Disclaimer: This story is not owned, this game Fossil Fighters Champions was published by Nintendo, and developed by: Nintendo SPD, Red Entertainment, M2, and Artdink.
A/N: So, I just got out of Finals. I am utterly exhausted. But Fossil Fighters Champions is reaching it's conclusion! I think if I play my cards right, I can finish this story in 2 if not 1 chapters. (Plus or minus 1 if I add an epilogue). Either way, after this story a two-three week break will occur then start on Pokemon Mystery Dungeon I think.
Chapter 33 – What a Hero Means
POV: Rex
Time: 13:30
Location: Caliosteo Museum (Cranial Isle)
"Professor, I'm being honest here." I speak. Trying to explain the whole situation, from what I understand: First, two years ago me, Sarah, and Todd are saved from an Allosaurus by Joe Wildwest. Between those two years ago and the start of the cup a few things must have definitely happened: One being that Joe Wildwest must have found the temple that Zongazonga was sealed in, released him, and Joe's body must have been stolen. While Joe was bodyless he created the Bare Bones Brigade to stop Zongazonga and probably return to his own body.
My reasoning? Well, it heavily relies on the fact that Don Boneyard knew about an injury that I got two years ago, and that 'Joe' didn't remember about that incident. Not to mention with all of the Caliosteo Slablets that Professor Scatterly have found. The situation definitely calls for someone to have released the seal on it.
"Oh ho! Oh ho ho ho! You certainly are a wit, old bean." Scatterly laughed. Still not believing… this is going to be a mess.
"I told—" my sentence was cut short as the bell on the door rang. Someone just entered the museum. I glance over to see a blonde girl with a face like mine wearing blue clothes… and an unfamiliar backpack…
"…" We stared at each other in silence for a moment, before they started. "Rex don't worry it's me. Or do I have to recite that stupid password you got from that one indie game you played."
Okay, it is most definitely Sarah. "Thank goodness it's you."
"Oh ho! Welcome back!" Scatterly not noticing anything warmly welcomed Sarah, my twin sister, into the museum. "I hear you won the Caliosteo Cup, wot wot? Capital job, that. Incidentally, your brother has been telling me a fascinating joke. One where he claims that Zongazonga has taken over Joe's body. And that the real Joe was pretending to be Don Boneyard the whole time."
"…" Sarah stared at me, possibly impressed, or just pissed that I couldn't have told her sooner.
"It ain't no joke, Professor." There was another voice in the room, as something white just jumped from Sarah's Backpack. "Take a look at what happened to me."
"…" I was clearly expecting it… I even saw this skull talking to me and Sarah just yesterday. But I can still barely understand how it can talk.
"Good gravy!" Scatterly shouted as he looked down at Joe's Skull. "A skull that moves and talks! Well, this is simply fascinating…" Scatterly fell silent into thought, before looking back at me. "With this proof in front of me, it seems I've little choice but to believe your tale."
"Finally…" I sigh out in relief.
"Although if Zongazonga has really come back, I'm afraid it leaves us in a bit of a fix." Scatterly's eyes moved to Sarah. "Yes, quite. If he were to seize your body and reclaim his true powers… I say, it would be a right terrible thing for this world!"
"No kidding…" Both me and Sarah muttered. Though the world does have Hunter… but, I don't think he could fight me or Sarah. Not that I don't think he could beat either of us, he could easily win. He probably would hesitate cause were family…
"Look, Professor." Joe's skull bounced as he talked… creepy… "We need to know how ol' Zongazonga was defeated the first time."
"How he was defeated?" Scatterly repeated, before falling to thought. "Oh my. Oh, dear me. I'm afraid I… Hold a moment! Yes, if I were to investigate the—"
Scatterly was drowned out by a loud noise from outside… was that… helicopter blades? "What's going on?"
"It sounds like quite the commotion outside, eh wot?" Scatterly said, walking toward the door.
"Somethin' must have happened. Come on, we best go have ourselves a look." Joe bounced back into the backpack Sarah had.
We walked outside, seeing a crowd forming in front of the Island's Fighter Center. With the sound of the flying Jumbo-Tron flying up. Quickly with the image of 'Joe Wildwest', aka Zongazonga, appearing on screen. "Hello there, everyone. It's me Joe Wildwest. I'm afraid I have some sad news about our champion, Sarah. As well as her brother Rex. I've learned that our champion and brother are actually members of the hated Bare Bones Brigade. Yes, it seems that they have been running with them since the beginning. Also, Sarah have been rigging matches to be assured of victory. Our so-called champion is nothing but a fraud! This cheater is hiding out somewhere with all the other BB Brigade cronies. Hear me well! I want Sarah captured and brought to me!"
Well… this certainly isn't good. I grab Sarah by her arm before she could even think to move. If I know one thing about Sarah, being called a cheater will undoubtedly piss her off. But if Zongazonga is declaring that…
"…" I can clearly tell by that low growl, Sarah's pissed. We hide in an ally way, waiting for the crowd disperse, and as we wait, we see a good few of the Island Staff start searching around.
As soon as the coast seemed clear, we walked out of the alley way. "Darn that Zongazonga! He's gonna trick other Fighters into doin' his dirty work!"
"How dare he call me a cheater! I made my way through this competition fair and square." Sarah, like Joe was outraged by that broadcast.
"…" Though it did make me wonder, was Zongazonga that desperate to capture Sarah? Cause even if there were some fighters emotionally annoyed by us beating them. All of them also participated in battle… maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part.
"Mmm, yes." Scatterly said, expressing some concern. "This is a situation most dire. I suggest the three of you make good your escape at once!"
"There." While that couldn't have been more expected. The voice was hushed.
Though before we could say anything Scatterly putt himself between us and Rupert and Pauleen. "Stay yourselves now, my friends! That announcement was a lie!"
"That's all right, Digadig." Pauleen said first, neither her or Rupert seemed like they were upset. More like they didn't believe it. "We're on they're ide."
"we battled them in the cup, and we know they've won and lost their fights by fair means." Rupert nodded along.
"Aw, we can't be wastin' time like this!" Joe impatiently jumped from Sarah's bag… ugh this is going to be a nightmare. "We gotta gallop back to the BB Brigade Base, and fast."
"Diga!" Pauleen shouted out in surprise. But before she could continue to yell, Sarah places her hand on Pauleen's mouth.
I quickly look at Rupert who is surprised to see Don Boneyard (Aka Joe) here. I quickly give him a short but accurate situation. "Rupert, remember the discussion in the desert?"
"…" He nods a bit warily though.
"It's that situation, but a bit more complicated." I respond to him. He doesn't fully understand, but knows that this is not good.
"I understand, somewhat." Rupert responds. "Come, Pauleen. We should go."
"Okay… Digadig." Pauleen nodded, the only one currently the most out of the group.
"…You've disappointed me." And just as it was decided to leave. It seems that Pauleen's earlier remark alerted people to our location. Though Stella the Island Leader of Ribular call out to us first. "I trusted you, you know?"
"Who knew the champ was actually a member of the BB Brigade? It's sad, really." Terry the Island leader of Cranial said.
"Come on, little dude. Jut come with us and nobody has to get gnarly." Kent the Island Leader of Ilium.
"Well, this isn't good." I mumble out as we're surrounded.
"What'll we diga-do!?" Pauleen said in a panic.
Me and Sarah readied our dino medals ready for a fight. But with this many people we'd certainly be captured, we need some type—
"YEAAAAAAAAH!" A familiar scream came out of nowhere. Where a boy in green cloths pushed through the crowd, facing toward them.
"Todd!" Both me and Sarah cried out in surprised… Right, Sarah was with Todd earlier… what happened to him?
"Run, you, guys! Run now! I'll take care of these guys!" Todd shouted at us, it seemed that he was going to give us a chance to escape.
"Hey, but what about you!" Sarah shouted back at him.
Todd responded with a bitter smile. "Hey, so remember when I said I wanted to run because I was worried about you? Well, it's not quite true. I actually wanted to run because… I was afraid. I've run from a lot of things, you know? I'd just hang back and let you do all the hard stuff. You were always so brave, Sarah! You've always took everything head on, no matter how scary it was. Rex finally manages to talk to others without stuttering. Pauleen took off her mask. Rupert stood up to his father… And I realized. I was a coward. It… made me ashamed. But I'm done running! No more fake stomachaches for me! You guys are my best friends! And I'm gonna save you!"
"Todd…" Sarah was left surprised by Todd's speech.
"Go already!" Todd shouted once more tossing out his Stego.
"Sarah, Todd's got this." Honestly, I had no clue if Todd had this or not. I'm certain not even Hunter could fight this many people. But here was Todd… mine and Sarah's first friend outside of each other. "We have to believe in him."
"…" Sarah bit her tongue nodding. She knew I was right.
"Bring it on Chumps!" We heard Todd shout as we fled.
POV: Sarah
Time: 14:15
Location: Bare Bones Brigade Base
Like Rex had initially thought when we first arrived on this Island. The BB Brigade had hacked into the Teleportation mechanism of the VMMs. We arrived here in a flash, without being trailed, thanks to Todd.
As we got back. Joe, Scatterly and Rex started explaining the situation to Rupert and Pauleen. Rupert had been taking it somewhat well, since he had some pseudo discussion of Zongazonga with Rex, previously. Though there were still parts that were hard to take.
"I must admit…" Rupert sighed as the explanation was finished. "This is something of an amazing story. I believe you, yet I find it hard to imagine that Joe's body has been controlled by an ancient sorcerer without being discovered. Or that Rex here figured all this out because Joe remembers how Rex twisted his ankle once."
"Hey, I was stumped by that for quite some time." Rex tried to fight back with a laugh.
"Though I think it's most shameful that the Cup was being held for such a nefarious purpose." Rupert cursed. HE came in second, closest person to having his body stolen from him, other than me.
"Ugh…" Pauleen groaned, "A skull that lives by stealing bodies? Talk about freaky, Digadig!"
"*Sigh*" I know discussing this is important… but we need to do more work quick.
"You're still worried about Todd, aren't you?" Rex calls out to me; he is nervous as well… but is trying to keep his mind focused on the important matters.
"Yeah, and?" I don't like the thought of just standing here.
"That was his choice." Rex reiterated to me again. "He's not a weakling. I'm sure he'll be fine."
"Rex's right, Digadig! Cheer up!" Pauleen followed suit. "We'll beat Zongazonga, get Joe's body back, and save Todd!"
"Speaking of which, Professor, do you have an idea on how to defeat Zongazonga?" Rupert questioned turning to Scatterly.
"As I was about to try and discuss before the jumbo-Tron appeared." Professor Scatterly ruffled his glasses. "According to the Calio Slablets, Zongazonga was defeated by the people of the Caliosteo Islands. After this they sealed him inside the Stone Pyramid. Then it stands to reason that the method of defeating Zongazonga may yet remain in that structure! You know where the stone Pyramid is, yes?"
Joe bounced in response. "Sure do! It's in the Jungle Labyrinth! If ya check a bush at the deepest point, you'll open a path to the Stone Pyramid."
"The deepest part of the Jungle Labyrinth, eh? Very well! I'm off!" Scatterly suddenly declared.
"Whoa there, Professor!" Joe bounced to block Scatterly. "Zongazonga's been tellin' everyone that Sarah here's a thief and a liar. Folks know you two are friends. If they see ya runnin' around, there might be trouble."
"Hmmm… that is true." Scatterly murmured.
"Wait, Joe!" Rex suddenly spoke up. "Each VMM has its own teleportation frequency for each Dig site, doesn't it?" Where joe bounced to nod. "Then, if I rewire the VMM that you've been using to teleport to and from the Islands, I should be able to make a more precise teleport into Jungle Labyrinth."
"Well darn tootin' can that really be done, Rex?" Joe asked in surprise.
"It shouldn't be too difficult." Rex shrugged, but looked at all of us. "Though, the problem lies in how many people should go. Fighters are probably all over the islands looking for us, so if a large group is sent there, we'll be spotted easily. So, a small group is better. Scatterly is a must since he can translate the ancient language, but he is prone to getting lost."
"I'll go." I suggested right off the bat.
"Hold on, Sarah." Rupert spoke up in opposition. "We can't send you there as well."
"He's right! It's too diga Dangerous!" Pauleen shouted.
"I appreciate the effort, y'all, but this is somethin' Sarah and me need to handle." Joe Surprisingly spoke up in favor of me going.
"To be honest, Sarah probably is the best candidate." Rex sighed, he didn't want me to go, but he thought I would be the best. "Simply put, Rupert your white hair stands out too much so you can't go. Pauleen while you are from the Digadig Tribe, and used to dense forests, your pink hair also stands out too much."
"…" They fell silent at Rex's declaration… while I was somewhat annoyed for being called plain by my brother.
"The plans settled then, Rex start rewiring." I speak.
"yes ma'am." Rex nodded, rushing to find tools and go to the VMM.
POV: Sarah
Time: 15:25
Location: Stone Pyramid
So, me, Joe, and Scatterly have managed to get to the Stone Pyramid unscathed. Let me tell ya, I trust Rex a lot. But when I saw all those wires from that VMM, I was rather hesitant. But I'm here in all-in-one piece apparently.
Now onto the temple while walking around it doesn't seem to look anything extraordinary… Not really what I was expecting. But this was the place where Joe got his body stolen. As we explore, we find a stone chest with a slab on the floor next to it. It was apparently what Zongazonga was sealed in.
As we continued to explore, I found an odd wall… well more exactly a slitted wall, with an inscription of some kind… and what seemed to be a button. "Hey, Professor I think I found something!"
"What ho?" Scatterly responds to my shout surprised. "You found something you say?" He rushes over with Joe's skull bouncing over as well. Scatterly studying over the runes. "Ah, yes quite. These appeared to be ancient Runes. Allow me to work my deciphering magic! Ahem. "To defeat Zongazonga, the people crafted an ultimate weapon called the Caliosteo Pipsqueak. They used this weapon to knock Zongazonga's skull out of its stolen body. The Caliosteo Pipsqueak could also keep Zongazonga from stealing bodies for a short time. The people used this moment to capture the skull and seal it away in the stone chest.""
"Caliosteo Pipsqueak? Seems like a pretty wimpy name for a weapon." Joe held my exact thoughts. "But if it knocks Zongazonga outta my body, then I'm all for it! Where can we find this Caliosteo Pipsqueak, Professor?"
"…Ahem! Yes, yes. Please allow me to continue." Scatterly continued to read the ancient text. ""We fear the seal holding Zongazonga may one day be broken. If such a day should come, know that we have hidden the Caliosteo Pipsqueak here. Press the crest on the wall, and accept the trial of the guardian. If you prevail, the ultimate weapon shall be yours." The crest must be this little bit here, eh wot?" Scatterly pointed to the button bellow the text.
"I dunno about this." Joe bounced the idea. "Doin' a trial from some guardian sounds a mite bit dangerous."
As Joe says that. I recall the tale Hunter told me about him wielding the legendary Ignosaurus. He walked through a cavern filled with lava, just to find the fossil rock. But apparently the trial didn't end there for him, the trial continued into awakening the legendary beast. Hunter described the process of cleaning the Ignosaurus fossil as a burning sensation. Each hit of the hammer, each scratch with the drill, Hunter said it was like holding a scalding piece of metal. It's not that he wanted to wield it, it's just that he had too. Hunter didn't become a hero out of want, Hunter became a hero because he had people he wanted to protect. Todd stall for time, letting me escape so Zongazonga couldn't get to me.
This Caliosteo Pipsqueak may not be a legendary Vivosaur, but it's something important to seal away Zongazonga. This will be dangerous, but I've got not choice. Without a second thought, I push down the crest. And the whole pyramid started to shake.
"Aw, saddle sores! What now!" Joe cried as the pyramid shook.
Professor Scatterly knew what was happening. "The guardian is coming."
The wall slowly rose up, revealing a dark shadow with two pink eyes before me. So, this is the guardian, I'll show my worth, it's my story, I'll protect this world.