Chapter 15
Rex vs Max
"And now for our main event everyone!" The MC declared to the masses as Match 2 of the Semi finals was well underway and much to everyone's anticipation as one of the most hyped up battles they ever awaited, "A clash for the ages, between the D Team's best and between best friends!"
"YEAH!"
"What a dream match!"
"Blow him away Ace!"
"Shock his systems to the MAX!"
It was clear the audience was divided in half at this point, while previous matches had fans cheer for either side in a manner where they favoured one duelist more, in this case the lines were really drawn and there were immense tensions and expectations coming off from both sides of the arena. To the point where one half of the stands and seats were all dressed in red clothing matching Max's colours, others with triceratops horn flashlights or holding up merchandise like flags and banners with Max and Chomp on them! A handful of them were either holding up plushies of Chomp or having both chibi and full sized ceratopsian dinosaurs with them! The other half of the stands wore light blue clothes that matched Rex's preferred wear, with carnosaurus headbands and merchandise too like foam fingers and megaphones in coloured light blue or white, with chibi or fully grown wind dinosaurs growling and roaring with the fans!
"Wow….just look at them all go…." whistled Max as a bead of sweat trinkled down his cheek and his heart began to race rapidly, he never had this many expectations piled up on him before, his final exams at school couldn't come close to creating such pressure on his shoulders, and not even the pressure of having to save the world from the Shadow Empire made him this nervous before.
"Yeah, I never would have thought they'd be so excited to see us go at it."Rex nodded in agreement feeling the same as Max did. Everyone expecting them to do more than their best, each side wanted their respective chosen hero to win. To be able both satisfy everyone's excitement or to meet their expectations made Rex's stomach churn inside out from within.
Zoe then snuck in an elbowed them bot playfully in the sides, "They really love you guys don't they?" She snickered cheekily to tease them, but underneath her smile she was rather envious at the 2 boys being the focus of everyone's attention, "Why am I not as popular though?" She grumbled to herself on the inside, if only she won her match then she'd have as many fans rooting for her and she'd be as famous as the celebrities she fawned over.
"You shouldn't be too surprised you guys." Cera comforted them both as she patted them both on the shoulders, "The fact is the 2 of you are among the most well known in history." She explained, having felt from a handful of the fans that they wanted her to finish her match up quickly so they could get on to the real meat of this Round and to finally answer who was the strongest in the D Team. Both sides in Cera's opinion had much to prove and standings too, "From what we all know Max it was you who helped lead the D Team to discover the stones and cards for the first time ever." She explained to him which made him which made him smirk and hold his head up high with pride, "Not to mention being the first human to bond with and bring out a dinosaur's true potential." She thought to herself at the end.
"Hehehe! Hear that Rex? Zoe? I'm basically the leader of our team aren't I?" He grinned snobbishly which made them both frown or pout at him.
"….."
"On the other hand," Cera continued, "With Rex taking over after his father at some point and establishing the D Lab which then laid the foundation for dino society today." Her statement stole Max's thunder as he slumped down losing his ego, with Zoe shrugging her shoulders and shaking her head with a cheeky smile at him, with Rex blushing red in embarrassment.
"Ehehehe….." Blush-But didn't want to be spoiled about his destiny for he wanted to decide it himself, then again it was what he planned
Then again for him since he helps lay the groundwork and explores dino potential it's natural for him to be that way
"Wow Rex that's awesome to hear, what you're going to be in the future…."
"But hey! I'm basically the reason why the D Team is what it is after all! Hehehe!"
This time Rex got triggered as he growled back at him in annoyance, "Hey! Don't I deserve as much credit as you!?" he yelled shaking a fist at his friend before sighing in disappointment, "Geez Max….And I thought you liked hogging food, now you want all the glory too?" He huffed folding his arms behind his head as both boys looked away from one another with Zoe and Cera looking on..
Cera facepalmed this was not where she wanted things to go, "Point is you guys, apart from your achievements and your courageous heroics added on top of that, it's the perfect recipe for a loyal and devoted fanbase which you see now before you."
As Zoe looked up for a closer look, she croaked rather uneasily as she saw things weren't what they seemed, "Urk….Or maybe fanatics…." Cera followed her friend's gaze and sweat dropped standing corrected.
Her reaction got Rex and Max's attention as they blinked at her curiously, "Huh?"
"What's up Zoe?"
Looking up they widened their eyes realising what made her queasy and boy were they in for it, "WAH!" Their jaws hung in disbelief as they saw who the leaders of their fan clubs about to stage a fan war with one another in the bleaches above. And they thought they had seen it all…..
"We're going to take things to the Max! You'll see!" yelled Spike at the top of his lungs with the fans behind him chanting Max's name!
"Oh please! We'll all blow you away like dust in the wind!" Retorted Cretacia as she swung out her arm in protest against the Max fans with her army of Rex supporters! Everyone else who were neutral spectators stared in disbelief at what they were seeing.
Spike then turned down to his son and yelled at the top of his lungs, "Max my boy! Everyone here believes in you! Your strength and courageous bravado has charged us all up to the Max! We know you won't let us down!"
"Not a chance!" Cretacia retorted with hostility before cheering onto Rex with all her soul, "Everyone here including me knows Rex will swoop in and take the lead in the blink of an eye! Plus he's just the smartest and coolest kid you could ever know! He'd take first place home easy!"
Both parents growled at one another with great animosity in their rivalry, a sentiment shared by all their followers as they turned down to their kids below, who jumped upon being in their parents' line of sight!
"Max!"
"Rex!"
"Win this and show us all why you're number one!" They both yelled towards them much to the boys' dismay as their fans began cheering them on and demand they win.
"Aww dad! Cut it out! Not in public where everyone can see!" Max blushed red as he covered his face with his hat in embarrassment knowing everyone else will never let him forget it.
"MOM! You're embarrassing me again! Stop it!" Rex covered his face with his hands unable to live this down.
"Ehehehe…." Zoe and Cera giggled in amusement at their friends' predicament, while the others in their family either sighed in distraught or shook their heads, trying to avoid eye contact from others around them.
"Oh dear there he goes again…." Aki sighed shaking her head and folding her arms on her hips in disapproval at her husband's unacceptable behaviour with Ancient sharing the same sentiment as her.
"The feeling is mutual….." He replied facepalming himself before laughing it off, "But then again, that's what I love about Cretacia."
"Hee hee, the same goes for me towards Spike." Aki giggled, for that passionate energy was what made her fall in love with him in the first place.
Sadly not everyone shared the same feelings as they were though, starting with Reese who frowned at Dr Taylor's extravagant behaviour, making a mental note to give Spike a piece of her mind later.
Dr Owen himself was really shocked, normally Spike was the one who kept him in control, never the other way around so this was a first for him, "No way am I going to try and tame that….." He found Spike being way over the top for his liking this time around, and he was supposed to be the more civilised and respectable of them both.
"No way no how señor…." Patrick shook his head agreeing with his boss.
The MC was shocked too at how far things had escalated, "Well well, it seems we have a fan war here going on everybody!" He called out hoping to divert everyone's attention to the real battle that awaited them, and hoping that the result would be satisfactory enough for them both, "And rest assured, the answer as to which member of the D Team shall move on will soon be decided this very moment, when our 2 contenders step up for a saurian showdown!" Though the fact one of the boys would have to lose means that one side of this fan war would go home in tears.
Till then cheers erupted from all around the stadium as they eagerly awaited the long awaited fossil fight of the century!
Not wanting to be kept longer, they all erupted with demands and rants for it to get underway and for their wait to not be extended even a second longer.
"Yeah! We want to see some ferocious fighting already!"
"Kick this into overdrive Max!"
"Show them all why your name means King! Rex!"
Their cheers while continuing to add to the boys' embarrassment, also spurred them on to meet their expectations and hearing their voices backing them up, they both had no reason to not support them for helping to spur them on this long.
"The way things are going, the moment we step into the ring, the fans are just going to eat it all up." Max whistled tensely as sweat dripped from his cheek.
"Yeah, but if we don't get out there soon they'll be eating us…." Rex gulped, seeing how hungry for battle they all were.
Given that standing around wasn't going to make them quiet down or get them anywhere anytime soon, "Well, let's not keep them waiting any longer! Come on!" Max then motioned with his hand to get Rex to follow him up to face what destiny had in store for them today.
"Yeah!" Rex replied to his friend who began making his way to the steps, "And Max." The blond boy then told him making him stop for a brief moment as he looked to him curiously, "May the best man win." Rex held a thumbs up to him to which the brunette did the same.
"Sure thing Rex, and no hard feelings…." Max smiled before it stretched into a cheeky grin, "When I beat you! Hahahaha!" He laughed out loud as he dashed forth to the ring!
"Oh yeah!? You're on!" Rex laughed back at Max as they both made a run for the arena ahead of them, not wanting to keep their fans waiting any longer or disappoint them.
"Sigh…boys….always so competitive….." Zoe shrugged her shoulders while frowning. She pouted feeling bit jealous she doesn't have as many supporters as they did, almost feeling like a third wheel in comparison to the both of them being in the spotlight most of the time.
"Hahahah….You don't say Zoe…." Cera chuckled finding it part of their charm as much as a pitfall.
At the Alpha Gang corner, the 4 of them pondered over whom they ought to be supporting, for this was a match between 2 of their greatest rivals and pains in the neck after all, and whoever won would be facing their boss Dr Z.
"So, who do you think we should be rooting for?" Ursula pondered folding her arms on her hips, "Never thought I'd find myself rooting for the brats more than once a day." She then commented surprised by this, fate sure deals unusual hands indeed.
"Well to be honest preferably I'd like Rex to win." Zander mused as he folded his arms in thought, "I mean he's always been more polite…for a meddling brat that is…." They did find him the least hated meddler of them all, with Max at the top and Zoe second best at antagonising them every single time. He at least was a lot more mature and calm mannered.
"And don't forget he's also Ancient's kid." Ed mused, "So since we are….acquainted in a way maybe we ought to be rooting for him?"
Ursula folded her arms as she added her own input to the discussion, "True….but realistically in a power match as much as I hate to admit it….." She muttered in annoyance as she focused upon Max as he walked to the other side of the ring, splitting away from Rex as they took opposite sides, "That honour goes to Max….I mean you've seen the kinds of battles he undertakes fearlessly, if not foolishly….."
"You got a point there….." Zander had to agree with her on that part, plus Chomp seemed to be the more battle ready of the 2 dinosaurs.
"Oh this is really hard….." Ed cried under pressure as he felt himself torn between loyalty or being realistic in having to choose just one of them.
Dr Z scoffed at them in disgust, "Hmph! You morons think too much and think too small!" He grunted as they looked to him in surprise to see him grin sinisterly, "Look at the bigger picture, after this we'll be having one less contender to the throne to worry about! And whoever wins will have no choice face me and an inevitable defeat! Ahahahaha!" He cackled deviously making them widen their eyes in surprise.
"AH!"
"Of course!" Zander and Ed both clapped their hands in realisation.
"You always were a man of vision Dr Z!" Ursula praised him with an encouraging smile though a part of her couldn't help but disagree with his way of doing things.
"Such genius! No doubt you'll cream whoever comes out on top as easy as pie!" Zander cheered as he punched up to the air energetically.
"I could go for some banana cream pie right about now…." Ed muttered as he could feel his stomach growling for a snack that very moment, prompting Zander and Ursula to pat him on the back.
"You can wait till after lunch Ed." Ursula encouraged him to stay as they looked on with the second match about to begin.
Dr Z meanwhile rubbed his palms together while grinning sinisterly with delight, "Hehehe, that's it you 2, show me what you both are capable of, because no matter who wins I'll have one less problem and still stay a step ahead after seeing whatever tricks you have in store!" He cackled deep in his mind, what comes around goes around as they say, "Plus it serves you right for stealing away all my loyal fans from me! Grr!" He then growled with a hard scowl.
As both boys stepped up on stage on their respective corners, they stared down one another ready for battle as the stadium went silent.
"Alright Rex this is it!" Max grinned holding up his dinoshot, holding nothing back and prepared to face this battle head on with all his heart.
"Here we go Max!" Rex replied as he did the same!
They both held out their cards and slashed them with full force and passion flowing through their veins! "Dino slash!"
"Go triceratops! Roar!"
"Carnotaurus! Blow him away!"
Both dinosaurs materialised in full form and roared strongly at one another, telling their friend and rival they have no intention of backing down and the fight was now on between them!
"Here we have it folks! The moment you've all been waiting for! A dream match that we could only fantasise about till today! The question as to who is stronger will finally be answered!" The MC announced as the appearances of both dinosaurs signalled the time had arrived for their battle to begin as the crowds erupted into an explosive applauding and cheer! "Without further ado, go time warp!" The energy dome formed around the battling pairs, and they were transported to the open plains of Dinosaur World, where the terrain was flat and wide giving both of them plenty of room to move and fight to their fullest with no restraints!
Chomp and Ace then began to circle one another, observing each other carefully as they awaited an opening to exploit, but each having known the other's battle style for so long knew exactly how the other worked or fought, so they took extra care to ensure they didn't make any mistakes or gave themselves away to their rival, as this was also a battle between best friends with immense responsibility awaiting the winner of this match, neither of them could afford to go soft or take this lightly like the preliminaries. They often took past battles against wild dinosaurs as fun and games till others were in danger or there were higher stakes at risk, so they took this battle to be just like one of those.
With such thick tension in the air, everyone present or at home was sweating uneasily, holding onto their breath some even beginning to crack under pressure as they pulled their own hair or cried out into their hands or pillows as they patiently waited in agony for the mould to be broken already. Others in a more reserved manner pondered over whether the boys were exchanging mental words with each other or looking for the right moment to attack.
Little did they know, Max and Rex were actually keeping them all in suspense just for the fun of it, as they could see a handful of funny reactions such some of them biting their nails, shaking the person next to or in front of them or even beginning to descend into madness!
Seeing enough was enough as some were on the verge of passing out, "Well Rex, time to give everyone here what they came here to see!" said Max deciding it was time to give their fans the respect they deserved.
Rex nodded in agreement, "No need to tell me twice!"
Each of them wanted to see how well they were against the other for some time and now was that very moment! Only way that could be done was through true and honourable combat. Ace and Chomp both grunted in agreement with their partners and glared at one another with immense fighting spirit and rivalry brewing between them. They both agreed there no need for words here on the battlefield, instead they'd let their moves communicate now! With a loud roar at one another, they dashed towards one another, resulting in a head on collision which sent tremors through the air!
"Urgh!" Max and Rex crossed their arms or steadied themselves against the shockwave, which made everyone fall back into their chairs or shook them hard as they gasped in shock at how sudden and powerful it was!
"AH!"
"Whoa!"
The audience was stunned speechlessly by the spectacle, not just by them being equal in strength but they were completely captivated by the strength of spirit between both duelists and their dinos, almost as they were one!
"GRRRGH!" Both of them grunted tensely, their spirits now one with their dinosaurs, as though they could see and feel the battle in person!
Chomp tried swinging out his horns at Ace, who dodged by leaping to the other side! Off balance, Ace darted in the blink of an eye, ramming Chomp's exposed flank!
"Chomp!" Max gasped spurring the trike to react with a thrust, which the smarter carno anticipated by leaping backwards and out of range and then roaring at him as though to taunt the slower herbivore, who snorted in annoyance scraping the ground like an angered bull. "Urgh man he's fast…." Max sweated, he always admired it when they were allies and appreciated it, but now he was starting to understand from an opponent's point off view why it's no fun when that speed is your enemy!
Rex smirked at Max's discomfort, "Heh, you call that fast? That's nothing!" He declared holding out his arm, "In fact, Ace and I just getting warmed up!" The carnotaurus then roared in agreement with Rex, as he took out a move and activated it, "Cyclone!" Winds from the sky collected around Ace as he rushed towards Chomp with blinding speed!
"No prob!" Max called out with a move of his own, "I'll counter with electric charge!" A bolt of thunder struck from the sky powering up Chomp, spurring the trike into action as he and Ace met in a powerful collision of thunder and wind! Both dinosaurs seemed to be even, as the winds blew hard and the thunder sparked violently on contact as they connected! However, Ace having built up more speed eventually pushed on through and sent Chomp flying back across the field! "Oh no!"
"With spectacular skill and strength, cyclone trumps electric charge!" The MC announced.
"The wind managed to ward off the electric currents….how fascinating….." Cera commented with interest as she looked closer.
Ace then charged in to strike Chomp's gut, making him cough violently as he felt a battering ram collide with his stomach! "Chomp! Get out of there quick!" Max tensed as Ace leapt away avoiding the trike as he swung out his horns!
"Too slow Max! And it's gonna cost you!" Rex yelled out as he went in for the attack again! "Cyclone again!" Ace summoned the tornado once more and rushed towards Chomp with incredible speed while wrapped in powerful winds!
"Urgh…." Max gritted his teeth at the attack but he wasn't going to give ground so easily, "I'll beef things up with thunder bazooka!" Chomp launched himself forward spinning like a torpedo before gathering up electricity, while Ace leapt at him and the 2 collided once again sending powerful winds and electrical sparks surging across the field!
Ace had to hold out his arm to shield his face from the light and crossfire, "Grrgh….Come on Ace! You pulled it off before you can do it again!" He cried out.
"You can do it Chomp!" Max cheered on his partner fearlessly braving the elements who responded with a loud determined battle cry! Eventually, Chomp overpowered Ace and sent him crashing across the field to Rex's surprise!
"NO!"
"Yeah!" Max cheered pumping up his arm victoriously at the clash going his way now.
"Incredible! Now Chomp turns things around!" The MC cried out amazed.
"Way to go Max!" Spike punched up to the air as the fans behind him jumped up and down with excitement.
On the other end of the spectrum, "Come on Rex! Don't lose now!" Cretacia cried out to her son while her fellow fans rooted for him too.
At the far end away from the chaos, "Oh dear….." Aki sighed as she rested her head in the palm of her hand while shaking it with disapproval, "I sure hope that after this they're still friends…." She said feeling hopeful.
Dr Owen however smiled at ease without any concern, "Oh I wouldn't worry about that Aki." He commented getting Mrs Taylor's attention, "Rex and Max have been close friends growing up together, no way will this duel ever change that."
"I know that." She smirked with a reply before looking back to earlier, "I was referring more to Cretacia and Spike." She corrected him.
He blinked his eyes momentarily, seeing what she meant, "Oh….I see…..good point there…." Between them it was a rather different story one which he had less confidence in ending well.
"They're both evenly matched!" Ursula gasped amazed herself.
"Yes, I'm on the edge of my seat." Zander nodded feeling his breath slowly been taken away.
"With their share of battles against us it's no surprise they're this good….." Ursula mused narrowing her eyes, seeing it in the boys' precision and carefully coordinated moves.
Ed blinked his eyes as he put 2 and 2 together, "So you're saying it's thanks to us they're this good?" He asked putting a finger to his chin in thought, "Not sure if I should be flattered or insulted about that."
"Ahahaha! They may be our sworn enemies but they do know how to put on a good show!" Dr Z applauded joyously as he swung out his arm demanding more action and brutality, "Keep going! More! More!" The more they exert themselves here, the more exhausted they will be when his match comes around giving him a clear edge he thought deviously.
Meanwhile Chomp ran over to Ace while he was down, and began pounding onto him repeatedly with his forelimbs, each one pelting the smaller carnivore with heavy blows! Ace however reversed it by kicking out at Chomp's chest, repelling Chomp for a moment before swinging out his tail to disorient Chomp further! In anger, the triceratops charged and thrusted forward, only for the carnosaurus to then dart away from it in time! Ace then struck at Chomp's side, biting at his flanks and tearing into them much to Chomp's frustration! He lunged and thrusted out again only for Ace to leap to the side and then strike out at his other side! The repeated strike and retreat continued on and on, till Chomp having had enough, anticipated where Ace would aim for next!
Chomp swung out his head like a sledge hammer, bashing Ace back forcing him to shake his head clear from being dazed, "Let's see you beat this Max!" Rex retaliated, "Ninja attack!" Ace rushed forth with wind energy coursing through him as he split into 6 clones which then circled around Chomp ready to strike out at any time as he looked around in worry and agitation, restlessly keeping his eyes on their movements for they could attack at any moment! Rex smirked seeing Max grit teeth and sweat with frustration, but it was suddenly replaced with a grin of confidence which made Rex blink his eyes "Huh? What's he up to now?" He wondered curiously before narrowing his eyes keeping his guard up.
He soon got his answer as Max played his counter move, "Take this! Counter blitz!" Chomp roared out summoning a dark thunder cloud above his head as the carno clones circled around him, till a bolt of lightning struck down striking one of them causing the circle to be interrupted and the the clones to fade as Ace crashed down to the ground stunned in his tracks!
"AH!" Rex gasped surprised that Max actually was able to counter one of his signature moves just like that.
"Gotcha!" Max boasted as he pointed out at Rex with a cheeky grin, "In your face!" Chomp then bellowed a victory cry at the downed carno feeling triumphant.
Till Rex suddenly smirked himself, "Is that what you think?"
Max blinked his eyes in surprise, "Huh? What do you-" Before he could finish, Ace suddenly exploded in a cloud of smoke revealing a tree stump in his place startling both the brunette, Chomp and everyone else! "What the!?" Max widened his eyes in alarm as Ace suddenly darted right in front of him and Chomp right when they least expected it! Little did they know, Kaze was standing atop of the arena's wall hidden behind the viewing screen and smirked with satisfaction to see Rex being more cunning than he first thought.
Rex smirked, having anticipated this from Max after watching his moves earlier and now they fell right into his trap! "Now! Tornado toss!" He slashed the move making Max gulp down nervously as he knew what was coming next!
"Uh oh!" He looked on with worry as Ace spun around Chomp rapidly, creating a powerful wind vacuum which sucked him up and sent him spiralling up into the air! "Chomp!" He cried out worriedly while his dad and fans gasped!
"Chomp's completely helpless now! And it's a long way down from up there!" The MC cried out with his eyes widening.
"AH!"
"I can't watch!"
"He ought to pack a helmet!"
"MAX!" Spike cried out in worry knowing this could really cause some big time damage to Chomp, not to mention if he lost the amount he'd have to pay up to Cretacia after….
Speaking of her, "Ahahah! You got him good Rex! Well done!" She cheered swinging out her arms energetically as the fans behind her roared with pleasure!
As Ace stopped to catch his breath the vacuum soon ceased, and Max could see Chomp start to plummet back down to the earth with the speed of a comet! At the rate he was going, "Urgh….I can't let Chomp fall and crash, otherwise…." Max gritted his teeth and panicked thoughts coursed through his mind, unsure of what to do and believing a crash was inevitable, if only he could use this somehow, "Wait….That's it!" He gasped snapping his fingers to Rex's surprise.
"Huh!?"
Without a second to spare Max slashed the one move that could help in this situation! "Thunder driver!" Chomp then flashed yellow with energy, roaring out courageously as he spiralled down towards Ace who was still exhausted and trying to catch his breath from the running earlier!
Rex widened his eyes realising he left himself wide open with that move, he was stunned for a moment at the fact Max used his attack against him!
"Don't just stand there honey! Run!" His mom yelled out in a panicky manner, making him shake his head clear!
"Ace no! Run!" Seeing the attack coming in, Ace was startled initially but managed to muster up the strength in his legs to run, but not completely as Chomp made contact where he once stood! A massive impact caused dust and a huge shockwave to erupt from the strike, which sent Ace flying through some rocks in the process!
"Ah! Chomp!"
"Ace!" Max and Rex both gasped out for their partners' wellbeing while everyone gasped in surprise, a few of them fainting from the experience either from Chomp smashing head first into the earth or Ace's close shave.
They both ran to their partners' sides, "Ace! You okay buddy!?" Rex began stroking Ace to see if he was good, to which he let out a from grunt to Rex's relief. "Phew….that was way too close….if that actually hit….." He gulped and sweated anxiously, unable to imagine what would happen had they been a second slower.
"Chomp! You okay down there!?" Max called out to the yellow triceratops from within the cloud of dust, but no response came. Max began to worry that the impact may have been too much and he could have reverted to a card…..till he heard some groans from within, "Huh?" As the dust settled he could see Chomp stand up from the crater, shaking off the dust from his body as he let out a bellow making Max smile, "Alright! You're okay!" He cheered deeply relieved before gritting his teeth in annoyance, "But still….Man! I missed!" He snapped his fingers, while Chomp pulled himself out of the ground and shook his head clear, feeling slightly dazed from the impact and spinning while on the ground, "Still…." As he looked towards Rex and they both made eye contact with one another, they locked each other in their gazes and smiled.
"Hehehehe….." Both of them could feel the pounding of their hearts, the thrill of battle coursing through their veins, this was what it truly means to be alive, to live without regrets and to give your all in every second of your life. And they treasured every moment of it, something they hoped to pass on to the people of this world and generations onwards.
That included the captains especially, as they widened their eyes in amazement, "WHOA!"
"Did you see that!?" Marina and Blaze both gasped.
"I knew Max was great at being creative in his attacks and instincts but this was something else!" Raina smiled as she pushed up her glasses and began recording down all his out of the box strategies and creativity. His instincts truly could lead to never before seen or even possible moves and tactics.
"No way…." Even Cera felt her breath slowly being taken away with each passing moment.
"They know each other very well and seem to be able to anticipate each other then even counter one another too." Zoe commented having observed closely.
Cera nodded, "Rex plays by careful strategy and calculates his moves while Max relies on raw power and unpredictable instinct to make up for it. Ace too is just like Rex being swift and having great technique along with strategy, but Chomp is way better at taking hits and delivering stronger blows than he can." She explained, "Rex knows a close up match is suicidal but Chomp has a fast shooting long range attack too so he has to stay a step ahead and plan for that." Cera then placed a hand to her chin in thought, "Then again no one can anticipate every technique there is…..This can go either way…." Even with her experience in dino duelling this was something she couldn't predict or expect to go as she predicts, as one moment it seems certain till it goes completely opposite. Much like how whoever holds the title of strongest or what it means to be the strongest changes very quickly as time goes or even in an instant.
"Talk about high stakes Cera…." Zoe whistled seeing both sides seemed even enough to make this battle go either way.
Both sides were immensely exhausted having dealt one another a series of powerful blows, as their duelists panted with exhaustion and sweated profusely their dinos worked their way back up to their legs, heavily fatigued but despite that both sides sported excited smiles on their faces.
"So….pant…..Rex…..feel like giving up yet?" Max joked as he gasped for air.
Rex smiled back at him tiredly, "Huff? You kidding Max!? This is way too fun to pass up!" He laughed pushing through his fatigue, ignoring the limits of his physical body, it was their spirit that mattered above all here and now!
"Yeah! My thoughts exactly!" Max cheered in agreement, punching forward as Chomp and Ace both rushed in and rammed heads with one another again before breaking away again!
Their friends and family could just feel their passionate spirit from where they were in the stands, "Despite their contrasting differences between one another they too are a lot alike." Reese commented having observed them closely enough.
"Just shows how close they are as friends." Her dad nodded in agreement with her while Dr Owen began to tear up.
"Such closeness really brings tears to my eyes." he then sniffled feeling so emotionally touched while Patrick patted him on the back to comfort him.
"So this is the power of the D Team…." Lunensis began to realise just how strong each member was in their own way with their different strengths and tactics and to see them pitted against one another like this was something even the couldn't imagine. He just knew the power from back then in the war was truly the real deal and it was no wonder why they were such a formidable force against the powers of evil and darkness. Giving him hope they could create a world of pure light.
Down below, Max believing himself already warmed up enough, decided to make things a little more interesting, "Well then Rex, think we should stop holding back now?"
"Without a doubt Max!" Rex grinned eager to take things to the next level, as they both nodded with one another, taking out their aces in the hole!
"Element booster! Dino tector on!" As they said that, Chomp and Ace both armoured up and roared out surging with power!
"Both members of the D Team have armoured up their dinosaurs! We can be seeing a whole new ball game now!" The MC called out to explosive cheers that erupted from everyone at that very moment! Now this was where the game gets really interesting!
Both dinosaurs clashed violently with one another! They charged and rammed into each other, push and shoving repeatedly before breaking away! They each anticipating one another's movements having been friends for a long time! They recognised moments when they could seize the advantage and openings in one another's movements! As Ace leapt out to kick at Chomp, he met it head on using his head as a shield to absorb the blow, and then sending Ace back! He then somersaulted and landed skilfully on his feet, giving Chomp a chance to thrust him once more! However Ace used him as a spring board to kick off and then leap behind him once more as Chomp had to dig in his heels before crashing into some nearby rocks!
"Look at them go!"
"Wow!" Rod and Laura both gasped in amazement with their parents. Helga and Jonathan, who were normally stoic and showed little emotion widened their robotic eyes feeling just as moved as the people were, despite being robots they could begin to understand the human spirit and emotion that Max and Rex both gave off that very moment.
When Ace tried to rush in and bite Chomp's leg, the trike responded with a bronco buck which repelled him and sent his head spinning in a daze! "Urgh….Ace you good?" Rex grunted with concern, having felt that himself as the carnotaurus shook his head clear again. Rex narrowed his eyes showing signs of irritation and impatience, "This has gone on long enough!"
"I agree, let's take things to the next level!" Max agreed with him.
"Ace! Sonic blast!" Slashing it, Ace took in a deep breath before firing out a powerful stream of air which raced towards Chomp! "No way Max can evade this." He smirked, also doubting he has an attack that can match it!
Everyone widened their eyes believing Chomp to be taken for a spin and wild ride, but Max held his ground, trusting more in Chomp to pull through this! "Lightning strike!" Chomp surged with power and fired a thunder bolt through the wind, causing it to lose stability before exploding, cancelling it out!
Rex narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth in annoyance seeing his move was thwarted, though he still had other options in store for Max, "Okay then, let's try this then!" He took out another move and slashed, "Mayfly!" Ace stomped his foot on the ground as he gathered energy around him!
"Not a chance Rex!" Max retorted as he held out a move, "Counter-"
"Too late Max!" Rex interrupted him a split second before he could finish! "Let him have it Ace!" Ace rushed forward in full force, he could see Chomp moving as though he were in slow motion as he vanished in a blur right when Chomp thought he could intercept him!
"AH!" Max gasped in amazement, that was way faster than a normal mayfly, meaning Rex had to have been training for some time to do that! He didn't have time to stay impressed, as the armoured carno struck out at him from multiple corners, each strike delivered with deadly pinpoint precision and at his vulnerable exposed spots like his sides and his flanks as he roared in excruciating pain! "Chomp!" Max could only watch in horror and shock, helpless to do anything for his partner who collapsed from the attack as Ace returned to Rex's side of the field!
"AH!"
"NO!" Spike and Max's fans gasped speechlessly.
"Nice!" Cretacia pumped up her arms with Rex's followers cheering or yelling out battle cries with her!
"Oooh! Now that's going to leave some nasty marks! Chomp will definitely feel that in the morning!" The MC winced seeing that, hoping that Chomp wouldn't hold any grudges after this and that they would still stay friends for this was what the tournament was made to do, bring people closer together with battle, and hopefully not the opposite..
"That should do it Ace." Rex said praising his partner who smiled happily receiving it. Looking ahead and seeing how Chomp was in real bad shape, "Still, think we overdid it?" He couldn't help but frown and he couldn't deny regretting it a little. Ace too was feeling somewhat guilty, having struck Chomp's weak points with each blow where his armour didn't guard him and with such force too…..
"Chomp…." Max breathed with deep concern as he came up to him, seeing he wasn't responding to his presence as his heart began to ache with worry. The audience was silent, the MC looked on tensely as he awaited for a few moments to decide whether to call the match yet, as Chomp went up to the downed triceratops, "Are you okay?" He asked with concern and worry, stroking his partner's face which made him open his eyes weakly, his vision of Max blurred and even his voice sounded much like echoing in his head as the critical points that Ace struck with deadly precision were interfering with his senses. Yet Max refused to give up on him as he pressed on, "Come on Chomp! We've fought hard to make it here this far! I believe in you!" Chomp opened his eyes, his vision clearing as he roared out strongly bring a smile to Max's face! "That's it! Keep going!" He cheered him on with the crowds chanting Max and Chomp's name, reenergising his spirit as he worked his way up to his legs again and roared out!
"And Chomp is back on his feet again folks!" The MC called out, "This match isn't over just yet!"
"That's the way Max!"
"You can do it!"
"He can still stand!?" Rex widened his eyes amazed with Ace stepping back just as shocked as he was. "But still, doesn't look like he's got the juice to keep on for long." Rex doubted he had enough energy left to use a move let alone move himself seeing Chomp was still rather groggy and lacking the strength to push a pebble. Feeling generous he made an offer, "You're running on low Max, you sure you want to continue?" Rex offered Max a chance to step down out of courtesy like what Ursula did so she wouldn't push Terry too hard, but naturally, as he expected, Max refused it.
"Heh! You bet Rex!" He smirked, "Chomp and I made it this far and we aren't quitting now or ever!" He declared throwing out his arm with determination as Chomp roared strongly alongside him, ready to see this through to the end!
In all honesty, Rex actually expected Max to say just that but he thought he could be courteous about it, plus the answer pleased him too, which meant they could keep on showing off the bonds they shared with one another and the fact Max clearly wasn't facing Chomp to fight but truly believed in him made this all the more better. "That's the spirit Max!" He praised him, "Then to show my respect, I'll be sure to finish this nice and easy for you."
Max smirked in response, "Don't need to, because we're not losing!" He laughed taking out a move that would jump start Chomp's engine again, "Time for a little recharge! Giga generator!"
"AH!" Rex widened his eyes in surprise as Chomp surged with electrical power which restored his energy and senses! In no time at all he was able to stand up again as strong as before as he let out a mighty roar which echorded through the stadium and reenergising Spike and his fans too!
"That's the way Max!"
"You can do it!"
"A strategic move by Max! With Chomp's power restored it gives him just enough of a chance to keep going!" The MC stated as this was where a turning point could easily happen!
"Ace! Do something quick!" He called out to him to move and attack, but as Ace took a step he collapsed to one knee and panted in exhaustion having reached his stamina limit already! "AH!"
"Oh dear! Looks like Ace is running out of gas himself!" The MC cried out much to the worry of Rex and his fans to see their hero on his last legs!
"NO!" Rex cried out as he looked ahead to see Chomp fully energised again! He then narrowed his eyes, "This isn't good…." He had taken into account most of Chomp's attacks but forgot he could heal himself too, if he had attacked earlier before then he could have prevented it…but he just didn't have it in him to do that to an opponent who couldn't defend himself. If this were a real battle though he'd acted differently but not in this case. Deep down he and Ace had no regrets. Up above Kaze scowled feeling a little disappointed at Rex showing mercy, but he came to the same conclusion he did and thus let it slide before continuing to watch on.
"Hehe, looks like we've turned the tables on you again Rex!" Max snickered with Chomp back in full spirits.
Rex smirked back at him, "Don't count us out yet!" He countered, "Ninja attack!" Once again, Ace split into 6 clones of himself before leaping over around Chomp and circling him like a pack of wolves! "Let's see you beat this again!" Rex taunted him, knowing that if Max tried to counter attack again it would be obvious what the result would be again.
"Urgh….Not this again…." Now he was getting to understand knows what it feels like to be on the receiving end of that move, this time Ace seemed to be moving even faster than ever! Chomp and him looked around, anticipating that Rex wouldn't let him use counter blitz again no doubt will strike him the moment he tries. He had to think of a new plan now, "This is kinda like…wait…." Max blinked as he thought back to when he duelled Raina the other day. Brightening up he yelled out, "Don't bother chasing after them Chomp! Stay calm and wait for it!" Understanding what he meant, Chomp nodded to him and closed his eyes calmly, using both hearing and smell to try and pinpoint where Ace was in the blur.
Rex began to pick up on what Max was planning and smirked, "I see what you're doing Max….question is, will your instincts be right again?"
Max meanwhile refused to let doubts cloud his mind, closing his eyes and calming his breath along with Chomp, "Concentrate…." He could feel Chomp's breathing and heartbeats as though they were one, being an extra set of ears for his partner, as they both listened to the flow of the air and ground rumbling beneath their feet together. He also knows Ace and Rex too, giving careful thought as to how they would move and react, having faith that his judgement will be right! He then opened his eyes sensing the right moment! "Now! Plasma anchor!" He slashed at the last second right before Ace could strike, sensing where he would be coming from from his instincts and experience so far, having recognised Ace's attack patterns and anticipating his behaviour! Chomp surged with power as he fired out a thunder chain which struck out in the blur, snatching Ace much to everyone's amazement!
"AH!"
"WHOA!"
"Max and Chomp actually did it!" Rod widened his eyes amazed.
Chomp swung Ace into the ground multiple times before slamming him hard on the ground! "This time I just know I got the real one!" He grinned confidently pumping up his arm, the fact he hit him means his mark was spot on!
"Not bad Max, you managed to stop my attack….." Rex smiled and nodded with approval before striking once more, "Or did you?"
Max widened his eyes, "What?" Ace once again exploded into a cloud of dust revealing a dino illusion once kore to Max's surprise and frustration! "Not again!"
"That move also wasted some of your energy too!" Rex pointed out to Max's alarm as he widened his eyes, upon seeing Ace appear right behind Chomp from a blur!
"AH!" Max and Chomp couldn't react as Rex and Ace entered their endgame!
He now had his weakened target in sights! "Now to end this!" Rex yelled out as Ace roared ferociously with his instincts awakened! "Hurricane beat!" Slashing the move, Ace summoned forth a pair of tornadoes which trapped Chomp and brought him up into the air, as he roared and cried helplessly!
"Chomp!" Max could only watch as Ace prepared to leap into the air and deliver his deadly barrage of kicks!
"Ace has ensnared Chomp in a cyclone snare! Could this be it?!" The MC was at the edge of his podium at this announcement as the cameras zoomed in to see Chomp struggling hard but unable to break free from the wind's current as it kept him in place and unable to move, leaving him exposed to Ace's attacks!
"Aw yeah!"
"Nice one Rex!" Zoe and Cera couldn't help but praise his quick thinking and strategy, till frowning a little to see Max caught in a nasty predicament, "But Max….."
He gritted his teeth seeing Ace leap out ready to kick at his face, but he wasn't about to let them get away with it, "Urgh….Don't quit Chomp! Gatling spark!" He yelled slashing the move! In response, Chomp timed his attacks to match Ace's kicks, as each came in he cancelled it out with a horn thrust followed by lightning bolt! Sparks and impacts flew as they cancelled one another out in a flurry! Till Ace somersaulted to use his tail to smack Chomp away, Chomp did the same thrusting out his horns and somersaulting too as they both met in a tie and sent each other flying backwards!
Rex widened his eyes in disbelief, "No way! He cancelled out our attack!"
Everyone else was stunned speechless at the spectacle they just bore witness, "AH!"
"How does he do that!?"
"Did he calculate that would happen or did he trust his gut?" Raina wondered before grinning with energy, "Either way….that was awesome!" She cheered childishly flailing out her hands!
"Nice Chomp!" Max cheered his partner on as the trike roared out in triumph.
Rex annoyed and losing his cool, decided enough was finally enough, "Tch! Alright then, guess it's time to finish it with a move you can't block!" He clicked his tongue as he slashed his trump card! "Ultimate wind!" Ace erupted with power generating a strong wind tunnel that he prepared to charge through!
Max saw no other counter to this than his own, "We'll match you Ultimate with Ultimate!" He retorted ready for the final attack! "Ultimate thunder!" Chomp surged with power summoning thunder bolts all around him which mixed with the wind tunnel Ace created! Some even struck down on Ace preemptively, stunning him momentarily but he pushed through them as they both charged with full force ready to meet one another head on!
"A cataclysmic clash is about to commence! Everyone hold onto your hats for it's going to be one bumpy ride!" The MC cried out giving everyone a heads up as they finally reached the match's climax!
"I can't watch this!" Ed cried covering his face!
"WAH!" Rod and Laura gasped!
"Go Max!"
"Win this Rex!" Spike and Cretaicia both cheered on their sons as they both yelled out at the top of their lungs!
"CHOMP!"
"ACE!"
"GOOO!" They yelled out their very souls as they both met head on with a mighty impact sending powerful shockwaves of wind and lightning surging through the arena!
"AAAAAAHH!" Everyone cried as they held on some of them blown away or even being sparked by the static in the air!
"GRRRGH!" Max and Rex gritted their teeth and held on as best they could, Max crossing his arms in front of him to shield himself from the wind while Rex held out his arm to shield his eyes from the light of the thunder! Both their dinosaurs refused to give ground and they pushed and shoved at one another violently, the 2 seemed to be locked in a stalemate one from which neither would give in and could be locked in eternal combat forever…..till Ace, having been struck by lightning earlier and his movements slows down, dug in his heels and toe claws as he felt his energy giving out and Chomp beginning to push him back!
"NO!" Rex could only look on as Chomp overpowered through Ace, his horn striking the carno in the gut, causing him to crash farther away from the impact, as he came to a stop right away from Rex! "ACE!" He cried running to his partner's side and to the gasping of the fans!
"AH!"
As he walked over to Ace's side, his partner let out a wounded growl before closing his eyes and passing out, "No…way…..we lost….." Rex fell to his knees overwhelmed with emotion as Ace turned back to normal, he gave it his all and still it wasn't enough. And yet, he didn't feel angry or sad at all, but instead satisfied and fulfilled, he did his absolute best and so did Max, that was all that counted, he had no regrets about the outcome of this fight given he also pushed Max to earn it as well too. "Ace you did well…..thank you….." He said gratefully putting his head up against Ace before returning him to card form and smiling proud, he couldn't have asked for a better partner, one who'd give his all and was loyal to the end.
On the other side, Max sat down on the ground smiling with exhaustion while his buddy collapsed down to the ground just as overwhelmed as he was, "Heh….we did it Chomp….we did it…." he laughed recalling Chomp for a good rest too.
"Incredible! The winner of this clash between close comrades is none other than Max Taylor of the D Team!" The MC announced much to the many joys and praising of the audience.
"Bravo! Bravo!"
"That was incredible! Like the most epic thing I ever saw!"
"Who knew a battle between heroes could have such explosive results!"
Cera clapped proudly with everyone else and smiled, for it was a most splendid performance and spectacular battle, one to be truly proud of indeed.
Some smiles came from those who were in full on overdrive.
"YAHOO! YOU DID IT MAX! YOU'RE THE BEST EVER!" Spike roared at the top of his lungs, his very spirit filled to the max as he couldn't be prouder of his very own son, his pride and joy, "Nothing could make me your dad even more proud!" Seeing all his fans cheer him on made Max blush red with pride as he waved and laughed back to them all, some of which also began taking photos of him posing too.
Despite the cheers and applause, there were a handful of tears and sobs mixed in though which came from Rex's fans….one of which being more devoted than all the others.
"WAAAAAAHHH! My poor Rexy lost!" Cretacia bawled her eyes out along with most of the others gathered above, a handful of which were forced to give up bets to opposing rivals on the other corner much to their dismay. A little while into it, Cretacia blew into her handkerchief and wiped away a tear from her eye before sucking it up and accepting the result like a mature adult, "But still….Rex did give it his all and they both a fair battle we can all be proud of….so well done…." Her voice was still slightly choked, but she was able to put on a strong smile for her son as she and the fans clapped and applauded Max's victory while also praising Rex for a great job well done.
Everyone clapped together, harboring now hard feelings or dislike for Max, for it was still a hard fought and well earned victory on his end so he deserved as much respect as Rex did. It's what he would have wanted, and should Rex have turned out victorious now doubt Max's fans would have done the same as they were now.
Needless to say though, it wasn't in Cretacia's nature to just take things lying down though, "However," She then gained a rather stern expression before pointing out at Spike and his army of Max fans, "I demand that Rex be allowed a rematch! I'll prove that he can win best 2 out of 3!" She yelled which was sparked a blaze of support by her army of fans backing her up too as they also demanded another battle between Max and Rex to settle things once and for all!
And to add fuel to the fire….
"Oh yeah!? I bet Max will trump that 3 out of 5!" Spike retorted as both parents began starting another conflict between one another for the umpteenth time in front of everyone else for millions worldwide to see!
"Is that so!?"
"Yeah!"
"Not again….." Max and Rex both sweat dropped and facepalmed to see their parents make a scene which would no doubt be forever remembered and they could never forget much to their chagrin.
"I'll take that-WAH!" Before Cretacia could finish her sentence she found herself held by Jonathan, upon her husband's orders, to pull her back as he restrained her by her arms! "H…Hey! Let me go Jonathan! That's an order!" She cried out in annoyance as she struggled in vain to break free, as the male android shook his head denying her.
"One which I cannot follow I'm afraid….for I'm under your husband's emergency protocol." Jonathan sighed to which she pouted in response.
"Aww….no fair…." She made a note to get back at her husband for this late on.
Spike grinned cheekily believing he had won, but he was not out of the woods just yet, in the midst of his distraction he found himself flipped and pinned to the floor!
"YOWCH!" He cried out as the audience gasped in shock to see a woman in a lab coat somehow get within range without their notice and then restrain him with the skill of a martial artist!
"That's enough Dr Taylor," Reese spoke to him in a dangerously calm tone as she held him in a vice lock around his arm and was on the verge of actually snapping his arm like a twig while he lay oil the ground! "Time for you to behave or I'll have to discipline you throughly….again…." She spoke looking to him in the eye and staring right into his very soul! "Would you want that?"
"N…No that won't be necessary Reese…." Spike whimpered from underneath as his followers stared in fear and disbelief at what they just witnessed.
She turned to glare at both sides, as a sign to get lost, and immediately they scattered.
"Run away!"
"She's a monster!"
They all cried in terror as they dispersed as far as they could from her and decided to break up their fan clubs there and then, causing her to pout rather angrily.
"How rude….." She muttered vowing to let each and every one of them have it after this. While the other members opt the family looked on and laughed in amusement, some of them like Dr Owen and Mrs Drake recording this as a fun family time to remember by.
"Haha, your folks really do love you both." Cera couldn't help but giggle which further added to their embarrassment.
"Oh no…."
"Not you too…." They whined looking away from her while blushing red or twiddling their fingers hoping this would blow over real soon.
"Heh, you guys have it easy." Zoe snarked, "You should see how overboard my dad goes on my birthday….even till now he likes to give me stuffed animals and I'm already a teenager!" She cried out in annoyance as she folded her arms on her hips crossly.
Both Max and Rex smirked at her sneakily, "Yet you still enjoy receiving them." They said which made her croak in realisation.
"Urk…." Zoe quickly looked around for a way to go off topic so they wouldn't rub it in, and locking her eyes on Cera which surprised her somewhat, "H…How about you Cera?"
Her red haired friend smiled lightly and scratched the back of her head, "Oh my mom and dad trust me to handle things on my own." She replied calmly, "I mean I've travelled along with you guys for so long and helped in stopping Goma, they even let me run the D Lab myself."
"Oh yeah…." As Zoe recalled seeing her manage things at the new D Lab as it's new leader since Lunensis stepped down, to be entrusted with that much responsibility at a young age must be really something, and being able to handle all that responsibility without cracking under pressure just made her even more amazing.
"Some get all the luck…." Max huffed folding his arms in jealously.
After that the 4 of them broke into amused laughter with one another together as they shared this wonderful moment with one another to enjoy, "Ahahahahah."
Rex then looked towards his best friend to extend his token of thanks, "Well Max, it may have stung to lose…." He said getting the brunette's attention, "But I have no regrets losing to a great friend like you." He smiled as he held out a hand to him, "Since you beat me, be sure to win your way to the finals okay?"
"Heh, you never needed to ask Rex." Max nodded back at his best friend and good rival, shaking his hand in acknowledgement to carry on his wishes, "Me and Chomp will see this thing to end of it and to the end of time! You can count on it!" He told Rex with assurance who nodded back at him.
"Mhmm." They both then fist bumped one another as the crowds clapped and praised their chivalry and sportsmanship, which Cera smiled at seeing this was exactly the reason why the Fossil League was made in the first place.
Their moment was soon cut short as the MC called out, "Ladies and gentlemen! With the conclusion of this battle, the last match of the semifinal round shall be D Team Leader Max against Dinosaur King Dr Z!" He announced getting everyone's attention, "Hold onto to your hats folks for this will be a wild ride for sure! If you thought the first 2 matches were something just you wait for this dream match!"
Max turned over to Dr Z at the far corner, who shot him a rather antagonising sneer his way to which Max narrowed his eyes and hardened a glare towards the mad old man, tensions peaked between them both as the last match of the semi final and the one who shall go forth to face Cera shall be decided between them both, as their respective families could only watch and look upon them both knowing this battle may trump the previous one in an instant…..
"After a quick lunch break of course!" The MC then suddenly said which broke up the tension, "After all we want our fighters to be in top condition so you can all fight at your very best! So rest up well and reenergise and see you soon!" He waved to them as the audience quickly decided to seize the chance to get out for a quick bite before the next battle came….along with escaping Reese too.
RUMBLE! RUMBLE!
"Urgh, all that battling's made me hungry…." Max groaned as he clenched his stomach hearing it growl to be filled up.
"Sigh….Some things just never change." Zoe shrugged her shoulders in response before smiling at her friend, "And that's just the way we like it."
Max blushed sheepishly at that before chuckling to himself, "Hehe, come on, time for me and Chomp to celebrate this win with a feast!" He cheered before running off for the nearest exit.
"Ahahaha!" His friends laughed watching him go, even when on a low tank he was still full of energy in a way.
"He's confident I'll give him that." Rex smiled at his friend as he saw him hum to himself as he headed for the exit, before frowning with slight concern, "I just hope that doesn't turn to full blown arrogance….."
Zoe placed a hand on his shoulder to comfort him, "Knowing Max though, I think he'll do just fine." She said to him with Cera nodding with her, backing her up.
"Then let's stay by his side and root for him to the end." She said as they followed him out to meet with their families on the outside with the audience slowly dispersing to do the same, as the finals of the Fossil League were drawing very near and none of them wanted to miss it for anything.
At the Alpha Gang corner, things were looking up for Dr Z as he cackled with joyous laughter not just at another entertaining battle, but also because his plan was coming together just as he foresaw, "Hahahahah! Finally, with one of those meddling brats out of the picture I need only to get rid of the remaining 2 and I'll reign supreme as the dinosaur king!"
"Yup, and we have total faith in you coming up on top Dr Z." Ursula nodded as she clapped her hands together which made him snicker with delight at the support he was getting, though deep down a part of her was having doubts that the old man would be able to actually pull it off.
"You know Dr Z." Zander tapped him on the shoulder getting his attention. Looking back he saw Zander and Ed both snickering rather deviously, "If want we could go behind the scenes and tweak things in your favour a little."
"Perhaps either of them could have an unfortunate accident and when they don't show up they'll make you winner with just the snap of a finger!" Ed added as he snapped his fingers, "Just say the word and we'll take care of it lickety split!"
This made Ursula widen her eyes a little that her friends were actually planning on pulling strings and cheat behind everyone's backs! While she wouldn't hesitate doing something so underhanded in the past her recent experiences had gave her second thoughts and she was rather conflicted, as much as she wanted Dr Z to win this for them a part of her didn't want him to win in a way that was so dishonest and disgraceful….thankfully she didn't need to worry for too long, as Ed and Zander's ideas were met with more than just being shot down by Dr Z!
WHAM!
"YOW!" They both yelped in pain as they were slammed to the ground to Ursula's surprise.
Dr Z glared at both men with a hug tic on his forehead, "You bozos dare mock me!? You think I the great dinosaur king would need to resort to cheap tricks and cheating to win!? How dare you doubt my abilities!?" He sneered in disgust, "I refuse to have my crown simply handed to me on a silver plate, it's far more satisfying to earn it myself!" Ursula was taken aback by this, having to rub her eyes and clear out her ears to make sure she was seeing and hearing right. Dr Z then grinned sinisterly as his fingers began too twitch and itch, "Those 2 kids Max and Cera, they don't stand a chance even if the odds were fair! And I'll prove it to everyone that there is no king worthier than me, once I beat them both on equal terms with my strength alone and rightfully claim my throne!" He declared to the sky as he pointed out to the heavens, "Soon all dinosaurs and people of the world shall forever bow down before me when they witness my real power firsthand and engrave it onto their hearts and souls for ages to come! Wahahahhaha!" He cackled with pride as Ed and Zander both groaned with pain and agony as they lay down faceplanted on the ground.
"Urgh….noted Dr Z…."
"You got get em…." They both held out thumbs up and okay signs with their hands before fainting out cold.
Meanwhile Ursula who stood away from the mess of trouble, whistled impressed, "Never thought I'd see the day where he wants to play fair and square…." She blinked her eyes in surprise, for the first time in years she saw a hint of change in Dr Z….perhaps he truly did want to win with honour and to prove he was a true dinosaur king as everyone wanted him to be…..till cheekily grinning as she shrugged her shoulders not buying it, "That or maybe his ego and pride won't let him live it down if he didn't have an all too satisfying win….."
And thus this battle ends in Max's victory, sorry for Rex fans but I feel between them Max and Chomp have had more intense battles and experiences, plus being more durable to an extent too. Nothing to do with Max being Dinosaur King's poster boy I assure you hehe.
Next duel and the last of the semi finals as he and Dr Z duel for the right to face Cera for the finals!
Also happy New Years Eve!
Reply to reviews
tsukikami02
Yup Cera surpassed another teacher of her's. Those are DS game moves yes.
Craig is indeed quite a sore loser that I can assure you, and the rescue team are relatively prepared to take action against him, though they need a stronger tranquilliser next time.
Am finding more ways to explore interaction between humans and dinosaurs.
How many more chapters you think you have left? I think I'll continue writing to finish the chapters as I can but will hold off the last battle?
As for their food….hehe will leave it to your imagination. Given Dr Z has gotten some ideas. Nice touch from Power Rangers also.
Drew Luczynski
Think it counts already that people eat dinosaurs through use of fossil fuels and vehicles? This can be an idea maybe in your story if people decide to farm dinos.
Usually I don't do one sided fights since I like things to be fair but here I feel it was necessary. Fact Craig is gaining immunity from the sedatives means they need something stronger soon.
You'll find out what Cera and Miku did later on and it'll throw you for a loop.
Sorry if the outcome here wasn't what you expected hehe…..but you'll see later it's for a reason.