(A/N: I forgot to add when Dina gains another Fighter Rank in the last few chapters I think, so just an FYI that she is Rank 7)
Me: Okay, sorry for the long delay but I went on vacation so I wasn't able to work on anything. I did get myself a Dimetrodon figure made from seashells. :)
Mapo: Now I can't bug Rupert about his crush! :'(
Me: Just because they're together, doesn't mean you can't bug him, Mapo. Trust me, knowing you you'll find a way.
Mapo: ...Muhhahaha.
Me: Disclaimer: I don't own Fossil Fighters :D
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
I'd just heard from Robinson that the Bonehemoth had swallowed another VMM with a working teleporter, so apparently it was now a "dig site". Robinson, much to my surprise, decided he'd rather live in the Bonehemoth so he returned there.
The events of the past few days still whirled in my head. I'd been eaten by a whale, attack by a mask-controlled Pauleen, Todd and Pauleen were now a couple... and Rupert.
I still couldn't believe he actually loved me. The rich, seemingly-heartless guy I'd wanted to slap at Treasure Lake was now in love with me. He'd changed so much from that first day...
My Paleopager suddenly alerted me to my semifinal matchup, "Pauleen has been selected as Dina's semifinal opponent."
I sighed. It was hard to know that, if I made it to next round, that I'd most likely be battling Rupert if he passed through as well. At least I didn't have to battle him now.. But I did have to battle Pauleen, so it felt just as disheartening.
I made my way to the common room and was immediately sent to battle. Pauleen stood, for the first time since the incident, without her mask and prepared for battle.
"There you are, Dina! This is going to be my first battle in front of people without my mask, digadig." she sighed, "But.. That's okay, diga. Your faith in me has made me brave."
I smiled, "I'm glad to hear that, Pauleen." I showed her my Dino Medals, "You ready for this?"
"Ha! I'm not going to be intimidated!" she held up her fist, "I'm going to show the world that I am reborn, digadig!"
We walked into the stadium and I sent out my usual team, which slid around due to the icy conditions. Pauleen sent out Omias, her main Vivosaur, Plesio, and Synthos.
"Lugmos! Charge!"
Lugmos began sparking and energy built up within him. While he powered up, I had Coatlus use Wing Cutter on Plesio. The small water Vivosaur was battered by the powerful attack. Coatlus turned and smirked as he flew back to position. Plesio flashed a glare back at him, teeth bared.
"Darting Blur on Coatlus, digadig!" Pauleen commanded.
The small Vivosaur lunged forward, eyes narrowed, and launched itself upward at the flying reptile. Coatlus flipped backwards upon impact, and Synthos added to the damage through a link attack. Both attacks gained a critical, but Coatlus was still standing strong.
However, Synthos turned and attacked again with Synthos Spring. His horn met with Coatlus's wing, causing him to screech. Synthos backed away before Coatlus could retaliate.
Nycto came from the back of my team and whipped up a powerful gust. Startled, Plesio tried to dodge but unfortunately was swept up before he could move. He returned to Pauleen as a Dino Medal. I let Lugmos Charge again afterward.
She stared me in disbelief, "What..!? Well then, Omias, use Omias Dos!"
Omias nodded back to her and ran up full speed at Nycto, uppercutting him and knocking him out in one hit. Synthos followed up behind her, running and darting up with his horn at Coatlus, but Coatlus flew up and dodged.
Lugmos growled and reared up on his hind legs, then built up a charged Lugmos Sphere and launched it at Synthos. He whipped around and ran, but the flames engulfed him and he tripped forward. His Dino Medal spun through the air, then landed at Pauleen's feet. She picked it up and growled.
"Go, Omias! Use Omias Dos again on Lugmos!" she motioned forward, and Omias followed her order.
Once again, she charged forward and slammed into Lugmos, jabbing him with her horn. He flinched, but since their power was pretty much matched he was barely fazed by the attack.
Coatlus spread his wings and spun, sending a vortex at Omias. She became Enraged and roared at Coatlus. Using a second attack, Lugmos jumped at her and used Lugmos Tail, battering her around.
Omias once again used Omias Dos, attacking Lugmos once again. Despite her status, she gained a critical hit with perfect aim. She snickered at Lugmos, gloating over her success.
Coatlus screeched, flying at Omias and hitting her with his wings repeatedly. She retaliated with Omias X, but Lugmos jumped back and dodged. Then he leapt forward and hit her with Lugmos Tail. She stumbled backward, then fell over, transforming back into a Dino Medal.
The crowd cheered. "Congratulations to our first finalist, Dina SentÅki!" the announcer said. Pauleen then motioned for me to follow her out of the Stadium.
"Your Vivosaurs are unbelievably powerful, diga!" she said with amazement.
I nervously looked down, "Yeah.. Sorry you didn't win, Pauleen.."
"Aw, who cares about that! I was finally able to be confident, digadig." she smiled, "Sure, I lost the Fossil Battle, but I didn't lose to myself!"
"Well, I guess you're right."
"Yeah I am! All those people were watching me, but I never got nervous or flustered! Not once! This is a pretty special day for me..." she jumped at me and gave me an unexpected hug.
"Thank you, Dina. Thank you for everything. I'm looking forward to seeing you in the final, digadig." she stood there for a few minutes before jumping back, "Daaah! Why am I turning red now, digadig?!"
"Hey!"
Pauleen and I turned to see two boys walking up to her.
"Oh, wow. It's Pauleen! You became my favorite Fighter the moment you took off that mask!" the one said.
"...I LOVE YOU!" the other said.
Pauleen backed up, "Uhh.."
"Um.. I mean.. maybe we can be friends or something? Heh..."
Pauleen began getting flustered, "Uh.. um.. I can't deal with this right now, digadig!" she ran off towards her room.
"Waaaiittt! Paaaulleeenn!" they shouted, running after her.
The sudden sound of cheering began coming from the stadium. Rupert walked out, then noticed me and walked over.
"Dina, hello." he said, smiling cheerfully.
"Hi." I said, blushing.
"Well.. I won. So I guess we'll be facing each other in the finals. Good luck, Dina, I'm looking forward to it." he smiled, then hugged me, "I'll see you later."
"Bye." I said.
Kent walked over to me, "Nice work, little dude! That was some epic ownage you dealt out there. Well, here's your prize for winning your semifinal match." he handed me a Miraculous Fossil rock, then stamped my Fighter Pass, "You're also Fighter Rank 8! Sweet!"
"Thanks Kent, but.. Isn't this a little much?" I said, gawking at the rare Super Fossil Rock.
"C'mon, dude! You made it this far, so you totally deserve it! And, like, if you win you get the whole park so this is nothing compared to that! And I know you'll totally shred through the finals, dude. I have faith, man." he winked. Then he walked back to his office.
"Hey, Dina!" Todd yelled. Just like after every match he came running up to me.
"Great job out there! I knew you could do it!" he gave me a highfive.
"So, I heard about how you went into the Bonehemoth's belly and fought Pauleen's mask! You're a world-class Fighter now, it's crazy!" he said excitedly.
"..And I guess you'll be facing Rupert in the finals, huh?"
"Yeah. I'm happy about it, but it's still kinda sad because it's the end of the Cup..." I sighed.
Todd made a fist, "Don't worry, Dina. Either way you guys will have fun, and I'll cheer you on with all I've got!"
"Thanks, Todd." I hugged him, "But.. um.. Two boys were chasing Pauleen before so if yo-"
"They were Whaatt?!" he turned and ran off towards the direction Pauleen went. I've never laughed so hard in my life. His reaction was priceless.
My Paleopager beeped and I checked the message, "A new dug site is now open: Dusty Dunes! You are urged to travel there and prepare for the finals."
Hearing that, I headed off to the new digsite, but the thought of the finals still made me feel a slight bit of sadness.
(Meanwhile, at the BB Brigade Base)
Everyone stood in silence, except Lola, who looked up defiantly at Don Boneyard.
"Soooo, Operation Lights Out was kind of a bummer, huh?"
"...THAT'S YOUR EXPLANATION?! IT WAS A "BUMMER"?!" he roared. Cole looked about ready to pass out out of fear. Lola only flinched, never seeming fazed by this sort of thing.
"Idiots..." he muttered, "Perhaps you're not aware that the Caliosteo Cup final is about to take place!" he turned away from them, "I wanted Fighters slinking away in fear from this island, not sticking around and building up excitement!"
"...Don Boneyard?" Lester asked.
"No, I'm not taking suggestions anymore! It seems I must take matters into my own hands." he turned back to his commanders, "There is but one course of action left for me to take. One I wished not to take, but it is the only way.. No matter, this is all that can save us now."
Cole looked terribly nervous, "Um.. I'm not sure if I like the thought of a plan that even Don Boneyard finds unappealing."
"Yeah, that's not cool, man. It sounds bad, like reeaallyybad, you know?" Lola stated.
"GET YOUR ACTS IN GEAR, FOOLS! ..and understand that failure on your part will be dealt with most harshly."
The three commanders stepped forward, ready to hear their orders.
"It's time to bury the Caliosteo Cup once and for all..."
(Back at Dusty Dunes)
"..Why do I always bump into him?" I muttered.
It seems Professor Scatterly was once again "in a pickle" as he says. Somehow he got his water bottle mixed up with a flyswatter and was now dehydrating.
"My legs are weak.. My eyes grow dim.. My mustache withers... Yes, it seems death stalks me once more old bean. I need.. w-water.. Urgh... Tell science... I love her."
(A/N: THIS IS NOT PORTAL 2!)
I sighed, "If you ever do die it'll probably be from stepping on a thumbtack." I grabbed my water bottle from my bag and poured it in his mouth.
"W-water! It's water!" he gurgled. After drinking pretty much the while thing, he leapt up, "I say, that hit the spot! Thank you for pulling me back from the jaws of oblivion, eh wot? he chuckled.
"No prob, Professor.."
"Wait.. You're Dina! Oh, it seems you have rescued me yet again, old bean! Well, you can trust that I'll not forget my water in such a place ever again!"
Don't count on it..I thought.
"So, it seems I've found the location of the last Calio Slablet! However, the soil is so loose here.. So as quickly as I dig, it fills in my hole. I've buckled my garter trying to think of a solution, but alas, I have nothing..."
"Well, um.. you could-"
"I say!" he interrupted me, "I heard you battle your way to the Cup final? I wager excavating here should be no problem for one of your caliber!" he said excitedly.
"Yeah, sure. I'll dig it up." I told him.
"Wonderful! Well, according to the sonar, the Slablet should be just infront of me. I say, do your thing!"
Carefully dug through the loose, dry soil and pulled out the Calio Slablet. Professor Scatterly was estatic.
"Excelsior! That's Calio Slablet #4! Now we may learn what happen to ZongaZonga and the ancient Kingdom of Caliosteo!" he studied the tablet, ""The people finally rose up as one against ZongaZonga's reign of terror. Though the struggle was long and difficult, they ultimately succeeded in defeating ZongaZonga. To prevent him from ever stealing a body again, his skull was sealed away in a stone chest. They then constructed the giant Stone Pyramid and locked the chest deep inside." Facinating! So ZongaZonga was overthrown by his own people, eh? But there's that bit about sealing his skull inside the "Stone Pyramid." ..Quite odd, that is."
"Where is the Stone Pyramid?" I asked him.
"I'm not sure myself, but my scientific curiosity is quite piqued! Well, I do have all the Calio Slablets, so I suppose I shall go search out this Stone Pyramid!" he walked off, "Tallyho, Dina! Best of luck to you in your final match!"
"Thanks." I smiled.
After wandering a lot and getting plagued by normal rocks, I decided to take a break and go back to town. Just as I walked up the stairs from Dusty Dunes, a tremor shook the ground. I was thrown backwards down the stairs, but Lugmos was unleashed and caught me.
"Eeek! W-what's going on?!"
"It's an e-e-earthquake!"
The people screamed and ran about until the quake subsided. Lugmos pushed me up but refused to leave my side. The jumbo TV screen came flying over, and Don Boneyard appeared.
"Bwa ha ha ha ha! Behold, mortals, I have returned! But not to worry, I only came to wish you all farewell... For you see, your pathetic Caliosteo Fossil Park is about to sink beneath the waves!" he bellowed. Lugmos let out a deep, threatening growl.
Don Boneyard continued, "All three islands will will swept away like grains of sand on the shore. So unless you're an exceptional swimmer, I would suggest fleeing for your lives right about.. NOW!Bwaaa ha ha ha ha ha ha!" the TV went black and flew off. Lugmos narrowed his eyes.
'How are we gonna stop this?' he asked.
I felt worried, "I don't know, but you should revert back to a Dino Medal. It's bad enough there's earthquakes, but people might get frightened seeing a huge Vivosaur prowling about as well."
Hesitantly, Lugmos obeyed. Just then, Pauleen came running to me in a panic. "D-did you see that, digadig? He said he's going to sink the islands, and right before that was an earthquake! I think he's serious, diga!"
I nodded, "I know, that's what scares me. Rupert and Todd probably did or will hear the news, so our best bet is to go to Joe. He'll know what to do."
Pauleen nodded, and we ran to do so.
At the top, Rupert and Todd had already come.
"How are you already here?" Pauleen gasped.
"I came as soon as that stupid skeleton finished talking!" Todd shouted.
"I figured this was a job for the Patrol Team, so I came right away." Rupert said, then walked up to me, "Are you alright, Dina?"
"Mentally, no, I'm really freaked out. But physically, yeah." I told him.
Joe sighed, "Well, we're in a whole heap'a trouble right about now, so it's understandable, pard."
"Joe, is Don Boneyard really capable of sinking these islands?" Pauleen asked.
Joe shook his head, "I'm afraid you got me there, little lady. I don't know much 'bout that sort of thing. I did ask one if the local experts to run by and help us out.." he stared exprctantly at the elevator, "Figured he should'a been here by now."
Just then, the elevator made a ding sound and up came none other than Professor Scatterly.
"Pardon me for being so late! I had the most fascinating lunch you see.."
"Professor, can you please help us?" I pleaded.
"Hm? Oh, Good Heavens, Dina! I seem to run into you wherever I go." he thought, "Well then... I would conclude that the recent quake is the result of the Spinal Pillar being weakened."
We all gave him confused looks, so he explained, "The Spinal Pillar is a massive structure that supports the Caliosteo Islands. Theoretically, if someone were to chip away at this pillar, it would eventually snap in two. This would send the islands plummeting into the sea, which would be quite terrible."
"That's low, even for the BB Brigade..." Todd stated, "We can't let them get away with it!"
"We must stop them from eroding the Spinal Pillar further." Rupert said.
"Er, yes. Well.. you see, I fear that stopping further erosion will not suffice." he said sadly, "There's already too much damadge to the Spinal Pillar.. We must reinforce and repair the damage if we are to stop this."
"And just how are we gonna do that?!" Joe shouted.
The Professor smiled, "With calcium, my good man! The Spinal Pillar is composed of a very hard type of calcium, you see."
"Like a bone?" Pauleen asked.
"Precisely. If we were to inject a similar substance into the pillar, we could save the islands! However, there is but one thing that contains the type of calcium we need. That us the prehistoric fish, Sardinisaurus!"
Joe spoke up, "I reckon we can find Sardinisaurus fossil rocks deep inside the Petrified Woods. It's a dig site over on Ribular Island. We'd closed it for maintenance, but I'll open 'er up right now." he held out his hand, "Lemme see yer sonar there, Dina."
He grabbed a screwdriver and reconnected a few wires and stuff in my sonar, then handed it back, "Done. I fiddled with yer sonar so it'll pick up Sardinisaurus fossil rocks. Now there's no time to waste! Get over to the Petrified Woods and find one'a them fossil rocks!"
"Got it." I said, backing up.
"Rupert, Pauleen, and Todd, I got another job for y'all. Folks are in a panic out there, and I'd like ya to help calm 'em down. The last thing we need right now is a bunch'a scared folks stampeding around!"
Rupert nodded, "Understood." he turned to the others, "Come on, you two. Let's go."
"Got it!" Todd said. We all headed into the elevator.
"Are you sure you're alright to go alone?" Rupert asked me, "With the tremors and the BB Brigade after us I'm worried."
"I can take care of myself, Rupert. Don't you worry. Plus, I've got my Vivosaurs to protect me." I reassured him.
"Excuse me, you two lovebirds, but once you're finished can we please get moving?" Pauleen said with a bit of fear.
Rupert turned red and walked over to her, "Sorry. We can go now." he took a glance back at me, then ran off.
Lugmos snickered, 'Your boyfriend's worried about you. How sweet!'
"Oh, shut it, Lugmos." I said, flustered. Then we headed to the heliport.
(Rupert's POV)
"Miss, please stay calm. I assure you we are doing our best to get everything under control." Rupert said to a frightened girl.
"I-if you say so.." she said, then walked off over to a few other people.
Todd laughed, "You know, you really worry about Dina too much."
"Why? I just want to make sure she's alright." he stated.
"Well, let me tell you something," Todd started, "Two years back, when we first met Joe, we went up a mountain to look for Vivosaurs. The two of us ended up cornered by an Allo on the edge of a cliff with the choice of jumping to our deaths or being torn apart. Dina stepped in front of me to guard me, but then Joe came and saved us. If she hadn't grabbed my hand and jumped onto his Ptera, we wouldn't be here today."
"Why were you up there in the first place?" Rupert shouted.
Todd shrugged, "It was Dina's idea, but when she does dangerous stuff, she knows how to get out of it. That's pretty much what I'm trying to say."
Rupert sighed, "That's what scares me.. She's always doing stuff like that.""
Pauleen put her hand on his shoulder, "Relax, Rupert. Back then it was only her and Todd. Now she has her Vivosaurs, too, digadig. I'm sure she'll be fine."
(Dina's POV)
"AHHH!"
I screamed as a tremor made me lose my balance and I fell off the petrified, wood path to the sea below. Lugmos suddenly appeared and caught me with his tail.
'Goodness, be careful!' Lugmos growled.
"Sorry, geez..." I pouted, "I didn't know that was gonna happen!"
'Just stay close to me. We're almost at the end' Lugmos had refused to leave my side while the tremors were still happening, especially while we were trekking around these slippery pathways.
When we finally did reach the end, it was a small cavern hallowed out of the inside of a giant petrified tree. Lugmos stayed outside to guard while I went in.
There was a long, thick set of intertwined vines growing down from the ceiling. I carefully gained my footing and crawled up. Once at the top, I detected a red "X" on my sonar, and after digging I discovered a Sardinisaurus fossil, gleaming like a diamond in the sun. I quickly rushed back down and took off down the paths with Lugmos.
Joe smiled welcomingly upon my return, "Well, look who's back! And with a bit of treasure to boot!
I walked up and handed him the fossil, "Yep, I found it."
"Well then, we gotta squeeze the calcium outta you, little guy. Let's get a move on, shall we?" he went down the elevator, then a few minutes later he came back up with a large, needle-like object filled with liquid.
"All right then, pards. This here's the Calcium Injector. Accordin' to the Professor, we gotta drive this into the Spinal Pillar at the seafloor. I got Stella standin' by with a sub, so y'all get down there and-"
Joe's phone rang suddenly, and he answered, "...Oh, howdy, Stella. What's wrong?" he became panicked, "What?! Somebody wrecked the sib's engine?! Possum spit! Them dang BB Brigade boys are one step ahead'a us!"
That suddenly gave me an idea. A crazy, but helpful, idea.
"What about the Bonehemoth?" I blurted out.
"Oh, hey! That's a great idea, digadig! We can just use the Bonehemoth!" Pauleen agree.
Rupert hesitantly spoke, "..Yes, of course! The Bonehemoth would be able to get us to the seafloor with ease. Of course, it might not be that simple. Perhaps we should ask Robinson for advice?"
All of us turned to Joe who chuckled with amusement, "Well, heck! I can't believe how quick y'all are on yer feet. Can't say I understand the plan fully, but if y'all think it'll work, then I'm for it." he handed me the Injector, "Just get down to the seafloor and fix that Spinal Pillar!"
.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Me: A but shorter than most chapters, but still something! :D
Lugmos: What up with the random Super Fossil Rock?
Me: I am the author. I can randomly throw rare fossils at characters if I want. Like this! *throws rock*
Echo: *is KOd by rock*
Me: You're not even in this story! So, um, please review..?
Lugmos: Or run, whichever's better...
(Real reason: Dina will soon have another leveled up team member. ;D)
