Dinosaur Queen

by HunterHQ

A young girl named Cera and her partner Miku awaken without a clue as to where or when they are, even as to who they are. Join them on their journey as they work together through trials of many kinds to dig up their past and piecing it together, while battling foes across space and even time itself!

8. Haunted Halloween

Chapter 8

Haunted halloween

It was halloween season in Sanjo City, as the evening sun had finally set, the streets and town was alight with many flashy colors glowing from decorative lights in shape of spooky themes such as bats or monster faces, while others had ornaments such as jack o' lanterns sitting on the lawns of several houses which were all carved with a variety of silly or scary faces. The houses too were decorated with various ornaments too play cobwebs or bats and spiders hanging from the ceilings, the entire town was truly getting into the spirit of things. Kids dressed in a wide variety of costumes from the classic werewolf or frankenstein to cosplaying as some of their favourite tv/movie characters soon came bursting out of several houses at once, crying out in excitement for candy as they ran off carrying their paper bags or pumpkin baskets to ask for sweet treats from neighbouring houses, while some adults who too dressed up in the spirit of things went out to supervise them or to set up stands and attractions to earn themselves a little extra treat besides candy.

In one house, which wasn't quite ready yet for the festivities, "Aha! Evil will never triumph! Now taste my justice!" Max proclaimed loudly while dressed in a scarlet red dino trooper costume, his personal favourite, as he flashed his heroic blade in a rather dramatic pose before trying to view himself from different angles in the mirror, even deciding to flex a bit himself.

Knocking on his door and entering was Rex, who was in a medieval knight costume which even included a helm, boots, sword and a shield, stepped in clanking about with each step he took. "There you are Max." he said with a small frown of disappointment on his face as Chomp and Ace were with him too, though not dressed yet since Zoe herself said she had just the right costumes in mind for them, "Quit goofing off, you were supposed to be helping out with getting the place ready remember? It's your job to help mom with the pumpkins while I decorate the house." he said rather seriously.

"You must have me confused for another dear citizen!" Max boasted to him while wearing his helmet, "Scarlet trooper doesn't concern himself with mere house chores! He fights evil day and night to protect the innocent!" he cried out before striking a pose once more, which did little to impress Rex nor sway him from his moody attitude.

"Yeah yeah, now hurry up," he said turning around and smirking at his friend, "Otherwise mom said she wouldn't let you go trick or treating with the rest of us."

Max widened his eyes throwing his helmet off, "N…NO! I'm coming! Wait up!" he cried out following after him.

As he came downstairs, Rex had just exited the house to hang up dinosaur skull themed lights on the house with Ace. Looking at the dinner table, Max's eyes widened at a pot of treasure he saw there. "Ah…." His mouth began to water as he saw a large assortment of cookies, liquorice, lollipops and chocolates in a large cauldron shaped pot. He snickered to himself thinking no one would notice if he were to help himself to a few of them first. As he tiptoed over to the table his hand reached out, only for the sweets to suddenly be taken out of his grasp!

"Huh!?" as he looked up he gulped to see his mom was smiling at him cheekily, dressed in a shrine maiden outfit while also sporting a pair of fox ears and even a tail too. She wagged her finger, "Uh uh uh Max, these are for the trick or treaters that will be coming soon." she then said pointing to several large pumpkins sitting on the table nearby the tv area. "If you want some though, you're going to have to earn them." she sang as she took the pot into the kitchen to keep it out of her son's greedy reach.

As the candy pot disappeared from sight Max then let out a deep and heavy sigh as he lowered himself forward, "Aww man….." he groaned deeply to himself before looking to the pumpkins at the TV area. Seeing that complaining and whining won't get him anywhere, he might as well get his job done with seeing no other way about it. Taking the kitchen knife that was at the dinner table he began poking at the large vegetables, though his efforts barely made a dent in them. "Man the skin on this thing's as tight as a drum….." he grunted in annoyance as he only managed to get the sharp edge into the skin of the pumpkin though carving it out was another challenge he was having trouble with. He hardened his gaze and yelled out loud as he tried to slice through but to little avail. "Poof…" he gasped sweating with exhaustion before falling back into the couch, before he could give up though he heard the sounds of munching nearby. As he opened his eyes he then jumped in shock to see Chomp was munching through he pumpkin he tried to carve out! "Chomp no! You can't eat that!" he cried out yanking it away from the young triceratops, who let out a sad whimper in response. Sympathising with him, Max held out his hand and gently petted his partner's head with his hand. "Save your stomach for the candy, that's the real good stuff!" he said encouragingly with a smile, which made Chomp bark with joy in response.

Looking to the damage his buddy left on the pumpkin, Max frowned wondering how he was going to explain this to Aki, till he blinked in realisation, "Wait a minute…." he then looked to Chomp then to the pumpkin again several times. As his partner tilted his head curiously, Max scratched his chin in thought, "I wonder…."

(Zoe house)

Meanwhile at the animal hospital, which was now decorated with snakes, scorpions and spiders around its walls to give it a more spooky theme, Mr and Mrs Drake both left the house (while dressed as a japanese samurai and kunoichi respectively) on some house calls leaving Cera and Zoe back, knowing they could trust them to lock up the place when they go out. Speaking of Zoe though….

"Ta da!" she cheered while flashing a bright blue ball gown with yellow highlights. She also sported a pair of red high heeled slippers, light blue arm sleeves, a green bead necklace and a small tiara embedded with bright decorative stones in it, "Don't I look like the belle of the ball? Huh?" she said with a cute wink as Paris jumped up and down barking amazed and Miku smiled and nodded with approval. She held out her dress doing a polite bow to thank them for their approval before looking to the back room. "Hey Cera, what's taking you so long? Shouldn't you be finished by now?" she called out to her friend who apparently wasn't finished changing yet.

"I don't know Zoe….." her voice said uneasily as she stepped out into the open, blushing red as a tomato. She wore a pair of purple pointed shoes followed by a set of white knee socks. She also sported a rather frilly purple dress decorated with a number of ribbons around it and a long lace wrapped around the torso till it ended with a bow knot behind. She too wore a pair of somewhat baggy purple arm sleeves and a pointed purple hat which had a bow ribbon laced around it. The most notable feature of her costume was the set of glittering fairy wings that were sticking out from behind her as she blushed red in embarrassment while clutching onto the sparkling wand that came with it, which ended with a glittery star ornament. Her outfit turned out to be rather flashy in her opinion as she kept trying to turn her head away from Miku and Paris' amazed and surprised expressions, being widened eyes and hanging jaws. "I feel silly in this….not to mention it's really uncomfortable and itchy…." she said twitching nervously while scratching her uncovered shoulders and struggling to reach her back where the wings were.

"Aww come on Cera, you look great!" Zoe cheered patting her on the back, "I picked out that costume with all my heart, not to mention you can't have a princess without her trusty fairy godmother." she said while doing a cheerful spin and letting her dress flow too.

Miku and Paris began to snicker in amusement, as Cera looked to them with a pair of narrowed eyes.

"…."

"And don't you both worry." Both Paris and Miku's snickering vanished and they jumped as Zoe leaned down towards them both. "I've even got outfits for you too!" As she smiled at them cheerily they both turned pale and their hearts both skipped a beat.

Little while later….

"Ta da! Now don't you both look smashing?" she sang cheerfully clapping her hands together as she smiled proudly at her hard work, Paris now had a pair of white feathery wings clipped onto her back, a long brown brushy bit covering up her tail and finally a small white cone shaped horn was tied onto her forehead around her crest to make her look like an alicorn! Miku on the other hand had a beak piece tied onto her face along with a few more colourful feathers around her wings to make her look like a parakeet!

As they both frowned and let out disappointed sighs, Cera couldn't help but sweat drop and chuckle in amusement at their appearance. "Heheh…heh….." As they say what comes around goes around.

(Max's house)

"There and done." Back at the Taylor house, Rex had finally managed to finish hanging up the last of the decorations around the side, which was tricky standing on a ladder while wearing metallic boots in a clanky knight armour, but nevertheless successful as Ace jumped up and down wagging his tail praising his partner for his accomplishment. "Alright, and with that we're all set!" he said as he took scream steps back to eye the place form the garden, to see it now decorated with skull and bone themed lights handing from the roof ends and around the support pillars of the house, "Man does that look like a spooky house or what." he commented folding his arms on his hips proud of the good work he did.

Inside, Max too was relieved to have his task finally completed, "Phew, never thought we'd ever get that finished." he breathed wiping sweat from his brow as they now had a set of spooky themed pumpkin lanterns ready to display on the lawn, in a variety of unusual and creepy faces which would no doubt give all but the bravest of visitors a fright! "All thanks to you Chomp." he said looking to his friend who was still nibbling away at a failed attempt to carve it into a dinosaur shape.

"My my, if he keeps this up he might end up eating the entire pumpkin…." said Aki smiling in amusement as Chomp seemed to be indulging a little too much into the pumpkin having almost finishing half of it and then turning to eye at the rest!

"Whoa whoa!" Max gasped grabbing his buddy and picking him up before he could get the chance, "Hehe, save your stomach Chomp, you'll need it for the big boatload of treats we're going to be hauling back in later tonight!" he said petting the trike's head who then barked in excitement while shaking his tail!

RING

"Trick or treaters already?" Max then asked curiously as he looked to the door after putting Chomp down.

"It's still a little early for that honey, but I'll go see." said his mom walking up to the door while he and Chomp went to taking the pumpkins outside to set on the lawn with the candles to make them light up..

As Aki opened the door she covered her mouth in surprise to see a pair of girls at the door, in rather adorable costumes in her opinion, "Hey boys!" Zoe called waving her hand out, as Paris stood by her side and Miku on Cera's shoulder.

"Ah! Zoe and Cera! Welcome." smiled Aki with a warm angelic smile that was enough to make most people feel light hearted and at ease.

Looking at her, Cera couldn't help but nod in acknowledgment, "Wow Mrs Taylor, you look great!" she praised as Aki blushed red herself.

"Aww thank you dear, this was something I've wanted to try on when I was younger but never had the chance to do." said Mrs Taylor as spun around a little to show off her outfit.

"Hee hee, well you sure do look the part." Zoe giggled, "Maybe you'll have luck being picked as shrine maiden for this new year festival if you're lucky."

"Why thank you….you sure are sweet." she said before welcoming both girls and their pets in, "Come on in and help yourself to some treats before you all head out." she said showing them to their candy pot as Zoe giggled with excitement over which she should help herself to first.

"Hee hee!" Sitting down she split a couple of the treats between herself, Cera and Miku, giving the sugar stars to Cera, candy corns to Paris and some gummy worms to Miku, as they munched away at their snacks while Zoe and Cera ate in a more civilised manner.

Before long Max and Rex came back in after preparing the outside, and they both were quite surprised to see who was in their house now, "Hey Zoe and Cera! You're here!" Max cried out as their friends came to greet them. As Max then narrowed his eyes and placed a hand to his chin in thought, while observing Cera's outfit (to her embarrassment) he couldn't help but grin and give her a thumb up, "Wow, not bad….." he said as she laughed nervously.

"Hehe…." Cera blushed red in embaressment.

"Hee hee thanks, you're not too bad yourselves." Zoe commented the 2 boys.

Rex then blinked his eyes curiously, "I thought you were done with princesses after that time in India?" he asked as Zoe took several steps back and waved her arms out frantically.

"T…that was totally different!" she cried out now blushing red herself.

Cera blinked her eyes in surprise at Zoe's sudden change in behaviour, while and the boys smirked or grinned at her, "Okay so maybe I don't want to be an actual princess, but that doesn't mean I still can't dress like one!"

"Right….." They both said in response.

"Anyways, I've got presents for both Ace and Chomp too!" She then stated taking out a paper bag she had brought with her, also hoping to change the subject, "Ta da!" She then said after flashing off her masterpieces, with Chomp dressed in a bedsheets with a set of eye holes and Ace had a nose horn taped on his head along with a pair of wings and a pointy tip at the end to make him look like a dragon!

Max and Rex both blinked their eyes unsure of what to say in response, "Well they do seem to…..like it?"

"I guess?" They each said.

"Don't you guys look absolutely adorable too? Hmm?" smiled Zoe leaning in to them both as they simply blinked back at her.

Cera smiled, "I guess they don't hate them at least since they haven't torn them up yet." she suggested as the boys nodded.

"Agreed."

Max then fetched his helmet and put it back on, "Well, we've got to go help Reese and dad with getting the D lab all set up too." he said as he headed for the door and the others followed.

"Still think she'll want to join us too?" Rex asked.

"I highly doubt it," sighed Zoe in disappointment, "She's always so deep in her research and not having any time for 'kiddish festivities' as she says. Heh, she's not that much older than us yet she acts like a grownup." she then snickered as Cera raised an eyebrow at her.

"That's because she is one?" she pointed out.

"W…well she's still got a lot more years ahead of her and we wouldn't want her to miss out on anything while she can!" Zoe then cried.

"I see your point there….." Cera replied standing corrected, also feeling quite touched that Zoe was that caring for her sister despite being harsh and strict at times.

Zoe then held out another paper bag, only this one was tied and wound now with a red ribbon, "I did manage to get her a special halloween gift just for her! I do hope she'll at least consider opening it up and trying it." she then added feeling hopeful.

"Yeah hopefully…." said Max as he then called out to behind them, "See ya mum! We're heading out for the evening!"

"Take care kids!" Aki replied back to them from the kitchen, "Make sure you share your goodies with everyone! And stay away from the woods."

"Will do!"

"Bye bye!" They all said to her as they exited the door and closed it behind them.

After heading up there hill to the D lab, they couldn't help but look on impressed to see the place was indeed ready for the holiday mood. Around it were several flickering lights and sound speakers playing menacing dinosaur growls and roars, along with several bones or dino skulls decorating the premises outside, "Wow, that sure does bring a nice halloween theme to it." Rex couldn't help but feel impressed.

"Yeah, Dr Taylor sure has gotten into the spirit of Halloween for this that's for sure." Cera nodded in agreement.

"Well, let's go in and see if he needs anymore help." said Zoe as she opened the door and let the others in.

As they went in the skeletons of pterosaurs hung down from the ceiling and were decorating the place with other kinds of Halloween decorations and ornaments. "Hey dad!" Max called out, but suddenly the lights were cut to their surprise!"

"Huh!?"

"What the!?"

"Hey who cut the lights!?"

"A blackout?"

"Greetings citizens of Sanjo!" a voice bellowed out loudly surprising them all!

"Huh!?" They gasped and looked around in alarm, before a spot light from out of nowhere shone down before them, revealing a large man dressed in a rather impressive adventurers' outfit. He wore a set of silver sunglasses and a black spiked adventure hat. He also sported Dr Taylor's brown gloves and vest but the inner layer was grey and fluffed out at the shoulders, followed by a set of bright blue jeans.

"I am Dinoman! The Mysterious warrior who studies dinosaurs!" the mystery man bellowed folding his arms and flashing a cool grin looking as heroic as he could, though his act didn't seem to impress or fool any of them though….

"Umm….." Cera scratched her head wondering what to say, she could admit though it wasn't what she had expected.

"Dad…..you're embarrassing me!" Max face palmed.

"That's a costume?" Rex asked.

"Even Chomp and the others look way better than that….." Zoe sweat dropped.

In response Dr Taylor suddenly fell facedown on the ground as the words hit him hard like an emotional rollercoaster.

"I told you that outfit wouldn't be that convincing Dr Taylor….." said Reese at the other side, not looking while focused on her work.

The man then sweated and clenched his fists after picking himself up, "No, no can't you see!? It is I Dinoman! You must be mistaking me for someone else!" he cried out before shooting his fist up to the air powerfully! "The name's Dinoman! Dino Power!" he bellowed at the top of his lungs and as dramatically as he could, as the 4 kids and their dinos stared back.

Max rolled his eyes, "Fine….whatever you say dad….I mean….Dinoman…."

"Yup! And don't you forget it! Hahahaha!" Dinoman laughed out loud while the others simply stared and sweat dropped.

"Right….."

They then headed over to see Reese at her work place with hopeful expressions, "So Reese, feel like joining us this year for trick or treating!?" Max cheered with excitement.

"It's going to be super fun!" Zoe followed.

"Yeah, surely you wouldn't want to spend the night cooped up in the lab now would you?" Rex concluded.

Sadly their hopes didn't seem to be up since her eyes were locked on the computer screen she was at, "I appreciate you kids inviting me out, but for the umpteenth time I told you I'm not interested." she said monotonously which put them down slightly, "I've outgrown such childish activities long ago, and besides, I'm quite busy myself and have no time for them anyway." She said.

"But-" Before Zoe could finish, Cera then stepped in to stop her there.

"Let's not force her okay. It's her choice and let's respect it." she said placing a hand on Zoe's shoulder as she sighed sadly.

"Oh fine…."

"It was worth a try anyways…." added Rex comforting Zoe too.

As they turned around to leave, Max turned around and called to her, "Well if you change your mind, you know where to find us!" he cried as they left through the doors.

"Take care." she said to them though without turning so much as an eye to them as they left the premises.

After they left, Dinoman popped in out of nowhere, "Well then young lady! Care to join me as my trusty sidekick!?" he bellowed loudly with much enthusiasm and excitement, "In venturing the streets of Sanjo City and gathering all sorts of rare, juicy and delicious treasures!?"

In response however, Reese reached out and pinched his ear tightly without even leaving her seat!

"YOW!"

"I told you before Dr Taylor, and my answer remains the same." She said in her usual monotonous voice, also with hint of impatience knowing he had been doing this to her a bunch of times earlier in the day and she was at her limit. "So you'll just have to go sweets hunting on your own tonight, and do not make me repeat myself." She said as she turned an eye to the incapacitated man, who froze in terror upon seeing her glaring expression, "Understand?"

He then gulped down hard, "Ugh…..why can't everyone just play along….." he whimpered wishing he could get some respect. As she let him go he rubbed his now sore and throbbing ear before getting back to his moral self, "Well suit yourself then Reese, just wouldn't want you to miss out on all the fun that's all!" he said though Reese didn't seem to pay him much mind.

"Hmph….." Wishing he'd act his age, it was hard for her to imagine a man would act like a child and not feel shameful about it too.

Before he left, he then opened a nearby cabinet and took out a brown paper parcel from it, "Oh yes! Zoe sent this to me earlier this afternoon, said it's for you. She went through a lot of trouble to get this for you, so you should at least open it up!" he said as Reese blinked and for once the entire night, looked away from her computer to see Dr Taylor put it on the desk nearby. "Alright! Dinoman away! Dino power!" He bellowed loudly in his alter ego before heading for the doors and not sweets galore!

After a while of staring at the parcel left behind, Reese couldn't shake off the feeling and interest at what would be inside. She couldn't focus back on her work without the thought of her sister's gift coming to mind every few seconds. Eventually unable to handle it anymore she headed towards it, "Might as well see." As the took the bag and brought it up, she noticed a note stuck to it as she began to read it.

"Dear Reese, I know you've been busy, but don't want you to miss out on all the fun today, so I got this special costume for you since you've been such a good sister. I know you'll look absolutely stunning in this! You can thank me later!"

Reese smiled with appreciation, having her heart touched by her younger sister's kind words, "My my, how sweet of her…..Wonder how I should thank her for this?" she thought to herself before sniffing her own clothes, "These lab clothes of mine are starting to smell a little, must have been the long hours of working, also I have been busy almost all day…" she thought to herself after giving their words some more careful consideration before finally deciding to open it. "Might as well see what she got me," she said to herself as she began removing the brown paper and string also feeling somewhat excited to find out what it was, "It can't be too-" as she opened up what was inside her gaze hardened firmly and her smile vanished, "…." she said nothing as the eyes in her glasses flashed menacingly, next time she saw her little sister she was going to give her much more than a stern lecture, "Bad….." she then added finishing her sentence.

(At Zeta Point)

Meanwhile back at the Alpha gang's island, it was night and Rod and Laura had spent nearly the entire day working on their assignments given to them by Helga, and frankly they couldn't take another second of staring at a screen filled with numbers and complex words which continued to drive a nail of pain into heir heads, their expressions of droopy eyes and gradually slowing typing made that clear.

"Yawn….man I'm bored….." Rod yawned covering his mouth before folding his arms behind his head and leaning back into his seat.

"Yeah, we've been at this all day now, we should probably get some time off." suggested Laura, "We're almost finished anyways."

"Are you kidding?" Rod replied opening an eye to her, "If Helga catches us with even a single question blank she'll ground us for life. You want that to happen?"

Laura lowered her head in sadness, "I guess not…" she sighed before bringing up another tab, revealing a camera spy droid she sent out to keep an eye on Sanjo City, already confirming that was where the D team's home base was located. What she saw though only seemed to make her not only more whiny but also jealous as she saw the large number of people in the streets, going door to door for treats while dressed in various costumes such as animals, clowns or monsters, or playing games at the halloween fair such as pin the tail on the chimera or apple bob. She puffed up her cheeks, "Look at everyone having so much fun now while we're cooped up in here….it's not fair!" she then cried out shaking her arms and legs childishly.

"Hmph….." Rod folded his arms in disappointment, he felt the same as he did but as long as Helga was out there there's no way they could ever get out and play, let alone off the island…..

He was about ti give up, when the door to their room suddenly opened up and stepping in was none other than a certain familiar man.

"Huh? Oh hey Seth." said Rod as he and his sister looked up to see the blue haired man entering.

"Another dinosaur for us to catch?" Laura asked as she switched off her computer.

He smiled in response, "A good guess, but no."

"Oh? So why are you here then?" she then asked curiously.

He then closed his eyes and smiled before giving his answer, "Simply to tell you both to go have a little fun and enjoy the festivities for tonight."

"Say what now?" They both blinked their eyes in surprise and suspiciously, thinking they misheard what he said, actually they were even wondering whether the man they were talking to was Seth.

"You heard me," he then added confirming his words, "You've done so much these past few days and I believe what Helga's doing to you is very much unfair. After all, you're children not robots, you deserve time off and freedom to do as you please now and then." he said, "So feel free to take a break and….trick or treat as they say…."

Their eyes both widened with joy and amazement, "Wow!" Rod cried out pumping up his arms in excitement.

"Really!? You mean that!?" Laura clapped her hands together.

He then smirked in response, "Would I lie to you?" he added, "Still, while you are out there I do have a simple task for you both." he then said as held out a pair of alpha scanners.

"Oh? And what's that?" Rod asked as he and Laura took both devices from him.

"To keep your eyes peeled," Seth answered, "Especially since I learnt the other day about your encounter with the D Team's newest member." he added seriously which put a damper on Rod and Laura's happy mood. The memory of their complete and utter defeat still burnt into their minds since then and they were feeling rather sore and bitter too about having lost a large number of new cards to the D team because of her.

"Oh….you heard about that…."

"Word gets around quickly huh?" They each said frowning.

"Faster than you can imagine…." Seth replied as he put his hands back into his pockets, "While everyone is enjoying the festivities I want you to keep your eyes opened for their base of operations, which no doubt lies in that city somewhere. When you have the chance-"

Both Rod and his sister brightened up, "We can get back every single one of those cards those D team jerks stole from us!" they each cried out.

"You both are fast learners." he nodded, "I'm certain your grandfather will enjoy such a treat on such a very momentous occasion."

"And we can have fun too!" Laura cheered.

"Finally! No more homework and assignments! My brain can finally take a breather!" Rod jumped up for joy.

"I'll be sure to cover for you while you are out for tonight." said Seth feeling pleased to see them getting psyched, also deep down he was doing this to get on their good side and to avoid drawing any suspicion towards him, for if he could get them to trust him, he could surely make Dr Z trust him as well and in turn Helga. As turned around to take his leave, he stopped as the door opened up and he didn't step out, "Oh and by the way." he said pointing to Rod's computer screen, "The answer to your last question is B, taking into account the speeds of both trains and the angle at which they are travelling at, Point B is no doubt their most likely point of intersection." he said at the end before leaving.

As Rod took a closer look he widened his eye sin surprise to see that Seth was indeed right, "Hey, how did I miss that?" to him it was a very simple explanation and answer, yet also the most unlikely answer that one would choose if they were faced with the question.

"If he's so good why doesn't he help us out more often?" Laura huffed folding her arms on her hips.

"Let's just be glad we're finally done." said Rod switching off his computer before grinning and punching his hand into his fist, "And it's time for some well deserved payback."

Laura nodded in agreement with him, "Yeah, but first." She ran off outside to Rod's surprise, and before long she came back in dressed in a full black cat costume complete with fluffy tail, a bell collar, cat ear headbands and even paint on whiskers on her face. "We've gotta look the part!"

"Heh, you just read my mind." Rod grinned as he ran off to their room and after rummaging through his closet he came back out dressed in a dark black and red cape, while sporting a rather smart suit on the inside with a bat theme on it, along with a pair of fake vampire teeth.

As they both headed for the hangar, Ursula, Zander and Ed both looked out from the corner begrudgingly as they tensed their fists and hardened their gazes, "Just look at them, thinking they can just waltz off and leave us here with that slavedriver Dr Z just because they're kids!?" Ursula grumbled feeling offended that this implied she was old.

"Oh the joys of youth, I knew I never should have wasted you….." Zander teared up as they watered from his eyes, as years of regret began to well up inside him.

"Yeah, just think of all those gummy bears they could be loading into their pumpkin baskets as we speak….I could eat 10 bags worth right now." Ed thought out as he began fantasising all the different kinds of sweets and chocolates they could be gathering up now if they weren't stuck in, the thought of it made his mouth water and his saliva began to drool!

To Ursula, that was about the last straw for her, "You know what, why should we stay here and waste our time on menial labour!" she cried out punching up to the sky, "We have our own lives to live and I'm not about to waste any more of it here in this madhouse!" she proclaimed, her fiery spirit and words inspiring both Zander and Ed.

"Count us in too!"

"We'll show those brats we don't need to be toddlers to have fun! We can do that just fine, maybe even better!" They both said as they all cheered in unison!

"Yeah!" They were prepared to go make their mark on the world, when a familiar voice cried out and shattered their moment of glory.

"Hello!? I know you 3 dolts are out there! Get in here right now!" Dr Z suddenly screamed from his room behind them which amide them jump up in surprise!

"EEP!" They screamed in terror as the sound of their bedridden boss' voice sent shivers up their spines.

"Where's my dinner!? I expected it to be here yesterday!" he screamed while slamming his fists into his bed like a spoiled baby!

"Ack!" Ursula's jaw dropped having realised they forgot about making him dinner for the night.

Zander then brought them all in for a close group discussion, "What do we do about him?" he whispered.

"He'll never let us go for sure….." Ed whimpered twiddling his fingers together.

"Just leave this to me boys." said Ursula narrowing her eyes as she headed for the door and popped in her head to see Dr Z lying in bed as usual with a grumpy expression, "Sorry Dr Z, but we're about to head out into town to do a little trick or treating…." she said smiling cheerfully at him, "So I'm afraid you're going to have to bother Helga for this, bye bye!" she concluded waving her hand to him as he widened his eyes.

"What!? You're just going to leave me here to starve just so you can goof off!?" he exclaimed before tears began welling up in his eyes, "How could you be so cruel and heartless after everything I've done for you?!" he wailed as he began bawling out dramatically.

Ursula then sweat dropped seeing him acting like a big baby, not to mention to her he looks like one too. She then smiled rather warmly to him as she decided to sweet talk him, "How about this then? When we get back we'll be more than happy to split our treats with you, we know how much you love those chocolate covered raisins after all."

Suddenly his fake tears dried up and he patted his blankets with excitement, "Ooooh! Now that sounds lovely!" he cried out with his eyes glistening. "In that case! Proceed! Get going already! Bring me back all the candy your hands can carry!" he cried out giving them their orders for the night.

"We'll be sure to bring you back enough to leave cavities in your teeth the size of a canyon!" Ursula sang as she left his room, finally, and Dr Z cheered at the top of his lungs.

"Yippee!"

Heading to both Zander and Ed, "Come on boys! Let's hustle before he says something else!" she called out speeding behind them.

"Right behind you!"

"Halloween here we come!" They cried out heading for the aircraft hangar.

(Meanwhile)

Meanwhile Sanjo city's suburban district was alive with the sounds of laughing, cheers and excitement as children in costumes like ghosts or animals ran from door to door for candy while others decided to take a crack at the many games and stands that were set up too such as haunted houses, photo boards and even candy grab bags.

The D team were on the streets together looking around in amazement and awe, "Wow, seems the whole town's gotten into the spirit of Halloween." commented Zoe impressed.

"That's just putting it lightly! Look!" Rex pointed out at the pumpkin launch near a large garden where participants were loading up the large vegetables into catapults before launching them at the bullseye targets! One kid in a pirate costume cut down the rope holding it with a safety blade, as it launched the pumpkin high into the air before splatting right in the center! At another side was apple bob, where participants could dunk their heads in and try to pick out the apples with their teeth only.

"Ah! That looks like so much fun!" Max's eyes glistened as Chomp, looking through his ghost costume barked with excitement, "Come on Chomp! Let's go!" he said as they both ran off to play!

"Right behind you Max!" Rex followed as he headed over with them with Ace!

Zoe smiled and shook her head, "Oh boys…..they never change will they?" she said cheekily.

"Nope they won't." Cera chuckled before looking around feeling somewhat insecure for some reason, which Zoe soon took notice of when she turned to look.

"What's wrong Cera? You don't look too happy." she asked with concern as Paris looked up.

Looking around and noticing people shooting a few glances at her, Cera couldn't help but feel a bit nervous, not to mention a but cold since it was autumn now, "Are you sure about this?" she asked Zoe, "I feel so embarrassed in this….not to mention it's kinda cold too…..Also….I don't know how to feel with everyone else looking so….strange." she said, to her as far as she could remember, may be her first ever halloween night and she wasn't quite sure how to take it.

Zoe brightened up and brought her in after putting an arm on her shoulder, "Oh it'll be fine Cera, you've just got to have the right attitude!" she said cheerfully, "Loosen up a bit, be positive, play a couple of games and have some fun!"

Feeling a bit more encouraged by her friend's words she nodded back at her with Miku chirping happily as well.

As they said talked, Paris wandered off curiously and went to nudge someone in a black cloak. "Hmm?" As the person turned around and flashed a skull mask, being dressed as the grim reaper, Paris couldn't help but bark frightened as she scurried back to hide behind Zoe, shivering.

"Oh don't worry about it Paris, it's just a costume, nothing to worry about." said Zoe reaching down and stroking her gently to calm her.

"Looks like she's all freaked out and agitated." said Cera, "Can't really blame her thought since everything is so strange and foreign to her." she added in an understanding manner.

Zoe too noticed this and smiled encouragingly to them both, "Oh she just needs a little time to get used to things Cera, I'm sure she'll settle down soon, like you." she said.

"I hope so too." Looking around Cera saw something that caught her interest, "Say that looks like fun." she said heading to a spider toss game to try her luck.

"Ugh, I'd never touch a real spider…." Zoe shivered as she followed along, and she got a chill up her spine upon seeing the many toy tarantulas in the basket that people were grabbing to throw on the sticky web net, "These don't look too captivating either…." she added taking a step back while others took hold of them, in fact seeing the kids grabbing hold of the bugs with their bare hands made her jitter.

"Aww don't worry about it," Cera chuckled having taken hold of a few herself, "Just loosen up and have fun. Even a princess has to get her hands dirty sometimes."

"Hmph…." Zoe puffed her cheeks at the thought of a princess getting dirty, also feeling a but sour at having her own words used back at her, she even cringed slightly when Cera bravely picked up one of the stuffed tarantulas.

As she narrowed her eyes and focused her aim, she then tossed it with all her strength and to everyone's surprise, landed smack right in the center! "Aha! I got it!" she cheered as everyone clapped and applauded for her.

"Woo hoo!"

"She's pretty good!"

"And cute too…."

She then got handed a prize, being a bag full of bon bons and chocolates, Zoe couldn't help but feel inspired and motivated herself. Seeing the other prizes out for grab which included a set of limited edition movie character costumes she then gained a sharp expression and pulled up her arm sleeves and got her game face ready! "Okay, outta my way! It's my turn!" she said moving through the line and grabbing hold of a tarantula before throwing it!

At the pumpkin catapults, Rex managed to land a perfect score after his pumpkin managed to hit center of the bullseye! "Oh yeah! I'm the man!" he cheered jumping up and down as he was handed a set of choice nut bars

While Chomp and Max both went diving for apples in the apple bob, they looked at one another, Max having an apple in his teeth while Chomp had one on his 3 horns and in his mouth, the way he looked made Max burst into laughter, "Hahahaha!"

Ace on the other hand knew there was something interesting going on in the large barrels they were getting apples from, and wondered if there was anything else that was in. Moving to an unoccupied one, he jumped up but still couldn't reach the tip. A few drops splashed on him and he shook it off in fear, but his curiosity eventually took over his safety instincts, as he jumped up and managed to grab the tip! As he climbed over he accidentally fell in and began to splash violently while crying for help!

Turning around, Rex widened his eyes to see Ace apparently drowning in the apple bob! "ACE!" he cried out rushing in to rescue his buddy who began coughing up water and shaking himself dry all over, though his dragon costume still seemed okay even though he was wet. "Whoa! Careful there….." said Rex hugging him tightly while stroking him gently, in his metallic armour as Ace snuggled up to him, "We really have to get you over this fear of water sooner or later….." Rex then muttered knowing it'd be a hindrance if they were to fight in areas where bodies of water would be present.

Meanwhile at the other side of town, a pink jet with a dinosaur like head landed in a clearing, and hopping out of it was Rod and Laura all dressed up and ready for candy hunting.

"Well looks like we came to the right place." said Rod looking around to see people walking about with candy baskets or in costumes.

"Oh this is going to be so much fun!" Laura cheered excitedly, "I can't wait to collect all sorts of delicious treats to share with everyone else when we get back!"

"Ahahaha! In your dreams you little half pints!" A female voice said behind them as a blue dimetrodon shaped jet landed behind them.

As they turned to look, a female witch, a skinny mummy and a plump orc with a spiked mace hopped out of it, "Because the A team is here to plunder this town of all its sweetie goodness!"

"And there's nothing you can do about it!" said Zander and Ed proudly.

Rod and Laura then turned sour upon seeing the 3 clowns had to show up and ruin the mood, "What are you 3 clowns doing here?" Rod then asked.

"I'm actually surprised grampa decided to let you guys off your leashes." Laura added curiously.

Ursula folded her arms, "Hmph, for your information Dr Z gave us an assignment to bring back bags full of delicious goodies just for him!" she scoffed.

"And when he sees how reliable and generous we are, he'll give us promotions and he'll even decide of giving our jobs as nursemaids over to you 2 troublemakers!" Zander boasted pointing out at the both of them.

"It'll be smooth sailing for us from then on!" Ed stated holding his head up high.

Rod folded his arms and smirked in response, "Heh, you guys couldn't take candy from a baby, what makes you think you have a chance at gathering any goodies at all?" he said snarkily to them.

Ursula smirked raising an eyebrow at him, "Oh? If I didn't hear any better, that sounded like a challenge!"

"Heh, so what if it is? Hmm?" Laura followed.

Ursula grinned, "Okay then, let's see which team manages to gather the most candy before midnight tonight."

"Loser has to nursemaid Dr Z until his back is all better." Zander added upping the ante.

Rod smirked confidently holding out his hand, "Heh, you've got yourself a deal. Let's shake on it!"

"Of course….." Ursula smirked as she shook with Rod, but behind her back her other hand was crossing her fingers, "Hehehehehe…."

"Since we're so nice, we'll go first and show you how it's done." said Laura showing them off to a line of houses that were nearby them.

"Watch and learn." Rod followed as they skipped along to the door of the first house they saw and began knocking at it.

Knock knock

The door opened and out of it came a fairly lying man with brown hair dressed in a bear costume and his head inside the bear head's mouth, "Hello?" Looking down he saw the 2 kids hold out their bags.

"Trick or treat!" They said and it caused the man to feel light and warm inside.

"Aww how adorable, how could I possibly say no?" he said as he went back to fetch a bowl full of goodies, "Here you go." he said pouring an equal share into their bags.

"Thank you!" They said waving goodbye to him before taking off their innocent faces and replacing them with smirks as they returned to the Alpha trio.

"Heh, beat that." Rod taunted.

"Hmph, beginner's luck!" Ursula scoffed unimpressed with the rest of her gang.

"Step aside and watch how the professionals do it!"

"That's right!" Zander and Ed each said as they trotted towards the same house and knocked on the door.

Knock Knock

The same man popped his head out from the door, "Hello?" he looked down expecting to see some new kids, but was surprised to see feet instead. "Hmm?"

As he looked up he was greeted by 3 suspicious looking adults in costumes as they held out their bags. "Trick or treat?" They all said in unison.

The man blinked his eyes in surprise, and their smiles seemed to put him off rather than encourage him to give them candy, "Ummm….Aren't you 3 a little too old to be trick or treating?" he then asked.

Ursula then widened her eyes in anger at those words, "What's that!?" she growled before grabbing hold of the man and shaking him violently much to Ed and Zander's alarm!

"GAH!"

"How dare you say that to me buster!?" she growled threateningly before staring into his eyes and he sweated anxiously, "You can never be too old for free candy! Now pay up or I'll make you into a bear skin rug!" she growled and he screamed in terror at the top of his lungs!

"AAAAH!"

Zander and Ed moved in quickly to breakup the fighting, "Ursula settle down!" Zander cried out holding back the vicious witch lady from hurting the innocent bear anymore!

"Yeah there are other houses to choose from," Ed followed pulling the man free from her grasp and settling him down on the floor gently as he gasped for air, "We should have better luck there."

She clicked her tongue in frustration before claims herself down with a breath, "Tch! I suppose you're right….." she huffed, though her troubles weren't over just yet.

"Cops! Cops! I'm being assaulted! Help!" The man in the bear suit yelled out for help much to their confusion and surprise.

"Huh?"

The sound of a whistle was soon heard followed by loud yelling, "Stop right there you 3!" A pair of cops jumped out in the bushes dressed in green zombie makeup and in ragged police uniforms as they ran towards the troublemaking trio as they widened their eyes in horror and fear!

"Oh no! Zombies!" Ursula shivered being the first to scamper away!

"Run!"

"Don't let them bite you!" Zander and Ed followed as the cops chased them through he streets!

"AAAAAHHHH!"

As they all disappeared from sight Rod couldn't help but snicker in amusement, "Heh, we've got this beat easy." he said giving his sister a high five.

"Hee hee!"

Uptown at the top of a grassy hillside, a tractor pulling a cart full of hay cubes soon came up and sitting at the driver's seat was Johnny, now dressed in ragged farm clothing and a ruffled straw hat, along with a small rag mask on his face to make himself look like a scarecrow, "Hayrides! Come get a free hayride around town!" he cried out as groups of children scurried to him and struggled to get a place at the back for a free ride.

"Whoopee!"

"Let me on!"

After a number of kids dressed as angels, dogs, robots etc. got on he then began driving away up towards the outskirts of the city, and the kids all cheered with excitement. One kid dressed in a wizard outfit noticed his friend was doing something rather unusual and he spoke out, "Hey there, what you got there?" he asked to the boy next to him who was dressed as a lion.

His friend then held out an unusual shaped egg container which he was holding, "Oh, I found this in the bushes just nearby that house we just visited." he answered, "It's probably a container for some special deluxe chocolates or something."

The wizard boy jittered with excitement."Well open it up and let's see!"

The lion boy tried to yank at the container but he noticed it was sealed rather tightly to his surprise, "Urgh….this thing's tighter than than a jar of peanut butter!" he grunted as he trued harder and harder to pull it apart but to no avail. Feeling exhausted and frustrated, he then scowled at the container's stubbornness and refusal to open, "Tch! This isn't worth it, there'll be other candies to choose from." he said giving up on it.

"I agree, maybe you should toss that away, it'll just take up space in your bag." his friend suggested and he nodded in response.

"Mhmm." As he tossed it uncaringly, it then rolled down hill from the tractor picking up speed as the hill got steeper, till it eventually rolled into the woods nearby. Eventually it came to a stop at a large rock where upon impact it opened, revealing 2 cards inside it. As a wind blew through the forest, creating an ominous howl in the process, they blew over both cards causing them to glow light blew before they materialised! As the light died down, in place of the 2 cards was a large carnivorous abelisaurid dinosaur, with short arms but no doubt a broad and massive head supported by a massive muscular neck. It sported a large set of red markings over its head and face and its body was black but also covered with swamp green stripes over its body which lead down to its tail. Sniffing the air and then the ground, the rugops decided this would be an excellent place to mark its territory as it began scratching the ground with its feet before sniffing the air and licking its lips, hungry for food having been trapped in a card for some time. It soon catches scent of something appetising as it heads out in the direction of it, leaving the forest and seeing the town nearby as it heads off after the smell. As it arrived, it came upon a jack o' lantern bag filled with treats left behind at the doorstep of a house. Sniffing it, it greedily snapped up the entire load of sweets before rushing off in search of more, heading for the streets filled with countless people and even more treats among them.

Meanwhile in another part of the town, everyone was oblivious to the danger now amongst them, including the D team, who were now laughing together in amusement after finishing their night's share of fun and treats.

"Ahahahaha! That was so much fun!"

"Mhmm….it sure was….."

Cera enjoying it deeply in heart

Max then pointed out at a large stage decorated with several pumpkin stage lights and other halloween decorations, while also sporting a spooky set of drapes with an eerie theme of background music playing, "And look, they're about to have a halloween costume competition later!" he cheered with excitement before turning to the signboard near it, "We should totally enter you guys! Says there the winner will get a month's worth of peanut butter stickies and chocolate banana bars too!" he cried out jumping up and down uncontrollably.

"Hehe….I think we've got more than enough treats on us Max." Rex chuckled pointing to their bags which were stuffed to the brim with sugar coated treats.

"Yeah, too much and you'll have way worse than cavities to worry about tomorrow morning." Cera pointed out as Max sighed feeling let down.

"Aww man…..did you guys really have to be such party poopers?" he groaned as they and their dinosaurs walked on pass the stage, while unaware their dinoholders were flashing red in their pockets.

At the stage, a man dressed up as a large frankenstein stepped up to the workers onstage who were dressed as dwarves, "Is everything set up?" he then asked as they looked to him.

"Everything's all set boss!" they replied giving him an a okay sign.

"Good! Because we're going on in 5 minutes!" The boss replied before looking back stage only to get the surprise of his night when he saw the prize of sweets had disappeared from the desk! "Huh!? Hey where's the prize gone!?" he exclaimed looking around and under the desk. As he did, he failed to notice a black tail had slid past the back door to the stage.

Meanwhile at the park side, the Trio were busy gasping for air, struggling to catch their breath after having lost the cops, "Urgh….that was a close one…." Zander panted while on the ground, his rags soaking up his sweat and almost making him smell.

"Yeah, those zombies nearly had our brains…." Ed whimpered lying down on his back, taking off his mask to find his face fully drenched.

"No undead corpse is ever going to get their greasy claws on my beautiful mind as long as I live and breathe!" Ursula then screeched out loud as she took in a gasp of air.

"Hehe, so guys? How's the trick or treating going for you?" said Rod's voice as they looked up from where they were.

"AH!" They widened their eyes to see both Rod and Laura had a bag each filled to the brim with candy, anymore and it could just tear!

Ursula pointed out at them weakly, "H…How did you?" she asked painfully forcing the words out, the sight of the massive hurdle they were smacked with after having just barely escaped form the cops was beginning to take her breath away again.

"Hehe, trade secret." Laura sang.

"You know, if you drop down on your knees and beg like dogs we'd be happy to split some of our candy and give you a little head start." Rod then offered while taunting them.

"Let's say…..70-30?" his sister than suggested which caused the 3 adults to burn up in anger and spite!

"Grrr! You half pints dare to mock us!?" Ursula yelled, "Mark my words, the night is still young and we haven't even begun to get serious!"

"Before long you'll be giving your grandfather a sponge bath and rubbing his feet all day while we sit back and use you as footrests!" Zander threatened.

"Yeah! That's right!" Ed concluded.

"Okay then, have it your way." said Rod shrugging his shoulders as he turned around with Laura to find more candy and further secure their victory even though it was a landslide.

"Enjoy washing Grampa's back these next couple of weeks." his sister sang as the trio suddenly shuddered and had nightmares of having to scrub Dr Z's old wrinkly back which could be filled with all kinds of grime, dirt and covered with so many old spots that would look horrendous to the naked eye!

"EEESH!" Ursula screamed wanting to gouge out her own eyes or even rip her own brain out! "I tried so hard to erase those horrible memories from my mind these last few weeks and now they've come back to haunt and scar me once more!" she screamed.

"Even I'm still getting nightmares….." Zander cried covering his face with his mum hands.

"We've gotta do something! I don't want to scrub Dr Z's sweaty and wrinkly back anymore!" Ed cried painfully.

Hardening her gaze she clicked her tongue in frustration seeing no other way out, "Tch! Guess there's only one thing to do….." she and the others then eyed the sweets bags that Rod and Laura were carrying, they just knew in order to save themselves from such a cruel fate they had to play dirty and snatch it under their noses. "But how to get it away from them?" She then mused to herself.

Meanwhile, Rod and Laura soon heard a blinking sound coming from their pockets, "Huh?" As they took out their scanners they widened them in surprise

"Rod check it out!" Laura gasped.

"A dinosaur's nearby here!" her brother followed, their loud words being picked up by the A team's ears as they gasped.

"Ah!"

The 2 kids then grinned with excitement, "This will be perfect! When we get back home we'll celebrate with an all night sweets binge and a new dinosaur as a special icing on the cake!" Rod then grinned.

"This night just gets better and better." Laura cheered.

"Look kids! It's over there!" Ursula then yelled out pointing ahead of them.

They quickly turned in alarm, "Huh!?"

"Where!?" As they looked in front they saw a boy dressed in a brachiosaurus outfit, being with a long neck head piece and a full body dinosaur zip up suit down to the tail.

"Umm Ursula, that was just some guy in a dinosaur costume." Laura said back.

"Yeah, you guys really need glasses if you think-" As Rod turned he saw they were no longer where they were to his surprise, "Huh? Where'd they go?"

"Probably doing something stupid as usual," Laura added following his gaze, "It's a wonder how they-" As she closed at her hand she realised it was empty much to her alarm! "Hey! My scanner's gone!" she gasped as Rod turned to her with widened eyes.

"Say what!?" Checking his own hand and pockets, "Gah! Mine too!" he grunted before looking to see both heir hands were empty! "And so's all the candy we collected!"

"Tch! Those guys must have done it….." Laura puffed her cheeks angrily while Rod gritted his teeth flashing his vampire fangs in anger!

"Wait till I get them for this." he grunted punching his hand into his fist.

Further off in the distance, the trio was running quickly into the streets where the dinosaur signal was, "Ahahahah! I told you it would work!" Ursula grinned deviously to herself while Ed and Zander snickered, "Those 2 toddling twerps never stood a chance against my intellect!" she boasted as she held both Rod and Laura's scanners while Ed and Zander had both their bags of candy.

"That was genius!" Ed cheered praising their leader, "Even I never thought they'd ever fall for something like that!"

"Just goes to show in the end they're still kids!" Zander grinned as he began stuffing his face with a few caramel crunches as they ran.

"Now we bring in the long haul and with a new dinosaur for dessert on top of that! Dr Z's going to be so proud of us for sure!" Ursula cheered feeling victorious and confident as they all headed for the main town square, with Ed and Zander both waving their fists out like partying animals!

"Woo hoo!"

Meanwhile in the streets, the Rugops began walking amongst the many people who were oblivious to his presence, despite his large size many thought of him as another person (though very large) dressed in an authentic dino suit, so some couldn't help but also stare at it in admiration.

"Hey dude!" a medium sized man dressed in masked wrestler's outfit (with a homemade championship belt, wrestling pants and a bull themed mask) praised as he petted the rugops' thigh which prompted the large carnivore to look down at him. "Nice costume! Where'd you have it made?" He asked.

In response, the dinosaur simply snorted at him before moving on ignoring him.

"Whoa man talk about rude….." the man folded his arms on his hips feeling offended.

Sniffing the air and smelling food, the dinosaur turned to look and saw a young girl dressed in a small monster costume, (purple with tentacle arms, fuzzy hair and a single eye on an antennae) busy counting candy till a shadow covered over her. Looking up, she could only watch as the rugops suddenly grabbed her bag and began to snap it up along with all her night's treats! "H…Hey! That's mine! Give it back!" she cried out stomping her foot. In turn, the rugops simply spat the bag out in front of her, leaving it as a slobbery brown mush before her. The little girl then sniffed as tears welled up inside her eyes and she could no longer hold her sorrow in as she exploded into tears, "WAAAA!" she cried out loud drawing the attention of everyone in the vicinity as they looked to the crying child and the massive 'person' who apparently picked on her.

"Oh Stephanie!" a voice called out, running through the crowd was a large burly man dressed in a furry monster suit with bull horns on top a headband and coloured blue with purple spots and having a short tail at the end. "What's the matter?" he asked getting down to her as she whimpered.

"Daddy! That big meanie took all my candy!" she cried pointing out to the one responsible for picking on her, "WAAAAA!" she cried as everyone looked to the rugops and turned rather fierce and mad at him.

Her father patted her gently calming her down, "There there sweetie, daddy will sort things out with him." he said before turning furious and pointing out at the large dinosaur, "You sir ought to be ashamed of yourself! Stealing candy from a child! Take off that ridiculous costume so I can tell it to your face!" he yelled despite being much smaller than his adversary.

In response the dinosaur lowered its head down and snorted at him, which only seemed to infuriate him all the more!

The man then popped his hands and cracked his neck, "So you want to play it that way then? Fine! I'll teach you some manners!" he yelled as he lunged forward and began to tug at the head! "Grrgh! Why won't this thing come off!? Did you super glue it on or something!?" He pulled with all his might before stumbling back and losing his grip! "Puff puff!" he gasped exhausted with air before turning red and charging forth! "GRARGH!" he grabbed hold of the rugops' jaws and impend up widely! His heart then skipped a beat when instead of a human face inside he saw lines of sharp teeth, drooling saliva and a slobbery tongue. He slowly closed the mouth and backed away to his daughter, "Wait a second…..that's not a mask…is it?" as he asked the Rugops let out a loud ferocious roar to confirm his answer!

ROAR!

After having saliva slat in his face and his monster hood blown off his head, the man turned pale and shook with fear, "AAAAAHH! It's real!" he screamed in terror picking up his screaming daughter and running away! Soon everyone too got the message as they cried and screamed in terror before running away, scattering in various directions!

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" Seeing everyone split off in so many directions, the rugops looked around seeing who would be the best target to choose, before roaring ferociously charging through and knocking down several attractions and tearing them down to shreds! Knocking over the apple pools, smashing pumpkins and catapults and tearing up the drapes covering the stage!

Suddenly the crowd of frightened people burst in through the streets where the D team were much to their alarm! "HUH!?" They all ran out to the sidewalk out of the way of the stampeding and panicked crowds.

"Why's everyone running like their lives depended on it?" Max then asked before an idea came to mind.

"AAAH! A dinosaur!"

"He's going to eat us!"

"Run for your lives!"

As they all took out their dinoholders and Cera took out her dinoshot their widened their eyes in alarm at the signal. "AH! A dinosaur!" They all exclaimed.

The rugops continued its vicious rampage through the town, snapping up whatever treats were left behind or discarded on the ground from the panicking crowds, until noticing a person standing alone locking up his house, with his back turned towards him. The rugops licked its lips ravenously before slowly beginning to stalk his unwary victim…..

As the guy turned around however, it turned out he was wearing a dinosaur skeleton themed costume (similar to that of a boneysaur in fossil fighters champions) and as he turned around to meet the dinosaur face to face, he dropped the bag of sweets he was holding and then held his arms up and screamed!

"BWAAAAAAHHH!" To the rugops it was as though he was looking at a walking dinosaur skeleton, so it roared in a fright too before both of them turned around and ran away from each other!

The dinosaur then charged ahead and knocked over a car causing its alarm to go off before it took off for the outskirts of the town! Upon noticing the crashed car, the D team saw it head off in the distance, "There it is!" Max cried.

"Whoa! That's a rugops!" Zoe pointed out.

Rex turned to the others serisouly, "We've got to catch it before he hurts someone!" he said as they nodded firmly in agreement.

"Yeah! And quick!" said Max as the 4 of them took off after the dinosaur.

As they did however Cera narrowed her eyes, sensing something about it, as if she had seen it somewhere before, "That dinosaur….." she breathed as they maintained pursuit.

Eventually however, the large carnivore made a break for the site that was strictly off limits to the D team as they halted at its entrance after it disappeared inside, "Oh no! He's headed right into the hallowed woods!" Zoe gasped as the others followed her expression and looked with her.

They could only stop and stare at the borderline between the woods and the town, as they gritted their teeth in frustration remembering the strict rules Aki told them earlier, Max most of all, "Mom said those woods are off limits, especially at night time." he grunted.

Rex sweated anxiously, "I don't blame her for being so worried, they say that anyone who's gone in has never come out again….." he said.

"What do you think's in there?" Zoe shivered as a howling wind blew through the woods, in her mind she fantasised about all kinds of wild animals like wolves or snakes lurking, or worst maybe quicksand or real ghosts that wouldn't hesitate to take an innocent girl like her. Feeling overwhelmed by her own imagination she then suggested to them all, "Maybe we should wait till morning when it'll be safer?"

Max however clicked his tongue in response, "Tch! Forget it Zoe! I'm not about to let that rugops get away with ruining our halloween festival!" he yelled clenching his fist knowing this crime demanded justice, "I'm going in there!" he cried out loud as he prepared to march right in.

"Huh!?" The others gasped and Rex ran out to restrain him from going any further!

"Argh! Let go of me!" Max growled trying to break out of Owen's literal iron grip but to little avail.

"Max are you crazy!?" Rex yelled at him, "Think about it! Once you go in you'll never be able to find your way in there or out! You'll basically be a sitting duck against that dinosaur!" he shouted as Max sweated and gritted his teeth in frustration, knowing he was letting his instincts overcome caution. Nevertheless he knew he couldn't just ignore them.

"Yeah well…..I can't just stand by and do nothing while that dinosaur roams free only to terrorise again later on!" he yelled back as Rex loosened his grip and Max shook free. He then brushed his costume up before turning to the rest of them seriously, "Besides, I doubt the alpha gang would let a bunch of woods stop them too."

His friends looked to one another in thought, understanding his side of things, "I get your point." Rex replied admittedly before becoming serious again, "But still we can't just rush in there without a proper plan. Even if we do manage to find the dinosaur and catch it, we still need a way to get out."

"Urgh…." Max grunted knowing Rex was right too, and the kids tried to think up ways they can go in without getting lost or to find their way back out afterwards, but they couldn't really think up anything until Cera suggested an idea.

"Don't worry, I think I've got that covered." she said holding up a finger.

They looked to her in surprise, "Huh?"

"You do Cera?"

"Mhmm," she nodded as Miku appeared on her shoulder flapping her wings while still dressed as a parakeet. "Miku here has really great eye sight, especially in the dark. Also she's really great at climbing trees. With her we'll be able to find a way out as easily as we go in, that I can be sure of." she said looking to her partner, "Isn't that right?" In response the microraptor nodded and chirped.

Seeing they had a good plan now, the D team was able to rest more easily knelling they were in good hands, "Phew….thank goodness we have you on the team with us now." said Max feeling grateful and relieved.

"I definitely feel more secure with you both around as our eyes and ears." added Zoe as Cera blushed feeling honoured.

"Hee hee, well I guess it's part of the job as fairy godmother to guide and protect those in need."

"Hehehe, you got a point there." Zoe followed.

Max taking leadership stood up before them, "Alright, then it's settled then!" he said calling them together with team spirit, "Come on guys! Let's go get that dinosaur and save Halloween!"

"YAY!" they all cheered together with team spirit as they all charged into the fray together as a group!

As they soon banished into the darkness, Ursula and the rest of the alpha trio popped their heads out from behind a tree at the entrance, as she grinned rather deviously, "Hahaha! My plan is working perfectly already." she laughed rubbing her hands together.

"What plan Ursula?"

"Yeah? Mind filling us in?" Zander and Ed asked her as she rolled her eyes and face palmed.

"Isn't it obvious you two?" she replied, "We'll tail those brats and let them find the dinosaur for us! Then we'll swoop in and snatch it right under their noses! An ingenious full proof plan if I do say so myself." she boasted confidently before holding her head up high, "Only someone as brilliant as I could have come up with it!"

"Heh, well naturally." Zander then replied in agreement.

Ed then scratched his chin in thought before asking her something else, "But wait, how will we be getting out after that?"

Ursula then froze before lowering herself down, "I…..don't have a clue…." she groaned weakly as the other 2 men frowned and sighed with her.

"Ugh….."

Soon however, Ed snapped his fingers as an idea came to mind, "Wait! I've got it!" he called out prompting his friends to turn to him.

"Hmm?"

"You've got an idea Ed?" They asked him as he nodded eagerly.

"Sure do! Listen! There was that story about the minotaur in the maze, and the hero used a ball of yarn to mark out a trail for himself as he went along so he wouldn't get lost himself!" he pointed out, "So we'll leave out a trail as we go, then after we've grabbed the dinosaur we'll follow it back out!" he said as his friends brightened up impressed.

"That could work!" Zander cried out as Ursula clapped her hands together.

He then reached into his back pocket, "I even have just the thing for it." he said shaking it bag, the rustling sounds side hinting he had lots with lots of something inside, probably pebbles.

"Well done Ed, who would've thought you could come up with something so ingenious yourself."Ursula praised clasping her hands together as Ed rubbed his nose with his finger cockily.

"Heh, well I do have my moments." he smirked as Ursula flexed her arm.

"Alright team! We've wasted enough time! Hustle it up and let's grab that dinosaur for Dr Z!"

"Yes ma'am!" They each said. As Zander followed Ursula, Ed stayed behind to make out their trail, which turned out to be large breadcrumbs which he began laying out neatly in a line as they traversed deeper and deeper in. Unbeknownst to him, one by one the trail was being picked clean, by a flock of crows and then a couple of rats…..

Meanwhile as the D team continued onwards through the dark woods down a single clear trail, surrounded by dead trees and leaf litter on both sides, Max lead the way clipping on his triceratops horns and switching them on so that they would have at least some light out on the situation. Nevertheless the light only covered a few feet around them and ahead was still darkness and winding roads to who knows where. Max and Rex were on high alert with Chomp and Ace too, both having shaken off their costumes to make sure their senses were at their best. As Cera and Miku looked around carefully to their sides and back, Zoe began to shiver nervously as the wind continued to howl through the woods, making her feel cold and spooked out.

Assessing the situation carefully like Cera told him once, Max turned around, "Everyone we'd better stay together and do NOT split up." he said to them.

"Max is right," replied Rex in agreement, "If we get separated, being lost is the least of our concerns, for all we know that dinosaur could be lurking out there waiting to pick us off one at a time."

The very thought of them being separated and taken out alone was enough to make Zoe shudder. Continuing onwards, she became rather jittery as she heard the rustling of leaves, turning around she noticed it was just Paris nibbling at a close bush hoping to get a quick snack before the cold breeze blew again and made her hurry back to Zoe! Like her she too was frightened, as the trees and their barren branches appeared almost like claws and seemed to be reaching out at them. She really wished she were home and having apple pie with her parents, and if not she hoped the sun would come up soon, no way she'd want the dinosaur out here though, in the tightening grove and darkness they'd be picked off easily and they'd never stand a chance against its speed and camouflage in the shadows….

As these thoughts raced through her mind she didn't notice Max then stepped on a twig catching her by surprise.

CRACK

"EEP!" she squealed before huddling up close to him! Much to the surprise of Rex and Cera!

"Hey! Not so close Zoe!" Max cried trying to get her to give him some space, much to his discomfort. "Yeah, we need to stay together but not that close…." he then grunted as she twiddled her fingers.

"S…sorry….it's just…." A leaf then fell down from above and landed in her hair, causing her to jump up in a fright! "GAH!" she screed knocking down Ma and Rex in the process!

"Ow!"

"Oof!"

"Get it off! Get it off!" she cried jumping and running around while brushing off her hair in a frenzy!

"Hold still!" said Cera firmly as she plucked it off revealing it as a dead leaf.

Upon her realisation and the boys glaring at her for knocking them down she then scratched her head nervously, "Oh….err….sorry about that…." she chuckled.

"If you keep screaming like that you'll give us away!" Max then growled in frustration.

"I know! I'm sorry! It's just-" As she stepped backwards she felt her big dress had gotten snagged on something which caused her to panic and scream once again! "AAAH! Something's got me! Help!" she cried out in alarm, much to the amusement of Max and Rex, who did their best to hide their snickers and grins behind their covered up faces under their mask and helm, wishing they brought a phone to record this.

"Zoe!" Cera then yelled once more settling her down as she turned to her.

"Huh?"

She then moved in and found the branches stuck to Zoe's ball gown, "Hold still. I'll get those off you." she said snapping them away from the main branch before pulling out the twigs gently. "There that should do it." She then said pleased she got the job done as Zoe looked down, seeing her dress was slightly ruffled but would have been far more ruined of she had torn them off in her panicked state.

"Thanks Cera….." she said before sitting down sadly, "I'm sorry guys….It's just….it's so dark and creepy out here….."

"We understand Zoe." said Max sympathising with her while Rex nodded.

She smiled seeing they cared but then focused her attention on Cera, "And yet…..compared to the rest of us, you seem to be all calm….and…not afraid….." she noted as the others followed her eyes to her.

"Yeah, Zoe does make a good point." said Max in agreement.

"Even I'm feeling a little edgy myself now," Rex admitted, usually his level headedness was what helped him keep a clear mind and conscience but even now it was starting to reach his limit, and noticing Cera didn't seem all that put off by what was going on around them was quite impressive, "Just how do you manage to pull it off Cera?" he then asked her.

Thinking to herself for a bit she then replied, "Huh…..I never actually thought about it….." she said, "Well if I were to guess, I'd say all it takes is a clear and calm head, sure it may sound difficult and it sure is…." she then closed her eyes and opened them again with a mild smile, "But when you have an important objective or goal in mind, something that you absolutely must do, and you make it your central focus, I guess that's how I manage to block out anything else that could distract or throw me off." she said as the others listened quite interestedly, "That way when you have a certain clarity in mind, you can go on without any doubts or insecurities no matter what you've experienced in the past or currently facing now. At least….that's what I believe, it's what I do to help keep my priorities in check and my thoughts straight too." She then turned to eye them all, "I'm sure none of you guys would have any trouble doing that if you put your minds to it. I mean, you guys are so used to handling dinosaurs in all sorts of disastrous occasions on a regular basis, so something like this should be a cakewalk in the park."

Upon hearing her statement the others looked to one another and chuckled in amusement seeing she made a point, "You've….got a good point there….." Max admitted.

"Yeah, why didn't I think of that sooner." Zoe then added as Cera stepped in to say one more bit of advice.

"Like you said to me, just loosen up and and relax a bit and I'm sure you'll be able to focus on your clear goal that much more easily." she said as Zoe had the words taken out of her mouth, being given the same advice she gave Cera earlier for a second time….was something she didn't think she'd experience. Looking to them all, "Well, shall we continue?" she asked as she took the lead next and walked ahead.

"Yeah….sure…." said Max feeling somewhat in awe.

As they followed her behind seeing who she and Miku were both quite unfazed they couldn't help but feel amazed, "Wow…she's incredible….." Rex had to admit.

"Yeah, it's like nothing even fazes her….." Zoe added, "Maybe we ought to be putting what she says into practice too."

"Maybe not everything….." Max then said uneasily as he pointed her out, apparently she seemed to be staring at the ground carefully, not moving an inch.

They blinked in surprise unable to determine what she was doing, even finding her to be acting rather strange. "What's she doing now?" asked Zoe with interest.

"Who knows…." Rex followed, starting to wonder if fear had messed up her logic…..though it didn't seem to be that way….

"Hmmm….." As she placed her hand on the ground she then nodded firmly before looking back to the rest of the gang, "Looks like we're on the right track too."

"Huh? How can you tell?" Max asked blinking his eyes.

"Take a look." she said showing them the trail, where several large tracks, theropod tracks could be seen on the ground heading up the forest path deeper inside.

"Wow footprints." Zoe gasped in amazement.

Rex nodded, "Takes a keen eye to spot those in this darkness….." he admitted.

"Not just that, take a look." She said pointing out to a trail of smashed torn branches from tree trunks and ruffled up leaves shown signs of something passing through. "No doubt he came through here." She said after picking up one of the branches and examining it carefully, "Also, it seems pretty fresh too, he may still be close by." she said tossing it away before eying the others seriously, "We'd better be quieter and careful from this point on."

Max and the others soon nodded in agreement with her logic, "Yeah, let's stay together and be on the lookout."

"For all we know he might be just ahead or maybe preparing and ambush in the underbrush." Rex could tell there was the chance it could be stalking and hunting them now as they speak….so no doubt they had to be on high alert at all times from here on out. As they trekked deeper, the sounds of hooting owls and crickets began to die down and became replaced with ominous silence, which was enough to make anyone's skin crawl, but the D team and their dinosaurs pressed on, fighting off the tricks and hallucinations of their own minds. Taking Cera's advice to heart on focusing on ahead of them and not around.

It was soon that Cera stopped after smelling something, even cringing and pinching her nose as she took a closer look at where it was coming from up ahead. "Stop." She then said holding out her hand to them as they stopped.

"What is it now?" Max then asked as the others became rather unnerved over what could have gotten her so riled up.

"Look there." she said as she pointed out to a dark brown and clumpy slime mass. Upon closer inspection they saw it also had pieces of candy wrappings all around, as well as being coated in a layer of bile and coloured pink, purple and blue in some bits. The sight of it was enough to make Cera and the rest of the D team nauseous, some more than others though.

"Bleaah! Gross!" Max cried out covering his mouth as Chomp, Ace and Paris took cover behind their owners unable to take the smell! "What is that!?"

"Ugh, it looks like someone or some dino ate too much candy and got sick…." Cera mumbled through her covered nose as she pointed out more tracks from the mess.

Zoe felt herself turning green and her stomach beginning to churn, "Uff…..it looks and smells disgusting." she said weakly, putting a hand to her stomach before feeling something coming up! "I think I'm gonna get sick too….."

"Err let's move quickly okay?" Rex quickly suggested as they hurried off before they ended up making a mess of their own! Zoe especially, unwilling to let her princess dress get soiled.

As they continued trekking through the woods, Rex then patted Max on the back, "Hey Max." he whispered getting his friend's attention, "Maybe we should learn from Rugops' example and not eat our entire load when we get back."

"Actually, I almost don't feel like eating any at all….." Max replied.

"Same here…."

A while later, the forest path began to widen, and the ground began to harden making tracks that much difficult to find, as well as the mists beginning to pick up. Nevertheless, Cera kept her senses on high alert, "We've come a long way…..We should be getting close now….." she said as the others narrowed their eyes seriously and nodded. As they soon came to a clearing ahead in the forest, they stood above a deep glade where a large rock sat in the middle of it. The mist around them began to dissipate and they all caught sight of their target.

"There it is!" Max whispered pointing to the large carnivorous dinosaur which was sleeping rather soundly, curled up against the large rock.

"Whoa, he seems to be sleeping rather heavily too." Rex commented as they heard it snore from where they stood.

"I'd probably do the same if I just threw up and recovering from a tummy ache."

"Maybe you should get your dad down here and check him up huh Zoe?" Max snickered as he elbowed Zoe cheekily, though she didn't seem to take it well as she flashed him a mad scowl.

"Very funny Max…." she grunted.

"You're right, that rugops would probably eat him before he gets the chance to give it any medicine." Max smirked shrugging his shoulders and further ticking her off.

She pulled up her arm sleeves and began to pop her knuckles, "Why you-"

"Ssh!" Cera and Rex both hushed them silent and they both sweated upon seeing their serious expressions. "Do you guys want to wake him up!?" Rex hissed in alarm as they looked to one another and frowned.

"Sorry…" They said.

Cera narrowed her eyes and brought a finger to her chin in thought, having felt the wind's breeze and assessing the situation, "Hmm….."

"Something up Cera?" Zoe asked curiously noticing him.

"We're still downwind," she answered, "He hasn't smelt us yet. If we move now, slowly and carefully, we just might be able to take him by surprise." she explained as they nodded in agreement with her suggestion.

"Yeah, good idea." Max nodded.

"And we'd better watch where we step too, wouldn't want to step on any twigs and give him a rude awakening." Rex added as they all nodded in agreement.

"Mhmm."

"Alright, follow my lead." said Cera firmly as they walked around, trying to get out of the wind's breeze and hoping to take the dinosaur from surprise behind it. "So far so good…..just a little more….." Cera thought to herself narrowing her eyes as they came ever more closer to it until-

"Hold it right there!" a loud familiar voice suddenly called from out of nowhere!

"Huh!?" The D team all gasped and looked around trying to find where the voice came from, and they soon got their answer as the Alpha gang appeared below them!

"Ahahahah!" They laughed cockily which aggravated them.

"You!" Max yelled.

"Thank you so much for locating that dinosaur for us!" Ursula taunted.

"Now we'll be here to take it!" said Zander rubbing his hands.

"This is our way of saying trick or treat!" Ed continued, "Only this time we tricked you into doing the hard work, and now we're here to collect our treat!"

Max and the others hardened their expressions, "Why you….."

"Aren't you a little old to be in halloween yourself old lady!?" Zoe cried out causing a tic mark to appear on said lady's head!

"What did you say!?" she then screamed suddenly to Ed and Zander's alarm!

"You heard us," Max followed, "In fact your ragged costume seems to fit you perfectly you old hag of a witch!"

"Uh oh….." Zander and Ed both muttered as Ursula began to turn red and her eyes flared demonically!

"GRARRRGH!" she roared at the top of her lungs which scared bats out of the trees in several directions, even shaking the dead leaves off several trees and the earth itself! "I'll crush you for that, you little ankle biters!" she screeched swearing vengeance with all her being! "Enough tricks! I'll rip you apart with my bare hands!" As she yelled out, the rugops suddenly opened its eyes which had veins popping out of them.

Grrr….

The sound of a growl could be heard from behind which caught the Alpha gang's attention.

"Huh?" As they turned they jumped to see the rugops stand on on its hind legs and roarer furiously while flashing its fangs at them!

ROAR!

"Oh boy, they're in for it now…." Rex whistled as the others nodded with him.

As the rugops got back to its feet and stared down at those responsible for disturbing his sleep, Ed and Zander both huddled together in fear, shivering till the were pale as hosts while Ursula stood in front of them rubbing her hands together apologetically, "Oh? So sorry for the rude awakening sir." she then suddenly turned nasty as she flashed a grin, "But you just picked the wrong place and time to take a nap, and now you're going to pay for it big time!" She turned to behind her, "Zander! Bring out Tank now!"

"O…Okay I'm on it!" Zander nodded taking out their dinosaur! "Alpha slash! Clobber them Saichania!" he called out as Tank materialised in full form before the rugops, as it took a few steps back in response.

As the dark sky became brighter red with the battlefield engaged, Max tightened his hand into a fist, "I'm not about to let them take Rugops! I'm going in! Chomp!" He was about to press the button on his dinoholder when Cera stopped him.

"Wait Max!" she cried grabbing his hand in time. As he looked to her in surprise with the others she looked back at the battlefield as Tank and the Rugops squared off with one another, "Something tells me we should stay out of the firing line, let's just watch for now."

"Tch!" Max clicked his tongue but decided to listen to what she said, as they all focused on the battle before them.

The rugops let out a loud threatening roar but Tank screeched back undeterred, responding with a spin before slamming her tail right into his stomach! As it roared on pain, coughing out in response and staggering backwarrds, the D team couldn't help but cringe and feel bad for it.

"Ouch! That's gotta hurt….." Rex hissed.

"Yeah, not to mention it was just recovering from a tummy ache just now." Zoe followed.

The alpha gang snickered seeing they were winning and now was the time to seal the deal! "Alright Tank! Time to take it out for a swing, or should I say Dino Swing!" Zander called out slashing the move card! Tank glowed as she charged forward, turning the disoriented Rugops around before grabbing its tail and spinning around before throwing him at the large boulder!

"Oh no!" The D team cried out in alarm, but at the last moment the carnivore opened its eyes ferociously before turning its body around, kicking its legs into the boulder and redirecting the force and momentum it shot back out towards Tank! Spinning in a corkscrew motion and spearing the unsuspecting saichania from behind as she tumbled like a bowling ball towards the alpha gang!

"GAAAAAAHHH!"

They cried out in alarm as they turned around but failed to escape in time as she knocked through them and they fell across the forest floor like bowling pins!

BOOM!

"Ouch…." They all groaned together as the Rugops got back on its feet and turned its attention towards Tank who was now upside down!

"WHOA!" The D team gasped in alarm.

"Did you see that!?" Rex gasped.

"See it? I couldn't believe it!" Max cried with his widened eyes.

The only one who wasn't surprised was Cera, in fact it seemed as thought she suspected it as she narrowed her eyes firmly at it, "Just as I thought, that Rugops has a lot of fight left in him that's for sure…." she breathed along with Miku perched on her shoulder.

The rugops suddenly glowed bright blue as it then spun charged ahead and ran around the helpless Tank in a perfect circle, picking up speed quickly till it eventually created a massive tornado which carried her up into the air! She screeched out in terror as she was carried higher and higher into the sky till she couldn't be seen!

"AH!" The D team all widened their eyes in shock at what they saw, even feeling the fearsome pull of the tornado the rugops generated! It also began pulling in leaves, small patches of dirt and stones and nearby-

"Urgh my head…." Ed groaned rubbing his temple as he and Zander pushed themselves up.

Ursula then blinked her eyes upon feeling something, "Why do I feel like we're getting sucked in?" she asked seeing her hands were leaving drag marks in the forest soil.

"Hey, what's that sound?" As Zander and the other looked around their eyes widened in horror to see the huge tornado that formed behind!

"GAAAAH!" they screamed and scurried away, but the pull of the vortex was too powerful as they themselves were soon sucked in!

Eventually as the rugops stopped at the side to catch its breath, the trio fell down with a mighty smack to the ground leaving massive imprints in the forest soil!

"Oof….that hurts…."

"Tell me about it…." Ursula and Zander both moaned painfully in the soil, with their costumes now starting to tear and rip.

Ed raised his head out from the ground, "Well…at least the worst is over no-" Before he could finish Tank suddenly landed on all 3 of them with a mighty boom!

CRASH

A cloud of dust erupted where they were, followed by a glowing purple light as the saichania returned to her card, leaving behind 3 large human pancakes where she was, "Ouch….." they groaned.

The D team gasped in amazement at what they witnessed, "It just took out Tank and the alpha gang…." Rex breathed.

"And that's when it's not feeling too well," Max added feeling worried what the rugops would be capable of it they were to face it at full power.

Narrowing her eyes at what she saw, Cera could only confirm one thing from it, "Tornado toss…" she said upon recognising the move used.

They didn't have much time though, as the rugops suddenly sniffed the air and picked up their scent, before turning to where they were and snarling viciously!

"Oh no it's spotted us!" Zoe gasped as it strolled towards them menacingly!

Cera narrowed her eyes, "It's enraged, not just for being awoken but also from its pain, now it's attacking everything in sight!" she said.

Max narrowed his eyes, "No way we can leave it like this, we've got to turn it back into a card now!"

"Let's do this!" Rex followed as they both returned Chomp and Ace to their cards!

"Dino slash!" They both called out slashing them!

"Go triceratops! Roar!"

"Carnotaurus! Blow them away!"

Both Chomp and Ace appeared in full size before the rugops, halting its advance as it backed away slowly now that it was face with 2 foes to contend with. "Go get em Ace!" Rex yelled as the carnotaurus leapt into action.

"Take him down Chomp!" Max cried out as Chomp roared and charged ahead!

In response the rugops quickly leapt up and kicked Chomp back down as he skidded down on the ground and hit himself on the large rock! After that he headed straight to Ace as the 2 abeisaurids snapped at one another matching their moves blow by blow! As Chomp regained his footing ad charged ahead the rugops leapt out of the way and Chomp only barely managed to stop himself from running into Ace again! Regrouping the rugops roared and snapped at them with a serious of mock charges from different angles hoping to corral them tightly so they wouldn't be able to move!

As everyone looked on tensely, Cera realised it's plan was no doubt to use Tornado toss to take them both out at once. "Tornado toss is no doubt a difficult move to get around." she thought to herself seriously, "If you're within range the vortex will suck you in…..but there has to be a weakness…." As she thought hard she eventually widened her eyes realising there was indeed an opening they could exploit! "Wait! That's it!" she gasped as the others looked too her in surprise at her outburst.

"What's it?" Max asked.

Cera turned to them, "I've figured a way around its' move!" she answered as her friends gasped in amazement and surprise.

"You did!?"

"Awesome!"

Cera then nodded before turning serious, "But if we're going to expose it, we'll need to get it to use its move again!"

"Say what!?" Max gasped in alarm. Even Rex was feeling doubtful as to whether Cera knew what she was saying, till she looked back at them seriously.

"Trust me on this! I know what to do!" she said firmly.

Seeing her friend's determination and confidence in what she was saying, followed by the fact she had gotten them this far, Zoe nodded decidign to trust in her decision, "Alright Cera, I trust you." she said as Cera smiled feeling reassured of her friend's faith in her.

Back at the battle the rugops was closing in on Chomp and Ace, and Rex decided to do something about it, "Let's see if it can handle this! Ninja attack!" he slashed his move as Ace charged forward splitting into duplicates of himself before leaping into the air to surround their foe! In response the Rugops glowed as it charged ahead and began to spin in a circle with tornado toss again! The massive vortex sucked in all of Ace's clones till only he was left being tossed upwards into the air!

"No way!"

"AH!" Rex and Zoe gasped while Max widened his eyes in horror as Chomp struggled to get away, but he couldn't fight against the power of the tornado as he was soon pulled in together with Ace! As the rugops stopped once again to rest, Ace crashed down first and then Chomp on top of him! Landing in a massive crash causing both dinosaurs to return to their cards!

"Chomp! No!"

"Ace!" Max and Rex gasped.

Cera pointed out quickly,"It's exhausted now!" she cried out as they turned to the rugops seeing it pant. "That's your chance to hit it!"

"I'm all over it!" Zoe cried out returning Paris to card form! "Dino slash! Spring up Parasaurolophus!" As Paris appeared in full form and bellowed, the rugops wheezed in exhaustion and tried to limp away, but it couldn't get very far as not only was it still exhausted from using 2 tornado tosses, but it hadn't fully recovered from its sweets binge earlier and it's lungs gasped for air, causing enormous amounts of pressure to take its toll on its heart! Furthermore, Zoe and paris weren't about to let it get away! "If it likes treats so much let's see how it handles this!" She declared taking out a new move card, "Go egg attack!" Paris then glowed causing a small purple oviraptor to appear before her as it let out a screech.

"Whoa! That's an oviraptor!" Max gasped.

"Did Zoe get that from the card folio back at the other day?" Rex questioned as the small dinosaur spat out a barrage of eggs from its gut that splattered all over the Rugops, pelting it like a machine gun before it collapsed down with exhaustion while covered in egg yolk!

The smell and sight of it made the D team cover their mouths or pinch their noses hoping to block out the smell, "Ugh….that's just nasty…." Max groaned.

"Tell me about it….." Rex said muffled up.

"Then I'll wrap this up quickly…." said Zoe trying hard to keep herself from hurling as she reached for her finishing move card, "Stomping Hammer!" Paris roared as she charged ahead. As the rugops got to its feet it looked up and gasped as Paris leapt into the air and slammed down hard on its back! The force of the impact caused it to roar in pain before it lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground, returning to card form.

"We did it!" She cheered as Paris and the oviraptor cried out before returning to cards and the skies returned normal.

"Alright!"

"Now this is a treat." Max and Rex praised as they went over to retrieve the cards.

"Great job Zoe." said Cera patting her on the shoulder for a job well done.

"Yeah, you totally nailed that Rugops, it never stood a chance." Max followed giving her a thumbs up.

"Hey, guess even princesses pack a punch now and then." Rex chuckled.

"Aww thanks guys." Zoe blushed scratching her head before looking to them all, "But you know, I really couldn't have done it without everyone's help." she said gratefully before looking to the friend she felt contributed the most, "Especially you Cera, you really did guide us well, like an actual fairy godmother."

"Hehehe…oh it was nothing really." Cera chuckled blushing red with embarrassment, "Just doing the best I can in every situation we're faced with."

Seeing that they now had the dinosaur and had a full bag of treats to take home, "And now I think we've earned ourselves a nice victory feast tonight! Who's up for an all night's sweets binge!" Max shot his fist up as they all cheered with excitement for celebration!

"Hooray!"

(Later)

A little while later, after Miku helped lead them out of the forest and back home, the gang was back home celebrating and enjoying the spoils of victory at the dinner table.

"Mmm, yummy goodies….I can't get enough of these…." said Dr Taylor stuffing his mouth full of toffee bites and gingerbread men at once.

"Be careful now Mr Dinoman, otherwise you won't be in any condition to fight crime tomorrow morning." Aki giggled as she helped herself to a single hard apple flavoured sucker.

"Hahahaha….." he then boasted out in laughter.

At the other side, Max was biting into a stick of peanut brittle before noticing Rex had something he wanted, "Hey Rex, trade you those cotton candy balls for my choco nut bars." he offered to Rex who was popping some candy corns into his mouth.

"Deal." he said as the 2 of them traded their sweets.

"Mmmm, I'd probably have to go on a diet after this….." said Zoe to herself as she found herself presented with ice cream sandwiches and popsicle sticks, "But it'll be totally worth it!" She then cried out stuffing her mouth with more!

Cera more modest on the other hand was much more modest as she took a bite out of peppermint candy canes.

Even their dinosaurs joined in on the sweets fest, with Ace having liquorice since it resembled meat to him, while Chomp and Paris munched away at fruit flavoured gum drops at their bowls and Miku was sucking on a pile of gummy worms.

Everyone enjoyed their moment together, when Zoe suddenly got a call on her dinoholder.

Ring

She then moved off her seat and fetched it before switching it on to see her sister on, "Hey there Reese, I-Urk!" she paused and froze to see Reese apparently glaring at her for some strange reason.

"Zoe, is this your idea of a joke?" she said rather menacingly as the image became full screen, revealing Reese was wearing full on skin tight bunny costume, with floppy ear headbands, leggings and high heels. She folded her arms crossly while tapping her foot and glaring at her sister through the other screen, who was already shaking with immense fear, turning pale and sweating bullets!

"H..Hi Reese, you….certainly look great in that!" Zoe said nervously as she swallowed hard.

"Just what made you decide this was a good idea?" said Reese with an unblinking glare.

Zoe scratched her head unsure of how to reply back to her, "I…it's just…..well….."

"I'm waiting….." her sister spoke again through the communicator. She was tempted to switch it off, but instincts told her she'll no doubt regret it if she did.

Finding a quiet spot away from the others, she then gritted her teeth painfully before confessing, "Urgh! Okay I wanted to make up for accidentally destroying your scarf before, so the other day when me and the others were out at the mall we went shopping for halloween costumes before coming home since it was around the corner, and I found this one was on offer and well….." she twiddled her fingers recalling how there was a mystery grab bargain bag for costumes, where the costumes were all wrapped up in brown paper so you'll never know what you'd get, making it a surprise, clearly…..

"I didn't open to see it but it really does suit you! Honest!" she then said at the end with innocent eyes.

"Is it now?" Reese raised an eyebrow before closing them with a tic make appearing on her forehead, "Last time I was willing to let you off easy, but now I changed my mind, you'll be getting what you deserve."

"Urk…." Zoe gulped but her heart skipped a beat when Reese flashed a scary smile at her.

"Next time I see you, we're going to have a nice long chat. Understand?"

Zoe bowed down sadly and in fear, "Okay….." she whimpered.

(Meanwhile)

Back to the woods, the trio were limping rather weakly, covered in scrapes and bruises all over them, with Ursula having lost her with hat and her clothes all torn up in places, Zander's mummy rags catching twigs and dirt along with falling apart and Ed's clothes being much more ragged and his orc mask having holes in them.

Having walked in circle for who knew how long, Ursula then exploded in frustration, "Urgh, just when are we going to get out of this place!?" she creamed causing bats to fly out of trees in other places.

"You just had to use breadcrumbs didn't you Ed!" Zander growled shaking his fist at the fat boy along with Ursula.

"Of all the things you could have used for a trail you used BREADCRUMBS!?" They growled menacingly at him as he huddled up at a tree drawing circles in the ground with his finger.

"I….I'm sorry guys….." he whimpered, "I didn't have any rocks with me, and I didn't want to use our precious candy so I used breadcrumbs…..since I only pack those as an emergency snack….." he said uneasily as his friends still bared their bitter expressions at him.

"Grr, if a pack of wolves ambushes us in the dark I swear I'll feed you to them first!" Ursula threatened as he nodded in agreement.

"Fair enough…."

"But on the bright side," said Zander taking out their bags and opening up revealing a large amount of treats they swiped form Rod and Laura earlier, "At least we have plenty of candy to last us till morning and it should be easier to find our way out when the sun comes up."

"That, or maybe I should have Terry burn down this forest as soon as we're done so we can be out of here in a jiffy." Ursula added deciding on what she was no doubt going to do the first chance she got. The trio then gathered in a circle laying own the treats before them in a pile, their mouths watering as they couldn't wait to sink their teeth into sugary tooth rotting goodness!

"In any case, let's eat! We'll have plenty to spare for Dr Z when we're done and then-" Before she could finish, the scene around them turned more gloomy and harder to see, as the fog mysteriously blew in….

"Huh?" Looking up from his share, Zander began to feel on edge as he eyed all around them, "Is it me or is it getting murky?" he then asked as the fog was completely enshrouding the forest in mist and obscuring the trees and their view so they couldn't see where they were anymore.

As they all stood up, the tension in the air thickening, Ed began to shiver anxiously, "I don't like the looks of this….." he whimpered huddling up with his friends who too were sweating rather nervously too. "Zander hold my hand…." he begged reaching behind him.

Zander in turn responded, "Okay Ed I've got you…." he said grabbing the first hand he could.

"Hey! Watch it Zander! That's me!" Ursula growled at him making him jump!

"Oh! Sorry Ursula! It's just-" The wind suddenly blew in, rustling up leaves as they scratched together to make a harsh rustling sound in all directions, mixed in with the wind's ominous howl.

"Woo ooo"

Ursula's heart began to race as she then gulped down painfully hard, "Okay this isn't funny anymore…." she said uneasily.

"I wanna go home…." Ed followed.

"The feeling's mutual…" Zander replied, but the 3 of them felt themselves frozen in place, unable to move a single muscle, not only out of fear but they had no idea where to go!

"You should not have come here….." an ominous voice suddenly spoke from out of nowhere, which made them all jump!

"Gah!" Ed then jumped into Zander's arms, who in turn jumped into Ursula's, making her fall down due to their combined weight!

"Ack! Get off me!" she growled shoving them off, but then they huddled together in fear.

"I am the spirit of the hallowed woods." the voice howled, "You dare trespass in my domain?"

Ed's eyes widened, "I definitely heard that!" he cried as Ursula and Zander shivered.

"You shall paaaaaay!" the voice screeched menacingly.

"GAAAAAAHHHH!" Ed and Zander screamed at the top of their lungs.

"C…clam down boys," Ursula said swallowing hard even though she felt her own bones freezing up, "I'm sure it's just some mind trick! And…I…I'll prove it!" she said stepping up and yelling back at the voice, "Sh…show yourself! We're not afraid of you!"

"Y…yeah! We've got dinosaurs with us! You wouldn't dare mess with us! The Alpha Gang!" Zander followed backing her up, though he could almost feel himself wet his own rages by saying that.

"Leave this place, or suffer my curse." said the voice once more.

Ed and Zander both widened their eyes, "C…curse!?"

"Mommy! Save me!"

Ursula gritted her teeth sweating anxiously but she shouted once more, "I don't believe you! There's no such things as curses right boys!? Heheheh…he…." she laughed looking to them, her face showing all the fear there could be from her.

"Errr….." was all they could reply whole shivering and turning pale

"You have been warned, now suffer the consequences….." the voice howled before echoing away.

It was then the trio heard the sounds of something dragging and scraping against the forest floor, and it was getting louder….and closer….and worse, they couldn't tell from where! "Ursula, I get the feeling we're not welcome here!"

"Yeah, we're going to beat it before it gets way worse!" Zander and Ed both cried and she glared at them both.

"Oh come on now you're not actually buying into that mumbo jumbo hocus pocus are you!?" she yelled, her anger hiding her facade of fear of being left alone, "S…so there's ghosts in these woods, big deal, what's the worse they'd do?" If anyone was going to survive this it was going to be her and not them!

Suddenly from out of nowhere, part of the fog cleared away to revealed a deep black coffin with a golden cross ontop of its' cover.

The trio then gulped upon sight of it as Ursula weakly pointed out at it, "I…Is that a-"

Suddenly a shadowy hand broke out from the top of ti causing them all to scream in terror!

"GAH!"

As the figure burst out of the coffin, it flared a pair of red eyes and stretched out its cape and screeched most fearsomely, "I am your worst nightmare!"

"GAAAAH!" the trio screamed turning pale nearly having their souls escape from their bodies! "M…m…monster!"

Ursula quickly looked behind them, as she and the 2 clowns grabbed handfuls of candy from their pile and threw them at the vampire! "Here! Take our candy! Leave us alone!" They screamed before running off into the forest, they didn't care where, anywhere was better than here! "HELP!" As they disappeared into the fog they ended up throwing their alpha scanners behind them as they suddenly crashed into a set of trees and knocking themselves out cold on the ground!

The vampire walked right up to them, picked up the scanners and snickered, as the moon peered through the clouds revealing him to be Rod!

"Hehehe, that ought to teach those clowns for messing with us!" he chuckled in amusement looking behind to see Laura step out from behind a tree, holding a megaphone linked with a voice modulator, and a fog machine.

"Yup! Hee hee!" she giggled setting down the device while also putting pressing the a homing beacon on the scanners so that their jet's autopilot system can track them later in the woods. Until it arrives they decided to help themselves to a sugary picnic together and enjoy themselves and the rest of the night. "Hey you going to have that?" She asked pointing to her brother's chocolate covered raisins as he handed them to her.

"Here you go." her brother generously offered handing the box to Laura.

Ripping the top cover up she popped a few into her mouth and licked her lips in delight, "Mmmm, yummy."

Hope you enjoyed this, it may be early for halloween but wanted to make one for that holiday. Also to showcase Max's dad as Dinoman too and Johnathan giving a hay ride too. The idea of the trio stealing from Rod and Laura to try and get the dinosaur was inspired by pokemonking0924, so thank you for that.

A heads up, since nothing too significant happens in Beast or Famine for the D team I won't be writing about it but will be giving it a mention, though something important will be happening in the next chapter too, also after that will follow up with Mesozoic mess.

In response to the reviews:-

Drew Luczynski-Glad you enjoyed that troodon moment, also wanted to address how the velociraptor card is handled too since it didn't make any appearance till like at the final episode of season 2. Yeah the Alpha gang were messed around twice today and well I wouldn't call it an army but I do hope to include as many dinosaurs as possible as cameos or in appearances from the series not just the anime.

pokemonking0924-Yeah, when I get to season 3 I'll address how she became quite skilled and talented, if I manage to get there. And yeah he is seen to be the least mean of the trio and unlucky at times too. Yeah wanted to give the Trio a break and have them bring back more metal since Dr Z stated they needed more to coat their reactor, but they'll be back to their usual shenanigans soon.

Glad you also enjoyed chapter 7 too, yeah it does come by instincts gradually and it'll be explained how she got them later on, if I manage to get that far. The elemental matchups wasn't clarified in the anime so I thought I might bring it up here. I won't be making any shippings, at least not intentionally or much, also haven't thought about whether she will use some of the cards she got but will see.

Next chapter will be taking place after 'Beast or Famine', I don't plan on writing that episode since nothing too much happens on the D team's end, but the next one will focus on Cera a bit and hope it doesn't disappoint.

Still hoping to get at least 1 more writer who might be interested in being part of this collab, it's been quite a lot of hard work for me to do this story I now realise and with my schedule expecting to get busier in the next few weeks, makes me lose motivation sometimes but will still keep trying when I can. Feel free to PM me if you're interested.