Chapter 23
New Years' evolution
Several hours earlier….
After their all around the world adventure earlier in the day, D Team regrouped with one another after returning with the dinosaurs they gathered on each of their missions. They didn't have much time to discuss what had happened as it had just turned evening and they each had to rush home to prepare themselves for the festivities and family fun the New Year Eve fair was about bring them. The boys got into quite a frazzle back at the house, as Aki had left early to practice at the shrine as well as get the place ready with the other maidens and caretakers, forcing the boys to scrape together anything they could get their hands on from the drawers that seemed acceptable enough for the winter night festivities, which was pretty much simple thick jackets and long pants. Max's was red and orange while Rex wore dark and light blue. Chomp and Ace now sported a warm wooly scarf each to keep them warm while Dr Taylor put together his own thick winter clothing which was a brown and black winter breaker jacket with thick pants and boots.
They then waited at another part of the town, near the traditional japanese plaza where most of the festivities were held as well as the crossroads leading up to the shrine, where it was closed off till preparations are complete. Right now the boys were waiting for the Drakes to meet with them where several street lights glowed, the cool winter breeze and snow blowing across the night sky as passing pedestrians let out pour from their breath which soon dissipated in the cold night air. Banners were also set up with lanterns to set the mood as people passing by wore mainly traditional clothes like yukatas or kimonos decorated in various patterns or symbols, even the footwear too was traditional.
As some time passed, they grew impatient and tired of standing in the same place through the cold night, as bits of frost even began to form on their faces and their hands got so chilly they had to keep them in their pockets. Spike could be seen yawning quite often as he stood behind the boys near the stairs to the shrine, Max looked around frantically, tapping his shoe on the ground repeatedly while Rex tried his best to keep Chomp and Ace in line, "They should be here by now….." said Rex as he looked to the opposite direction Max was facing.
"Yeah what's taking them so long….." Max muttered in annoyance before sighing deeply, "Must be a girl thing if you ask me. Man I'm bored….."
"Now now boys," said Dr Taylor to them as he put a hand on each of their shoulders, "We know you just came back from a mission and the Drakes had a few last minute appointments to make, so let's be patient and give them some time." he said calmly to them, though inside he was screaming loudly for the Drakes to show up soon because he could hardly wait to get through the gates and indulge in the festivities! "Oh please be here soon! I'm so hungry and thirsty! At this rate I'll never be able to try out that Amazake!" he thought tearing up.
"I guess," Max muttered as he huffed and folded his arms grumpily, "But still they could've at least given us a phone call or something to let us know that they'd be late." he grunted as a tic mark formed on his forehead.
"Hee hee! I think you mean fashionably late." a familiar female voice giggled behind them.
"Huh?" They all turned to look and saw the entire Drake family had just arrived on the scene. All of them wearing rather traditional outfits, while the girls wore flowery themed yukatas (Zoe wearing yellow, Reese with green and Mrs Drake with orange), Mr Drake sported a simple brownish kimono tied together by a black waist cloth. Zoe also had her hair neatly done with hair pins and combs while Reese and her mom had their hair held together by a butterfly themed hair clip each. Needless to say the entire Drake family had gone traditional, expect for Paris who wore a warm scarf around her neck so she wouldn't catch cold.
Seeing them, they all brightened up glad to see them, "Hey Zoe! There you are!"
"Reese and Mr and Mrs Drake too! Welcome!" Taylor wave
"Haha! We knew you'd come!" hide behind
Zoe then smirked at Max at his statement, "Oh really….." she said grinning cheekily at him as he blushed red in embarrassment.
"Y…Yeah of course we did! We never had a doubt!" he laughed scratching his head before elbowing the boy next to him, "Right Rex?" he said with a forced smile as the blond haired boy rolled his eyes.
"Urgh…Y…Yeah that's right…" he grunted while Zoe remained unconvinced as she folded her arms.
"Right….."
Not wanting to dwell on the topic any longer, Max then smiled and clapped his hands together, "Say you look really nice in that." he said complimenting her outfit as Rex put a finger to his chin and looked up and down Zoe.
"Yeah, that kimono looks really good on you too." he nodded before smiling happy for her.
"Hee hee, why thank you. On a special occasion like this it's only natural you look the part too." Zoe smiled response as she did a playful spin, flashing off her kimono before winking at them. Eying their outfits her smile turned into a disappointed frown, "Sure wish I could say the same for you 2, what you're wearing doesn't get into the spirit of New years." she muttered as the boys took offence to her rude comments.
"Hey, we were in a big hurry okay?" Rex replied.
"Yeah, at least we're out here early, you could have shown some courtesy and let us know you'd be late!" Max cried back.
"That's enough you 3." Reese said firmly as she cut in before they could start a fight, "It's New Years Eve, so let's not spoil the evening okay?" she said to them all with a serious expression which made them all lower their heads in shame and submission.
"Yes Reese…."
"You're right…."
"Mhmm…." They each said to her before looking at one another and apologising.
Meanwhile the adults were having a much more welcoming conversion between one another, as Dr Drake laughed boisterously while patting Spike on the shoulder, "Congratulations Spike!" he bellowed out loud, "Fortune smiles upon you to grant your wife the chance to take part, no, to lead the ceremonial dance of tradition performed here in our homeland since the day it was first settled."
"Hahaha, oh I don't know about that….." Dr Taylor grinned and blushed red thinking about how proud and embarrassed he was to be the center of attention tonight.
"Aki sure is lucky isn't she." Mrs Drake smiled clapping her hands together, "Shame I couldn't get in but my duties as a vet do come first." she pouted slightly at the end.
Spike noticed her mild disappointment as he put a hand on her shoulder, "Oh don't worry about it Mrs Drake." he said with confidence, "There's always next year and you know it." he replied as she chuckled back at him.
"Hee hee, I suppose so."
Spike then moved to the center of the 2 families and called out to them all, "Well gang, now that we're altogether we still have some time before the bell ring event comes around." he said before punching up his arm to the sky with energy and enthusiasm, "So until then we'll party to our heart's content all night long!" he bellowed out loud and they all roared and cheered with energy!
"YAY!" The spirit of New Year dawning filled them all with excitement as they all headed for the plaza to take part on the traditional themed festivities and activities, treasuring the last night of the current year before moving onto the next in a couple of hours.
Max's energy however, didn't last as long as everyone else's as he then let out a somewhat depressed sigh at the end as they passed through the gates, which he kept hidden to himself from everyone as they all split up, with Chomp following him.
Around them the plaza was filled with the sounds of chatter and laughter, with the lanterns hanging down from above lighting up the streets and walkways, the air was soon perfumed with the smells and scents of various japanese delicacies and dishes being served piping hot from grills at stands for fired chicken, takoyaki, okonomiyaki and other delicious dishes too. Some were also giving out sweet pastries too such as japanese sweets like mochi or cream puffs too, with children and adults alike lining up to buy them.
"I can't wait to try out this once a year special Amazake!" Dr Drake cried out in a jolly manner as he grabbed a paper cup filled with the special rice beverage and then huddled over to the side where the other adults waited for him with theirs.
"You tell me!" Spike grinned as he gazed upon the drink with glistening puppy dog eyes, "Every year I can hardly wait to indulge myself in this delectable beverage and every year it tastes just as great, or maybe even better!" he sang with teary eyes as the 2 men began to sip it down, before they both blushed red.
"Aaaaaahhhh….it feels like heaven….." They said together.
"Careful boys, wouldn't want you to get hooked on it now would we?" Mrs Drake chuckled as she and Reese sipped theirs in a more civilised and lady-like manner.
At the children's side, Max stood staring in the same spot for some time, with his mind completely unaffected by the temptations of the food and games around him, as he was currently dwelling on the event that took place earlier in the afternoon, how he almost lost Chomp and Zuniceratops to the old lady and how Terry of all dinosaurs was the one to save them. It was a lucky break and at the same time he knew something was off, and he couldn't shake that feeling since then preventing him from getting into the festive mood like everyone else around him. Chomp himself drooled hungrily after smelling the scents of unique food around them, and kept tugging at Max's pants hoping to get him to come with him but to no avail as he whimpered sadly looking up at his partner's blank expression. He also tried running around in circles in front of him, barked out loudly or tried nibbling on his leg too but to no avail.
He would've stayed in the same spot all night, had a hand hadn't tapped his shoulder nor a voice spoke out to him, "Hey Max?"
He then jumped startled, "Whoa!" he gasped in alarm before fuming at Rex and Zoe, who were carrying some takoyaki on a skewer with Paris and Ace down by them, "Don't do that guys!"
"S…Sorry about that…." Rex sweat dropped nervously at Max's aggressive response before asking out of curiosity, "You are kinda spacing out, is something wrong?"
"Yeah, thought you might be in a really partying kinda mood seeing all this food and fun around us, yet from the moment we got here you've just been staring into space." Zoe added feeling just as concerned as he was, "Is something wrong?" she asked once more as Max gulped down nervously.
"W…Well it's just…." he muttered twiddling his fingers before scratching his cheeks, fidgeting out of anxiety as everyone focused their attention on him, "Err…." Looking to the side he quickly saw a game stand on the side booth which would make the perfect excuse for him, "Hey look Chomp! There's a shooting game over there! Let's try it out!" he called pointing out to it as he rushed over to play and Chomp trailed after him leaving his friends behind.
They both narrowed their eyes with suspicion at him, "Something's on his mind, I know it." said Rex already seeing he was hiding something underneath his goofy smile as he began shooting down some rubber ducks at the other end with the toy gun he was provided, while Chomp patted at him with his paws wanting to see.
"Yeah it's as plain as the stars in the sky tonight." Rex sighed folding an arm on his hip, before realising it was no doubt about Cera.
Zoe too had the same idea as her expression turned downcast. Looking to the side she lightened up slightly upon seeing something which caught her eye as she walked over to the stand.
Taking notice she wasn't where she stood earlier, Rex turned to see her already making a purchase at a stall with various charms, dreamcatchers and even soul banishing arrows on display. There was also a big fortune telling stand where customers had to shake the lot and get the result as it came out the other end. "Hey Zoe? What are you doing?" he asked as he walked up to her before noticing the sign on top of the stand booth, "Charms, mystical items, fortune telling and the supernatural?" he read out loud with a raised eyebrow before eying Zoe who had just paid for a draw, "I thought you didn't believe in all that superstition Zoe?" he asked as she blushed red in embarrassment.
"I…I don't!" she waved her arms out before scratching her head, "It's just well….A little good luck for the new year can't hurt right?" she replied looking away from him while twiddling her fingers, "Especially when…you know…." she croaked rather softly.
It didn't take long for Rex to pick up on what was on her mind as he nodded in response, "I understand Zoe." he said before smiling back at her, "Go ahead then. Ace and I will go check out the other stands too. We'll all meet up later at the shrine to see the fireworks kick off and the bell ring too." he said waving to her at the end.
"Mhmm…" Zoe nodded in response as Rex and Ace both turned around and headed off in another direction to have fun. Looking back to her shake box lot, she took a breath and eyed it firmly. While she herself didn't believe in superstition and preferred to make her own wishes come true on her own will, she felt a little good luck wouldn't hurt, and with everything that had happened so far the past few days she felt the family would need it more than ever. Taking a breath and a leap of faith, she shook the lot till a result came out from the bottom. Picking it up and unfolding it she began to read it out loud, "Miracle….." she breathed as Paris came over to listen in, "When all may seem lost and the future seems dark, as long as you continue to hold onto faith, a bright light of hope from the past will shine through, carrying on your wishes to the end of time." she said before smiling pleased at it, "Seems like a great one huh Paris?" she said to her partner looking down who hummed happily, causing her to giggle looking at things on the bright side and to never give up always.
Later on the rest of the family continued to get along just fine with the local festivities, as Rex tried is best to hold back Ace from diving head first into the goldfish scoop ponds while some children were trying to with their parents supervising them, for once may have wished Ace still was afraid of water. Max kept stuffing his face with meat balls on skewers while Chomp was gorging on a big juicy chocolate banana. Zoe stared all bright eyed and amazed at some jewellery and treasures at a stand with Paris standing by waiting patiently for her to finish so they could move on. The adults were having fun trying to make one another laugh with some oni masks at a mask stand, while the ladies decided to put on masks that seemed to fit their feminine nature such as smiling faces, kyubi or tanuki themed.
Hours later, near to midnight, some men who were at the shrine stairway began ringing out some bells signalling it was time for the ceremonial dance, and before long crowds of people rushed out of the plaza before heading up the large stone stairway to Sanjo City's bell shrine. Up the long stairway were a pair of red gates marking out what looked like checkpoints till the highest plateau at the top rested a large sacred shrine with a Shinto theme, with a pair of lion statues near the front of it and a few bonfire lamp stands laid out to keep visitors warm. Rested in the middle of an open set of doors leading inside was an ancient looking bell and the pole was being set by the shrine keepers dressed in their traditional clothes of white and blue robes, while also sweeping away the last few specks of dust as visitors soon began to climb up the stairs in excitement.
Before long a massive crowd had filled up the space from the base of the shrine temple all the way to the bottom of the stairway! As some tried pushing and shoving about just to get to the front, Max and the others were lucky to have secured themselves a good spot at the front where no one could get to them due to a special 'VIP' condition Aki sorted out for them luckily. Nevertheless, it wasn't perfect as they were still people crowded around them, squishing some of them into other or breathing on them too. Fortunately they were able to keep their dinosaurs up at the front so that they wouldn't cause a scene, though they still felt put off and uneasy with so many people gathered as many voices of anticipation and excitement echoed at the front, while murmurs and grunts were heard behind them out of annoyance for being late or unable to see the show.
"Ugh….ever heard of personal space?" Zoe muttered as she felt herself sandwiched between Max and Rex as she pushed them away much to their annoyance, "You're squishing my kimono! Don't you know how expensive this was!?"
"Well excuse me princess….." Max muttered feeling ticked off himself feeling stuck and stiff himself with people shoving around him too as he then looked around, astonished by the sheer mass of people that had gathered for the New Year even performance, "Wow, look at all these people dad…." Max breathed in amazement to Spike who stood just next to him.
"Yeah, we were lucky to be able to get a front row seat to this because of your mom." he nodded ignoring the crowd around him as his mind focused on 1 thing only, "Not to mention we'll see your mother dance all so gracefully before us all like an angel and be the one to ring the shrine bell in sync with the fireworks display down by the park too!" he cheered in anticipation before tearing up emotionally with glistening eyes, "Oh Aki you've made me the happiest man alive!" he sang.
"Mhmm, I can't wait to see how well she'll do Spike." Dr Drake nodded with confidence as he folded his arms.
"I'm certain she'll do just fine." Mrs Drake smiled as Reese nodded next to her.
That thought alone was enough to keep the D Team's spirits high and to put up with the other people around them who kept talking and shoving close to them, though it could've been better for them when they realised there was still a rather open spot nearby where their 4th member should've taken had she been around. Eying it before it flooded in with people they sighed as it closed up completely.
"Sure wish we had Cera here to join us though….." said Max sadly as Rex sighed with him.
"Yeah…..same here."
Zoe then patted them both on the shoulder, "Let's just….be happy for her, it's what she would want too." she said to them as they sighed still and looked ahead, and right on cue some of the keepers came out on the side of the stage where people could see, carrying wooden drums or flutes as they sat down cross legged and prepared to perform, catching the sight of everyone in the vicinity as they quieted down.
"It's starting!" Max gasped clenching his hands into excited fists and smiling wide.
"Oh this is so exciting!" his father repeated mirroring his son's behaviour and action which earned them a firm shush from the people around them, including their friends!
"Ssh!" They sealed their own lips not wanting to get another from them, as the musicians played a moving song piece, several kabuki performers wearing white and red face paint or masks in all kinds of colourful outfits leapt out and performed while some even held out prop weapons and pretended to engage one another in swordplay! Others also held out umbrellas and did rather gentle swaying movements while spinning umbrellas in their own performance. Before long, the main event the crowd, though mostly the D Team, had been waiting for soon arrived.
"Here come the shrine maidens!" Rex pointed out as the group fixed their eyes on the center stage, as a group own young or mature women, dressed in white and red robes came on stage as they fanned out their fans elegantly in the wind that blew in, and the entire crowd was mesmerised by their charm and grace.
As impressive as they were, the D Team were hoping for a certain lady to make her appearance soon, "But where's-" before Max could finish, some other onlookers cried out in surprise.
"Look!"
"AH!"
They didn't have to wait long as the maidens gathered in center, joining their fans together before unveiling them and revealing Aki Taylor in the middle of the stage, dressed in a far more regal set of rides, which shared the same white and red as the others, only her's had floral patterns and on her head she wore what looked like a wreath with flowers and ribbons around it and in her hand she carried a stick of bells which she rang in perfect sync with the music performers in the background.
Everyone widened their eyes speechlessly at her performance which was far beyond anything they had ever imagined, "Whoa…."
"She's beautiful…." Even their dinosaurs couldn't help but be captivated by Aki's performance as she danced around ringing the bells in sync with the other dancers, creating a stunning masterful piece which captured the hearts and minds of every person present.
"She dances just like an angel…." Dr Taylor breathed, feeling overwhelmed at the fact the angel before him was his wife.
"Yeah, I almost find it hard to believe she's still the same mom who cooks and cleans after us every day of the week." Max added in disbelief that she'd be able to pull off something so spectacular. They both found it excruciatingly painful to hold themselves back from cheering but reminded themselves of the fact the crowd would smite them if they did anything to distract or disturb the dancers and their performance.
"Maybe another new years resolution would be to be more helpful," suggested Zoe as she playfully elbowed Max, "Maybe pitch in and clean up after ourselves to show how much we appreciate her."
For once instead of talking back to her, Max simply smiled as he looked back to the dance in front and he felt in his heart Zoe may be right, "Maybe…." Rex then nodded with him as the rest of Sanjo City looked on proudly at the dance which was to honour both the current year's final moments and give honor to the new one coming soon. Little did anyone however know, was that it would indeed be a new year they would never forget, but not the way any of them would have ever envisioned.
Somewhere within the front of the crowd, near a bonfire stand at the edge, a young man noticed something brush against his foot as he looked down to see what it was. Picking it up it appeared to be a small stone in the shape of an egg, it was still a bit too dark for him to notice that it was actually metallic and not stone, "Hey what's this?" he asked himself eying it closely. Even with the light of the bonfire it was still covered in black soot so he assumed it to be part of the fuel for the bonfires around that must have been left behind. "Must be a piece of charcoal they meant to put in the bonfire but it fell out." he assumed as a breeze blew him making him hug himself feeling cold, "Brr it is kinda chilly though….maybe this wouldn't hurt." he thought as he tossed the dino egg capsule into the fire next to him.
As the capsule landed in the fire, it cracked open exposing a dinosaur and 2 fire move cards to the flames! A bright red light suddenly erupted from the stand catching everyone by surprise as it toppled down and spewed hot cinders, burning fuel and flames out!
"HUH!?"
"What the!?" Everyone backed away in shock which soon turned to terror as the bright light took the form of a large theropod dinosaur! As it died down it revealed a bright red tyrannosaur with maroon splotches on its body and face, along with white markings around its eyes and bottom jaw! As it fully materialised it stomped its foot on the ground hard before roaring out to the sky and causing a set of hot cinders from the ground to fly up and light the sky from the force and wind it generated from the roar!
ROAR!
Upon sight of the massive behemoth that appeared before them so closely, the people soon screamed out in terror and shock before running around in a panic! "WAAAAAAHHH!"
"Run for it!" Screams issued as they scurried like ants as the as the dinosaur roared out impatiently, unable to isolate a single target from the crowd as it stomped around in confusion and tried snapping at the people who barley managing to duck or jump out of the way of its' massive jaws!
Meanwhile, D Team regrouped together outside of the chaos next to the shrine where it was secluded and safe, making sure their families were safe before turning around to see the party crasher that had arrived unexpectedly on the scene.
"AH!"
"No way!"
"An albertosaurus!" The D Team each cried out in shock while their parents held back either gritting their teeth tensely or looking on in worry for the people caught in the chaos! Repeatedly the albertosaurus kept lunging at the crowd and snapping its jaws but still only succeeding in scattering the group, luckily there were no casualties yet, but luck was running out as the crowd soon began to thin making it easier for the large carnivore to make a choice as it kept a firm gaze slowly weighing its options and surveying the situation.
"Oh dear….." Aki sighed with worry as she put a hand to her chin in sympathy,"Of all the times a dinosaur had to come….why did it have to be tonight of all times…." she thought to herself feeling worried and pained to see panic and destruction on the biggest day of celebration for every year, as the cries of frightened people followed by the sounds of their feet patting against the ground as they ran from the roaring dinosaur before them all.
Spike gritted his teeth seeing the situation was getting serious and far too out of hand, "Kids!" he yelled turning to the D Team and getting their attention.
"Dad!" Max cried as they looked to him.
"You've got to stop that rampaging beast before it hurts someone!" he pointed out to the albertosaurus ahead of them as it stomped down and nearly flattened a couple into jelly!
"Yeah! You can count on us!" Max grinned with confidence as he and Chomp felt fired up for a battle.
"Meantime you all go somewhere safe!" Rex said to them in concern.
"Will do Rex." said Reese in response.
"Do your thing Zoe and kick some butt!" Dr Drake responded with a confident smile and thumbs up, to which Zoe smiled back at.
"Be careful boys." said Aki with a worried expression as Max and Rex nodded and smiled back at her.
"We will mom, don't worry." said Max firmly with assurance.
"Mhmm." Rex nodded, "For the record you were really great out there." he said holding a thumbs up as Aki blushed red feeling appreciated.
"Thank you." she smiled as she and the other grownups got up and left the premises, leaving the 3 kids to do their job one more time.
"Come on Chomp, we've got to stop that dinosaur before it wrecks New Years!" he said to his partner as he retuned him to a card, "Dino slash! Triceratops! Roar!" Chomp appeared by Max's side and roared out as the skies turned multicoloured with the battlefield.
Before long the albertosaurus singled out a middle aged man who strayed from the group as he charged ahead towards him! "Help me!" the man screamed as he ran for his life only to trip and fall down before he could reach the stairs! "Urgh…." As he tried to push himself up he felt being grabbed by the back of his jacket and yanked up high by the albertosaurus as he struggled and screamed his head doff trying to break free! "WAAAAHHH!" He cried seeing his own life flash before his eyes, but Max wasn't about to have any of it.
"Leave him alone!" he yelled angrily at it! After it paid him no mind, he decided to use some force, "Go Chomp!" he cried holding his arm out as the triceratops charged ahead and scooped up the albertosaurus in his horns catching the predator off guard and making it drop the man who then ran off! Chomp then flung the albertosaurus into the shrine's bell, sending it into the solid metal piece creating a rather loud sonorous ring while also smashing some of the wooden pillar supports. The impact also it weakened the pole which was still hanging above causing it to fall down and slam into the dinosaur's chest as it roared out in pain!
"Hah! That'll teach ya!" Max smirked as the rest of his friends ran to his side ready to back him up!
Angered, the albertosaurus opened its eyes and glared at them before roaring furiously! Grabbing hold of the pole it tore it out with ease before kicking itself back up and smashing down the shrine's bell with a massive swipe of its tail, causing it to fall down and crack the ground as it landed! Soon the rest of the shrine began to crash down with it, much to the horror of the D Team who were the only people remaining there now!
"Gah! The shrine!"
"No the bell!" Max and Zoe both exclaimed in alarm while the others gasped speechlessly at the sight of their city's sacred site become ruined and become almost reduced to complete rubble! The carnivore's rampage was far from over, after getting back up as it stomped the ground and roared at Chomp angrily, flashing red as it charged ahead wrapping itself in flames, spinning almost like a fiery meteor straight towards them all!
"Whoa!"
"Get out of the way!" Rex and Spike warned as they, including Chomp, all jumped out of the way of the albertosaurus' explosion attack as it zoomed past them, shooting high into the sky above the stairway before heading downtown where countless more people had already gathered!
"It's getting away!" cried Rex as the meteor soon died down somewhere in the park where they couldn't see from where they were at the shrine.
Meanwhile, Max's mom walked slowly and weakly over to the now ruined shrine, seeing it to be now reduced to rubble she fell to her knees and almost teared up at the sight it was in now, "Our shrine's bell….." she sniffled as the other grownups gathered around to comfort her broken heart, "Awful….." she breathed seeing how their night was ruined and the honour she had been given and worked so hard to achieved had now gone to waste.
Seeing how much it spoiled their big night's event and how much it saddened his mother, Max then clenched his fist in anger, "How dare it ruin our town shrine?!" he yelled swearing vengeance for the dinosaur ruining their City's landmark as well as ruining both their New Year celebration and his mom's big night which she worked so hard to earn, "It's not going to get away with it!" he growled looking to his teammates as they turned serious as he was, "After it guys!" he pointed out and they nodded in response as they returned their partners to their cards and raced off after the albertosaurus into the main city!
"Be careful!" Aki cried out to them as the children soon disappeared from sight, as she began praying for their success and safety while the other grownups gathered around to comfort her.
(Later)
Down at the park grounds, a pair of men were busy setting up a large line of fireworks to light up and send into the sky to mark the beginning of the new year. They were excited themselves and looking forward to kick off the new year celebration and farewell to the current one with the best quality fireworks they could put together for Sanjo City. They had just set up everything and were getting ready to light the colourful rockets when a tremble suddenly shook the ground making one man drop his lighter.
"Huh?" As the rumbles grew closer and stronger, they could feel it coming from a certain direction behind them. Turning around the albertosaurus appeared! Pushing down and snapping a pair of trees like they were toothpicks before roaring out at them in fury!
The 2 men dropped what they were holding upon sight of the large dinosaur before waving their arms out and screaming their heads off! "GWAAAAAHHH!" One man fell down and crawled backwards as the dinosaur leaned in to sniff him! He shivered in terror but quickly noticed one firework rocket next to him! Quickly grabbing it and the lighter his friend dropped he set it on and then fired it at the dinosaur's face!
POP!
The small colourful explosion hit directly on the dino's nose, causing it to roar out in surprise before leaning down and baring its fangs, growling and flashing its teeth!
"EEEP! Bad move buddy!" The other man screamed wetting his pants before running off! "WAAAAHH!"
"W…Wait for me!" the other man yelped as he scrambled to his feet in time before the carnivore's foot nearly stomped down on him! "EEEP!"
"GWAAAAHH!"
They cried as they narrowly avoided the beast's snapping jaws and tail slam as it then pursued them across the park grounds and onto the streets after smashing through the gate!
"Run away!" They yelled out to people on who were either walking by or driving on the roads. As others looked up they screamed in terror as they ran away in fear! As the albertosaurus charged into the street it knocked over an oil tanker, the driver just barley managing to jump out in time as the entire vehicle exploded causing a massive plume of fire and smoke, as the dinosaur stomped through it all undeterred and continued to terrorise the people around it by knocking over cars or swatting away incoming vans with its tail before roaring out loud!
"Drat! We lost it!" Meanwhile at another end of the city, the D Team were all riding their bikes as fast as they could through the streets, while keeping an eye out for any signs of the dinosaur that escaped from them. They each kept looking side to side scanning the streets for it only to find they came up with nothing.
"Where did it go now?" Rex muttered uneasily considering they hadn't picked up or heard any trace of it for a while.
"For something so big it's actually pretty fast…." Zoe commented.
Max then brought a finger to his chin in thought, "Yeah, albertosaurus is a smaller and more lightly built relative of t rex, also it enjoys running down prey so it's natural it'd be fast…." he breathed in thought before closing his eyes, "But still how will we-"
"WAAAAAAHHH!" A scream suddenly alerted them as they looked ahead in alarm, seeing several people running down another street ahead of them, along with a tossed away police car too! The sounds of loud police sirens, cries in panic and soon gunfire echoed throughout Sanjo City as panic soon amassed across the people present!
"There!" Max cried pointing out before racing ahead as fast as he could on his bike with the others in tow! If they heard gunshots they knew a fight was going on, either way things wouldn't work out for the police or the albertosaurus, perhaps even less for the police….
At the street, a group of police began firing out their pistols at the albertosaurus' face, but they barely fazed the ravenous dinosaur as the bullets began bouncing off its' tough scales! Annoyed, it roared out fiercely before rushing ahead, scattering the cops as it swung its tail out and sent several police cars flying into nearby buildings or crashing into the path of panicked civilians who were desperately trying to get away from the carnage!
"AH!" A woman and her young son stopped in their tracks as a car flew in front and landed in their path, forcing them to stop in their tracks! Looking around quickly the mom saw an alley way close to them as they quickly ran towards it! "This way quick!" she cried out in a frantic, rushing towards it on sight! As they ran down it they realised their judgement to be a grave error as it soon turned out to be a massive dead end as they came to a large brick wall towering over them! "Oh no!" the woman gasped as she turned around to lead them out only to find their escape route blocked by the approaching albertosaurus! Saliva drooled from its jaws which opened widely as it prepared to sink its teeth into a pair of helpless victims!
"Mommy!" The boy cried in fear as his mother pulled him behind her.
"Get behind me sweetie!" she cried out to him as she stared back at the incoming dinosaur, opening her arms wide in a futile gesture to protect her son, knowing they were done for either way…..as the carnivore reared back and opened its massive jaws ready to snap close on them! Within seconds before it could make contact though-
"Hey you big bully!" a voice cried out behind the dinosaur as it turned its head around to find none other than Max, Rex and Zoe on their bikes facing off against it as the mom and her son widened their eyes at their unexpected saviours who turned out to be kids!
"Pick on someone your own size!" Zoe cried angrily shaking a fist at the albertosaurus.
"Yeah! Like this!" Max added as they all pulled out their dinoholders and cards!
"Dino slash!"
"Triceratops! Roar!"
"Carnotaurus! Blow him away!"
"Parasaurolophus! Bloom!" Their 3 dinosaurs took to the field and roared out at the albertosaurus, which answered back with a roar of its own as the sky turned multicoloured with the battle field!
The woman and her son both stared in amazement at the sight before them, both contrasting from each other yet still stunned beyond belief, "I don't believe it…" she breathed while her son then grinned and cried out loud in excitement.
"Whoa….more dinosaurs! Cool!"
Chomp charged forwards and with a single swing of his head he threw the albertosaurus over the 2 civilians as it then landed with a loud thud on the other end!
THUD!
"Wow!"
"Incredible…." they both said still speechless before Max called out to them.
"You guys better go quick!" he yelled out as they turned to him, "This is only going to get way more ugly than it already is!"
"Y…Yeah!" The son then nodded uneasily remembering that this was a life and death situation as his mum brought him to his feet and they ran past the D Team as fast as their legs could carry them.
"Thank you very much!" The mother cried out to them as they both got out of harm's way without looking back, bringing ease to the gang knowing they saved 2 civilians from being caught in the crossfire.
They then eyed each other seriously as they turned back to battle, "Alright, now to take care of business." said Max as Chomp stood his ground against the albertosaurus which got back up to its feet! Furious at having its meal stolen from it a second time it roared out in anger before rushing forward and meeting Chomp in a head clash with one another, while Paris and Ace held back on the outside, for the alley was too small for them all to squeeze into so until they got the albertosaurus into the open they were going to hang back in the reserves till they were needed.
As Chomp thrushes forward and pushed the albertosaurus back it then retaliated by swinging its tail out, sending Chomp flying out of the other end of the alley at the D Team!
"Gah!"
"Get out of the way!" Rex yelled as they and their dinosaurs jumped out of Chomp's path as he then slammed into a building wall and slumping down to the ground heavily battered!
"Oh no!" Max cried as the albertosaurus roared out and charged in for a full on assault!
"Oh yeah?! Let's see how it likes this!" Rex responded as he took out a move card and Ace rushed into battle, "Cyclone!" he announced slashing it! A whirlwind was summoned from the sky which enveloped Ace as he rushed forward in full force at the incoming albertosaurus! In the blink of an eye he lunged ahead and smashed right into the larger carnivore's face causing it to be knocked back and fall to the ground with a massive thud! "Yeah!" Rex cheered punching his fist up to the air.
"Awesome!" Max grinned seeing things were looking up for them now.
"Ha ha!" Zoe cheered as she clapped her hands together.
Refusing to yield, the albertosaurus stomped its foot on the ground as it got back up again. Taking its head groggily it then hardened its gaze at the carnotaurus before roaring out at it! Seizing the opportunity Ace rushed in and leapt out, delivering a blow to the bottom jaw of the albertosaurus and then kicking out at it, causing it to slam into the side wall! Before it could recover Ace then swung out his tail delivered a swift blow to its head while its guard and balance was off! The red tyrannosaur then swung its tail out but Ace jumped out of the way in time before grabbing it and slamming it to the ground!
"We've got him on the ropes now!" Max grinned.
"You can do it Ace!" Zoe cheered.
Their moment of victory was cut short as the albertosaurus unleashed a surprising counterattack, kicking up while it was on its back and then stomping down one Ace! The smaller dinosaur roared out in pain as a massive force was sent onto his back bringing him down! Before he could do anything to fight back, he was grabbed in the albertosaurus' jaws before being thrown into the side wall and then slammed into it with a headbutt and then falling to the ground!
"Oh no!" Rex cried in alarm and shock to see how easily the enemy dinosaur had turned the tables on them in an instant! "Ace get out of there!" he cried out, but unable to respond in time, Ace could only look up weakly as a large tail was brought down slamming him onto the ground! The albertosaurus then kicked out at him, punching him into the back wall of the alley before it rushed in to deliver a merciless barrage of kicks, stomps, head butts and tail slams! Each blow packed the force of being slammed with a wrecking ball and they kept on coming as Ace's vision soon began to blur! "NO!" Rex yelled in horror turning almost pale at the relentless assault his partner was taking and how he was unable to do a thing about it!
Max and Zoe looked on in horror, before Zoe gritted her teeth seriously and called out, "Paris! Get in there!" she yelled as the parasaurolophus bellowed and rushed forward to save her teammate!
Turning an eye to her, the albertosaurus grabbed Ace in his jaws and threw him into the air before sending him flying at her with a tail whip! Speeding at her like a bullet and unable to find enough room too turn around, Paris failed to stop in time as she was speared by her own partner and shot back out towards the D Team to their alarm!
"AH!" They all gasped with widened eyes.
"Move!" Max yelled as they all leapt out of the way from the 2 speeding dinosaurs! Chomp who had just managed to work himself to his feet looked up only to see Paris and Ace being thrown into him as the 3 dinosaurs slammed into the building wall once more and fell to the ground heavily battered and almost out of energy!
The D Team looked back up and widened their eyes to see all 3 of their partners hurt badly as they got back up to their feet!
"Chomp!"
"Paris no!"
"Ace you alright!?" They cried out in concern as they tried to run to them!
ROAR!
Before they could though a loud roar from behind them caught their attention as they turned around, "Huh?" As they looked they saw the albertosaurus running straight at them in full speed, roaring at the top of its lungs with jaws wide open ready to snap shut on them all!
"GAH!" Overcome by fear and adrenaline, the D Team quickly scrambled to their bikes before pedalling away as fast as they could down the street!
"RUN!"
"AAAAAHHH!" They all cried as they cycled downhill from where they were, hoping to put as much distance as they could between themselves and the giant predator! The albertosaurus made a turn out of the alley as it ran after them, with the intention to kill on its mind.
As they slowly came to, Chomp, Ace and Paris could only look on to see their owners disappear from sight ahead, followed by the relentless predator intending to make a meal out of them! They struggled to get back to their feet, only for their injuries to overcome them and make them slump back down heavily to the ground! They looked up and cried for help and in despair, unable to to a thing to save their friends' lives from certain doom…..
Little did the 3 of them know, was that a guardian angel had soon descended on them all, as a bright light shone above their heads making them look up in curiosity. They narrowed their eyes at the gleaming rainbow light in the night, as it died down they were taken by surprise to see a white microraptor sitting calmly on a lamppost right above them, followed by the sounds of incoming footsteps. Stepping into the scene from out of nowhere, was a familiar face, which caught them all completely off guard and silenced them completely, with a gesture she commanded the mircoraptor to glide down to just right above them and use energy equaliser to heal them all.
(Meanwhile)
"Get out of the way!" Max screamed out waving an arm to people ahead as they turned to look. Speeding past some of them, he almost ended up running over some people who were about to yell back at them in frustration and anger before Rex yelled out to them next.
"Very large and hungry dino coming through!" he warned as he and Zoe passed by some people in their cars or walking the crosswalk as they turned back and screamed in terror as the albertosaurus charged into view! With a swipe of its head it flung out vans and small trucks out of the way, stomped down on smaller cars and leapt over large vehicles with ease! Panic swept across the streets in Sanjo City as many explosions either from flung or crushed vehicles erupted downtown, people running out of the way or abandoning their vehicles in time in order to avoid getting crushed into jelly! Some drivers swerved out of the way in time while others had to jump out of their incoming cars before they got crushed underfoot!
Seeing the carnage ensuing behind and the albertosaurus having no intention of slowing down anytime soon, Rex couldn't help but be both admired and annoyed with its persistence, "Man that thing's fast and relentless!" he yelled in frustration as he began to sweat from exhaustion, unable to keep his speeding pace on the bicycle for much longer! Beside him Max and Zoe too were beginning to feel the heat, as they began to slow down and the albertosaurus was gradually catching up to them with every second! Their hearts beating anxiously and with fatigue as they slowly began to ran out of breath.
Looking around and seeing people running for their lives and still with many cars coming ahead of them, "We've got to get it away from all these people!" Zoe then cried out her concerns.
"Yeah but where!?" Rex then yelled hoping for a way out soon.
Max gritted his teeth thinking as hard as he could, despite all that was going on, he was thinking of continuing to pedal as fast as they could and hope the albertosaurus would give out before they did, which was unlikely since it was an active hunter with high stamina which enjoyed the thrill of the hunt and running its prey down, so it was obvious in a contest of speed and stamina they'd lose one sidedly. It seemed almost hopeless till he closed his eyes and thought as calmly as he could, remembering what Cera did, as he widened his eyes in realisation, "Ah! The park! It's got plenty of space for us to use all our moves together and take it out fast!" he cried.
Rex and Zoe brightened up at Max's suggestion, "Good idea! That way we'll keep collateral damage down to a minimum!"
"Then let's hurry before he makes a meal out of us!" They said to him as he grinned back at them.
"Good thing I know a shortcut! Follow me!" he said to them as they quickly made a tight turn in time at the alleyway! The albertosaurus tired to follow but only ended up slamming its head at the narrow alley they passed through! It shook its head in annoyance before snarling in anger and running around the side, unwilling to let its quarry escape so easily.
Max's shortcut gave the D Team a much needed head start, and before long after passing through much more open and free streets, their destination was within reach. "The park's just up ahead!" Max pointed out as they saw the park up ahead and the open gates too! "Come on guys we're almost there!" he said to them looking back to see their were tiring and almost out of breath, "A little while longer and we'll be able to fight to our fullest without anyone getting crossfire!" He said to them encouragingly which helped light up their spirits as they nodded back at him.
"Alright Max."
"We're right with you all the way!" They said with determination as they put their backs into it and gave their legs one more hard push to the finish line!
Max narrowed his eyes and grit his teeth, feeling the pain surging through his legs but his determination soon won out over his pain as he yelled out at the top of his lungs, "Here we go!" he screamed as they passed through and came to a stop near a clearing right above where the fireworks setting was further downhill.
"Phew….We made it…." Zoe wheezed placing a hand over her chest trying to still her beating heart which could explode at any second. She also felt rather uncomfortable sweating profusely in her expensive kimono, no doubt she had to give it a good rinse when this was over, not to mention it was winter so it was freezing.
"Yeah…." Rex breathed in exhaustion considering he and Max were wearing thick clothing so they were boiling up on the inside. Waving his hand to fan himself, he soon turned around and widened his eyes recognising something incoming and fast, "And not a moment too soon! Here it comes!" he cried pointing out as the albertosaurus came back into view, running across the street and smashing through the fences with ease and then comings straight at them!
As it got closed, Max narrowed his eyes as he took his dinoholder out along with Rex and Zoe taking theirs', "Alright guys, it's time to-" He then widened his eyes upon realisation of something horrible and unexpected, "Gah!" An expression soon mirrored by the rest of his teammates as they realised they didn't have their dinosaur cards with them! "Oh no we forgot our dinos!"
"Oh no!" Zoe cried in horror covering her mouth as Rex gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Drat! Of all the times….." he hissed before widened his eyes at an idea, "Quick call them back to their cards now!"
Max nodded without hesitation, "Good idea! Let's do that!" As he tried to reach for the button to recall back Chomp, a loud roar caught his attention stopping him at the last second!
ROAR!
Looking up they all turned pale as the albertosaurus rushed inwithiin feet of swallowing them whole, as it peeped its jaws wide enough to eat a cow in single sitting! "WHOA!" The kids stumbled back off their bikes and fell to the ground as the huge carnivore lunged at them, its jaws wide open baring several razor sharp teeth and drooling saliva as it prepared to sink into them!
They could only cover tehmsleevs sight their arms out and scream in terror, as they awaited their incoming doom, "GAAAAAH!"
"NOOO!"
"HELP!"
ROAR!
Another roar soon sounded, as another large dinosaur soon rushed in and rammed the albertosaurus at its side the last second, sending it flying into a nearby tree and then crashing down with it!
"Huh!?"
"Wh…What the?"
As they turned to look they saw it was none other than Chomp who had come to their rescue in time! As he stood his ground and stomped his foot roaring out fiercely defending his friends, the albertosaurus got back onto its feet and roared back at him in frustration. "Chomp!" Max cried with joy to see his friend had come through for them in the nick of time, and he was;t alone, as Ace and Paris soon arrived on the seven and stood shoulder to shoulder with their brother in arms ready to fight the dinosaur who threatened their precious partners.
"Paris and Ace too!"
"You're all okay!"
Max grinned with relief and excitement, which soon faded slightly for a moment, "I don't get it," he then thought curiously, "Just now they were really beta up pretty badly, not that I'm complaining or anything." he then smirked with confidence, "Heh, guess we underestimated how strong they actually are." he thought as he punched out his arm cheering for them, "Go get em you guys!" he cried out as their dinosaurs all roared out together.
Ace lunged in first and opening his jaws wide he latched onto the albertosaurus' leg as it roared out in pain as Ace's teeth continued to dig into it! It then lunged back hoping to grab Ace and throw him off, but he jumped out in time and all it managed to bite was a mouthful of dirt! Seizing the chance, paris rushed in lowering her head like a battering ram she slammed into its side as it roared in pain, before Ace rushed in and did the same at the other side! Their combined pincer attack knocked it off balance as it staggered back weakened! As it roared in pain Chomp rushed in and using his large head he scooped up the massive body of the theropod before throwing it into a nearby tree and sending it crashing down!
It then forced itself back up but began to breathe heavily as it staggered and struggled to keep itself up on its legs, which made the D team all brighten up with hope. "Alright! It's almost out of energy!" Zoe cheered.
Rex nodded, "One more good attack ought to do it!" He called out as Ace rushed in being the fastest, head on towards the now weakened fire dinosaur, unaware he was rushing into a trap as the enemy dinosaur suddenly glowed bright red! Roaring out ferociously, the albertosaurus lowered its head at the incoming carnotaurus and flung him into the air much to the D Team's alarm!
"Ah!"
"No way!"
It was far from finished as it turned round, its' tail enshrouding in flames before it speared straight through Ace's body from his back up through his chest! He roared out in pain at being consumed by the flames eating away both inside and out as he struggled about hoping to get away but to no avail!
"Oh no Ace!" Rex gasped as he and the others couldn't believe their eyes.
"It had another super move!?" Zoe exclaimed as Paris bellowed out and rushed in on her own initiative, "Paris wait! Stop!" she tried to call her off but it was too late as her momentum drove her within striking range, as the albertosaurus swung out Ace at her! As he slammed into her body causing her to stop, the albertosaurus then slashed out its fiery sword tail at them both, causing them all to roar in pain as the flames covered them in a blanket of fire and pain before they succumbed to it and fell to the ground defeated as cards!
"Paris!"
"Ace!" Rex and Zoe ran out to get their cards back as the albertosaurus turned around to focus its' attention on its only remaining rival, Chomp, as he and Max hardened their expression knowing it was all on them now, the last line of defence between the carnivore and its New Year's eve fiery buffet!
"Looks like it's up to us Chomp….." Max grunted gritting his teeth seeing that the albertosaurus no doubt was both clever, fast and strong, a triple threat which would have their work cut out for them, "This is going to be rough….." he thought to himself as both dinosaurs stared down one another. Chomp lowered his head and swung out his horns as a threat display while the albertosaurus growled before paced back and forth looking for an opening. Isolating Chomp's weak points it leaned in ready to go in for a full frontal attack, a sign which Max and his partner took note of as Rex and Zoe took cover behind him.
They tension peaked for both sides as the albertosaurus roared out at the top of its lungs, shaking the earth itself, scraping the ground with its foot, it began to glow red as it prepared to charge forward with its move! "It's all or nothing now!" Max thought as he took a move card ready to slash it, hoping it would work. But before he could though, the sound of some leaves rustling in the tree tops in a tree right near the albertosaurus caught its' attention, as well as the other members of the D Team.
"Huh?" As they turned to look they were surprised as a bright rainbow coloured light began to peer out from the gaps between the branches and the leaves!
"Is that a light?" Rex asked puzzled along with Max, as even Chomp turned to look too.
"What could that be?" Zoe narrowed her eyes before recalling a similar situation like this taking place some time ago which made her widen her eyes in realisation, "Could it….be?"
All of a sudden, a white microraptor screeched fiercely as she leapt out of the tree branches and landed on the albertosaurus' face, causing it to roar in pain as its energy began to sap away from it and into the raptor clinging to it like a parasite!
The new unexpected arrival made the D Team widen their eyes in surprise, "Ah! Is that-"
"It can't be!"
"Miku!?" They each cried finishing each others' sentences, "Then that means….."
Miku then leapt off the albertosaurus before it could slam her against the tree, causing it to snap and tumble down like a domino block. She then glided safely over to Chomp, who lowered his head allowing her to glide past his frill and land on his back, as she began transferring energy into him as he roared out powerfully!
Shaking its head and regaining its focus, the albertosaurus roared out as it rushed ahead and leapt into the air, spinning like a torpedo before cloaking itself in flames preparing to unleash one final explosion! Max then held out his move card ready to meet its challenge, "Alright then, let's wrap this up one and for all!" he announced leaping up and somersaulting while slashing the card, "Thunder bazooka!" Chomp roared out as he rushed ahead and spun like a torpedo, Miku leapt off in time and glided to another tree as the triceratops began cloaking himself in thunder as the 2 dinosaurs met in a fierce clash with sparks and cinders shooting out in different directions!
"Urgh!" The D Team had to cover their eyes with their arms to due to the glaring light as the 2 dinosaurs met in a head on battle, each struggling to gain the upper hand, when the albertosaurus soon began to give way, and Chomp eve tally managed to overpower and push it back! Striking it directly in the chest, it roared in pain as it flew out away, before crashing down at the fireworks site while still covered in flames! The resulting fire from it then lit up the firework rockets as they all began to fire off all at once into the night sky, exploding in a bright array of colours and sparkles as the city's people, including the D Team's parents from afar, dropped all their worries and discomforts from the dinosaur earlier and began clapping, cheering and screeching with excitement, as they welcomed the New Year at long last…..
As the albertosaurus groaned in pain, it soon collapsed down to the ground before glowing red, returning to 3 cards which floated to the ground gently as they were swallowed up by the black smoke of the fireworks downhill.
Max then punched up his arm in joy and excitement knowing their victory was a great one to remember the year by and to end it off with, "We did it!" he cheered as he returned Chomp to chibi size as he then jumped up and down while barking in excitement at the fireworks display above.
"Yeah! Good job Max!"
"Woo hoo!" Zoe and Rex both cheered in excitement too as they summoned back Ace and Paris before running up to Max who folded his arms behind his head feeling proud of their achievements this night.
"We did it guys, we saved New Years Eve and made it in time for New Years too." he said to them.
Zoe and Rex nodded at him in agreement, "Mhmm."
"Yeah."
"And we couldn't have done it without-" As they turned to look up, to their surprise Miku flared out her wings and launched herself from the tree branch, as she glided along the cool air currents further off downhill to where the albertosaurus had landed earlier, and she disappeared within the cloud of smoke!
"Miku!?"
"H..Hey wait! Where're you going?"
"Come back!" The D Team all cried out as they ran after the small feathered dinosaur, rushing down the steep hill with their partners behind them, as Max held a determined expression on his face.
"If Cera is there…..there's no way we're going to lose her again!" he grunted to himself as they neared the crash site, where a bright light had suddenly shone. Before long, the sounds of footsteps approaching from inside the smoke, which made them stop in their tracks.
"Ah!" As a female silhouette soon began to appear from inside the smoke, they stopped and stared, narrowing their eyes through the thick smog to get a better look at things.
"Could it be?" They all widened their eyes as the smoke cleared, staring speechlessly at a young red haired girl, with a small microraptor chick perched on her right shoulder, and in her hand she held 3 fire cards, a dinosaur and 2 move cards. She stepped forward towards them with a light smile
They all looked as though they've just seen a ghost, and for several seconds neither side said a word nor moved an inch, till Max broke it first, "Guys….are you seeing who I'm seeing?" he asked looking to Rex and Zoe next to him, "Tell me…I'm not seeing things….."
Cera shook her head in response, "You're not guys." she said to them as she handed them each one of the albertosaurus' cards, "It's me…..I'm home….." she said as Miku cooed after her.
"Cera….." The D Team were at a complete lost for words, after several days missing, their friend whom they've worried about for so long and have been searching for the entire time….was now standing before them like a blast from the prehistoric past…..no words could describe the rush of emotions that were flooding their entire being that moment.
"This….isn't a dream is it?"
"It's real right? I mean….very real?" Was all Zoe and Rex could utter out in their amazement after having just recovered from their initial shock.
Her smile soon vanished as she realised what they were going through and she then sighed reluctantly, "I don't know what it'll take to prove to you guys I'm the real deal, but, it really is me." she said with guilt in her tone as a light smile came upon her face, "And I couldn't be happier to be back too."
Silence soon descended upon the newly reunited D Team, but it wasn't quite the reunion any of them had hoped for. Cera felt herself being entirely responsible for causing this mess in the first place and to have been the one to put them through so much worry and suffering for so long….as she lowered her head sadly, "I know what you all are thinking…and what you might say….." she said as the D team looked on at her and Miku, with shades covering their eyes, "No words can ever express how much I….I….really am sorry for…..for everything….." she then teared up sensing what might be resentment and bitterness towards her for what she did, and for that she knew it was right that she took ownership of it, "I know you guys probably wouldn't forgive me for what I did, and that….you probably wouldn't want me or Miku around again after what we put you through….so we under-"
Before she could finish, the 3 kids then ran in and hugged her close catching her and Miku both completely off guard, "H…Huh?" she blinked unable to comprehend what they were doing, as her old friends began to tear up and weep emotionally.
"Cera…..It's alright, we understand completely." said Zoe.
"What happened in the past will stay in the past, we promise." Rex followed with assurance.
"Just promise…..you'll never do that to us again." Max sniffled painfully in conclusion as their 3 dinosaurs ran up and nuzzled at Cera's legs.
Feeling overwhelmed by their strong bond and feelings towards her, she soon felt overcome with emotion, joy and sadness as she returned the hug to all of them, "I promise…." she breathed as tears dropped from her eyes as she hugged closely to them, knowing she felt safe with them now, and that she didn't have to do things alone anymore.
As the D Team treasured the moment between them all deeply, storing it in their hearts for years to come and to always appreciate, Zoe smiled feeling most at peace knowing the wish she made at the fortune telling stand earlier had came true, a real miracle indeed to end the hardships they suffered the past year and to begin anew.
(Later)
A little while had passed as Cera began to explain her story from start to finish, it was most painful for her to confess and reveal what had drove her to making her decision on leaving the D Team believing it may have been the best and only way to protect them, that she didn't to drag them into even ore danger because of her. A decision which she had now come to deeply regret, and realise she herself may have also been selfish at the time without taking into account what they would think or feel. She then went on to how she was able to acquire Terry, Tank and Spiny and how she used them to help out in various situations too as well as keep an eye on the D Team early the whole time since they parted ways.
"And that's the whole thing." she said at the end, leaving the D Team nearly speechless at everything that she had revealed to them all. The fact she was able to survive so long on her own and be the one to handle situations with dinosaurs effectively on her own without their help was even more mind-blowing to them. The only matter she left out was regarding Seth, as she felt that was something they didn't need to hear about for their rosy reunion.
"Whoa, that's some adventure you've been on." Rex whistled impressed as Zoe and Max nodded in turn.
It was then Zoe then said out loud, "I knew you hadn't completely left us from the very beginning." she said with confidence as she and the others began to recall how they knew it somehow that Cera was always watching over them like a guardian angel.
Rex having seen Miku at Indonesia, Zoe noticing the bandage on camptosaurus' leg and from Max knowing that Terry saving him from Ursula wasn't a coincidence after all.
"Whoa! You really had Terry, Tank and Spiny with you!?" Max then gasped in surprise before grinning and patting her on the shoulder, "I'm impressed you actually managed to get them to follow you too." he said complimenting her as she blushed red in embarrassment.
"Hehe, yeah…even I didn't think I'd be able to pull it off….." she said sheepishly.
"We always knew you were special." said Rex in agreement with Max, considering this may be the last they hear of the Alpha gang now that their dinosaurs were safely with them and out of the picture, or so they thought.
"Best part, we now won't need to worry about the alpha gang getting in our way anymore!" Max cheered as Rex and Zoe smiled in enthusiasm with him, "We'll be able to save the rest of the dinosaurs out there and then when we go back to their island someday to rescue the other cards they've got there's no way they'll-"
"No….not quite…" Cera interrupted cutting him off at the last second much to the D Team's surprise.
"Huh?"
Zoe and Rex blinked, "What do you mean?" they asked as Cera looked away uneasily, hoping to avoid eye contact, worrying that they may not like the truth.
"Well I…you see…." shaking her head and sighing with a deep breath she soon decided to confess the truth to them seeing there was no way around it, "Believe it or not Terry and the others….actually enjoyed being part of the Alpha gang, well mostly with Rod and Laura and they wanted nothing more than going home…." she said almost painfully as the rest of her friends listened. "So the next time I saw them well….I gave them back because they wanted to go home more than anything." The D Team said nothing as she continued to admit everything, which was hard and painful considering she may have crushed their hopes, "And I….even though I couldn't bear to give them back to those creeps, they really cared about them too…and I….I also couldn't….I….I'm sorry…." she sighed at the end while Miku let out a sad hum.
Silence descended upon the D Team after hearing what their old friend admitted to them, as they looked to one another quite seriously before eying her, causing her to lower her head submissively, hoping they wouldn't hold anything against her.
"Cera…." said Max to her as she looked up nervously.
"Y…Yes?" she croaked weakly turning pale with anxiety as she met face to face with her friends. They looked at her firmly, but soon their expressions turned to light smiles as Max put a hand on her shoulder encouragingly.
"You did the right thing." he said as Zoe and Rex both nodded in agreement, "For that we're really proud of you."
She blinked her eyes in surprise at their unexpected response, "H…Huh?"
"Even if we were enemies, had we been in your position, we would have done the same thing as you did too." said Rex admittedly.
"If we took Terry, Spiny and Tank from the alpha gang against their will, then we'd be no better than those creeps themselves." said Zoe before shaking her head and smiling lightly, "But let's not look back on what's been done. All that matters is that now you're home safe and sound again."
"Yeah, it's now a new year, a new tomorrow and a new beginning." said Max in agreement as he tensed a hand into a fist, "And this time we'll face it together to the end." he added with confidence before holding out a fist to her, "That's, if you still want to come back to the D Team that is?" eh then asked feeling hopeful, as he, his friends and their dinosaurs looked to her awaiting for Cera to make her big decision.
As she eyed Max's fist and to the hopeful expressions of the D Team and their partners, it didn't take long for her to smile back at them and nod, "Nothing would make me happier." she said returning the fist bump to Max.
"Hooray!"
"Awesome!"
"Welcome home Cera."
They all said as the entire team did a fist bump together, as their bonds of friendship grew even stronger that night on the first day of the new year.
Before long they heard voices, and looking in the direction they came from, their parents and family were running out waving their arms calling out for them, and they ween't about to keep them for long, not with a surprise to show them all.
"Come on, let's go home everyone." said Max ushering them to follow as they ran after him towards the adults, Cera herself feeling most happy and relieved of all to know that her long journey as a loner finding her place in the world had ended, from now on, she'll be among friends and family, facing all trials and challenges together with them and journeying on many new adventures to come, as a member of the D Team.
(Meanwhile)
At Zeta Point, even the Alpha gang were having a time to celebrate with the arrival of the New year, and they had good reason to considering the recent return of their 3 treasured dinosaurs Terry, Tank and Spiny. Droids began lighting fireworks across the island which then exploded into a spectrum of sparkles and colours across the dark starry night sky outside, while Rod and Laura gazed up in awe while helping themselves to some delicious Osechi Ryori which they put together.
Back inside, Dr Z laughed maniacally as he had 3 droids force feed Ursula, Zander and Ed, who were strapped helplessly to a chair, the very same disgusting stew that Helga had whipped up earlier in the kitchen while they cried out in pain and agony having the vile stew being shoved down their throats for their failures! His moment of satisfaction was short lived though as the 3 dinosaurs suddenly jumped on and tackled him before playing a triple tug o war at is beard while he screamed his head off in pain, even wishing they were still gone!
Nevertheless with the old year behind them they now had a new one to look forward to and new adventures awaited for everyone.
And thus concludes Cera's solo arc and her return to the D Team. After next chapter will feature the season 1 finale arc with Seth and Black T Rex, stay tuned as season 1 draws to a close! Also albertosaurus' moves were the DS moves explosion and overheat.
In response to reviews:
Drew Luczynski
-Was any of the 2 things you expected used here? Also season 2 will involve the alpha dinosaurs making a bigger contribution like they should.