Before I start the chapter I would like to give a big thank you to everyone that has read this story whether they have reviewed or not. I have actually finished the main story of the game and I will post a new chapter every day until I reach a point where I can't because a chapter has not been finished.
Also, if you have any questions for the characters that have been introduced feel free to ask! They will be answered as fan mail or as interview questions within the story itself. You can ask any characters that have been introduced.
Cole flopped onto his bed, letting out a muffled scream of frustration into his pillow. He'd just got done being scolded by Don Boneyard for failing, but the worst part was that Lester had taunted him for losing to a single fighter. It was pissing him off to no end. He didn't even bother looking up when he heard his door slide open.
"Heeey, Cole, are you, like, okay?" The bed creaked as someone sat down beside him and gently rubbed his back to comfort him. "I heard you came back crying after some fighter, like, beat you." Cole raised his head and glanced back at the girl on his bed.
"I'm fine, Lola," he answered. "That girl was awful! She didn't even talk to me!"
"She didn't?" Lola tilted her head curiously. "Do you know why?"
"No, I don't." Cole sat up and crossed his arms over his chest. "She was using sign language-which I don't understand by the way-and it was obvious she could hear me."
"Did you think that maybe she, like, can't talk at all?" Lola questioned. "I mean, there aaare people out there who can't, like, speak because they were born unable to or they got hurt or something. Like, I had an uncle who breathed in too much smoke during a fire and he'd cough if he exercised too much and he said on bad days it hurt to talk. Maybe she was in a fire or something."
"I don't think so," Cole answered. "I mean, she didn't cough at all, and I'm pretty sure that Fossil Battle exhausted her. Maybe she was born mute...anyway, that doesn't matter. What does matter is that I will get my revenge on her!"
"That's the spirit, man." Lola smiled at him. "And if Lester's plan fails, I'll be sure to take her out for both of you."
"Thanks Lola," Cole grinned and hugged the girl. "You're the best sister a guy could ask for."
~...~
Dina stepped out of her room, yawning. She was still half asleep, but she didn't want to sleep any longer than necessary. A new dig site was open on Ilium island, and she wanted to go check it out. Todd was still a little upset about Joe not remembering the two of them, but he was even more excited about being a member of the newly formed Caliosteo Patrol Team. He had run on ahead to the new island, so Dina flew there by herself.
When she arrived on the new island she was greeted by Kent, the Staff Leader. He chatted with her for a moment before heading off. Dina watched him leave before the cold wind finally got to her. She shivered and started towards the Fossil Station. She blinked in surprise as she nearly ran right into Rupert. He turned to her, raising a brow.
"Why are you wearing such clothing in weather like this?" he asked her. "Aren't you cold?"
[Freezing,] Dina replied. [I didn't think to bring a coat. It was my understanding that the islands were warm. Nobody warned us we'd be in a tundra.] Rupert sighed and shook his head, taking his own coat off. She tried to refuse, but he insisted and she had no choice but to let him drape it across her shoulders.
"I think you can buy some coats in the Fighter Station," he said. He walked with her into the Fighter Station and waited for her as she purchased a coat. It was a puffy dark blue one with fake fur on the inside. She handed Rupert back his own coat and the two walked out together and towards Hot Spring Heights.
"I must ask, did you ever find out what happened with Fury?" he stopped. Dina paused and turned to him tipping her head in thought.
[No, I suppose it slipped my mind,] she answered.
My Fighter abandoned me when he found a fire element that was 'better and stronger', Fury snarled. I've no idea where he is now, but I hope to never see him again.
[She said her Fighter abandoned her out there after he found a different vivosaur,] Dina told Rupert. He raised a brow.
"'She 'said'?" he echoed. Dina paused for a moment, frowning at the question.
[Yes, my vivosaurs speak to me telepathically,] she admitted. [Don't yours?]
"Vivosaurs talking?" Rupert scoffed. "Now there's a tall tale if I ever heard one. Still, I know you are not one to lie, so if you say they speak to you, I believe you. But to answer your question, no, my vivosaurs have never spoken to me. Nor I to them outside of battle. Have your vivosaurs said anything about me?"
[Oh, yes, they hate you.] Dina grinned. Rupert scowled at her and she continued, [Nah, I'm joking. They don't really hate you, but Mayrah's still mad at you for what you did when we first met and Peak likes to make fun of you a lot. Riptide's...well, he's Riptide, he's a sweetheart and thinks you're a really good person. Fury hasn't said anything about you yet, so I don't think she's formed an opinion of you or just doesn't care.]
"Mayrah?" He questioned. "Peak? Riptide?"
[Mayrah's my Aero, Peak is my Raja and Riptide's my Tricera,] Dina explained. [They're slowly warming up to you.] Rupert nodded.
"I'm very sorry about when we met," he sighed, a small blush forming on his cheeks. "I did that for the camera and I promise to never do it again."
[Good, because I don't know if I can stop Mayrah from biting you if you do,] Dina joked. As if on cue, Mayrah burst from her Dino Medal in her compact form and growled warningly at Rupert. He took a step back, face pale.
"Dina, control your vivosaur, please," he said.
Dina suddenly got an idea. While Rupert tried to calm down Mayrah, she leaned down and began to pack some snow into a ball. She threw it at the child prodigy, hitting him right in the chest. He yelped and stumbled back, startled by the sudden attack.
"Hey!" he frowned at her. He tried to glare, but it melted as he saw she was laughing. There was something eerie about her silent giggles, but at the same time Rupert couldn't help but smile along with her. "Yes, yes, you're hilarious," he chuckled, bending over to make his own snowball. Dina barely managed to duck out of the way as he tossed it at her.
That was the snowball heard around the world. In moments the two were locked in a fierce war, ducking behind rocks and small snow forts as they dodged enemy fire, calling-or signing in Dina's case-playful insults and challenges to one another. The only sounds around were the echoes of Rupert's laugh and the soft crunching of the fresh snow beneath their feet. At some point, the two lost sight of each other and stopped to think about their next strategy. Mayrah had returned to being a Dino Medal and Dina's Vivosaurs were silent, feeling it would be too unfair if they helped her.
She was broken from her thoughts when she saw Pauleen speaking to a snowman. Her mask was off and she was clearly practicing what to say to another person. She couldn't get close enough to hear what Pauleen was saying, but after a few moments the girl sighed and put her mask on. She raced away. Dina frowned and failed to realize there was someone creeping towards her. She gasped as a snowball hit her back. She spun around to face Rupert, whose golden eyes were shining in amusement.
"Always be alert," he chuckled. Dina would have shoved some snow in his face, but her Paleopager went off and caught her attention.
"I got a little job my new Caliosteo Patrol Team," Joe's voice rang out from it. "Can ya'll meet me at my suite in Wildwest Tower?"
"Caliosteo Patrol Team?" Rupert raised a brow, eyes wide.
[After the incident in Rainbow Canyon Joe asked Todd, Pauleen and I to form a Caliosteo Patrol Team. If we notice something odd going on around the park we're to report to him or a Staff Leader immediately.] Dina told him. He nodded briefly.
"Better hurry then," he said. "Good luck." Dina nodded.
[Prepare yourself because when I return I'm getting back at you for that snowball!] Dina turned and raced away. Rupert watched her leave, shaking his head and letting out another soft chuckle.
"You're really something, Dina," he murmured to himself. He received a call on his phone and answered it.
~...~
"Dina, wait!" Rupert raced to catch up to her, skidding to a stop and almost falling over on the ice. She caught him and helped him back up.
[What's the rush?] she asked once Rupert was steady.
"My father is taking a moment out of his schedule to come by the fossil park," he explained. "I have been ordered to wait for him out here. I thought I would catch up to you so you could meet him." They turned their attention the sky as a helicopter landed on the pad and a man in a suit walked out.
"Thank you for coming to see me, Father," Rupert greeted. "I know your time is most valuable."
"I hear you are making steady progress through the Cup, Rupert," his father replied, not even bothering to say 'hello'. "However, I expect you to continue on and win. I will accept no less than total victory. Your unbeaten streak is the finest advertising FossilDig, Inc. could want, and it must continue at all costs. Do not fail me in this, Rupert!" Rupert seemed to shrink back.
"Y-yes, Father," he replied. His father seemed pleased with his son's answer.
"Very well. Perhaps I will take a tour of this little park before I leave. Since this park is the grand prize, it will inevitably become a part of the FossilDig, Inc. empire.." he trailed off as he noticed Dina. "Who is this?"
"This is Dina," Rupert answered. "She is another competitor within the Cup."
"Oh, so you're the child that has been rumored to have stolen my son's heart?" His father's voice dripped with venom as he glowered down at Dina through his yellow sunglasses. Dina flinched back, averting her gaze to the floor.
[Those are just rumors, sir,] she signed. [I do not think Rupert and I are even friends. We barely know each other and we didn't exactly get along at first.]
"Really now?" His father questioned. "Then what about that interview on TV?" Rupert froze up, his face paling.
"That was a stunt I pulled to gain popularity, Father," he defended himself. "I meant no harm to anyone. Besides, I'm sure these rumors have brought some positive light to the company, correct?"
"Yes, the tales of Rupert and his disabled love, torn apart between their love for each other and their rivalry to win the Cup, have gotten attention alright," his father huffed. "Though, it is true it has gotten us more positive attention than negative. Good choice, Rupert. You seem to get along fine now, though."
[He insulted my friend,] Dina signed, her lips curling back in a grimace. [I can't forgive that. We merely act that way to keep up this 'lover' act. Trust me, I've had many thoughts of shoving him into the ocean. I was on my way to Cranial City when I ran into him out here.]
"And what could you gain from this?" Rupert's father's eyes narrowed. "What is in it for you?"
[I owe him, unfortunately,] Dina answered. [He saved my life when I nearly fell off the path in Mt. Krakanak, so I'm apparently his fake girlfriend now until the end of the Cup where we will go our separate ways.] Rupert's father nodded briefly.
"Very well. Good-bye, Rupert." He turned and headed back into the helicopter. Rupert looked down at his boots.
"As you can see," he said. "My father is a very...driven man. He puts the company first and thinks about how to make it better...that's all my father thinks about, really." He blinked as Dina suddenly hugged him. He awkwardly wrapped his arms around her.
[If you ever want to talk, just find me,] she signed to him as she pulled away.
"Thank you," Rupert murmured. "But please, forget any of this ever happened. It really is none of your concern and you needn't worry about it. I'm very sorry for how he spoke to you, but...is that really why you're doing this?"
[Of course not!] Dina protested. [I really do think of you as a friend, Rupert, but I could tell he probably wouldn't like the idea of you having me as a friend from the way he was looking at me.]
"You...lied?" Rupert breathed. "For me?" Dina nodded, smiling.
[That's the lengths friends will go for one another,] she signed. [I'd better get going. I'll see you later! Remember to prepare yourself! I shall have my revenge!] She hopped onto the next helicopter as it landed and waved to Rupert. He smiled and waved back.
"I'll have another snowball waiting for you!" He called. He wasn't sure if she had heard it over the helicopter's whirring blades, but the sight of her sticking her tongue out at him confirmed she had. He laughed and watched the Helicopter disappear on the horizon. His smile faded as he was left alone with his own thoughts.
If she could lie so easily to my father, he thought. what's stopping her from doing the same to me?
Dina entered the suite to find Pauleen and Todd already there, which was no surprise. She was, however, unable to stop grinning and it did not go past her friends' heads.
"Hey, what are you so happy about?" Todd asked.
"Oh, she and Rupert were on a date in Hot Spring Heights," Pauleen giggled. "I heard Rupert's laughter all the way on the other side of the dig site so I stole a peek. They were throwing snow at each other and chasing each other around. It was absolutely adorable!"
"What!?" Todd was less than happy with the news. "You were with that jerk!? Why!?" Correction; he wasn't happy at all.
[He's not that bad once you get to know him, Todd,] Dina signed to her friend. [And we weren't on a date, we were just hanging out as friends. Besides, that's not important right now.]
"Sorry for ropin' ya here on such short notice." Joe was smiling in amusement from the conversation. "Lemme introduce ya to someone. This here's the Minister Pomposa from the Kingdom of Nomadistan. Now listen up. Minister Pomposa's got somethin' very important he wants to tell ya'll." The man in the blue suit nodded and stepped forward.
"The words Minister Pomposa will now speak are of vital importance to the Kingdom of Nomadistan," he said. Todd and Pauleen whispered about never hearing about it before and Minister Pomposa snapped at them to be quiet. "Now, if you are done being rude...The Kingdom of Nomadistan has a lovely princess whom the people treasure above all else. However, our beloved princess has recently gone missing! This is simply unacceptable! Minister Pomposa has traveled far and wide in search of the princess, but no success. However, we now believe we are close to finding her whereabouts. It seems she has entered herself in the Caliosteo Cup! This means she is here in this very fossil park. Minister Pomposa is sure of it. "
"As ya'll can see," Joe spoke. "This is a matter of some sensitivity, and we've been asked to keep it under our hats. But I figured if anyone could form a posse and track down this little lady, it would be my Patrol Team!"
"I don't mind looking for the princess, but Minister Jerkface there is really starting to bug me!" Todd whispered.
"What did you say!?" The minister roared. Todd yelped and ducked behind Dina.
"I...um...said you have a very nice mustache, sir!" He squeaked.
"Yes, it is quite fine," Minister Pomposa puffed out his chest. "Minister Pomposa brushes it with 100 strokes every night. Now then. If you return our princess, we shall reward you most generously. You shall be given a miraculous fossil rock so fine, Fighters shed tears of joy just to be near it." This got Pauleen and Todd's attention. Dina listened on in confusion, unsure of what they were talking about.
"I've heard of those!" Pauleen turned to her. "They can make vivosaurs transform or evolve on the spot. I can't believe they'd give away something so valuable…"
Minister Pomposa showed them a picture of the princess. Apparently, Joanie was the princess, or so it seemed. Todd and Pauleen immediately raced away once they reached the lobby. Dina shook her head with a silent sigh.
After asking a few people she learned that Joanie was in the Jungle Labrinth and hurried over. After some exploration she found Joanie and Madame Pooch in the deepest part of the jungle being harassed by some man who seemed intent on stealing the poor pup from Joanie. Dina ran in and forced herself between the man and Madame Pooch, glaring up at him.
"Please, make with ze Fossil Battle and save Madame Pooch," Joanie pleaded. Dina nodded and pulled out her Dino Medals.
The man's two machai immediately leaped onto Riptide, biting and clawing at him. Mayrah focused on the Heracles, biting into its tail and throwing it. Fury joined in, swiping her claws on its stomach before leaping back.
The two Machai slammed into her, knocking her away from it. She quickly took out the Heracles with a critical hit and snarled at the two. They backed away, wide eyed. Riptide charged the red one, sending it back into its Dino Medal. The green machai managed to defeat Fury before it was taken out by Riptide and Mayrah.
Madame Pooch bit the man's leg and chased him away. Dina barely managed to explain that Minister Pomposa was looking for them when Todd and Pauleen rushed in and grabbed Joanie, dragging her away. Madame Pooch let out a whine and Dina shrugged. She gently picked the pup up and followed.
When she made it back to Joe's suite, Todd and Pauleen were arguing about who had brought the princess back first. When Dina arrived with Madame Pooch, Minister Pomposa was elated and pushed by them. Apparently Madame Pooch was actually Princess Pooch Poochian. The Kingdom of Nomadistan was always at war and after some time the people began to blame their human rulers so they replaced them with dogs and had been at peace ever since.
"Minister Pomposa," Joanie spoke. "You must not make with ze chastising of Princess Pooch! It was I who allowed her out of ze palace. She asked for my help, and I could not refuse." Minister Pomposa knelt down.
"Is your desire to engage in Fossil Battles really so strong, Princess?" He asked. Princess Pooch let out a bark of confirmation. "Very well. In that case, Minister Pomposa sees no harm in staying here until your next match."
"Ah, Princess Pooch, this zis is so wonderful, no?" Joanie was smiling. "If Minister Pomposa sees your passion for Fossil Battles, you can continue in ze Cup!" Excited, Princess Pooch barked and ran around the room, her tiny tail wagging rapidly. Minister Pomposa handed Dina the Miraculous Fossil Rock. He, Joanie and Princess Pooch left the room.
"You mean a dog advanced in the cup and I didn't!?" Todd cried out in dismay. Pauleen burst out laughing and Dina could barely stop herself from giggling.
"Well, Dina, it looks like you done went and saved the day again," Joe said. "But thanks to you, too, Todd and Pauleen. I know ya'll gave it yer best shot." They received a message that the Hot Spring Heights hot spring was open.
A hot spring? Peak asked. Hell yes, sign me up! I need a little relaxation after that mess!
Peak, language! Mayrah snapped at him.
I agree with Peak! Riptide probably would have been hopping around if he wasn't a Dino Medal. The hot springs sound like fun!
You three have fun with that, Fury stated. I'm not a huge fan of water, so I'll just be enjoying the steam.
"Well, it took a good long time, but we finally got the durn hot spring open," Joe chuckled. "Ya'll should check it out. It's a good place for soakin' yer old bones and clearin' the dust from the trail."
"I'm going to head there right now," Todd said. "You should come too, Dina!"
[I'll meet you there,] she signed. [I want to get this fossil cleaned first. And get back at Rupert for that snowball he hit me with earlier.] Todd frowned at the mention of Rupert but then shrugged.
"Hit him in the face for me!" he called as he ran off.
Please do, Mayrah said.
"You and Rupert seem to be gettin' mighty close," Joe teased. "Them rumors aren't too far off, are they?"
[Rupert is just a friend,] Dina insisted. [I don't think he likes me like that. And I don't think I like him like that, either.] She turned and hurried away before Joe could say anything else on the matter.
After cleaning the fossil she integrated it to Mayrah. She changed shape, turning into a beautiful golden vivosaur with butterfly like wings. She could, apparently, use these wings to fly wish she showed off by hovering around the room in her compact form. She followed Dina proudly out to Hot Spring Heights.
A snowball hit Dina in the back and she spun around, eyes narrowed. Rupert stepped out from behind a tree, grinning.
"Got you," he teased.
[You'll pay for that!] Dina darted towards him. Rupert, caught of guard, was unable to move out of the way when she tackled him into the soft snow. He laughed and rolled, pinning her down.
"You'll have to try something better than that to get back at me," He stated proudly. He got off her so she could sit up and sat down nearby, finally noticing Mayrah. "Is that…?"
[Yep, I super evolved her,] Dina answered. [I'm meeting Todd at the hot springs, by the way. Care to join us? I'm sure you need some relaxation.] Rupert seemed to hesitate before he nodded.
"Oh, alright," he said. "I'm sure a swim wouldn't hurt. Besides, the hot springs do sound comforting and I'm cold from your little attack." He helped her back onto her feet and they walked to the springs together.
"Hey, there you are, Dina!" Todd greeted them. "This is the biggest hot spring I've ever seen! I can't wait to get in and start soaking! Hey, what's Rupert doing here?"
[I invited him,] Dina answered. [Be nice to him, Todd, Rupert's a good person. Yeah, he acts all stuck up and snobby but you have to remember he's a kid just like us.] Rupert stared at her in silence.
"Whatever," Todd mumbled. "Just don't let him soak in the same spring as me and I'll be fine." He turned and rushed into the changing room, immediately getting into a swimsuit and hopping into the spring.
"Thank you," Rupert whispered to Dina. "That's the first time anyone ever said something nice about me and really meant it. Someone my own age, anyway." Dina smiled at him. She could feel the eyes of all the other Fighters within the spring watching the two of them and tried to ignore them.
"Hurry up and get in here, Dina!" Todd called. Dina rolled her eyes playfully, but before she could take a single step the water changed to a deep purple and seemed to solidify. The scent of grape jelly. Todd struggled and tried to escape, but the jelly held tight and prevented him from going anywhere. Dina tried to pull him out, but nothing she tried worked.
[I'll go tell Kent,] she signed. [I'll be back as soon as possible.] She rushed out of the spring. Rupert stared at Todd, biting back a laugh before he raced after her.
"I can't believe he actually took a bite out of it," he said. "I mean seriously, that cannot be sanitary."
The two rushed into Kent's office where they explained the situation to him. The three hurried back to the springs where Kent tried to help Todd out of the jelly, but he too was helpless against it.
"I bet the BareBones Brigade is behind this, dude," he grumbled. "It seems like their style. They probably messed around with the hot-spring water supply or something, yeah? The water comes from down an undersea pipeline straight from Mt. Krakanak over on Cranial Isle. You'll probably have to visit the crater to find a solution. You mind going, dude? It's way too hot there for a snow guy like me." Dina nodded and left with Rupert. The closer she got to the volcano, however, the more she began to shake. Rupert reached out and gave her a comforting pat on the back.
"Don't worry," he said. "I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you." Dina took a deep breath.
[I'm sorry,] she signed. [I shouldn't be dragging you here.]
"You're not dragging me," Rupert protested. "I want to come. I, um, feel a bit sorry for Todd. No man deserves to be trapped in jelly. It'd be an embarrassing way to die." Dina managed to smile a little.
[Please don't let go of me,] she signed frantically as he stepped away slightly. He blinked and nodded, reaching out to hold her hand. He shared a brief conversation about what had happened in Rainbow Canyon with her in an attempt to keep her mind away from the high, narrow paths. He didn't let go until they reached the crater.
"Look there, Dina," he whispered. He pointed to where the BareBones Brigade members were crowded around a machine. "I knew I detected the stench of the BareBones Brigade on this plan. They must be interfering with the water supply. Let's make haste." He quickly began to walk, but stopped when he noticed Dina wasn't following.
[I...I don't know about this,] she signed. [Falling from a height is one thing-I'd probably die instantly once I hit the ground-but lava…?]
"Dina, I swear to you I will not let you fall," Rupert said as he walked back to her. "We cannot let them do this. We must stop them."
[I know, I know, I'm just scared.] Dina had begun to shiver again. [Really, really scared. Fire and I do not mix well.]
"I don't know if this will help, but I'm scared as well," Rupert admitted, gently taking her hand again. "Terrified of what might happen if we lose-what they might do to y-us, terrified of what might happen if one of us falls into the lava, but we cannot stop here. Not now. I know I've said this several times, but I swear to you that I will never let you fall. Do it for the Cup, for Todd. Do it for me." He gently rested his forehead on hers, his free hand reaching up to rest on her cheek. Dina took a deep breath and nodded, leaning unconsciously into his touch. She stared into his eyes, only just realizing how odd they truly were. At first she thought they were just hazel, but now she could see they were truly golden-almost reptilian even.
[Thank you,] she signed. [Thank you so much. I don't think I could ever repay you.]
"Help me fight them," he said. "That's all you need to do."
He slowly stepped away from her, keeping a gentle grip on her hand as he led her along the paths towards the BareBones Brigade.
"Stop, fiends!" He shouted.
"Well, looky here!" The boy in charge grinned. "You got guts showin' your ugly mugs in a place like this! Since you come all this way, I'll tell you a little secret...I'm one of the three BareBones Brigade Commanders! The name's Lester, and I'm gonna rock your world!"
Can I eat him? Fury asked. He's very irritating.
No, Fury, Mayrah scolded. He'll give you indigestion.
"Think you can handle this Lester character, Dina?" Rupert asked. She nodded and pulled out her Dino Medals. Rupert did the same, facing the three grunts.
Dina sent Riptide out in front with Mayrah and Fury along the side to help. He slammed into the B-Rex and Fury leaped in to help, latching onto its back. Lester was too stunned by the ferocity her vivosaurs fought with despite seemingly being given no commands and skipped his turn. He then shook it off and his B-Rex bit into Riptide's back, who quickly took it out. Fury turned on the B-Brachio next. It swiped at Mayrah with its tail as Riptide and the B-Tricera locked horns. Mayrah sent a flurry of razor sharp scales at the B-Tricera, sending it tumbling away. She then turned and did the same thing to the B-Brachio.
The B-Brachio realized that Fury was dangerous and took her out quickly. It was, however, too late. In moments, both Boneysaurs were reverted back to their Dino Medals. Lester took a step back.
"Hey, hold the phone, you're that Fighter who beat Cole, aren't you!?" He asked. Dina nodded, hearing Rupert call for Di66-R to destroy the machine. She figured he must have called the robot earlier somehow. It was happy to follow orders.
[You really like thinking ahead, don't you?] Dina signed to Rupert. He smiled and shrugged.
"Don't think I'll forget this, Punk!" Lester snapped at her. "You and I will have a special reunion someday!"
"And you will have a fist in your face if you do not step away from her right. Now." Rupert snapped. Lester scowled and took off running with his grunts.
[You know he wasn't going to do anything.] Dina turned to Rupert.
"I didn't want to take any chances," he replied. Kent arrived moments later and Rupert quickly explained what had happened. They returned to Ilium Village with him where Todd met up with them at the Lobby. He still smelled like a giant pile of jelly, but he seemed safe, at least.
"I think I'll go take a shower soon so my vivosaurs don't mistake me for dessert," he joked, earning a silent laugh from Dina and even a small chuckle from Rupert. Pauleen came running in moments later.
"Hey, I heard all about it!" She called. "We're supposed to be a team, guys! I mean, I'm the most beautiful member and all-!"
"No, you're not," Rupert interrupted. The three turned to him and his face turned a bright shade of red. "W-well, I mean, not with that mask. Even Dina's Raja looks more appealing than that thing." Dina elbowed him in the side as Todd laughed.
Aw, he thinks I'm pretty! Peak snickered.
"I guess Dina was right," Todd said. "You are a good guy." Pauleen puffed her cheeks out and turned on Todd.
"So why was I not informed!?" She snapped.
"Um...because I was stuck in jelly?" Todd answered. Pauleen scoffed.
"So it was Dina who did all the work, hmm?" She asked. Dina shook her head and looked to Rupert.
"Well, if you remember, Dina can't speak so she could not have contacted you," Rupert huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "I was there when Todd got stuck and I felt I would help out."
"I don't think that's entirely it." Pauleen grinned. "I bet they were carrying gold coins!"
"I'll not defend myself to you!" Rupert spat. "Like I said; I just...felt like helping. I've still not forgiven them for almost tossing Dina off Mt. Krakanak when we first met them, either. Dina's terrified of that dig site and I didn't want her to face it alone." Todd frowned and Pauleen's grin widened further.
"There's no backing down now, Rupert!" She said. "You fought the BB Brigade, and you protected Caliosteo Fossil Park for the sake of the Cup. There's no doubt about it. You're the newest member of the Caliosteo Patrol Team!" Todd forced a smile.
"That's a great idea…!" He didn't sound too enthusiastic. "We'd love to have Rupert join us!" Dina smiled at Rupert and nodded to him. He looked at her and then to Todd and Pauleen.
"You want me to...join you?" he breathed. "To become your...friend? Even after I said all those horrible things to you?"
"Wow, Rupert," Pauleen laughed. "You almost look happy. It's so unlike you."
[Not really,] Dina signed, knowing fully well Pauleen couldn't understand her. [Rupert can be happy. Just not in front of strangers.]
"It's...it's not that. I'm just...I mean…" Rupert sputtered and struggled to answer. Dina nudged him playfully and he sighed. "Oh, very well. I suppose I might be just a little bit happy."
"Great! Then from now on, the four of us are the Caliosteo Patrol Team!" Pauleen announced. "Just remember that I'm the pretty one."
"No she's not," Rupert whispered to Dina. She elbowed him in the side, knocking the breath out of him for a moment.
"You'll get used to that," Todd chuckled. "She does it to me all the time."
[Because you deserve it all the time,] Dina shot back, grinning. Pauleen either didn't hear what Rupert said or had decided not to say anything.
"Ok, let's do the Patrol Team cheer," she said. "Go, team, go! Fight, team, fight! We fight creeps all day and night! Goooooo, Patrol Team!" Todd chanted along with her while Dina remained silent.
"Um, Rupert." Todd turned to the prodigy. "We all have to do this together."
"Ok, let's try this once more," Pauleen sighed. They did the cheer again, this time with Rupert joining in. He let out a soft laugh.
"What is this nonsense?" Rupert's father was suddenly there behind them all. Rupert paled and yelped.
"F-Father!" He hurried over to stand in front of his father, looking as if he was already thinking about how he would be punished. Dina's heart ached for him. Had Todd not grabbed her sleeve and shook his head, she probably would have rushed to Rupert's side.
"What do you think you are doing, Rupert?" Rupert's father scolded him. "I've heard reports that you helped another Fighter take on the BareBones Brigade! Need I remind you that you are the public face of FossilDig, Inc.? We cannot afford to have you going off on such fool's errands! You might have destroyed our image! This is a sad day for me as your father." Pauleen and Todd stared on in silent horror. Dina wrenched her sleeve free from Todd's grip. Todd's face paled, but before he could say or do anything, Dina stormed up to Rupert's father.
"You can't speak to your son like that!" She snapped. She winced and her hand flew to her throat, face twisting in pain. A heavy, horrible silence fell on the group as all eyes turned to her. Pauleen's jaw had dropped and Rupert's eyes were wide and filled with terror, his face pale.
"Dina-" he said softly, breaking off as he couldn't think of what to say. He looked back to his father. "I'm...I'm sorry, Father. I only-"
"Apologies are worthless without action!" His father snapped. Rupert flinched and stepped back. His father turned to Dina. "And you have no right to tell me how to raise my child! It was my understanding you couldn't even speak! A liar like you has no right to be anywhere near my son!"
"She's not-" Rupert immediately shut up once his father shot him a glare before turning back to Dina.
[I do if you're verbally and emotionally abusing him,] Dina signed furiously. The CEO of FossilDig Inc. seemed to swell with anger. [And I can speak, it just hurts. A lot.]
"How dare you!?" he spat. "I do no such thing!"
"Dina, stop, please," Rupert pleaded. "Father, leave her alone, this has nothing to do with her I chose to do it by myself. I'm sorry."
"If you are truly sorry, you can prove it by winning Round 5 of the Caliosteo Cup," His father growled. "Crush your enemies, Rupert, or I will know where your loyalties lie." He turned and stormed away. The group was silent for a moment, unsure of what to say or do.
"Wow, Rupert." it was Todd who broke the silence. "Your dad is a real hard case. I can't believe he said that stuff to you."
"Don't concern yourself with it," Rupert said, his voice cracking slightly. "I'm used to it. I'm sorry, but I won't be able to join the Caliosteo Patrol Team. From now on, just leave me alone."
[Rupert.] Dina took a step forward, trying to reach out to hold his hand but he stepped back, shaking his head.
"You know, I remember a time when I thought Fossil Battles were fun." Tears began to fall from his eyes. "I loved my vivosaurs and I think they really did speak to me...I felt excited when I battled with them. But at some point, I stopped being a carefree child and became just a walking advertisement for FossilDig, Inc. And the more famous I got, the less I was allowed to be myself. That's when Fossil Battles stopped being fun. They were just work. And eventually...they bored me. And yet, when I was with you, Dina...For just a moment...I remembered how I used to feel. Thank you...my friends. And good-bye." He let out a sob and raced away. Dina longed to follow, but she stood frozen in shock.
They received a message stating that Round 5 would be held in the morning. Pauleen tried to cheer Dina up with a pep talk, but she could barely even hear her. She turned and stumbled to her room.
This was probably the longest chapter yet! And before you freak out; no, Cole and Lola are not actually brother and sister. The reason he called her that will be explained in the future.