Me: Finally! The final battle is finally on, for real!
Areos: When do I get to fight..?!
Me: Oh, uhhhhh... soon?
Areos: PrObLeM?!
Me: ...Disclaimer: I don't own Fossil Fighters.
Areos: Trololololololololololo...!
And also, a big thanks to Cottonmouth25 for the many very kind comments, and of course for correcting my mistakes (which helps a lot, and will get around to correcting them).
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
We stared at each other, neither of us spoke in fear of breaking the silence. Rupert's eyes shone with determination, and mine glowed with excitement and anxiousness.
Finally, the announcers spoke our names to the audience. Cheers were heard all around.
Rupert took a breath, "Well, this is it, Dina. Do you remember when I said I didn't care if I lost so long as I tried? Well, that's not quite accurate because I don'tintend to lose today." smiling he asked, "I'm sure you feel the same?"
"No doubt about it." I playfully punched his arm, "I'm gonna fight with all I've got!"
"I would ask for nothing else."
The doors slid open, blinding lights beaming around us, and thousands upon thousands of people were lined up in the stadium. I could recognize Pauleen and Todd at a glance, then I spotted Princess Pooch and Joanie as well as Minister Pomposa, and many other people we'd met along the way.
Rupert looked at me, then we shook hands, "Let's go show them what a real Fossil Battle is all about."
"This is it, folks!" the announcer bellowed, "The most anticipated battle of the year, the Caliosteo Cup final! On the right side we have Rupert Kasaki, son of the famous FossilDig Inc. CEO!"Rupert waved to everyone as his image appeared on the screen in the stadium.
"And on the left side, the girl who fought the BB Brigade and defeated the notorious Don Boneyard, Dina Sentōki!"I smiled awkwardly at the attention I was getting.
"Now Fighters, choose your Vivosaurs!"
"Go!" Rupert yelled, tossing out three medals. All were water types: a red Super Evolved Mapo, a normal Mapo, and a Mapo King; his first Mapo, as expected, was now his strongest and the head of the team.
I shouted my Vivosaurs names, giving them recognition, "Lugmos! Nycto Ace! Coatlus!"
Roaring battle cries, the Vivosaurs prepared for one of the most important battles of their life. Winning meant fame and fortune, but losing only gave you the thought of almost winning; to get so far only to gain defeat was a terrible fate to be bestowed upon anyone, young or old.
I took the first attack, begging the battle, "Nycto Ace, attack Mapo Kibg with Nycto Star!"
Nycto Ace pushed himself off the ground, soaring upward, then flipped back and flew at the ground. He turned forward just a few feet from the earth and launched himself at Mapo King. The Super Evolver shook off the attack like it was nothing, smirking with knife-sized teeth at the smaller, green Vivosaur.
Coatlus quickly thought and came up with a second attack. His opponent dodged, but was hit in the shoulder as Coatlus sped up and landed a hit. It wasn't much, but every bit of damage counted at this point.
Now it was Rupert's turn, "Mapo! Use Conquerer's Special on Coatlus!"
The red Mapo roared, running and leaping at the large pterosaur. He chomped onto his neck and slammed him onto the ground, then let out a gush of water from his mouth like a gyser. Due to the type advantage, Coatlus wasn't fazed LP wise, but he was now Enraged and probably couldn't land a good hit for a few turns.
Nycto Ace flew at Mapo King, letting loose a critical Nycto Hurricane that whirled Rupert's entire team around in a flurry of wind and mist. He let his team skip a turn to save up FP, so I attacked again.
"Lugmos, use Charge!" It was like bringing knives to a gunfight, but using one of Lugmos's extra strong attacks might be able to bring down one of Rupert's Vivosaurs. Either way, it was worth a shot.
"Alright then," I signaled to Nycto Ace, "Attack the first Mapo with Nycto Somersault!"
Nycto Ace flipped himself in the air to uppercut Mapo with his feet, which sent him backwards onto the ground.
"Good, but not good enough!" Rupert shouted across the field, "Now, Mapo, use Conquerer's Special again, but this time on Nycto Ace!"
The air Super Evolver was pummeled by the series of attacks dealt out by Mapo, and was also Enraged as a result. Luckily, Coatlus could cover for him because his status condition had just worn off.
Coatlus whipped up a twister with Great Vortex, whirling Mapo King around like he was a leaf in a windstorm. Then while he was recovering from his dizzy spell, I took a chance.
"Lugmos," I took a deep breath, "Finish him."
Lugmos concentrated, staring at his target. Leaping, he whipped his tail in a charged attack. It glossed with a fiery power, then collided with his opponent. Mapo King staggered and fell to the ground as the crowd roared with excitement.
Rupert stared at me with astonishment, but quickly got back into battle mode, "Mapo, use Conquerer's Fang, then you," he motioned to his second Mapo, "Follow up with Conquerer's Special."
In an instant, they knew who to target. The first Mapo grabbed hold of Lugmos's front leg, but was shaken off effortlessly. The second one had come up behind, biting and tackling Lugmos, then finishing it with another gush of gyser-like water. Lugmos was nearly hanging on.
"Coatlus and Nycto Ace, attack the first Mapo!"
Coatlus went for the regular Mapo, hitting him with Great Vortex. Nycto Ace followed up with Nycto Somersault and kicked him backwards. Although dizzy and weak, Mapo still held on by a very thin thread.
Rupert's second Mapo attacked with Conqueror's Combo, biting and pushing Lugmos around. Lugmos couldn't take the damadge and fell, causing another eruption of screams and shouts from the crowd. We were getting to the end, and Rupert had evened our teams out.
I growled with frustration and ordered Costlus to attack Mapo again. He used Wing Cutter, spinning at a terrific speed and slashing at Mapo with his wings as if they were blades. Nycto Ace followed up with another high-speed Nycto Star, crashing into Mapo and sending him flying backwards onto the ground. He glowed and reverted to a Dino Medal. I was in the lead.
Rupert was shocked again. He had his last Mapo attack with a full force Conquerer's Special. Nycto Ace flailed about as he was smashed to the ground several times. Glaring, he jumped back up and hit Mapo with Nycto Somersault again, bashing Mapo's jaws together with a loud crack. He dropped his head and panted for a moment, but as he recovered Coatlus swept him up with Blow Away.
Mapo, who had slightly more than half his health left, charged at Nycto Ace once again. He headbutted him down onto the hard earth, then lifted him up only to bring him down again. Nycto Ace turned back to a Dino Medal as well, bringing our teams to a one-on-one fight.
Coatlus quickly soared upward, gaining speed. Mapo squinted at the sun as Coatlus barreled down at him. Gusts of wind blew him back, and Coatlus slammed into him with a Blow Away and tackle combo. Mapo held his ground and grabbed Coatlus as he went to retreat, biting his left wing and stomping on him as he fell to the ground.
He recovered, whipping Mapo with Wing Cutter. The Vivosaur growled with anger and aimed a bite at Coatlus, but he swiftly dodged and smiled as he came back around with a Diving Trust attack. Mapo, who was surprised at this sudden move, fell back. His eyes were still fixed on Coatlus, who landed in the center of the stadium. Mapo couldn't get back up and turned back into his Medal form. Rupert sighed.
"All of you did well. You've made me very proud. Win or lose, that was a wonderful battle." he looked up at me and walked forward. I did so as well.
Coatlus returned to his Medal form as well and I picked him up. I stared into Rupert's eyes for a heartbeat, then extended my hand and he shook it.
"Thank you for sharing this battle with me, Dina." he smiled, "That was the most fun I've had in a long while."
The crowd was roaring with excitement, "Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the first ever Caliosteo Cup, Miss Dina Sentōki! Congratulations on your astounding victory!"
We walked out of the stadium into the lobby.
"You won, Dina." he laughed, "You know, I had always dreaded the thought of losing, but now that it's here, I feel... I feel serene, calm. Like I've been... cleansed somehow."
He grabbed my hands excitedly, "And the battle was so fun! Did you see how I attacked with everything I had! Wooo!"
"Uhh... Rupert?" I giggled.
He blushed, "...Ahem! Yes, well..." he released his grip, "I believe I am satisfied. I'm glad it was you on the final stage. I really am. It was a privledge and honor to meet a fellow Fighter such as you. Thank you, Dina."
"There they are!"
We both turned with surprise as a mob of cameramen and reporters stormed into the lobby. They circled us like flies, spitting out several questions.
"Woah, woah, woah! One at a time!" I shouted.
"Dina, how long have you been fighting in Fossil Battles?"
"Well," I thought, "Probably only about four years. I got my Dimetro when I got to fight a full-fledged battle, but before that I'd practiced with my brother's Vivosaurs."
"Dina, is it true that you're friends with Hunter, the boy who defeated Gunash?"
I thought for a moment, "Not exactly.. I mean, I know him, but we've only met a few times. My brother and him are close friends, though."
"Rupert, there have been rumors that you and Dina are in love. Is this true?"
"Hm.." Rupert looked at me with a smirk, "Does this answer your question?"
He pulled me close and kissed me, right infront of them. Everyone around us gasped, but I could care less about them because right now I was having the best day of my life.
Rupert released me and turned back to the cameras, "Anything else?"
"N-No.. That's all..!" they all dispersed, leaving the room except for one person who was documenting everything. I don't know how Rupert deals with them all the time, they're annoying!
"Sorry about that..." he scratched his head nevously.
I gave him a cheerful look, "It's alright. I bet we'll be in the headlines of newspapers everywhere, though!" we both laughed at the thought of that.
"Well don't that just beat all!" Joe walked forward, and was relieved to see him instead of more papperazi, "Who woulda thunk this Cup would end with a new hero ridin' to save the day? And to think them BB Brigade fellers almost blew the whole thing! Dina, you took a stand against them and ended up savin' the Cup and the park. Yer passion fer battlin' and yer strong heart have allowed ya to claim the crown. Ain't no doubt about it, you've grown into a great Fighter and a true champion. So like I promised, I'm gonna make ya the owner of this here Caliosteo Fossil Park!"
He turned to the camera, "To all those who fought with their all... To all them fans who whooped and hollered 'till their throats were sore... To the loyal cowhands who worked day and night to make everything run smooth... With a hearty thanks to y'all, I declare the Caliosteo Cup officially over!"
He saluted to me, "Congrats, Dina! Ya truly are the chosen one."
"Thank you, Joe."
As the cameraman stopped his broadcast and left, Rupert turned to me, "I'm going to go talk with my Father. I'll see you later, Dina."
"Okay. See ya, Rupert."
"Oh, say there, pard." I looked up at Joe, "There's somethin' I'd like to talk to ya about. You mind stoppin' by the suite in a bit?"
I nodded, "Sure. I'll be up as soon as I can."
"Alrighty. I'll be waiting." he walked off to the stairs just as Todd and Pauleen rushed at me out of no where.
Todd jumped up and down with unmeasurable happiness, "You did it, Dina! You really did it! You're the champion!" he pulled me into a tight hug, "It's wicked! It's awesome! It's wicked awesome! Aw, man... I can't believe you were my Round 1 opponent!"
He pulled away and shrugged, "But hey... Since you beat me there, and you ended up winning here... That means I would've come in second! Ooohh, it's so aggravating!"
Pauleen finally managed to get a sentence in, "Great job, digadig! Your battle was amazing, digadig! My palms are all sweaty and sore from clapping so hard!" she glanced at Todd, "..and I'm surprised he hasn't lost his voice from screaming yet, diga.." Todd snickered at that remark.
"...But why are you standing here, diga? There's a whole bunch of people waiting to see you outside! Talking to your fans is a part of a champion's job, diga. You know that!"
"I'd love to talk to them, but.. Joe wants to speak with me so it'll have to wait." I sighed.
Pauleen shot me a questioning look, "...Diga? Joe wants to see you?"
Todd gasped, "Maybe he's finally remembered how we met two years ago! Yeah! That must be it! If that's the case, then I'm going with you! Pauleen," she looked at him, "We're just gonna swing by Joe suite quick, okay?"
"That's fine, Todd.. I'll talk to the fans and have them hold on, digadig." she turned to leave but stopped, "But don't keep them waiting too long!"
"Great, let's go!" Todd shouted.
"You wanted to speak with me?" Todd and I stepped out of the elevator.
Joe was staring out the window, hands behind his back, "I'm glad you came."
He turned and walked towards us, then gave Todd a surprised look, "Oh.. You brought Todd. Well, this doesn't exactly concern him, but... fine. He's here. How very nice for us all." his tone sounded almost cold, like when you're in a bad mood.
Todd was stunned, almost completely shell-shocked, but Joe payed no mind to him. He just went on talking, "Let me give you a little history lesson, Dina. I want to talk about a king. A great king who once ruled over all the Caliosteo Islands. ...I want to talk about ZongaZonga."
Todd spoke up, "Hey, ZongaZonga is the guy they talked about on those Calio Slablets, right? He was some horrible sorcerer that implanted his skull in other people's bodies!" he shivered, "..but, didn't they locked him away in the Stone Pyramid?" I nodded, but I was becoming suspicious about this conversation. There was something fishy going on...
Joe nodded in agreement, "Well, you've got a good bit of knowledge there. That's exactly right." he paced around, "But that's not where the story ends. There's a second act that no one knows about."
I swallowed, "What happened?"
"This happened uncountable years after the skull of ZongaZonga was sealed away. A single man, acting on pure chance, found the Stone Pyramid and the chest, with no idea what was inside." he paced again, "The moment he cracked the lid of that stone chest, the poor man's body was stolen by ZongaZonga."
He smirked, deviously, "Do you want to know the name of that poor, wretched man? Shall I tell you?"
I held my breath, almost choking. I could feel the tension building between us.
"His name.. was Joe Wildwest."
I backed up, and so did Todd. Both of us were frightened out of our wits.
The man cackled, "You are beginning to understand that I am notyour foolish cowboy friend. I am King ZongaZonga!"
I shook my head in disbelief, "N-No.."
"D-Did he just say that he's... ZongaZonga...!?"
"But.." he continued, "this body is old. And smelly. Living in it forces me to fake that ridiculous accent! I need a body that's strong and full of life if I want to regain my full powers." we backed up, "..that is why I held the Caliosteo Cup. Long ago I used this tournament to select the Majestic Vessel, and now I have done so once more!" we backed up more, taking bigger steps.
"I... I-I won't let you!" I yelled.
He shook his head with a smile, "You should rejoice, Dina! You will become the new body for the great ZongaZonga! With you as my vessel, I will have no trouble regaining all of my former powers... and I will use those powers to rule the world!"
Todd grabbed my hand, and we backed up more. The elevator was within reach now.
"When your body withers with age, I will simply choose another! And another! And another! Hahaha! I am eternal! I am immortal! I WILL NEVER DIE!" that last sentence was more like a roar than a normal shouting voice.
"GO!" I yelled. We turned and ran for the elevator, jabbing the buttons rapidly.
Todd cried, "Th-the elevator... It won't work!"
"Fools! There is no escape!" the fiend bellowed, "I, ZongaZonga, command you surrender your body to me!"
Just then, the wall crashed in, causing ZongaZonga to stumble backwards onto the ground. We took the chance and ran towards the wall, meeting with a familiar face.. or two.
B-Ptera, the same one that Lugmos had given a scar down it's face, and a skull met our eyes, "Jump on, both of ya!"
That voice.. I recognized it all too well.. Even though it was two years ago, that day still burned in my mind.
...Joe was saving us again.
Once again, Todd was hesitant, so I grabbed his hand and leapt forward. We just nearly made it onto the Boneysaur's back. I looked back, seeing ZongaZonga glaring up at us.
"Impossible! That cursed skull!" he bellowed.
I gasped for breath, exhausted. My eyelids were heavy, and before I knew it everything went black.
I slowly began opening my eyes, and a voice spoke up, "...Are ya awake?"
That gave me the slight but of hope that maybe I'd passed out after my match from over-excitement, but the eerie room surrounding me made my heart sink. I shook my head, trying to make sense of it all...
Then I saw a skull bounding towards me from the ground. Todd, who was sitting in a chair opposite me, flinched and froze to his seat.
"You!" I leapt up from my somewhat comatose state and stared fiercely at the skull.
He shuddered, "Y'all don't understand!"
"Wait.." recognition suddenly struck Todd, "I know you! You're Don Boneyard! ..why would you save us?"
It hit me. The reason why Don Boneyard knew me, and why he was trying to stop the Cup.
"...Joe?" I questioned.
"Are you crazy, Dina?" Todd shouted, "You think this skull is acctually... Joe Wildwest?!"
The skull was silent for a moment, but spoke up hesitantly, "I'm afraid Dina's right, small fry. I really am Joe Wildwest." he gave a dry chuckle, "I reckon I know how crazy it sounds, but y'all need to believe me. ...Especially you, Todd."
Todd jumped with surprise, "You... know my name?"
"'Course I do! Ya told it to me, remember? Two years ago after we battled that angry Allosaurus?" his voice seemed cheerful, recalling that day. Lugmos's Medal was brimming with happiness.
Todd thought, "...Two years ago? The Allosaurus? Only the real Joe could know about that!" he cheered, "It's Joe! It's really him, Dina!"
He sighed, turning away with regret, "I used to dream 'bout a place where Fighters could dig up fossil rocks and battle to their heart's content. That's why I built the Caliosteo Fossil Park. Just before the doors opened, I stumbled upon the Stone Pyramid and decided to take a peak inside. That's when I found me a big stone chest, and... well, y'all know what happened next..."
He turned back to me, "..and here I am. Rollin' around like a tumbleweed on the plains.. But my body's got a few miles on it, so ZongaZonga started lookin' for a new Majestic Vessel. He organized the Caliosteo Cup and summoned Fighters from all across the world. I knew I had to stop it, so I disguised m'self as Don Boneyard and formed the BareBones Brigade. Luckily flying skulls warn't the only thing I found. I also tracked down some boneysaurs, so I took as many as I could find and gave 'em to the BB Brigade. After that, we did everything we could to disrupt the Cup. ...'Course you didn't make it easy there, pardners!"
I lowered my head, "I had no clue, Joe. I really am sorry. If you would've told me what was going on, I-"
"Aw, heck! Don't go apologizin' now! Ya were just doing what ya thought was right. I gottta admit, y'all have surprised me at every turn. I never reckoned to get beat by the small fry I rescued two years ago! I saw ya still had yer Dimetro, too."
I smiled, "He's a Lugmos now."
Joe nodded, sort of. "Well I wish we had time to sit around and jaw, but we don't. Ol' ZongaZonga went to a whole lot'a trouble to hold that Cup, and he's gonna want Dina's body. He ain't gonna give up until he has it, so y'all need to vamoose from these islands right away!"
I shuddered. Never in my life had I been so terrified. If Joe hadn't come at that moment.. well.. I probably would be just a bouncing skull like him.
"Dina?" Todd's voice broke me away from my thoughts, "Joe's right. We should get out of here!"
I thought about it. If I left, I'd most likely be safe from harm. But my friends, and the people in the park, would be in danger. It was a huge risk, but I had to do it.
"No." I answered.
"What..? R-Really? You're not leaving?!" Todd exclaimed. All the color seemed to drain from his face.
I nodded, "I need to fight ZongaZonga! It's the only way that we can save everyone!"
"Aw, shucks." Joe spoke up, "I appreciate ya sayin' that, I really do, but I'd feel terrible if something happened to ya! Don't be a hero. Run while ya still can."
Todd shuffled his feet nervously, "I don't want to sound like a chicken or anything, but..." he grabbed my shoulders, "HE'S A FLYING SKULL THAT CAN STEAL YOUR BODY!Let's just leave, ok? Let's leave together." his pleasing eyes begged me to go, but deep in my heart I knew I had to refuse.
I sighed, "Todd... I can't..."
He scowled, "Don't you understand!? I'm worried about you, Dina!" he stomped his foot down, yelling, "Fine! Get your skull stolen! See if I care, because I don't!"
He ran off, stopping to look back as he reached the doorway, but then quickly whirled back around and ran off again. Small tears formed in my eyes and began to run down my face, but I brushed them off with my sleeve.
"Ya sure about this, pard?" Joe asked, turned to the doorway where Todd had run off, "Yet riskin' an awful lot to help little ol' me."
"I need to do this, Joe."
"Then I owe ya more than you'll ever know. I gotta tell ya, though, I don't have the first clue 'bout how to beat this ZongaZonga feller. I know them ancient folks managed to seal him up somehow, but I don't know how they did it." he growled, "Aw, horse apples! I wish we had someone around here that knew the history of these here islands!"
Instantly, a name came to my mind.
"Professor Scatterly." I muttered.
"How's that know? Ya say Professor Scatterly knows about all the islands' history?" Joe asked. "Hm... Well, heck! Maybe he knows how to defeat ZongaZonga then!"
"We've got no time to lose." I grabbed Joe's skull and placed it in my backpack. It felt... lumpy.. which was really creepy. "Let's go."
"How far now?" Joe asked, but his voice was muffled from being in the backpack.
I veered to the right on Coatlus, "Not far. We should be there in a moment." Cranial Island was within range, but I'd need to be careful so no one would spot me. I couldn't start a panic by telling them about ZongaZonga just yet.
"Coatlus, I need you to land in Dusty Dunes. No one seems to be there right now, so we shouldn't be noticed." the Vivosaur nodded, then dived towards the sand and landed softly on the ground. I hopped down from his back just as he turned back into a Dino Medal.
I hurried into town. People were walking around like they did everyday, oblivious to the threat that was lurking just inside Wildwest Tower.
Upon entering the Caliosteo Museum, Professor Scattery was admiring his complete collection of Slablets. He noticed me in the doorway and rushed to greet me.
"Oh ho, welcome back, old bean! I hear you won the Caliosteo Cup, wot wot? Capital job, that was. Truly a nice spot of work!" his face became questioning in an instant as he saw my worried expression, "I say, what is the matter? You seem rather flustered."
I shakily sighed, then began to explain the entire ordeal.
"Good heavens! You're saying that ZongaZonga has taken over Joe's body, and that Don Boneyard was the realJoe trying to stop him all along?" he was silent for a heartbeat, then burst out laughing, "Oh ho ho ho! Oh, you are a witty young lass, aren't you? You almost had this old man for a second!"
I was absolutely infuriated when suddenly Joe hopped out of my backpack, landing next to Professor Scatterly, "Ain't no joke, Professor! Look at what happened to me!"
The professor gasped, "Good gravy! A skull that moves and talks! Well.. this is simply fascinating." he turned to me, finally understanding, "With this proof in front of me, I have no choice than to believe your tale. Although if ZongaZonga has come back, I'm afraid that leaves us in a bit of a fix. If he were to seize your body and reclaim his true powers..." I shuddered at the thought of it.
"Look, Professor." Joe interrupted, "We need to know how 'ol ZongaZonga was defeated the first time."
"How he was defeated?" the professor was puzzled, "Oh my.. Oh dear me, I'm afraid I don't know. ...but if I were to investigate there..."
Just then, we all heard shouting outside like someone started a small riot.
I turned to Joe, who looked up at me, "Somethin' must've happened. We'd best go have a look, Dina." he leapt back into my backpack, and it stillfelt lumpy. I walked outside, Professor Scatterly following, and to our surprise we saw the Mammoth Vision screen flying towards us. I could only think of what this could be about.
The screen flashed on, revealing the fake Joe in all his glory, "Hello there, everyone. It's me, Joe Wildwest." he wasn't even bothering with the accent anymore, "I'm afraid I have some sad news about our champion, Dina."
My heart sank, He couldn't be...?
"I've learned that our champion is actually a member of the hated BareBones Brigade!" he paced back and forth, "Yes, it seems Dina has been running with them since the very beginning, and she's been rigging matches to assure her victory." he faced the screen, glaring with rage, "Our so-called champion is nothing but a fraud!"
People were looking around at each other, but I was backing away with terror into the shade of a palm tree, "No.. This cannot be happening.."
"The cheater is hiding out somewhere with all the other BB Brigade cronies. Hear me well! I want Dina captured and brought to me!" he roared.
Everyone dispersed, as with the end of every announcement, then Terry and several staff members came out of the Fossil Station. They were searching for me, they all were.
Cautiously, the professor and I stepped out into the open. "Darn that ZongaZonga!" Joe growled, "He's gonna trick other Fighters into doin' his dirty work!"
Professor Scatterly nodded, "Indeed. This is a situation most dire. I suggest you two make your escape at once!"
Just as I went to run off, two people ran out of the doors, and I held my breath as I saw that it was Pauleen and Rupert. If they were against me than my world was going to come crashing down right here and now.
"You guys.. That announcement was a lie! Please don't believe it!" I pleaded.
Pauleen walked forward, "It's alright, diga. We're on your side."
"We battled you in the Cup, and we know you won by fair means." Rupert agreed.
"We can't be wastin' time like this!" Joe yelled, leaping from my backpack once again, "We gotta gallop back to the BB Brigade Base, and fast!"
"Eep! It's D-Don Boneyard! What's he diga-doing here?!" Pauleen screeched.
"I'll fill ya in on the details later, kid. Right now, we gotta hurry! If they track down Dina, the world's in a heap'a trouble!"
Rupert shrugged, "I can't say I understand, but I will trust your judgement." he motioned to Pauleen, "We should go."
Joe leapt back into my backpack just as footsteps sounded behind me. I froze and slowly turned, meeting face to face with Stella and the other staff leaders.
"...You've disappointed me. I trusted you, you know?"
"Who knew the champ was really a member of the BB Brigade? It's sad, really." Terry chimed in.
Kent stepped forward, "Come on, little dude. Just come with us and nobody has to get gnarly." They edged closer, cornering us more with every step.
Rupert became tense, "This is bad. We're surrounded."
"What'll we diga-do?!" Pauleen held her hands to her face, eyes wide with worry.
"Rooooooaaarrr!"
"What the...?" everyone turned, and Todd was running towards us at full speed, leaping in front of us to keep the people away.
"Todd! You came back!" I cried with joy.
"Run, everyone! Run now! I'll take care of these guys!" he grabbed a Dino Medal from his pocket, and turned around to look at me, "So, remember when I said I wanted to run because I was worried about you? Well, it's not quite true.. I actually ran because.. I was afraid... I'd always just hang back and let you do all the hard stuff."
He turned back and walked forward, "You.. you were always so brave, Dina! You took on everything, no matter how scary it was! Then Pauleen took off her mask, and Rupert stood up to his father and... and I realized I was a coward. It made me ashamed." bawling his hand into a fist and readying his Dino Medal he shouted, "I'm done running! No more fake stomachaches for me! You're my best friend, Dina, and I'm gonna save you!"
I stepped towards him, but he stopped me, "Go already!"
Launching his Medal forward, Stego appeared and growled at the staff leaders. He prepared to command his first attack.
Tears fell from my face and I ran at him, but Rupert grabbed my hand before I could do so. "Todd can do this, Dina. We must believe in him."
I took one last look back at him, then we turned and ran. Todd faced his opponents without fear. Just as we were about to fly off on Coatlus, I could hear Todd shouting to everyone.
"Bring it on, chumps!"
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Now the story gets even more exciting! And how did you like that RupertXDina moment there? XD
Sorry for the lateness, though. All this month I will most likely be working on my Halloween costume since I'm way behind. I'll try to work on the next chapter at least once or twice a week so I'll be able to get it done faster than last time (which will actually get a lot of it done, hopefully).
As always, please review!
