Chapter 13
Rex vs Ursula part 2
"Hahaha! Bow before my indescribable beauty!" Ursula laughed with pride as Terry grabbed Ace in his jaws and was prepared to crush him in his jaws!
"NO!"
"Rex!"
"This can't be it!"
His loved ones all cried out worrying for him…..just as a bright light shone out from the forest, right when Rex slashed his move card in the nick of time.
"Time for venom fang! Go!" He yelled out loudly, as a piatnzkysaurus launched itself out from the brush and snarled viciously at Terry who widened his eyes in surprise at the new arrival as much as his partner!
Ursula stuttered back widening her eyes in disbelief, "What the!?" She exclaimed in disbelief.
"AH!"
"Whoa!" Everyone was caught off guard by the sudden new arrival who had come to Ace's aid!
"Hey isn't that-" Zoe pointed out at the little dinosaur that was growling viciously at Terry.
Maw widened his eyes and finished for her, "That piatnzkysaurus!" he recognised it back when Sheer used it in their battle in Ancient Rome!
Ursula however was unimpressed as she scoffed at his feeble attempt to fight back, "Tch! So you called in a little back up, big deal!" She spat before looking to Terry, "Terry! Go and crush that puny lizard into-" Before she could finish, the small dinosaur let out a very toxic purple vapour from his jaws, which Ursula immediately recognised based on the name of the move Rex called out! She then widened her eyes realising what that was and immediately took back her decision, "Shoot! That's poison!" Ursula quickly yelled out warning Terry this was bad news, "No Terry! Get away from him!" She cried out with upmost urgency in her tone!
Terry was wary also, and with Ace in his jaws he'd only be slowed down. With the venomous carnivore rushing his way, Terry was forced to release Ace and back away, putting distance between himself and Piatnzkysaurus' deadly venom breath! As Ace lay down on the ground, Piatnzkysaurus came in to help Ace stand up and with a grunt of thanks the both of them glared at Terry to stepped back anxiously with 2 opponents ganging up on him!
"Phew that was way too close…." Rex breathed a sigh of relief as Ace returned to him and regrouped with his new ally by Rex's side. As he looked ahead to see Terry still standing strong, and Ursula no doubt backing him up with well planned commands, he knew he had to fight more strategically now, "Close combat's way too risky against them now…." Thinking down, while still slightly conflicted about this, Rex knew there was no other way to help Ace so using Venom Fang was the right call. Still even with numbers on their side his instincts warned him not to get cocky.
The MC widened his eyes in surprise, "Now this is unexpected! Rex has utilised an assist move! Who would've seen this coming!?" For a member of the D Team to battle with honour and fairness, no one would have ever saw a move like this coming.
While a handful of the audience felt the same as he did, others though didn't care that much as long as Rex won, "Aw yeah! That's showing her up!" Cretacia pumped up her arm and punched forward before cheering Rex on at the top of her lungs, "Give her a taste of her own medicine! Or poison for that matter!" She didn't care if it was cheating or not, all that mattered was showing up that bag of hot air Ursula!
"Dear…." Dr Ancient sighed with disapproval for his wife's poor sportsmanship with Jonathan shaking his head in disapproval at his mistress.
Others like the Alpha Gang were stunned, not expecting him to do something like that which seemed sneaky yet strategic.
"Wow, who knew Rex had it in him to go that far….." Zander whistled impressed, sure he and the others weren't all that clean themselves at times but to go this deep they never knew Rex had it in him.
"Yeah that's just dirty and unfair!" Laura pouted rather grumpily, feeling bad for Terry being ganged up on unfairly.
"Aren't we usually like that though?" Ed scratched his cheek in thought, "Think he's taking a page out of our book?"
Rod shrugged his shoulders at that, "Not sure if we should feel flattered or ashamed to be that kind of example….."
Their father then placed his hand son both their shoulders, "Don't think about it too much kids," He smiled at them before looking back at the screen, "Just, sit back and enjoy the show for now."
Rod then agreed, "Yeah, it's not our problem right now, it's Ursula's." He muttered though still he couldn't help but feel conflicted about all this.
At his village, Kaze smirked at Rex's wise choice, in the real world it doesn't pay to be fair and with honour all the time. Sometimes to make up for one's inability one may need to bend the rules a little yet not break them.
Craig on the other hand narrowed eyes with disapproval himself and gritted his teeth rather angrily. Believing poison is for the weak or any other status effect to add on top of that, to him it just proves that one's ability is lacking and how it's worse for someone to try and make up for it with underhanded shortcuts like that rather than prevail over it.
Back at the battle, Ace roared and moved in closer to Terry. The larger t-rex normally wouldn't feel any caution around him or any other opponent smaller than he was, but the fact one of them was a living bio weapon, made his senses of fear and caution ring alarms for the first time in a long while. As they snarled and roared, he stepped back nervously as Ursula clicked her tongue in frustration at the unexpected turn of events, "Tch! And you call me sneaky and underhanded? This is really unfair!" She cried out in protest.
"You can't compare what I'm doing to what you do on a daily basis!" Rex retorted throwing out his arm, "Here I'm using actual strategy since it's obvious my usual methods aren't cutting it in the slightest. Not to mention it'll ensure I don't hurt Ace as well giving commands that would endanger him!" He yelled as Ace roared backing up his partner's point.
"AH!" Ursula didn't think of it like that but after hearing the way he just put it, perhaps he did have a good point there….perhaps maybe she could do the same too….
Despite it being rather underhanded to some perspective, his friends didn't mind it at all and in fact saw it as levelling the playing field as they cheered him on, "Nice job Rex!" Max called out to him before snickering, "Heh, maybe it's not so bad or cheating using assist moves after all." He thought not knowing that Zoe could hear his words and she took offence by pouting at him.
Meanwhile Cera nodded with a smile seeing it as a really clever move by Rex, "Not bad at all…." She said with approval. While some may see it as a little underhanded, the fact Rex did it to ensure Ace's wellbeing was what mattered most, and for that she could understand as in a duel what's most important was one's connection with their dinosaur regardless of the outcome.
Looking to his partner, Rex then smiled as the time came for their trump card, "Sorry for the wait Ace, but help's on the way!" Rex called out to his partner as he held out his trump card! "Element booster! Dino tector on!" Equipping it onto Ace, the carnotaurus was encased in white wind armour as he powered up and roared to the excitement of the crowd!
"And Rex has armoured up Ace with the Dino tector!" The MC announced stirring up excitement from the audience, "He's about to snuff out Ursula's flames like a candle in the wind!"
"That's the ticket!"
"Knock the air out of em!"
They cried out with excitement as Terry tried desperately to avoid Piatnzkysaurus as the little carnivore swiftly darted under him aiming to land even just a nip at his ankles.
"Watch out Terry! Don't get bit!" Ursula cried out, as he barely managed to avoid being bitten, not wanting to risk anything by attacking himself. As he sidestepped out of the little carnivore's way, it kept Ursula on her toes as she sweated anxiously as she had to take priority over Piatnzkysaurus above anything else. However, Rex smirked seeing they fell for their plan, with them being so focused on Piatnzkysaurus, they didn't account for Ace aiming for Terry's blind spots right after being forced into his attack path by his ally! He rushed in and rammed Terry's side making him roar in pain after being struck where he least expected it as Ursula gasped in shock.
"EEEK!" she squealed covering her face as Terry stumbled back! Angered by this, Terry retaliated by striking out at him. Ace quickly darted away as the giant's jaws snapped close! Then seizing the opening he rammed straight into the rex's gut making him cough violently before backflipping with a kick and tail swat sending Terry to stumble backwards disorienting him before the carno darted out of harm's way again! Unfortunately Terry didn't have much time to recuperate as Piatnzkysaurus came in again aiming to snap at Terry's exposed flanks, forcing the tyrannosaurus to narrowly dodge in time only to find himself caught in a pincer attack between both foes!
"Keep it up you guys!" Rex cheered them on, "Now that's great team work!"
Ursula clicked her tongue in annoyance, "Tch! That kid's really pushing my buttons….." The humiliation of being cornered this badly by one of the D Team brats of all people was really grinding her gears as she gnashed her teeth in anger. It was through her predicament and mixed thoughts, that Ursula then widened her eyes as it made her realise something, "Wait a sec….teamwork…." She blinked her eyes before reaching in to fish out another move card of her own. Eying it closely, like Rex she too was rather conflicted about using it herself again, "This is the only one move that can help me out of this mess…..But…." She grimaced with regret and conflict in her heart and mind as she remembered that she and this dinosaur didn't exactly part on good terms, and she wonder how the dino will respond to her should she summon him again….then again she didn't have much choice.
Unaware of what Ursula was up to, Rex grinned with excitement seeing victory in sight, "Alright! Let's finish it with Ultimate Wind!" He shouted at the top of his lungs as he slashed his move! A massive cyclone erupted around Ace as he erupted from it and began rushing at full force towards Terry aiming to take him out once and for all, and with Piatnzkysaurus at the other end there was no way Terry could evade in time! He smirked seeing victory was in sight!
"No choice now, here it goes!" Ursula growled as she slashed a move she never thought she'd use again, "Go tag team!" Terry roared out as a light shone in front of him just before he jumped out of the way! Appearing in his place was none other than Pawpawsaurus! Who took the full front of Ace's attack and sent him flying away several feet across the ground!
"WHAT!?"
"AH!"
Everyone gasped in alarm at what just took place.
Ace too was surprised to see his target was not the one he intended! The pawpawsaurus was sent tumbling back violently away, but soon got back up on his feet shrugging his strongest move like it was nothing before bellowing out at Ace in defiance with Terry standing right beside him and roaring out in triumph! "Phew….that was way too close…." Ursula breathed out a sigh of relief placing a hand on her chest to calm down her racing heart.
"Th….That's!"
"Pawpawsaurus!" Zoe and Max both finished for Rex, never had they imagined to see that dinosaur again after so long, and right when Rex was about to claim victory too!
Seeing Terry hadn't yet fully recuperated from his dodge, Piatnzkysaurus attempted to sucker punch him from behind, only for his advance to be halted when Pawpaw rushed in to get in his way, bellowing out a warning which made the smaller dinosaur halt! The carnivore snarled at Pawpaw warning him to get out, but Pawpaw bellowed back at him in defiance, refusing to budge. Angered by this, Piatnzkysaurus charged in aiming to poison the pawpawsaurus, only for the ankylosaur to swing out his tail and repel his attacked sending him flying away before he had to dig in his claws to keep himself from crashing, to the dino's annoyance.
"Incredible! With that move, Ursula had turned this duel into a literal tag team match!" The MC then called out surprised himself that Ursula had an assist move herself, being one of the strongest ever too.
Rex, as he and his friends began to remember how the alpha gang used Pawpawsaurus like a literal shield a while back in Peru and abandoned him after he served his purpose just to save their own skin, hardened his expression and gritted his teeth angrily before yelling out at Ursula, "Grrr! How dare you use that move!?"
"Yeah! Considering how you and your pals left him behind back at the Temple in Peru!" Max followed up just as furious as his friend was.
Cera widened eyes her eyes in disbelief hearing that, "They did what!?" She gasped never hearing this before, she knew the Alpha Gang were cruel to dinosaurs before in the past but to hear this, this was really sinking to a new low.
Silence descended upon the arena after that, with many others began to overhear them as murmurs came amongst the crowds before aiming their anger and disgust towards the old lady.
With everyone's eyes focused on her, emotions of shock and anger was aimed her way. Ursula then sighed with regret, refusing to hide anything and instead choosing to come clean, "Yes, I won't deny that, and you kids have every right to be angry…." Silence came upon the crowds as needless to say she was earning much disapproval from them all for being so heartless. On one hand she believed she did deserve every bit of hostility aimed her way, "But…..The fact remains that I can't do this without Pawpaw….." She then turned towards the small ankylosaur, who looked back at her with an expression of bitterness in his eyes, the sting of betrayal and abandonment still in his eyes as that very bad memory had been burned deep in his mind, scarring his memory at being left to die those many months ago. To see her face to face again, caused those bad memories to resurface within him as he bellowed out at her.
She didn't respond to him at first, but fully understood what he was feeling and she couldn't blame him given what she did to him last time….any hatred or resentment she deserved it….and yet, she needed his help more than ever. Seeing regaining lost trust wasn't going to be easy, and no way could she force the dinosaur to obey her, she closed her eyes taking a deep breath as she slowly but painfully swallowed her own pride, "Now Pawpaw, I know we've got off on the wrong foot last time but….I promise you that this time around things will not be the same as before." She said to him as he bellowed out with agitation and anger at her. She said nothing though, but calmly accepted whatever anger or resentment he had towards her, for she deserved it, but the fact remained that she still needed his help here and now. Gulping down the last bit of her pride, she lowered her head and bowed apologetically, "We really should have appreciated you and your sense of loyalty, it was to be respected and never taken for granted." Pawpaw stuttered for a moment, not expecting this from Ursula.
He remembered her as bossy and demanding, to see her acting with humility was something that caught him and even Rex completely off guard, "I know you couldn't forgive us but we really need your help now more than anything. So will you please lend me and Terry your strength again like last time?" As she finished, Pawpaw hesitated for a moment, the memories from before in the temple were still on the little dino's mind. However, seeing the look in Ursula's eyes with a glint of purity in them, Pawpaw felt no danger nor ill will from her. Deciding to trust his instincts he gave her and Terry another chance, he let out a bellow of agreement towards them. Feeling relieved that she had managed to regain the dinosaur's trust for the time being, she smiled with relief to see there may be some hope left for her after all, "Heh, thanks, I promise you won't regret it." She assured him before they all turned to face their opponents head on together as a real team now!
The entire Alpha family was surprised and stunned by what they just saw, "Ursula…." Ed pointed out weakly at the screen, "Did she just?"
"Yeah…." Zander nodded unable to believe it himself.
"Okay, Ursula really needs to see a doctor after this!" Rod then stated with Laura nodding in agreement with him.
Rex was stunned by what he saw as much as everyone, he then narrowed his eyes anticipating that she may be lying still, and decided to expose her in battle and let her actions reveal her true motives, as Ace and Piatnzkysaurus snarled viciously standing shoulder to shoulder against Terry and the pawpawsaurus who bellowed back at them. The sides now even with 2 each now it was a matter of whose teamwork and trust is better.
"Grr! I can't believe Pawpaw got fooled so easily like that!" Max gritted his teeth angrily as he punched his fist into his palm, "That old lady's just gonna use him like a shield again and throw him away when he's done!" he growled before looking at Zoe who was scowling in agreement with him and then turning to Cera, "Don't you agree Cera?"
He was surprised to see her not responding, but instead calmly folding her arms and observing, "Whatever Ursula's really up to, it'll come clear from this point on, let's just wait and see." Was all she said as they looked ahead to see how things would play out.
At the battlefield, neither side showed any signs of backing down. A bead of sweat trinkled down Rex's cheek and he gritted his teeth, "Urgh…." Terry being the ultimate attack dinosaur and Pawpaw acting as the ultimate defence, it was clear as a combination they would be really difficult to crack as they covered one another's weaknesses….as to whether they would cooperate with one another given their old history, it puzzled him as to how or why Pawpaw would ever work with Ursula again…..He then shook his head and decided to be patient and withhold his judgement till later, "I'll figure out your game soon enough!" He yelled as he chased out all hesitation from his mind and went on the offensive, "Go you guys! Tag team them!" He cried as Ace and piatnzkysaurus snarled and rushed head on!
Ursula grinned in response, accepting the challenge, "Ha! Terry and Pawpaw! Show those clowns what REAL teamwork is like!" She cheered as her side charged forth! "First! Flare sword!" She declared slashing it out as Terry summoned a giant fire sword and slammed it down to the ground where Ace and Piatnzkysaurus were!
"Dodge it!" He instructed them as they split up as the sword crashed where they were leaving a giant crater upon impact. He let out a sigh of relief having evaded it before striking towards Ursula, "Ha! You missed! Looks like you need better aim!" He taunted.
He would have continued to say it had something to do with her old age….but to his surprise Ursula simply smirked back at him, "Heh, as I planned." Her words catching Rex off guard.
"Huh?" He wondered what she meant but soon came to regret it when he realised Terry's aim was to split up Rex's team and they were now far apart from another! "AH!"
"Now you're all mine!" Ursula grinned as she decided to tip things in her favour before they could regroup, "Element booster! Dino tector on!" Equipping the armour onto Terry, the t-rex was then infused with the fiery armour as he emerged battle clad and ready for victory!
"My goodness! Now Terry has armoured up as well!" The MC cried out amazed, "Rex's attempt to blow out her fire has only whipped it up even more so into a blazing wildfire!" The crowds then erupted into excited cheers to see how the battle will go, also seeing this as an even bigger challenge for Rex to overcome which they believed he could.
"Come on Rex!"
"You can't lose! Show her what you've got!"
"Everyone…." Rex heard some of the cheers from his family to him, and as encouraging as it was he also did feel somewhat pressured by the expectations they put on him. Nevertheless he then grinned letting their motivations spur him to not only meet but surpass their expectations and his own limits! No way could he let them down after they were standing by him in spirit to the end. Terry soon faced off against Ace while Pawpaw prevented Piatnzkysaurus from getting any closer to Rex as he blocked his way. Seeing no other way around it, "Guys! Divide and conquer!" He called out as his dinos charged in!
As Ace evaded Terry's bites and met with him in a head on clash, Piatnzkysaurus meanwhile leapt onto Pawpaw's back and clawed at it but couldn't make so much as a scratch let alone damage the sturdy ankylosaur! The pink dinosaur shrugged and shook him off, forcing the smaller carnivore to go for his legs! As he tried to lean in for a bite, Pawpaw responded by swinging his tail out at his face, repelling the attack and forcing Piatnzkysaurus to to pull back and search for a weak point in his opponent's solid armour. Rex gritted his teeth seeing even Venom fang was rather ineffective against tag team, "Urgh, he can't get through that armour….even with venom this will take a while…." Clearly he underestimated Ursula's tactics, she did come up with good ones at times and she is manipulative, no doubt she must have gotten better, question was how? "Guess we'll just have to hold out until then!" He told himself while deciding to do his part to help speed it along, "Ninja attack!" Slashing it, Ace charged forward splitting into 6 clones of himself as they leapt into action and spun around Terry in a big blur! With Pawpaw distracted this could be his best chance to land some clean hits in on Terry!
Ursula clicked her tongue in annoyance seeing Ace run circles around her and Terry so easily, "Tch! Too many of them…." She knew if she wasted time in confusion they'd get some shots off her, so there was only one thing to do now, "Hey Pawpaw!" She looked back hoping for a tag in and swap dance partners, only to be surprised to see Piatnzkysaurus spray venom right in Pawpawsaurus' face! "AH!" Dazed and his vision blurring after being blasted with poison right in his face, Pawpaw was now helpless as the toxins began to take effect slowing down his senses and reflexes. Seizing the chance, Piatnzkysaurus reached down and sunk his venom filled teeth into his legs, weakening them so he wouldn't be able to move or fight as effectively, before delivering well placed claw strikes to the ankylosaur's flanks and legs! "N…No!" She cried worriedly whole the D Team and family praised him for his successful tactics.
"Nice work Rex!"
"Their teamwork's breaking down now!" They cheered him on.
Cera nodded and smiled with approval at Rex's team strategy trumping Ursula's, before frowning at Pawpaw who was stumbling about groggily and groaning in pain, seeing he was suffering from the toxins, hopefully Rex would wrap this battle up quick so he wouldn't need to suffer any longer.
"And Rex manages to land a successful hit in the shield's chink in the armour!" The MC called out as the tension peaked at the duel's turning point, "Now it's a race against time! Will the venom work its magic or will piatnzkysaurus run out of steam before that happens! It's anyone's game now!"
"Once the first dino's down it'll be game over to whoever's left alone…." Raina narrowed her eyes as they all waited in anticipation and watched closely to see whose favour the duel would turn in, though the way things were going perhaps it would go to Rex's side.
Ace closed the circle even tighter around Terry like a noose, who knew from experience the timing for his repeated strikes will soon come as he snarled and looked around frantically for an opening but could find none, making him snarl with agitation and worry. "We've got this Ace!" Rex pumped up his arm much to Ursula's annoyance.
"Tch!" She clenched her hand into a tight angry fist, seeing that Pawpaw couldn't make it back to her due to being held back as Piatnzkysaurus, who bit hard into his leg making him cry in pain while preventing him from going anywhere! Seeing he was in pain and realising how much he put his own wellbeing on the line to shield his teammates, she narrowed her eyes and nodded knowing what needed to be done. "Terry! Fire cannon!" She slashed her move which made Terry flash red and charge up a fireball in his jaws!
"You've got like a 1 in 8 chance landing that old lady!" Rex yelled out stating she was wasting her time and effort.
To his surprise once more, she smirked at him, "Then it's a good thing I have a different target in mind!" She calmly responded surprising Rex once again!
"Huh?"
She then let it loose, "Terry! Fire away!" The tyrannosaurus was prepared to launch the fireball as Rex narrowed his eyes preparing to dodge….but what happened next he wouldn't see coming! At the last minute Ursula pointed away from Ace and to the side! "At piatnzkysaurus!" She made a last minute change, psyching everyone out as Terry blasted the fireball right at the unsuspecting smaller carnivore!
"Huh!?" Rex widened his eyes in disbelief as the fireball came in close from behind the unsuspecting Piatnzkysaurus! The small carnivore, focused on Pawpaw and holding onto his leg refusing to let him go, never saw the attack coming as it exploded right at him sending him flying away and tumbling across the battlefield steaming in black smoke and groaning weakly in pain!
"No way!"
"AH!"
"I don't believe my eyes!" Everyone exclaimed in disbelief, what they expected to be an attack for Ace happened to be for Piatnzkysaurus instead! But on top of that, Ursula did that in order to save Pawpaw, who widened his eyes in surprise as much as everyone was!
Ursula then called out not wasting the chance she was given, "Now! Time to tag in you guys! Switch opponents!" Her order made it in time, as Terry leapt out of ninja attack's circle and swapped with Pawpaw who responded in returning the favour! The small ankylosaur took the full burnt of the attack from Ace head on, for his teammate who helped save him just now!
After the attack ceased, Ace slowed down and shook his head dizzily having collided with the rock hard ankylosaur multiple times and wasted much of his valuable energy on the wrong target. As he recuperated, he failed to respond as Terry grabbed the unsuspecting Carnotaurus in his jaws and crunched down hard, making him roar in pain before being thrown with full force through a few trees! Toppling them down in the process!
"Oh no!" Rex gasped in alarm, realising he was distracted by earlier, along with everyone else too.
"Quick Terry! Before that acid spitter gets up again!" Ursula then yelled refusing to take anymore chances. Nodding, Terry rushed towards the Piatnzkysaurus who was slowly beginning to stir only to find Terry grab hold of him in his jaws! He screeched and struggled trying to escape but to no avail, and in his current position he was unable to fire venom or turn his head around for a good bite! Wasting no time, Terry threw the smaller helpless carnivore away through a nearby boulder causing him to groan in pain, trying to get back up and struggle but it was in vain as it soon collapsed losing consciousness from his injuries and reverting back to a card!
"Piatnzkysaurus!" Rex cried out in worry to see his assist dinosaur was defeated leaving him and Ace to face Terry and Pawpaw alone!
"Now it's 2 against 1!" The MC called out, "Talk about a handicap match! Both sides demonstrated exceptional teamwork but overall Ursula's team has won it!"
In the stands above the spectators everyone was stunned speechless, "I can't believe my eyes…." Aki breathed.
"We've seen her use her own friends as scapegoats or to do her hard work for her even risking their lives, not once has she ever risked her own skin for a teammate….till today…." Jonathan breathed, his logic circuits baffled and he couldn't compute as to how such a possibility could come true for Ursula.
"Maybe she has changed….." Ancient folded his arms and smiled lightly, "I don't know…..I could get used to her being like this." He said while his wife stared with a hanging jaw in disbelief.
"Oh my darling Ursula! I knew she was an angel deep down!" Dr Owen suddenly yelled out as he waved his arms in a flurry which greatly disturbed the other spectators nearby hum, before he grinned mischievously at the others, "And to think you all called me a looney, how do you all like that!?" He gloated in their faces much to their annoyance as he continued, "I always believed in you! Now win it all for your die hard loyal fans out there like me!"
Ursula's selfless notions made it hard or impossible to not cheer for her. For her good sport and chivalrous heart, the audience put behind their earlier bad experience and impression of her and showered her with the kindest genuine words they could give her!
"Ursula!"
"We take back what we said about you and forever more!"
Cheers and smiles echoed through the stadium as everyone commended Ursula's efforts and great sport so far and even forgave what she did earlier. She felt a warm fuzzy feeling deep inside her heart, enough to almost move her to tears as she experienced the love and support of fans she always strived for so long. It was tempting for her to brag and gloat about her success, but she resisted it through strong self will, and instead accepted it all in a more humble manner, "Thank you! You're all too kind!" She replied back to them all with a calm wave and bright smile, "Now watch as I'll win it in spectacular fashion for you all! Ahahaha!" She then laughed with joy and not pride, the fans received her words as though she truly was going to give back to them much like Marina would.
Seeing her being showered with much admiration which rivalled her own, made the water captain slightly jealous as even Blaze and the captains couldn't help but applaud for her. Eventually unable to resist going against the flow, she went with it and joined in too.
While most fans praised Ursula, most of them were beginning to worry about Rex's chances now that he lost his support and was outnumbered!
"Oh Rex….I do hope he'll be okay…." Cretacia gulped down nervously as his family and friends watched to see where this would go, praying for his success.
At the battlefield the wind duo wasn't feeling as hopeful as their loved ones wanted them to be, as they held their ground firmly and tensed, "Urgh….I really didn't see this coming…." Rex narrowed his eyes still seeing the battle as shifting away from his favour. He then got a closer look to see the ankylosaur was panting hard and seemed to have difficulty breathing, his movements clumsy and slow too, so perhaps piatnzkysaurus left him a parting gift he could still make use of, "But still, Pawpaw's still poisoned, so I'll just have to drag this out until the poison works through his whole system….which isn't my style given it's pretty cruel….but we're out of options Ace." He said uneasily to his partner who grunted back at him in before collapsing on one knee and struggling to get back up again.
"No….I forgot you're exhausted yourself too…." Rex gasped in realisation as Ace gasped for air and panted tiredly before looking back at him. He then narrowed his eyes, "Well, it's now or never, we've got to go in!" He called out as Ace let out one big roar mustering as much energy as he had left, this time hoping to take out both opponents at once then after doing their part wearing out their opponents they could hopefully leave the rest to the venom to finish the job, "Go! Tornado toss!" He yelled spurring Ace to circle around both Terry and Pawpaw in an attempt to swallow them both up, but as Ace prepared to complete the tornado's vacuum, Pawpaw leapt into his path and made him trip over and crash to the ground! "NO!" He cried out.
"Gotcha!" Ursula grinned seizing her chance. Before that she narrowed her eyes at Pawpaw, spurring him to lumber away, putting some distance between himself and Ace, as Terry flashed red! "Flare sword!" She commanded Terry to unleash a blazing sword from the sky which struck down on Ace making him roar in pain while he was still down!
"AH!" Rex gasped in alarm seeing his attack failed, and not only that….the impeccable teamwork both Terry and Pawpaw demonstrated while under Ursula's command…..
"She's making sure Pawpaw's in the clear first before attacking….." Max breathed in realisation as others began to see the bigger picture as he did.
"She's actually treating him more than just a shield, but a living creature with emotion too….." Cera gasped in surprise herself, she had witnessed several amazing things since the League began but this one took the cake and stood above them all.
On the ground in the middle of a scorched impact crater, Ace groaned in pain his body still singed immensely from the flames. Even with the armour he still felt the brunt of the attack and it still left a mark on him. As he tried to kick himself up, he found himself forced back down, as pawpawsaurus slammed his foot down on his neck! Pinned down he struggled desperately to escape but in his weakened state and Pawpaw's weight he wasn't going anywhere as he growled in pain and agitation! The ground rumbled and a shade covered him, he stopped and widened his eyes to see Terry towering over him with flaming jaws!
"Ace no!" Rex cried out in worry.
"Ursula has completely pinned down Ace and has him cornered in a deadly pincer formation!" The MC announced as everyone leaned forward or looked on in anticipation, seeing this could be it.
"He'll never break out of that…." Craig shook his head believing it to be over now, while the other captains looked on with worry or concern.
"This can't be it….."
"Rex…." His parents grimaced seeing Rex was so badly beaten now, as much as they wanted to believe he could still fight on, the way things were didn't inspire too much confidence.
Meanwhile, Dr Z slowly began to stir as his eyes slowly opened tiredly and he forced himself to sit up rather groggily as he rubbed his temple which throbbed with pain, "Urgh….What just happened?" He groaned in a daze as he rubbed his eyes and blinked, his vision coming back to him, "Last thing I-OH!" He widened his eyes to see Ursula had Ace caught in a pincer attack between Terry and Pawpaw, and it looked as though she was going to deliver the final blow! He then grinned a very wide and almost Cheshire Cat smile to see Rex being put in his place by one of his own subordinates! "Ehehehehe! Good job Ursula! Well done! I take back everything I ever said about you being a bumbling failure! I knew deep down all along you'd make me proud!" He clapped and cheered with all his heart and soul on what may be the best day of his whole life, "Finally! I can show up Ancient and prove to him that I'm not only right but also his better!" He sneered with sadistic glee while waiting in anticipation ,"Come on! Do it already! The suspense is killing me!" Dr Z yelled out impatiently demanding Ursula deal the finishing blow and stop wasting time gloating or enjoying the moment, not wanting anymore chances to be taken for if she lets this chance slip by she may never have it again!
On her side, Ursula smiled seeing there was not way she could lose now, she was going to win and wipe away the indignity she experienced earlier, though as she did so, she wondered how she could win it while making sure she doesn't look like the villain and gain everyone's scorn again like last time…..As those thoughts passed through her mind the sound of a pained groan came from Terry which got her attention, "Huh? T…Terry?" Looking closer she widened her eyes upon seeing Terry wobble about and cough out violently with his eyes turning rather weak with a glint of green and purple in them! Seeing his movement erratic and unable to keep his balance she realised what it was, "AH! Terry's poisoned too!?" She gasped in alarm stuttering back, "But how!? I didn't see him get bit-"
It was then realised right when Terry grabbed Piatnzkysaurus, before throwing him, the small dinosaur was able to spit a breathe of poison right at Terry's face before being defeated, the poison vapours being inhaled by Terry and they had coursed through his lungs and throughout his entire body! And after his intense battling, his heart rate pumping even more and thus spreading the toxin faster than it did Pawpaw, now they had taken full effect and he was on the verge of collapsing in defeat! Ursula stood back in disbelief, wondering how could she let such an oversight happen as well as being careless to her partner's pain which she made him go through…..
As Pawpaw weakened himself, his hold on Ace loosening, Rex widened his eyes seeing a chance to escape, "AH! Ace! Get out quick! Now!" He cried desperately! Ace was able to hear him as he thrusted Pawpaw off his neck and was prepared to dart away! His welcome relief was short lived, as Terry quickly stomped on his tail causing him to fall back down! "NO!" Rex cried as everyone else was just as shocked as he was, believing escape was within reach till being lost again.
"You're not getting away from me that easily you brat!" Ursula growled angrily at him trying to pull a fast one on her. She felt enough was enough now as she glared at Terry to finish the job, "Terry! Now we can-" She held her sentence as she saw Terry gasping for breath and his vision blurring, letting out a pained groan in agony. Yet despite his suffering, Ursula felt her heart touched to see he and Pawpaw were still pushing themselves for Ursula, who brought them this far in the duel and were willing to see it through for her regardless of their own predicament. "Terry…." She breathed feeling most uneasy as a bead of sweat fell from her cheek, she felt the kindness in her heart aroused as she couldn't bring herself to push them any harder than the best they had already given her….and yet a part of her didn't want to lose and wanted to risk it all just to win after coming this far…..
"What are you waiting for!?" Rex then yelled out to her angrily snapping Ursula out of her thoughts, having accepted the outcome and not wanting Ace to be in pain anymore, "Finish it already!" He yelled out demanding that she just get it over with.
"Yes do it already!" Dr Z cried out for Ursula to end it, though for different reasons obviously, as everyone watched on to see what would happen, not turning away for even a moment, some waiting in anticipation or anxiety, others looking away either in fear or sorrow for Rex, a handful of them having second thoughts about Ursula believing they misjudged her on having changed her ways….
Everyone expected her to deal the final blow to Ace without mercy…..but what happened next surprised them all.
The field suddenly reverted back to normal, as Pawpaw and Terry were both recalled by Ursula!
"H…Huh?" Rex blinked his eyes in surprise as Ace kicked himself back up just as lost as his partner was, while everyone else gasped with widened unblinking eyes at what just took place.
Ursula, though feeling deep inner conflict within herself on what may be a huge mistake on one hand, at the same time she was at peace with it too as she let out a deep and calm breath while uttering out some words she never thought she would ever say in her entire life, "I surrender….you….win…."
Rex could hardly believe his eyes and ears, as he stared stunned speechlessly.
"U…Ursula…."
"No way…."
"I…don't believe it…" The rest of them muttered or breathed in amazement at her decision to stand down.
"WHAT!?" Dr Z exclaimed his eyes bulging out of his sockets, he could feel his own heart racing and about to knock him out cold again, just when he had hoped for a win from her she pulled out at the last second….a tease he didn't expect nor appreciate in the slightest.
"Th….The winner by forfeit….Is none other than Rex Ancient of the D Team!" The MC called out loudly, and yet despite the conclusion of the match everyone still remained silent or stared in utter speechlessness at what they just witnessed first hand.
"Wh…Why did she do that?" Laura asked deeply puzzled while also still in deep surprise as everyone else, "She had the perfect chance to beat him yet she didn't take it….why?"
"Would it really have made her look good though?" Rod answered her with a question, "I mean, you saw how bad Terry and Pawpawsaurus were right?" He then shook his head, "I don't think even she had the heartlessness to push them through more than what they could handle….."
As Laura thought about it and saw her brother's point she had to agree with him there, "Y…Yeah…." And yet still she couldn't believe it, for it wasn't just because Ursula accepted defeat since she couldn't win, for she cared about her own dinosaurs' wellbeing above all….something they never thought she was capable of doing till now….
Back at the battle, despite knowing what she had given up on, Ursula smiled feeling at peace with herself, "It's okay….I have no regrets about it….." She said to herself as she felt a newfound serenity come over her, believing she had redeemed and forgiven herself in her books at least and now she can move on from what happened before. And it was going to get better for her.
"Way to go Ursula!"
"That was really great match!"
"I take back everything I said about you!"
The cries of genuine praise and forgiveness were showered upon her from the audience from all corners of the world, especially from Owen. Those very cheers and applause, Ursula received them humbly and with gratitude as she felt a warmth within her which made a kind smile come upon her face as though she felt at peace and ease, "Yes….this feeling….win or lose….this was what I wanted from the start…." She thought to herself, having no regrets at all in the slightest, "I may have lost the battle but….At least I managed to win back everyone's trust and respect." She then said, which Rex acknowledged.
"That's….a real mature way at looking at things old-" He stopped himself at the last second shaking his head, "I mean Ursula." Walking up to her with a smile, acknowledging her as both a worthy rival and friend, burying the past they had between them, "That was a terrific battle, one I couldn't be more proud of. Well done." It was something he never thought he would ever say it to her of all people, but the fact he did just proved everyone had the capacity for change and deserved said chance to do so.
Ursula smiled back at him, "I'm glad you approve." She then blushed a little red with embarrassment, hesitating a bit but then swallowed her pride though was still no less embarrassing for her as she scratched her head, "Say….I hope this isn't much to ask but….is it okay if we can….shake hands and start over?" She herself didn't feel ready to ask Rex to be her friend just yet, believing it'd be too sudden and much.
It was good enough for Rex though as he nodded back holding out his hand to her, "Yeah, let's…." He himself had no regrets about this either as they both shook on it, starting anew between the D Team and Alpha Gang.
Everyone applauded most proudly for this momentous occasion as they burned this memory deep within them, as the time to bury the hatchet between the D Team and Alpha Gang had finally come and both sides could work towards the betterment of dinosaurs and humans alike….till that joyous moment was ruined by the loud rants and screams of a certain old doctor.
"BAH! How dare you Ursula!?"
"Huh!? Dr Z!?" Ursula and Rex widened their eyes in surprise as they saw Dr Z fuming red with rage as he stomped towards them.
"AH!"
"You had him right where you wanted and then you just threw it all away just like that!? I'm appalled!" He screeched shaking his fists in a flurry before gnashing his teeth and stomping on the ground. Till his anger lessened and he instead tapped his foot on the ground while still fuming red, "Tch! Guess it means it's up to me to carry on the legacy of the Alpha Gang on my own from here on, no thanks to you and your bumbling bozo brothers. If you want something done right you've got to duo it yourself after all." Seeing now that only he alone will have to make the mark of the Alpha Gang in history.
Most of the audience including the Alpha Gang widened their eyes at Dr Z's nerve and disrespect for Ursula's noble choice, while several of them including the D Team and their families scowled at him in anger or disgust for being so unappreciative.
"Dr Z…." Ursula frowned disappointed in letting him down despite her best efforts to make it a battle everyone could be happy about, but perhaps it may have been asking too much. She lowered her heads with guilt, "S…Sorry for failing you…." Was all she could say as she was unable top look him in the eye as shame filled her very heart and soul.
"Hmph! You ought to be for failing me!" The old man scoffed turning his back to her which made her frown even more so, feeling unappreciated despite giving and being the best she could as both a duelist and as a person….."And yet, you shouldn't." He then said in a more calm manner right at that moment.
"Huh?" Ursula blinked her eyes in surprise, and so did Rex at Dr Z's unexpected words.
He turned his back to them and folded his arms rather crossly still, and yet his voice betrayed his actual emotions, "All that matters is that you didn't disappoint me, in fact I'm rather….proud of you." He hissed rather painfully through his teeth, as though he died a little on the inside. And yet, despite every fibre of his being rejecting him to do so, his heart overpowered through his own usual nature as he felt he absolutely must say this. He let out every word with truth and sincerity, before he began to sniffle and his throat choked with tears as they began welling up in his eyes, "And as painful as it is….to see you all matured and grown up….it….breaks my heart so dearly!" He wept rubbing his eyes dry with his sleeve yet they continued to water no matter how hard he tried. Unable to contain himself any longer he bawled uncontrollably, "WAAAAAAH!"
Ursula couldn't help but smile and feel a warmth deep down, "Oh Dr Z…." Seemed there was still much in her foster father left in her than she had given him credit for. She then scooped him into a gentle embrace and hugged him close to her, "There there it's okay, just let it all out…." she said to him rather lovingly while even patting him on the back like a baby that needed burping, though it didn't take much to distinguish Dr Z from a baby as he began to suck on his own thumb in the process.
Everyone in the audience couldn't help but feel the warm fuzzies seeing the love between a father and his foster daughter, some of them forgiving Dr Z for his earlier outburst, others being cheeky and deciding to take photos or record it for the Internet knowing this would be priceless.
"Awww….."
"I knew Dr Z still had hope in him." Ed and Zander said with big fat smiles on their faces before hugging one another too in the moment.
"Heh oh gramps what will we ever do without you?" Rod chuckled as he shook his head and grinned, hoping he would never change.
"And same goes for Ursula." Laura added with a positive cheer.
Her father patted her on the shoulder and smiled looking back at the screen, "This is a truly glorious day isn't it everyone?"
"Mhmm…." They all nodded in agreement with him as they continued to treasure the moment most deeply, perhaps this battle in a way has brought their families together close than ever.
As the crowds continued to cheer and clap in celebration of what may be one of the greatest moments in history, Ursula suddenly felt a certain inside urge within her and she felt she need respond to it most urgently, as she released Dr Z from her hug, "Say Dr Z, can you excuse me for a moment?" She asked smiling warmly to him, "I need a little time to myself to collect my thoughts if you don't mind?"
Dr Z blinked his eyes curiously for a moment before allowing her to proceed, "Ummm sure Ursula…go right ahead I mean no one's stopping you." He answered giving her the green light.
She then bowed respectfully, "Thank you." She said with a bright smile, though it was that very moment Rex felt a chill pass over him which made him shudder momentarily with unease, for a split second he could see the faintness of a dark aura appear around her just as she went through the doors and shut them behind.
A few seconds later….."GRAAAARRGH!" Her voiced roared so powerfully it could shake the entire arena like an earthquake and even be heard in a 10 mile radius from the coliseum! Everyone was stunned speechlessly by what they put heard, but that was merely the beginning compared to the amount to pent up stress Ursula had kept bottled inside for the entire day till it finally burst its bottle! "That tears it! I can't believe I actually said such vile and disgusting things from my own mouth! How could I even think to let such filthy words pass my lips!? Humility? More like humiliating!" Her voice was beginning to course with venom and she sounded almost like snarling with each passing word.
"Why should I compliment that horrid half pint when he should be grovelling beneath my heel instead!? How could I let myself lose to the likes of him!? It's….Infuriating! GRRRR! Shake hands!? Start over!? I don't believe in such nonsense! In fact they're enough to make me throw up my breakfast! That kid just got lucky, if I had won the whole world would be making me their queen by now!" She shrieked before stepping out of the doors smiling warmly again, "Ahh….much better…..and boy did that feel so good to finally let out." She sang in a jolly manner stretching out her arms while everyone stared with widened eyes of disbelief of jaws agape, once again unable to comprehend what they just witnessed.
"Err….." Dr Z stuttered falling on his butt feeling terrified now himself of his own foster daughter while Rex gulped starting to reconsider his new opinion of Ursula.
"W…Well….Looks like she cracked…" Zander gulped. At first he worried their self control lessons with her worked too well but apparently not, good thing too otherwise she wouldn't be Ursula anymore he thought to himself deep down.
"Oh and it was so close too….." Ed pouted in disappointment as he was getting used to her new self and felt he could say goodbye to their days of being abused. Then again their efforts did get them quite far so maybe there was next time….hopefully they'd have better luck in making the effect permanent.
Rod shook his head and sighed, "I knew she was just making it up, no way was she ever going to be legit." He shrugged his shoulders
"Hehe, well that's Ursula for you." Steve sweat dropped as he scratched the back of his head.
"Just the way we like her dear." Caroline giggled in amusement with her husband as the entire family began to laugh it off and accept Ursula wholeheartedly as who she was.
"She must have tried her very best to hold it in….didn't make it to the end sadly…." Cera muttered as she shook her heads pityingly, before folding her arms and smiling lightly, "But still, it wasn't all show, I just know some of what she did was true as her fire was pure that time." She thought having been able to sense the feelings of people just as much as dinosaurs. Also seeing how she had acted in battle, there was no greater evidence than that to prove she had turned over a new leaf….for the most part, so perhaps there was much hope from the Alpha Gang after all.
The MC blinked his eyes repeatedly as he too was caught off guard completely by Ursula's sudden 180 degree personality shift, before shaking his head clear as he regathered his thoughts and resumed his task, "P.…Please excuse what has just happened ladies and gentlemen." He cleared his throat getting everyone's attention as they saw the display board light up, "For with the second round now completed it is time to announce the upcoming matches for Round 3!" As everyone looked on in anticipation for the matchups, the first pair displayed onscreen, "Our first battle will be Cera facing Captain Craig!"
The audience erupted with energetic cheers upon hearing that Commander Cera was going up against another Captain.
"Whoa! Cera! You're facing Craig!" Zoe gasped in surprise, her expression mirrored by Max and Rex.
"Mhmm looks like it." She nodded as she looked ahead to see her second teacher shoot her a grin and she nodded back at him, looking forward to proving herself to her second teacher.
They then looked back up at the screen as the MC resumed, "And the next one?" As the screen flashed it revealed a matchup that caught everyone completely by surprise!
"AH!"
"No way…."
"Oh my goodness…."
Everyone gasped in amazement and shock to see none other than-
"Unbelievable! The second match will feature a clash between compassions! A battle between the 2 of the D Team's top members! Max and Rex! With the winner facing Dr Z!" The MC announced in surprise himself as the crowds gasped in awe and shock, as 2 of there strongest D Team members weren't just pitted against one another but it was also a battle between 2 of the closest friends on the planet….
"Whoa…."
"Who would've seen this coming…." The boys each breathed before looking towards one another, with Zoe and Cera feeling rather concerned for them as this match would not only pit friend against friend but one will have to continue on through the tournament without the other…..a cruel fate indeed.
"Fate sure deals strange hands doesn't it Spike." Whistled Ancient as he wondered whether this was karma or something else.
"It sure does…." He nodded in agreement with him before folding his arms and grinning confidently, "And you can be sure Max will come out on top!"
Cretacia shot a shocked look his way, "Say what!? Your hat must be on too tight because Rex will take hope the crown!" She retorted defiantly.
"Wanna bet!?" Spike growled as he and Rex's mom stared down each other!
"Yeah! Let's!"
Sparks of rivalry flew between them both, as the others looked on with concern hoping it won't lead to anything wrong between them both. Hopefully the loser's parents won't have any hard feelings about this, before looking down at the kids with concern.
As the 2 boys looked to one another rather uneasily, "Max…."
"Rex…." Was all they could say to one another at the unfortunate turn of events.
"Guess it's down to you and me next huh?" Max sighed feeling a little guilty with nothing else to add, as Cera and Zoe looked on.
"Yeah….." Rex nodded with a low sigh before smiling again, "But whatever happens let's do our best and fight a battle everyone can be proud of." He said to his best friend as he held out his fist to him.
Max returned the gesture as they both connected firsts with one another, "Mhmm, I couldn't have put it better myself." He replied vowing that he will fight with the best of his abilities as a show of respect to Rex and for everyone gathered here.
"Ehehehehe! How ironic! To think you brats would be fighting on opposite sides for a change like my men have!" Dr Z then cackled getting thirty attention as they turned to see him eying them with sinister glee, "I look forward to seeing you both destroy each other, and whoever gets left behind I'll be more than happy to sweep you off the arena like dust particles!" He declared pointing out at them before boasting in deep hollerous laughter, "Ahahahaha! At long last with you kids out of my hair the future will soon belong to me and my dinosaur kingdom!"
Rex frowned at him, "Hmph! In your dreams Dr Z!" He retorted.
"No way we'd ever lose to you!" Max pointed back at the old man as the 3 of them stared down one another knowing a fight between them was inevitable next round and it would soon be decided without a doubt, tomorrow would be the day the next Champion would be crowned, a title and glory worth fighting for indeed.
"Whatever fate has in store for us." Cera then spoke up, "It'll all be decided tomorrow."
Everyone else nodded in agreement with her, as Max pumped up his arms and grinned with excitement and energy, "Yeah, and we look forward to it too!" He proclaimed fearlessly, as everyone else cheered inspired by his enthusiasm and feeling ready more than ever to face the challenges the day will throw at them and to the future beyond!
And finally the chapter concludes with Rex claiming victory over Ursula and the next matches being decided, can say there will be at least 4 chapters left of this story before it concludes. Ursula also showing a degree of maturity too by not forcing Terry and Pawpaw to fight when it was obvious they weren't in any good condition to continue. Plus she didn't do it to save face but at the time cared for their wellbeing.
Also demonstrating Rex using strategy with Venom Fang and Ursula redeeming herself with Tag team given she did so with Futabasaurus Cannon before.
And thus the final matchups have been decided, any thoughts? Stay tuned!
In response to reviews
tsukikami02
Well any older person would be ticked off being called old but Ursula it's not just merely about taking it personally but also for Rex being disrespectful.
Yup like that time too with Alpha Acrocanthosaurus and can open up new ideas too that you don't need 2 dinosaurs for a fusion move if you just get creative.
How do you think of venom fang being Rex's secret weapon with Tag Team being Ursula's counter.
Drew Luczynski
If you thought first half was epic how do you find this conclusion and the matches to come next time?
As for Ursula I can assure you all she has definitely matured and brought out more of her compassionate side back with the iguanodon and the wee musketeers. However she still has her pride and vanity in her so it's to the point she is kinda 2 faced now either kind one moment and berserk the other. Her development is real though as stated by Cera but hey if she weren't egotistical then she wouldn't be Ursula anymore hehe.