Chapter 40
Desert heat
"Sand cyclone!" Rex gasped in alarm as the massive whirlwind of sand came straight at them and they had no chance of evading it in time!
"Everyone! Close your eyes and cover your faces!" Cera warned them as she held her arm in front of her eyes in an effort to block out the incoming particles of dirt from flying into her face!
As everyone did their best and hung on, Max suddenly lost his grip on Genie while covering himself before being blown off with Chomp in his arms! "WHOA!"
"Max! Oh no!" Zoe cried out in horror as he vanished in the cloud of dust!
"WAAAAH!" As he and Chomp tumbled uncontrollably through the desert winds, Chomp opened his eyes with determination as he was barely able to make out Genie's tail in the sand! Mustering all of his strength he opens his jaws and clamped down hard!
SNAP!
Miraculously he was able to get a firm grip on the isisaurus' tail, hanging on long enough with Max till the cyclone soon passed by. "Thanks Chomp…." breathed Max gratefully and with relief as Genie held up his tail to see them hanging by the end of it.
"A close call…" Zahrah smiled with relief.
"Something tells me it's not going to be the last one…." said Rex uneasily since they barely escaped by the skin of their teeth.
"Yeah….." Cera nodded as the cyclone passed by and everyone kept a firm look at it to make sure it didn't turn back at them, "Well at least it's the last we'll see of that storm." she then said looking at the bright side of it, though it would;t be long before their troubles would return.
(Meanwhile)
Further off in the distance, at a drinking pool away from the sand cyclone, another kind of storm was brewing, one which wasn't as kind and merciful to the Alpha gang compared to the D Team. They along with Dr Z were surrounded on all sides by several bandits who took out their scimitars and aimed them directly at their throats as they turned blue and shivered in terror!
"EEEEK!" They squealed like children seeing sharp objects pointed at them ready gut them like fish while they were tightly bound up by ropes and had no hope of escaping whatsoever!
Zayid soon made his way to the front of the group and folded his arms and landed down menacingly in the gang as they looked up at him, turning pale and rendered speechless, "Give us one good reason why we shouldn't slice you 4 up and leave you for the buzzards?" he smirked with a sadistic grin on his face.
The males in the group were stunned silent by the sight of the menacing grins and glares that were being shot at them from all sides by the thieves, as well as the razor sharp blades aimed at them, they were on the verge of wetting themselves and couldn't find it in them to force out even a single word knowing one wrong word would leave them as minced meat!
Ursula gulped down hard seeing it was on her now to hopefully talk some reason into the thugs despite how impossible it seemed, "W…Well that's because-"
"That was a rhetorical question!" Zayid yelled interrupting her which made her yelp, "Your fates were sealed the moment you thought you could steal from the 39 thieves!"
"Now accept your fates!" Another of his men said as he took out a dagger from his tunic!
"WAIT! Maybe we can work something out!" Zander pleaded for mercy.
"Ha! And what could simpletons like you possible offer that we can't take?" Zayid laughed as he was just about to run his scimitar straight through their heads like skewer!
Ursula suddenly mustered all her courage and shouted out the first thing that came to mind, "W…Well we can help you capture that runaway princess who got away!" As soon as she uttered those words Zayid held back at the last second, the tip of his blade just barely grazing her face as she widened her eyes and fainted from the shock at coming so close to meeting her maker!
Ed then took initiative, "Yeah that's right! With our help you can get her back by sunset or maybe even before that!" he nodded.
"Oh? And just how do you plan on doing that?" Zayid then mused.
Dr Z soon gained a rather sinister smirk of his own, "Heheh, of we have power over dinosaurs!" he chuckled much to the curiosity of the thieves.
"What are these….dinosaurs you speak of?" One of the bandits asked scratching his cheek having first heard of that word.
"Why only the biggest and scariest creatures that ever walked the face of the Earth!" Dr Z snickered smugly at their ignorance before holding up his head high, "And you're looking at their future king too! Hahahaha!" He then laughed out boastfully, though none of the thieves around them seem convinced in the slightest. In fact even Ursula and the others sweat dropped at seeing him pushing his luck and patting himself on the back for it.
"In fact if you guys were smart you'll accept our offer," said Ursula with a grin, "Because that princess happens to be body guarded by some really tough dinosaurs too! You need us and you know it." she added at the end.
As the bandits listened in, Dr Z saw they had their attention as he then decided to add in a little more to the deal, "And in exchange for our cooperation, you'll set us free and help us get a certain jewel we're after, called the cosmos stone." he said, "So what do you say interested?"
Zayid then looked to some of his men, and they huddled around to discuss amongst themselves over what they should do. After a few minutes, they looked back to the Alpha gang as their leader folded his arms while shooting a firm look at them, deciding to hear what they had to say and offer, "We're listening…." Hearing that made some of the Alpha gang let out a deep wheeze of relief while Dr Z snickered with a grin.
(Later)
Meanwhile, the D Team continued treading at a slow and steady pace through the desert sand under the war sun and for the time being all calm and good much to their relief. "Genie sure can move." Max complimented the huge sauropod at how impressed he was at the progress they've made, "We should reach your father's palace in no time."
"Yes, he's surprisingly light on his feet." said Zahrah in agreement while also feeling proud of her friend.
"He'll need to be if those bandits come back." Rex then stated with concern.
"Indeed…." Cera thought to herself before looking around and surveying their surroundings, "Though in this sandy landscape and being a huge sauropod that won't be easy." she thought feeling uneasy, because they could be ambushed at anytime in this place, and there was no way they can possibly outrun camels on their own home turf in the desert.
"So Princess Zahrah do you really think your father's prime minister had something to do with your capture?" Rex then asked curiously.
"Oh what was his name again?"
"Rasheed…." Zahrah answered Zoe as she narrowed her eyes, "And all I can think of is that maybe he's plotting something against my father." She thought feeling suspicious of the man's intentions ever since she first laid eyes on him, "We must reach the palace and warn him."
"And hope that cosmos stone's there." said Rex on top of that.
"That makes 2 birds with 1 stone." Cera added seeing they'd still be on track on their own mission too.
"Right! So let's get a move on!" Max called out energetically seeing nothing that could stop them now, lifting up everybody's spirits and getting them all fired up.
Max's enthusiasm didn't last longer than half an hour though, very soon the midday sun soon began to beam down powerful rays of light coupled with immense heat which was punishing to the small and weak, as well as those who were ill equipped for desert life. Zahrah though wasn't one of them, having been used to this kind of environment and climate since the day she was born as she shrugged it off like it was nothing. Feeling confident she found herself able to stand on top of Genie's and and balance herself perfectly as she bathed herself in the sun's rays with the gentle wind blowing on her face, "The warm desert air….oh how it cradles the soul…oh how it lifts the spirits!" she cheered.
If only the rest of the D Team could share in her good perception of things….
"Oh how it burns…." Zoe moaned as she lay down on Genie's back losing the will to continue.
"I feel like a fried egg…." Max moaned feeling just the same as she did.
"I'm so thirsty I'd even settle for drinking my own sweat…." Cera wheezed as she felt tempted to lick herself in order to keep cool. It was a wonder how there were humans who were able to not only survive but even adapt and thrive under such conditions.
"Tell me there's an oasis up ahead…." Max begged as he looked ahead to Rex, "Or even….the mirage of an oasis?" strangely though he got no response from the blond boy who seemed to be staring into space. "Rex? Hello?" As Max looked on Rex remained silent and still stared stiffly ahead without moving a muscle. At first Cera assumed he was out of it due to the heat, but what Rex did next soon confined otherwise.
"Ehehehe….." he giggled blushing red while fantasying about Zahrah kissing him earlier, which was enough to keep his mind off the desert's sun. Good for him though not for his friends as Cera squinted her eyes at him and frowned with disappointment.
"Ugh….the heat must have gotten to him now….." she groaned seeing he was indeed hallucinating in the wrong way, "I'll have to stay strong so it doesn't get me next…." she muttered lowering her head down over Genie's side while trying to face away from the sun's light, even if it meant she'd get sick looking down it was worth it.
"Earth to Rex! Come in!" Max then called out impatiently waving his hand in front of his face, which snapped the blond boy out in time.
"Hmm!?" He widened his eyes in surprise before acting all flustered, "Ah!? Err right! A mirage! Hehe! I get it! Cos we're in the desert!" he smiled nervously before looking away in embarrassment, "Sorry! I spaced out there! Must be the sun!" Rex laughed as he did some stretches to not seem suspicious at all.
Though the others didn't seem to buy it well, "Yeah, it must be, your face is beet red." Max stated rather cluelessly.
"He's overheated but I doubt it's from the sun…." Zoe muttered in dismay at how dense the boys were.
"Tell me about it….." Cera groaned, sighing in defeat and losing hope in them having any sort of common sense….till she wore up at the sounds of incoming stomping, "Huh?"
"The 39 thieves!" Max cried in alarm at the sight at the huge wave of bandits charging at them in full force, putting the others on high alert as they sat up and saw themselves surrounded.
"We're in trouble!" Zahrah gasped as Genie stopped in his tracks uneasily at the sight of so many enemies cornering him out of nowhere!
Cera soon raised an eyebrow in suspicion, finding their actions to be rather unusual. It wouldn't make sense for anyone in their right mind to charge ahead when they can see a full grown dinosaur right in front of them….either they were mad or confident….because they had something planned….either way it meant they wouldn't be getting out of this without a fight and that could spell trouble…
"We have been looking for you princess." Zayid called out in annoyance as he stepped forward from the group, "Why don't you just be a good girl and come with us?" he demanded.
In response, Zahrah petted Genie on the head encouraging him to let her down safely on the desert sand so she can speak to the leader of the thieves face to face, "The only place I'll be going to is to my father's palace so I can tell him about this treachery!" she huffed with confidence that she'll be able to do just that with her new friends backing her up.
"Is that so?" Zayid replied in amusement.
"Yeah! So back off or else!" Rex then yelled out defensively as he stood by Zahrah's side courageously holding his arms out.
Despite his heroic act Zayid remained unfazed, "Or else what?" He then smirked sinisterly, "I'm ready for your monsters this time!" As he finished speaking he signalled to his men as 3 camels soon came up, and sitting on them were a group of familiar people whom the D Team were surprised to see again.
"Look! It's Dr Z, Zander and Ed!" Max gasped at the sight of the alpha gang who appeared to have been taken hostage.
"And the old lady!" Zoe then pointed out as she faced Ursula, who then exploded with anger as per usual after hearing her snarky remark!
"GRRR! How dare you call me an old lady!? I'll jump off this camel and I'll show you!" She yelled out angrily taking her frustrations out on the poor camel, till some of the bandits had to silence her with their sharp blades aimed at her head,
"Quiet!" They yelled in annoyance at her ranting to which. She immediately submitted seeing she had no other choice.
"Y…Yes sir…." She squeaked meekly.
Seeing them in trouble once more Cera couldn't help but facepalm, "Oh great…." She sighed exasperated at the fact they got themselves again into a sticky situation they had to bail them out from for the umpteenth time, if they had dinosaurs they should, use them to escape by now so why didn't they? It was then she gained a suspicious look on her face before narrowing her eyes at the situation, "Why is that crook so confident? Is he planning to use them as blackmail material? Or perhaps when he said he was ready for us he meant-"
Her thoughts were soon cut off as Max yelled out, "You let them go! They're with us! You hear me!?" He threatened.
"With you you say?" Zayid mused before looking to Dr Z, "Is this true?"
Dr Z sighed, "I'm afraid….." Suddenly he sported a smirk and held up his alpha scanner much to everyone's alarm! "It's not true! Alpha slash! You're up Terry!" Slashing the card Terry appeared and before long Zander and Ursula both followed!
"Alpha slash! Do your thing Tank!"
"Alpha slash! Tear them to pieces Spiny!" Appearing on the field were all 3 alpha gang dinosaurs as they surrounded Genie which made him anxious being surrounded by several foes at once as the skies turned colorful!
Cera then gritted her teeth realising what was going on, "I don't believe this…." She hissed seeing they no doubt kissed up to them either to save their own skins or to find the cosmos stone for themselves. She was also starting to regret giving back their scanners and dinosaurs too, as well as bailing them out the other night. When this is over they'll never hear the end of it…..
Max and Zoe quickly jumped down in response to the threat they were faced with, "What are you doing!? Siding with them!?" Max yelled out angrily,
"Yeah! Have you lost it or what!?" Zoe yelled out after him.
"The only thing I'm about to lose is you guys as competition for finding that next cosmos stone." Dr Z muttered uncaringly while stroking his beard.
Before charging forward into battle, Cera jumped off Genie and yelled out holding her hands, "Spiny! Tank! Terry! What do you think you're doing!? Stop now!" She cried. Her unexpected appearance and loud shouting caused the 3 of them to hesitate momentarily. Looking to one another then to the back where their owners were with the other thieves they then looked back to her and roared out in response. Narrowing her eyes hearing their side of the story her expression loosened slightly upon learning the Alpha gang's reasons were in order to keep themselves from getting sliced up earlier along with their dinosaurs, "I….see….." She said as a bead of sweat dropped from her cheek. "I understand…but still we can't let you guys do this…." She then sighed seeing it was a hard choice to make, "So no hard feelings okay?" She then said smiling lightly feeling only slightly bad they had to fight back too, eventhough they were friends the fact remained they were planning to do harm to the princess so no way would they make it easier for them.
Seeing how their dinosaurs were standing still and doing nothing, Dr Z then yelled out impatiently, "What are you 3 doing!? Get in there and take down that isisaurus!" He yelled shaking out his fists. Terry then roared in response as he rushed in while Tank and Spiny both held back in reserve.
Terry first rushed in and he clashed heads with Genie who was struggling slightly despite their size difference, "No! Stop it! You're hurting Genie!" Zahrah cried as she ran in trying to stop the fighting, but Terry stomped his foot which caused her to back away, "AH!" She cried as the impact swirled dust around her!
"Watch out!" Rex cried pulling her back and holding her from getting closer and endangering herself!
Max unable to sit back any longer took out his card, "Dino slash! Triceratops! Roar!" Chomp took to the field and ran out, striking Terry from his side but in response the tyrannosaurus swung out his tail and sent Chomp flying back! "AH!"
"What are we going to do Max!?" Zoe cried to him feeling worried.
"Hahahaha! There is nothing you can do!" Dr Z then laughed in amusement, "Except surrender to Dr Z and his 42 thieves!"
"So what? Now you're a desert bandit!?" Max yelled in retort.
"No! What I am is a dinosaur king on his way to getting his crown!" He answered.
"Alpha slash!" Zander then yelled slashing a move card causing Tank to sprout a crystal sword on her tail! "Quake saber!" Swinging it out the blade slashed against Genie causing him to crash down and bellow in pain!
"No Genie!" Zahrah cried out worried for him.
"Help's on the way!" Rex responded taking action.
"Let's join in too Zoe!" Cera called to her as she nodded.
"Yeah!" The 3 of them then took out their cards and prepared to join the battle.
"Dino slash!"
"Carnotaurus! Blow them away!"
"Parasaurolophus! Bloom!"
"Micro raptor! Shine!"
Ace then ran in taking Tank by surprise tossing her away! In turn Spiny ran out to back her up only to be blocked by Paris who jumped in his way and Miku hissing out while on top her back!
"Zoe! Let's take care of Spiny!" Cera suggested to her as she nodded back.
"Sure thing!" She said before looking ahead, "Go Paris! Get him!" She cheered punching forward as Paris and Spiny clashed heads with one another, pushing and shoving and neither giving in! Spiny quickly broke away and snapped down on Paris' neck and brought her down, as she bellowed and struggled helplessly, Miku screeched and leapt onto his head catching him off guard!
"Sorry Spiny, but this is for your own good!" Cera cried out with a hint of regret as she yelled out, "Power siphon!" In response Miku glowed brightly as she began to absorb energy out of Spiny causing him to thrash and roar out in annoyance as she stumbled back, swinging and flailing out his arms and tail which began to scatter several of the bandits around him!
"Grrr! Shake that pest off Spiny now!" Ursula ordered shaking her fist out impatiently. As much as he wanted to, Spiny couldn't bring himself to hurt her not just because they were friends but also because he knew anything he tried would end up endangering her severely and he could never look at Cera in the face again. He could only struggled helplessly before losing his balance and crashing onto the desert sand in disorientation!
After that Miku launched herself off his head and glided back onto Cera's shoulder, "Heh, he never saw it coming." She smirked as she and Zoe high fived.
"Yup, now that's what I call girl power!" She cheered holding a pair of thumbs up.
Ursula fumed red with humiliation as she began pulling on the camel's face again, "Grr! I'll show you runts what girl power is!" She growled before pointing out, "Get back in there Spiny! Show them that I'm a real woman!" She ordered as the spinosaurus kicked back up and shook his head clear of sand before rushing ahead!
Miku quickly jumped off Cera's shoulder and landed back on Paris, "Energy equaliser!" Glowing brightly she began transferring energy back into the parasaurolophus and she stood up strongly again and bellowed.
"And now for Flower garden!" Zoe followed slashing the grass move making Paris glow green as she absorb energy out of Spiny making him thrash and roar out painfully as his energy began to sap away! Eventually he lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground returning to a card!
"GRRR! NO! NO! NOOOO! I hate losing to kids!" Ursula screamed loudly in annoyance as she shot out a claw and grabbed Spiny's card back before pulling on the camel's ears, "Its so not fair!"
"Sorry about that Spiny, but you left us no choice…." Cera sighed feeling a bit guilty about what they put him through, at least it was done peacefully and with minimal violence as possible on the bright side.
"Yeah….I kinda almost feel bad for that….Almost…." Zoe added after her.
"Princess! I'll protect you and Genie!" Rex said to Zahrah confidently.
His words were put to the test when a rope suddenly lassoed around Zahrah which surprised them both, "Huh?" A camel soon ran by and she was dragged along for the ride! "WAAH!"
"AH! Princess!" Rex then gasped in alarm! He tried to go after them but Tank got in his way and stopped him from getting any closer!
"I tried asking you nicely…." Zayid smirked smugly as he continued dragging Zahrah across the desert sand!
"AAAH!" She cried out in pain catching the others' attention!
"That snake! We've got to do something and fast!" Cera growled clenching her hands into fists, not only did he pull off a dirty sneak attack, but he was also being needlessly rough to her too.
Seeing none of the others could get there in time, "Chomp! Save the princess!" Max yelled to his partner, spurring Chomp to knock Terry away in time before stomping down hard on the rope, snapping it much to the bandit leader's frustration!
"Blast you!" He cursed.
"Now let's take care of Terry!" Max then said as Terry got back up and approached them, "Gatling spark!" Surging with electricity, Chomp roared and rushed out towards Terry, striking him multiple times with Lightning bolts before thrusting upwards, sending the t-rex flying and then returning ti a card on the desert floor.
"No fair! I…I had sand in my eyes! That shouldn't count!" Dr Z whined in annoyance as he ran up to grab Terry's card with a claw.
"Fall back men! Fall back!" Zayid yelled seeing they were outmatched which forced them to beat a hasty retreat.
"They're splitting…." Cera noted as she observed them regroup and leave.
"Phew, that was close…." Zoe breathed a sigh in relied seeing they were in the clear, though Cera herself narrowed her eyes seeing them begin to vanish in the desert horizon, knowing they hadn't seen the last of them for sure...
Meanwhile Max went down to check on Zahrah to make sure she wasn't injured, "Princess…Are you okay?" He asked with concern after helping to undo the ropes that were on her.
She smiled looking up at him, "Yes Max, thanks to you and Chomp." She said thankfully before pulling in his face and unexpectedLy kissing him on the lips! After that Max remained stunned and stared speechlessly at what just happened as his own brain switched off completely and he lost focus on all his surroundings.
Taking notice of it, Zoe blushed red with jealously before crying out loud in horror that Zahrah got Max now, "GAAAAAAHHH!"
"Uh oh….." Cera gulped as she sweat dropped unsure what to think of it now. "Rex better not find out about this..." She thought knowing the kind of trouble he'd get himself and Max into if this got out.
Fortunately he was still distracted by the battle as he and Ace clashed tails with each other, "Yeah! Let her have it Ace!" He cheered as Ace quickly shoved her away!
"NO! What are you doing Tank!? Fight back!" Ursula yelled out loud in annoyance as she continued taking her anger out on her camel once more,"This smelly old camel is more ferocious than you!"
"Uhh Ursula?" Ed then said to her worried.
"The fight…it's kinda over…." Zander then added which surprised her.
"Huh?" Looking behind she saw the rest of the group had already abandoned them as she exploded in frustration, "Now you tell me!? Try keeping me in the loop!" She grumbled before joining them.
"Later losers!" Ed and Zander then waved out to the D Team as they followed the rest if the bandits over the desert dunes after recalling Tank and the battlefield disappeared.
As they took off and disappeared behind the dunes, Cera looked back and folded an arm on her hip as she narrowed her eyes, "What is up with them today?" She wondered, while Miku went to go heal Genie as she transferred much needed energy over to him which helped him get back up to his feet slowly, "When I find out what it is I'll make sure Helga gives them more than a stern lecturing to." Cera then swore under her breath after she and Zoe returned their partners to card form.
Rex soon recalled Ace and then ran back to check on Zahrah, who was walking up to Genie, "Princess!"
"You were very brave genie…." Said Zahrah kindly to him while petting him as he got back up to his feet having just recuperated from his wounds.
"Princess! Are you okay!?" Rex asked her with concern, before noticing Max was staring blankly into space, "Whoa, maybe I should be asking you Max…" he then commented which snapped him out of his thoughts at last.
"Ah! What! How's that!? Yeah! Actually I'm fine! Couldn't be better!" Max gasped all flustered as he walked away to stretch himself away from Rex.
"Now he's all red, guess the sun got to him too…." Rex then commented oblivious to what had happened behind his back.
"Right! The sun…." pouted Zoe looking away jealously while Cera looked on.
As she began to process everything that had just happened before her eyes, she began to notice how flustered Zoe was about this. She was fine letting Jim kiss her but now she was getting jealous over Max getting one? Maybe she was kinda developing feelings for him in a way she assumed...though that was something she ought not to speak about for the time being...
As for the boys, she hoped they wouldn't get too attached to Zahrah, cos they'd have to say good ye eventually and that would be much sweet sorrow. Also what would that make Zahrah though? Does she kiss anyone who saves her or is it for something special? In any case that would be complicated for any man shed choose as her sultan when she becomes queen no doubt...
"Quickly! We must get moving! We must get to the palace!" She then said getting everyone's attention after getting back on Genie.
Cera then shook her head and narrowed her eyes, "She's right…." She thought remembering the more important task at hand before looking back to her friends, "Everyone, I know the 'heat' is getting to us all, but let's not forget the prize at the end okay?" She then asked which woke Max up.
"Huh? Prize?" He blinked before widening his eyes and snapping his fingers, "Oh yeah! Saving the sultan and the cosmos stone! Right!"
"And you can be assured that you'll be safe the whole way!" Said Rex butting in and putting a hand to his chest on confidence.
Zahrah then smiled feeling secured to have their support, oblivious go the feelings they were developing for her, Thank you…you're all so very brave…." She said thankfully which made them both blush red and smile weirdly.
"It's nothing hehe…." They both laughed all infatuated with her much to Zoe's jealousy and Cera's dismay.
"Hmph!" Zoe then huffed and pouted blushing red with jealousy, which the boys were completely oblivious to as they climbed back up onto Genie's back thanks to him lifting them up with his tail before moving onto Cera and Zoe next. Cera meanwhile hung back thinking it'd be best ti stay out of the firing line fir the time being, knowing how complicated love triangles were thanks to dramas and soap operas she'd seen...who knows how dangerous this one could get.
As they resumed their trek across the desert sand they were unaware that they were being watched by Foolscap who was going to wait for an opportunity for them to let their guard down before moving in.
Not long after that, the sun had begun to set leaving a tint of orange in the sky which the D Team and Zahrah soon noticed as dark blue clouds of the night were beginning to come in as well, "It's already sunset…." said Cera as she looked up, "I'm surprised at how dark it's gotten already," as a breeze suddenly blew upon them, she and the others began to shiver as the cold came in, "Not to mention how cold it is too…." she shuddered hugging herself in an attempt to preserve body heat!
"I can't believe I'm actually starting to miss the sun and heat from today…." Zoe chattered through her teeth along with the boys as they hugged themselves or were forced to huddle close too.
Zahrah narrowed her eyes as she and Genie surveyed their surroundings, "It's no good, we'll never see where we're going at this rate." she said sounding disappointed, "We'll have to continue when morning comes." she suggested.
"Guess we'll have to make camp somewhere then." Max muttered in agreement seeing they'd need to seek shelter too, not just from the cold but also for cover in case the thieves would come after them again while they were all exposed in the wilderness.
"I'll take a look!" said Rex suddenly as he shoved past Max much to his surprise!
"H…Hey! Watch it!" he grunted in annoyance as he was forced back.
Squinting his eyes and putting a hand over them, he carefully scanned the horizon before noticing what appeared to be a grove of trees further in the distance! "AH! Over there! It looks like an oasis!" he cried pointing ahead alerting Zahrah and the D Team!
"Huh?"
"Hey let me see!" said Zoe as she put on her goggles and zoomed in on Rex pointed. As she did, she could see he was indeed seeing a genuine oasis, since it wasn't hot or bright anymore it couldn't be a mirage! "Hey you're right! I see some trees growing there too so there has to be water!" she gasped as Cera and Max smiled with relief that they now were blessed with welcome relief.
"Wow Rex, you certainly have very sharp eyes." Zahrah praised in amazement as she clapped her hands together.
A gesture which made Rex fold his arms on his hips and hold his head up high, "Hehehe, I'm great at many things Zahrah! Not only can I keep an eye out for danger I'll be sure to protect you from it too!" he spoke out boastfully. Cera had to admit this was rather out of character for him considering he was usually polite and humble, to be letting his ego get to his head was a first for her….
The rest of Rex's friends didn't seem to take it too well either as Zoe huffed and looked away jealously, "Hmph…."
While Max scoffed and folded his arms eying Rex with a glare, "Show off…." he muttered as they soon reached the oasis.
Heading through the glade, Genie lowered himself down on the ground and allowed the gang to get off him and not the war desert sand as they surveyed their surroundings, and they all smiled pleased with it, "This place looks like a good spot to camp here for the night." said Rex to himself, feeling proud for finding it for them in the nick of time.
"Yeah, it's well sheltered and there's plenty of water too." Zoe nodded seeing there was a small pool of water for their dinosaurs and them to drink after their long trek through the desert earlier in the day. A sudden breeze with cold night air made them their smiles melt away as they began to shiver uncomfortably again, "Now if only we can stay warm till morning….."
"Good thing I made sure to pack some blankets for this sort of situation," said Cera as she began taking out some old drapes she packed in her backpack before passing them around to her friends who wrapped them around their bodies quickly. Though even with them on it didn't seem to help as much as they hoped.
"Brr, even with these on it's still kinda chilly…." shivered Rex as even Zahrah hugged herself, she was more used to having the castle walls shield her form the cold at night, though that wasn't a luxury she had at the moment.
"Then I'll just whip us up a campfire then." Max grinned as he came in with some sticks which he then threw down on the ground.
Zahrah blinked her eyes in surprise, "Really? You can make a fire Max?" she asked feeling both interested and amazed considering this was the first she heard of it, for she was used to seeing fire started by oil in the palace.
He smirked with confidence seeing this was his moment to impress her, "Heh, a little wilderness survival trick I picked up from my dad." he said pointing to himself with his thumb before grabbing hold of a pair of stones nearby, "All you need are just some wood and a couple of stones." He then began smacking them together, scraping them across one another, "Clap them together…." a set of sparks soon came out from the rocks which landed on the dried wood he gathered. Before long a fire soon started much to Zarah's amazement, "And voila! There you go, fire!" he said showing it off as Rex and Zoe quickly huddled around it for warmth and relief from the night's cold.
"Wow Max, to be able to start a fire with simple rocks and twigs….I'm most impressed." clap hands
"Hehe well I'm not one to brag but I do have my moments." Max grinned and blushed red cheekily scratching the back of his head much to Zoe and Rex's annoyance.
"Yeah right…." Zoe huffed looking away with envy.
"Hmph…" Rex pouted seeing Max was hogging the princess' attention and was making him look bad too.
Not wanting to be involved in this love triangle of complicated situations, Cera decided to step out for a bit seeing she needed a little time to herself so she could think. As she did the others looked up to her curiously as she walked away from them, "Huh? Where are you going Cera?" asked Max blinking his eyes.
Looking back to them, "I'm going to…scout the perimeter for a bit and keep watch." she answered firmly, "Make sure we're safe and that we aren't followed. Can't take any chances out here in the wilderness with bandits out and about where they can just attack us out of nowhere right?"
Blinking their eyes in surprise her friends soon nodded with approval at her suggestion, "Good call there." said Max.
"Yeah I wouldn't want to have my sweet dreams interrupted by thugs." shuddered Zoe at the thought.
"Nor would we want to wake up and find ourselves tied up and at their mercy first thing in the morning." Rex added with concern in his voice.
"Be careful." Zahrah said with concern to Cera to which she nodded in response.
"I will princess." she said as she headed off through the grove, just as Genie got up and walked over to some nearby trees to eat while Max and Zahrah followed closely behind to observe. On the outskirts of the oasis right past the grove of trees, Cera was able to let out a deep breath of air, taking in the fresh surrounding atmosphere and being able to hear herself think once more, "Finally, some peace and quiet….I don't know how much more of all that lovey dovey rom com talk I could take…." she sighed deeply, seeing the excuse to patrol their surroundings perfect so she could get some time away from the others to keep to herself a bit, so she could reflect on the day's events. Truly a lot had transpired, not only were they down to finding only 3 stones but now the Alpha gang had teamed up with the 39 thieves, so who knew how much more complicated their mission in this era could get now. If only she had kept a tighter leash on them….
She had pondered so much over the many obstacles thrown at them the whole way, she began to wonder whether if everything would really work itself out if they did manage to secure a stone, also would they be able to save their parents and the universe at the same time? The thought of it all was far too overwhelming, till she was able to look up at the sky….as a spell soon came over her….with a sea of stars glittering across the dark night sky. She couldn't explain how or why, but the sensation peace and harmony seems to filled the desert atmosphere which made her feel completely at peace and that perhaps there is indeed hope for them in the end. "Wow….the stars really are beautiful tonight…..it's all so…tranquil…." Unfortunately as with all their other past experiences on this time travel adventure, their moment of peace and relief would soon pass as several cries for help echoed across the desert sands.
"Hey! Get your hands off me!"
"Let me go!"
"Hmm? What's that?"
"Help! Someone! Anyone!?"
Cera's heart skipped a beat and she widened her eyes recognising them instantly, "Those voices….they couldn't be…." she shook her head to make sure she wasn't hallucinating herself, but soon hardened her expression realising she had indeed heard right. Though how it was possible…. "I'd better go see….." she said suspiciously as she headed off in the direction they came from.
As she came to a nearby clearing in the desert beside some large rocks, she widened her eyes at the sources of the voices, standing before her were the 6 parents they travelled far and wide across the boundaries of time and space to find, "AH! The Taylors, Drakes and Ancients!" she gasped in shock and amazement that not 1 but ALL of them were able to make it off the Space pirate's ship! This was an opportunity she couldn't let slip by! Her optimism was short lived as she ran in for a closer look, only to stop and see they were being taken hostage by several slime robot monsters, all of which carried the pirate symbol on their faces!
"They're surrounded…." she said weakly as she eyed the robots restrain them against their will, as they jerked and tugged but to no avail, "Those creatures…." A flashback came to mind as she recalled those robots along with the enemy dinosaurs were responsible for destroying several cities and attacking innocent people too….from a vision or perhaps….an old memory? Whatever the reason was she knew they were bad news and that they were no doubt planning to make their escape efforts worthless if she let them do as they pleased, "There's too many of them…." she noted looking around to see there were so many of them surrounding the 6 parents on all sides, eliminating all hope of escape they had. She clicked her tongue, not about to let them get away with it on her watch, "Tch! I have to tell Max and the others!" she was about to reach for her dinoshot and make contact with them, when suddenly-
"Well well what do we have here?" another sinister and familiar voice soon laughed out loud catching her attention!
"AH!" Realising she was exposed she ran to hide behind some rocks nearby making sure we was out of sight from all sides. Keeping a low profile and looking up, she saw a shadow fly over her head and appear above the captive parents as they looked up at him with spite. His figure soon was illuminated by the light off the stars in the sky, which made Cera grit her teeth and clench her fist with hate, "Foolscap…." she hissed as he hovered over the parents and looked down on them smugly with folded arms.
"I was about to get my hands on the cosmos stone your kids swiped but then I got word from the boss that you 6 somehow managing to break out of our ship." he grinned, "Looks like we're going to have to fix that." snapping his fingers a portion of the gel jarks began to lead them away somewhere, "This time when we put you away we'll make sure to lock you up and throw away the key! Hahaha!" he laughed out loud boastfully as some of the parents like the Drakes and Aki, fell into despair and lowered their heads in defeat.
While others like Spike and the Ancients glared angrily at hm, trying in vain to get at him while he remained out of their reach and being restrained by the Gel Jarks! "Why you…."
"You won't get away with this!"
Foolscap however shrugged off their comments as he looked to the remaining group of gel jarks, "Meantime, rest of you are with me." he said as he began to fly away, leading them in another direction, "We've got a cosmos stone to find and I know just the kids who have it!" he said as they followed behind him towards their intended target!
"Grr…." The parents could only look on helplessly as he took off with a squadron of gel jarks heading for where Max and the others were resting!
"You leave them alone!"
"Wait till I get my hands on you!" Spike and Dr Ancient yelled out as they struggled and tugged at the jarks holding them against their will!
Cera clicked her tongue as the space pirate passed over her hiding spot with his troops passing by, "Tch! He's going after the others!" she clicked her tongue in frustration, while also relieved she was able to slip by unnoticed. "I can't let him hurt them while they're still sleeping…." She thought seriously clenching her fist tightly, her instincts were telling her to save her friends and warn them, however her consciousness said otherwise, "But…." Looking ahead to see the D Team's parents being lead away a purple teleportation beam soon enveloped them as they were being taken up to the space pirate mothership high in space! Widening her eyes and seeing them taken before her eyes, she made a decision she hoped she wouldn't regret, shouted out at the top off her lungs, "Grrargh!" rushing forward towards the light, jumping inside it just before it vanished!
Things take a twist as Cera infiltrates the pirate ship in the hopes of rescuing the adults! Stay tuned and find out how she goes! Also wanted Spiny, Miku and Paris to be involved in the fight here too. Also when Helga mentioned making sure the Alpha gang took care of Dr Z it involved her giving them the warning about their strudel privileges.
In response to reviews:
Anonymous
-As what was shown here, Cera won't see it happen since she'll be on her own mission, so it can be assumed what happens on the D Team's end will be the same as in canon.
Drew Luczynski
-Since the D Team were on edge before the start of Persia wanted to explore on it, Cera is just doing what she can for the team with a level head. Yeah on the part with Genie, let's just hope Genie was the only card that got found and activated in Persia while most got dug up later in Present age and then activated.