead! Could Hua be attempting to make a comeback of her own!?" The MC announced as the crowds gasped in shock and surprise.

Hua smiled brightly like a sunflower opening to greet the morning rays as she held out her arms to the sun's light, "Life always finds a way like how a forest can regenerate after a blaze so can we!" She announced proudly while Colin bellowed a loud hoot as though they were thanking nature's benevolence and grace. They also planned ton return the favour in full, "And now we'll bloom even brighter than before!" He declared holding her fan forward, "Elemental fusion!" They both glowed in sync as Colin erupted turning into a bright green aura achieving an awakened state to the shock of Max and everyone else!

"And lo and behold! Colin has awakened to his super form! Yet another turnaround!" The MC then called out to the excitement of the crowds.

"AH! Not that!" He gasped stuttering back and agitating Chomp as he snorted at them in annoyance.

Hua elegantly fanned out her fan and held it before her face, "As much as I dislike comparing myself to a weed, they are tenacious at least, you won't get rid of them so easily and the same is to be said for me and Colin." She smiled while her corythosaurus hooted.

"Hey! That's gotta be cheating!" Spike ranted out loud in frustration before gritting his teeth and pulling on his hair while stomping his feet in a tantrum.

"I don't know Dr Taylor," Ancient replied disagreeing with him, "It still seems rather legal in a way….how fascinating…." He breathed putting a finger to his chin in thought, truly it was impressive the cards and abilities the people of Cera's time were able to create and discover when living amongst the dinosaurs, something he hoped they'd be able to lay the foundation for.

Back at the duel, Max sweated uneasily and panted a little under pressure, "Urgh…." while discourage to an extent, he then shook his head clear before seeds of doubt could be planted and instead welcomed the challenge with eagerness and an opportunity to overcome, "Heh, well if you keep getting back up we'll just have to knock you down again!" He punched out as Chomp bellowed a battlecry before charging forward fearlessly!

"Let's see you try Max." Hua chuckled as she slashed a move card, "Green impulse!" Colin bellowed loudly as he met Chomp head on, smacking the trike up to the air with his tail as a flock of tupuxuara swooped in and struck him from multiple angles as he crashed down to the ground!

"AH! Chomp!" He gasped in alarm as energy was sapped out of Chomp once again and then being absorbed by Colin! And to make matters worse she was far from finished as she picked out a pair of moves from her hand.

"And now to follow it up with Special recovery and Laellyn Cure!" Slashing them, Colin let out a crying hoot which summoned forth a light blue allosaurid with a crested head along with a smaller brown ornithopod which shrieked out at Max and Chomp to his surpise!

"A laellynasaura and cryolophosaurus!" He identified them on the spot, and they both glowed in bright shining aura before running around Colin, further energising him as he stood up tall and bellowed a stronger hoot! "They're healing Colin even more!" He couldn't believe his eyes at how much further from victory he had fallen.

"And finally nature's blessing!" Hua concluded as the corythosaurus bloomed with green energy and fibered the spiral of leaves into the sky before showing himself in the green natural energy which continued to make his wounds disappear!

"No way! I never knew you could use nature's blessing like that!" Zoe was most surprised by this given she used nature's blessing plenty of times before but usually to heal others but never for herself.

Rex though was more concerned about another fact, "At this rate he'll be back to full strength and be awakened at the same time!" he gasped as Max gritted his teeth and sweated tensely, while Hua smiled calmly.

Seeing Chomp cornered and down, her strategy to keep him so fixated on the problem at hand on the surface, he won't be able to see the forest for the trees and root out the problem at its source which she intended to keep him from realising.

"I've gotta act fast before I'm back to square one and end up way worse off than last time!" Max then grunted to himself feeling pressured, gritting his teeth and grasping his fist in annoyance, "But how, every time we knock down Colin they always manage to last with enough energy to come back again with another move….why?" As he looked closer seeing Colin's green aura around him, he could see the giant glimpses of the same green aura emanating amongst the grass in the battlefield. "Wait…the field….can it be?" It was then he thought about what Hua told him earlier….about how when you be kind to nature it gives back to you in return….

It was then, as he thought more calmly and processed the situation, he could finally see he had failed to handle the source of his trouble the entire time. Chuckling to himself after realising the times his mom told him to help her weed their backyard, how they always kept growing back unless they dealt with the root of the problem…how the irony. Max then became more serious as despite discovering the problem, it wasn't easy to find a solution to it….or maybe…."Heh well desperate times call for desperate measures." He thought out loud seeing it was time to try yet another new approach.

Looking up to his dinosaur to make sure he was in good form first in order to pull this up. Looking at one another in the eye, "You up for it? Besides, apart from losing the duel what have we got to lose anyways Chomp?" He asked his trike hoping he'd trust him and lend his strength once more. Putting his faith in him Chomp bellowed out in response to which Max grinned feeling a surge of hope flowing in him believing they could actually pull this off! "Hehe then let's do it!" He cheered getting Hua's attention and interest.

"Hmm?" All the spectators looked on in deep interest in what they planned to do now.

The 2 of them glowed golden in sync as everyone high above looked closer with excitement realising what this was, or those closer looked away covering their eyes from the blinding light, "Elemental fusion!" As Max's fighting spirit awakened, so did Chomp as he exploded in lightning aura and emerged in an awakened state himself!

"And Chomp awakens to his super form!" The MC called out exciting the crowds once more, but soon saw the triceratops panting slightly short of breath, "But with the damage he's taken so far is it too late?"

Both sides were awakened but it was clear one was at a big disadvantage, "So you've awakened too, but will it be enough?" The grass captain mused with interest.

Max smirked back at her eager to show her the strength of his bond with Chomp being able to surpass anything she'd throw his way "Let's find out Hua!" He grinned without hesitation for he had just the idea in mind that would turn the duel in his favour once and for all! "This time here's something you won't expect!" Grabbing his move card he eyed Chomp who looked back at him, as the 2 of them seemed to pass some kind of message between them as they both nodded in sync as Max slashed, "Thunder driver!" He cried as Chomp roared out surging yellow!

"Here it comes…." Hua narrowed her eyes as Colin and his side braced himself for another up close brawl as Chomp rushed forth!

Max then grinned at the last moment before throwing his arm down, changing his aim to a most unexpected target! "On the ground!"

"Wh…What!?" Hua was taken aback confused by his sudden decision change.

"The ground!?"

"What is he doing!?" Even his friends were taken aback by his unusual course of action,

Cera smiled though, convinced he had a plan, "One of his ideas that's what." And this time it just might work! As Chomp leapt into he air and spiralled down and struck his horns in the ground, the energy emanating off himwacs discharged into the ground, before being picked up by the plant roots all around him and then acting like conductors they surged with electricity! The natural power that Colin was drawing power from became tainted bye his attack and as he drew it in unknowingly he became shocked and bellowed out in pain and to Hua's complete disbelief!

"AH! NO!" She cried out loud, caught off guard that her strategy of drawing power from her surroundings was now being used against her! Not once had she ever thought of nature turning on her.

"I don't believe it! Who would've expected such a counter attack! Clearly not me!" The MC gasped as everyone else widened their eyes in amazement at such an unorthodox but equally effective strategy which would be one for the history books!

"Whoa!"

"Amazing!"

"Now that playing field is evened out, it's time to finish this!" Max declared as he took out his next move, "Plasma anchor!" As he slashed it, Chomp managed to break free of the ground and then surged with electricity before firing his harpoon at Colin who was still rearing in shock from the electrical attack!

Having ensnared him, he swung him around and smashed right at the cryolophosaurus and leallynasaura! Sending them flying as they reverted to card form! "AH!" Hua could only watch as Chomp slammed her corythoisauurs into the ground a few times before tossing him away several feet! "Colin!" She cried out worrying for him, as he pushed himself up heavily weakened!

Max was unwilling to let her heal again, seizing the chance he knew it was now or never! "Alright Hua, it's time for you and Colin to get clipped!" He yelled out getting her attention, "Finish it Chomp!" He yelled taking out a move card with his triceratops following close behind!

There was no time to heal, seeing no other way, "Not yet! We've got enough energy left for one last move!" Hua yelled out defiantly as she slashed one more move card, "Emerald garden!" Her corythosaurus charged up the green energy sphere in his mouth and fired it with full force towards Max and Chomp!

They however were fearless and were prepared to meet their attack head on with an attack of their own! "Lightning axe!" Max countered slashing his move as Chomp channeled energy through his horns and sprouted a thunder axe from it! Leaping into the air he spun in a somersault and easily cleaved the energy sphere in half to Hua's shock!

"AH!" She and Colin were caught off guard they failed to respond in time as Chomp struck a huge blow on the corythosaurus, causing energy too surge through him as he bellowed out in pain before finally collapsing to the ground!

"Colin!" Hua cried out with worry as she ran over to his side while Chomp backed off to give them space. Colin's awakened form reverted to normal and he looped up to her, "Are you okay?" She asked him with love and concern in her voice as he rested his head on her lap. Seeing his eyes struggling to stay open and how his breathing was slowing, he snorted a little and let out a sad hoot….to which she smiled and stroked his face gently with compassion in her contact with his scaled, "There there….You bloomed most well while it lasted like a true rose." said Hua encouraging her defeated partner who despite having lost he and Hua at least did have a fun time so it didn't matter the outcome as he hooted weakly but with happiness in his tone. "Now take a nice long rest, I promise you'll get the deluxe treatment when we get back home." She promised Colin as she pressed a button and reverted him to a card, thus signalling to the MC the conclusion of the match.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Colin is unable to continue!" He proudly proclaimed to the masses, "Therefore the second match goes to Max Taylor of the D Team!"

"Yahoo! We did it Chomp!" Max cheered as he leapt up and punched up to the sky as the crowds roared with applause and cheers as Chomp stomped his foot and let out a triumphant bellow before reverting to normal himself!

"Max did it!"

"He won!" Zoe and Rex cheered while Cera smiled with approval.

"Not sure how he pulls it off but that was A okay in my book." Rod grinned as he pushed up goggles and smirked while his sister clapped and laughed.

Amidst all the applause, Hua smiled satisfied with the outcome of the duel as she made her way to Max and Chomp, holding out her hand to him, "That was a splendid battle and you fought most well." She congratulated him as Max smiled back and shook her hand acknowledging her as a worthy opponent.

"Yeah, thanks Hua." He replied with a nod before grinning sheepishly, "I just had to think a little harder and be more in tune with the field like you had, and once I figures out the problem I just had to root it out…..pun intended of course." He snickered scratching the back of his head which made a handful of people around them snicker at his little joke.

"Hahaha, a good one at that too." Hua giggled covering her mouth with her fan though still failing to surprise her inner laughter being made known. Her only regret would be Raina teasing her later on for this loss, but she could deal with it just fine for there was something else that was more important for her now. "I can see you and Chomp blossoming into on of the greatest bonds of all, and I do wish you all the best in your matches to come for they'll only get harder from this point on." She said wishing him luck and for the rest of his battles ahead to be just as heartfelt and inspirational to the people of her world.

Max nodded back seriously before holding a thumbs up to her, "You can count on me to do just that." He replied vowing to carry on the wishes of those he defeated, his friends and to pass on the greatest of feelings and example to everyone gathered here.

Hua saw assurance in his eyes and couldn't wait to see his efforts bear rich fruit, which reminded her of something, "Oh by the way," She snapped her fingers which summoned one of her grass troopers to come from behind and he seemed to be carrying something wrapped up in a bouquet. Max looked on curiously as she took it from the trooper and then handed it to him, "Here, something to congratulate you with on a good battle, I'd say you've well earned this." She said with a loving tone as Max happily received it.

"Wow thanks." He smiled brightly expecting colourful flowers, but was surprised to find something else in the bouquet, while it wasn't flowers they were plants wrapped up in there, being a broccoli in the middle along with the leaves of purple cabbages sticking out on the sides much like petals and several cherry tomatoes in between the middle and the side, making them as a collective resemble a bouquet of flowers in a way. Max blinked in surprise for a few seconds trying to process and comprehend what he got, before looking back at Hua puzzled, "Err what are these?" He asked her.

"Hee hee surprised? Never seen a vegetable bouquet before?" Hua giggled holding up her fan once more, "I grew these in the garden right at my station, all made with natural means and no trace of any artificial chemicals at all." She explained before shrugging out her shoulders, "After all flowers while pretty at first, they are but a fleeting glance and are just…predictable and not to mention a waste that they bloom then eventually wilt and have to be thrown out. How sad and wasteful wouldn't it be?" Hua added in a rather emotional dramatic tone wiping away a small ear from her eye before spinning around in a little twirl, "So rather than just a temporary decoration, this bouquet is much more meaningful, not to mention it'll help you grow up strong and healthy, as well as make a delicious treat for both you and Chomp. Isn't that nice?" She added at the end smiling brightly, hoping they'd appreciate nature's bountiful generosity and gifts all the more.

While Chomp looked at it and wagged his tail and grunted with excitement, Max sweat dropped not as enthusiastic as he was, "Err…Gee….Thanks…? Ehehehe…." He chuckled nervously before gulping down rather nauseously, "Ugh…." He now began to worry about his mom urging him to eat more vegetables when they get home, clearly despite sharing many things in common with Chomp, delighting over vegetables wasn't one of them. He made a mental note to hide this somewhere before Aki finds it otherwise she may make him eat more salad or worse start up her own vegetable patch in the garden….

Meanwhile in the Alpha gang corner, "Wow that kid actually did pretty good." Ursula whistled impressed, there were moments where she had doubts on whether he'd pull off a victory but in the end he came out on top, as she expected given their many battles with the D Team so it would be a blow to their pride if he were to lose to anyone else.

"Hehe, guess your bet's safe then huh?" Ed chuckled in amusement as Zander pouted in a grumpy manner as he handed Ursula the 100 bucks he owed her.

Dr Z then squinted at them upon hearing and seeing them, "Were you bozos gambling behind my back?" He muttered which made them flinch at his words.

"Err well if it's among us it's not really a gamble but a….friendly bet! That's all Dr Z!" Ed rubbed his palms together smiling nervously while Zander and Ursula nodded frantically at him hoping he would reprimand them or anything.

"Mhmm!"

Luckily Dr Z didn't care the slightest but about their personal squabble, unfortunately though he was more concerned with something more pressing and urgent as he scoffed back at Ed specifically, "Hmph! Well you'd better put on a good show Ed in your battle which is coming up right now!"

At that moment he felt his heart skip a beat as he stuttered and stumbled onto his butt! "GAH!" He yelped as Ursula and Zander both widened their eyes worried at him and Dr Z.

He then pointed right in Ed's face, "You'd better not blow this or you'll make us, especially me, look real bad in front of all my future subjects!" He growled as Ed saluted him with affirmation.

"Duly noted Dr Z….." He gulped sweating bullets before slouching forward in dismay and despair while receiving pats on the back by Ursula and Zander all out of pity….given whom he was about to face next round.

On the other side as Hua returned to her seat with the other captains, Marina clapped her hands congratulating her comrade's efforts, "Well Hua, have to say that was quite the battle." She complimented as Blaze nodded in agreement with his wife.

"Mhmm, I did my best but Max and Chomp did better." She nodded at her friend's words before looking towards Raina and sighing, "They were just as you said Raina, every word of it."

The Lightning captain snickered with pride before pushing her glasses up on her face, "Hee hee, well my predictions are never, if ever, rarely off." She said before looking ahead to see Max return to his seat with the others as they began gathering around to congratulate him, "And their potential is obviously going to grow even more in their time together and in the battles that lie ahead of them." She spoke not just for Max and Chomp but their collective bonds with the others in their team and beyond.

Hua looked ahead and smiled in agreement with Raina, knowing that the future of dino society was in great hands with them being the ones to hold and soon cultivate said seeds of the future which they held right in their hands, "That I completely agree with you." While rare it was not impossible for her to agree completely with Raina given their conflicting beliefs most of the time in how to get things done. Hua soon sighed with sympathy soon after as the 3rd match was soon about to begin, "Though I can't have the same hopes for the battle that's coming up next…."

Craig grinned rather sadistically as he pushed himself up from his seat and began popping his knuckles which were almost like gun clicks with each one! "Heh, alright you ninnies out of the way!" He bellowed, "It's time for me to show you all how a REAL duelist fights! With strength and substance!" He knew exactly whom to make an example of and to demonstrate on, as Hua shook her head feeling nothing but pity for Ed.

"Sigh…." Typing on her dinoshot she called on it before speaking into it an emergency red alert, "Yes I need a medic team on standby for the worst case scenario please." Were her last words as Craig stepped forward to the stage as Ed's day of reckoning was soon upon him.

And thus the next match concludes in Max's victory over Hua though it was quite close given how tricky she was. Given grass moves come in 2 forms either damaging or healing wanted to elaborate that here with Hana, Hua's sister being the more stronger battler able to handle attacking moves as her specialty while Hua who generally dislikes violence prefers a more indirect approach where she dislikes seeing others in pain and thus prefers not to inflict it herself or see her own dinosaurs hurt, except in the Shadow War her hand was forced then and she had to resort to using tactics she wasn't very proud of. Preferring mainly to be defensive such as holding her ground like a tree to soil or to avoid damage and dodge like a dandelion sways in the wind. Of course she also has her more deadlier strategies like using poison or sapping her enemies of their energy dry, highlights how some plants have sinister dangers under neath their exterior appearance.

These ways she often draws out battles and ensures her dinosaurs stay healthy and injury free while exhausting enemies and make them surrender instead when they realise they can't touch her. Her background coming from a line of people invested in nature and healing needless to say her field in medicine and healthcare suits her most well having passed some of said knowledge to Cera too in caring for nature. Something like how the rose hides thorns, underneath Hua's elegant and kind appearance she can have a sneaky side to her too, chaos green being one method she can use to inflict poison so thankfully Max didn't fall for it.

With this now we are much more clearly introduced to the top members of the Resistance so was wondering out of them all which one left the best impression on you?

Reply to reviews

tsukikami02

Fun fact Kaze dislikes being called Sensei since it would make him feel old. Wanted to use a different summon chant for Eoraptor but relating to light also. Cera would only wish for good luck if she truly needs it.

Well I can say is that he grew up isolated in the ninja village most of his life but the village leader allowed him to leave to learn about the world, when his parents fell ill and had to stay at home, he wanted to stay too but she assured him to go and live freely where the wind blows and doesn't want him to feel regrets because she would if he is held back because of her. Can say he had many experiences and decided to first see the city had changed to have dinosaurs so after learning in the Institute he brought dinosaurs back to the village to help it prosper better. However later decided to train to be a ninja so he could support his village too, he doesn't tell his family about his dirty jobs though.

Being the head of special tactics Kaze has numerous plans and attack formations so outsmarting him is tricky as he fine tunes his methods to near perfection, so you'd need to be innovative and catch him off guard with something he won't expect. Plus the assist moves he used are all real, they appear in youtube, Dinosaur King Awaken, the pterosaurs are in the one with giganotosaurus all 3 dive moves, the mimid rush moves are in the one with super baryonyx, look on youtube and see the video then you'll see how they work.

Happy to inspire you, also now is Max vs Hua, Rex vs Ursula will be one of the last to come this Round. I won't spoil anything but those ideas I can consider them when I plan the battle. Won't promise anything but can try to squeeze in mentions or cameos. I would name Marina and Blaze's kid Spring, as in for hot spring which is water heated by magma.

.brandy

Oh Drew responds to questions asked either in reviews or PM to him.

Drew Luczynski

Agree with you there so thankfully Kaze didn't take the wrong path, can imagine he was slowly influenced by Cera's determination to never give up on her ideals.

You can see the benefit of assist moves too as it allows you to gauge your opponent and it did work to an extent.

You'll find out when his turn comes.