Dinosaur King: The Fossil League

by HunterHQ

The Shadow War has ended and the threat of Arkosaurus neutralised. With the timeline finally reset and stabilised once and for all, it is a time of celebration for Saurus City with the revival of the Greatest Championship of all!

2. Cera vs Seth

Chapter 2

Cera vs Seth

"The first match of the Fossil League has begun!" The MC called out to all spectators present and worldwide from afar as the match was being recorded by cameras either high above strapped to the necks of pterosaurs or on cameras built into he walls of the stadium, "Our first corner representing our world famous D Lab as its' commander! Let's give it up for our beloved Cera O' Sauria!" His words added fuel to the fires of excitement in the audience as they roared and cheered praising the pride of their city.

"Hooray!"

"Win it for us Cera!"

"You'll be Dino Queen for sure!"

Her friends in the D team, despite being potential opponents in later rounds, they couldn't help but cheer on for their old friend, "Give it your best Cera!"

"Make sure you win it to the end so we can have a match with you too!" They called out to her to which she smiled back and laughed in response happily.

"Hee hee, I'll try not to disappoint you all when that time happens." She then sported a confident expression before turning ahead, "After all it's destiny." She knew with their hearts as dino duelists giving their best they'd have matches they wouldn't regret and would carve into their hearts and souls to the ends of time. Plus would be disrespecting to them, the tournament, the dinosaurs of past and present along with everyone else gathered here if they didn't give their all.

(Meanwhile)

Lunensis and Maia sat down at their side smiling with pride at their now grown ip daughter now turned leader, she not only took the mantle as Commander well but handled it much better than Lunensis ever had. A fact which hadn't gone unnoticed by several faces who moved in to sit where they were, "You both certainly raised one find girl." Dr Taylor commented to the now retired commander of the D Lab, who looked up to see the D Team's friends and families moving in closer, wanting to meet the parents who raised the very girl who brought them closer together.

"She is very responsible and sets a good example for the others given how well she keeps herself and her room neat and tidy." Mrs Drake stated having checked on her on and off and found how she took cleanliness to a level even greater than Zoe.

"Not to mention she's real mature too," Aki smiled given both her strong sense of justice and acting far more grown up for her age, "In fact Max and Rex, or even Spike could learn a thing or two from her." She giggled which made Dr Taylor lower his head and blush red in shame.

"But above all she's a terrific leader." Dr Ancient concluded feeling most impressed by how well she often kept the team together and at times coordinated the group during their travels through time, showing great initiative and clarity when responding or adapting to various situations, "Not to mention she has such a gift with understanding the hearts of dinosaurs too." He added, with high hopes he wished that the people of the future would be able to reach her level of connection too.

"Seriously though, you have to tell us what is your secret!" Cretacia pleaded as she leaned a little closer with enthusiasm, which seemed to put off Maia and Lunensis a little.

"Ehehehehe….Your kind words really flatter us very much." Maia blushed red and scratched her cheek in mild embarrassment. Still it made her very happy that Cera not only was a great friend to the great D Team but even helped inspire their very parents too, it just filled her with joy to know she and Lunensis helped raise her right.

"But really, it was nothing too special, all we did was raise Cera how any good parent would," Lunensis smiled and nodded confidently, "Also making sure she made great bonds with other people and having great experiences that would eventually help set her on her own path for the future." It made him feel glad that his daughter helped to motivate and guide the D Team through their hardships, perhaps it getting lost in time ended up being a good thing for her. Though that part soon made him frown slightly as he got to how she had acquired her true skills, which to an extent wasn't all that proud of, "It was a much simpler time back then….before the war happened." His words reminded those present about the Shadow War and how the Shadow Empire nearly took everything away from the people of their world, "It was then we had to unfortunately abandon much of our old way of living, all that mattered to us was surviving to see another day and hopefully being able to defeat our enemies by any means necessary."

The others couldn't help but remain silent and be empathetic with him, how grateful they were to not suffer what they did in their time, and thankfully they never will again, though the scars were edged deep.

Each word Lunensis spoke out from his mouth was very painful for him, and he didn't speak just for himself but for the many who suffered during the war from loss of livelihood or family, stolen from them by the Space Pirates and Goma, "While the war did motivate many of us to….grow up and move on…..it wasn't the kind of maturity a parent could be proud of."

Maia lowered her head and sighed, "To see your own child lose their chance for a proper childhood, sometimes being forced to part ways with friends you've made, it's enough to make your heart crack." she said, making the adults present feel for her given what she and her family were put through unfairly, which made Rod and Laura nearly tear up. Not wanting to dwell on the past any longer she shook her head and smiled back, "If anything, we're really grateful our Cera was able to meet with all of you." She said to their surprise, "For you all helped give her the chance to experience a proper childhood once more, one that was lost at first but then found again." She said Cera would never have made it back and help them overcome their struggles on her own if she never met the D Team in the first place.

"If anything she is an even better version of herself now thanks to her fated meeting with you all." Lunensis added, "If anything we should be grateful to you all for helping her grow where we couldn't."

His words touched the hearts of their newfound friends, a few of them like Dr Owen and Dr Drake felt so emotionally moved they began to sniffled and look away as they shed rather heartfelt but manly tears, needing Patrick or Mrs Drake to comfort them, "That really means a lot to us Lunensis." said Spike as he tipped his head off to the ex Commander of the D Resistance, but most importantly as Cera's father.

"We'll never forget that ever." Dr Ancient nodded feeling moved that it was thanks to their combined efforts as parents or family their children were able to join together and save the future, with everyone's wishes passed down and converged together, both of humans and dinosaurs.

"Mhmm, we'll make sure to be real good friends with her too!" Rod and Laura cried out together, wishing to be part of Cera's friendship circle now, also weeping tears too as Helga patted them on their shoulders as their parents smiled too.

"Fact is though, you both helped raise Cera well before the war, and that side of her was what enabled her to connect and build the bond she has with our kids now." added Aki, "And for that it's safe to say you both played just as big a role in Cera's life as we have too."

Lunensis smiled and laughed back feeling moved by them, "Hahah, we're really happy to hear that from you all. We'll be sure to never forget that as well."

"You all raised fine kids yourselves too." Maia then responded knowing that Cera couldn't have gotten to where she is now without the friends she made in life, which brought her along an incredible adventure across space and time before returning back home to save their world and the future beyond it.

"You all gave her new hope and a reason to continue to keep believing and to fight on." Lunensis nodded in agreement with his wife, "Along with everyone else too in the future."

"Hehe well that is true too." Spike grinned scratching the back of his head sheepishly before looking proudly ahead at the stadium below, "After all it's the responsibility of us adults to ensure we give it our all to raise the next generation

"And that we give them a great world to inherit as well." Dr Drake added.

Lunensis nodded firmly in response, "I couldn't agree more with that statement." He said knowing it was a parents' duty to guide their children onto the correct path.

"Let's make sure our children will remember that themselves too when they get older too." said Mrs Drake as they all nodded together.

The fact that parents won't always be around to look after their children, and thus have to prepare them for the challenges ahead, and it became clear their children found their own way in the world now. As much as it pleased the parents to see their kids grow up, if anything they also were taught by them too. One thing they all knew was that great Parents are those that not only raise great children who aren't just able to survive in the world, but to also live in and give back to both it and its people, especially the ones who raised them. That aside, it was now time for them to see how far their children had come and how it lead them all to the tournament now, as each of them was ready to root for their children who would soon take part in the greatest moment in all history, starting with Cera as she stood on the battlefield and her opponent stepped forth.

(Back at the arena)

"For our second competitor, from the Alpha Gang and who also fought alongside Lunensis, Cera and even Dr Z himself in the Shadow Empire, let's give it up for Seth!" The MC called out, which brought some applause and cheers from the audience, however for those who were already familiar with Seth and his past deeds there was either silence or slight clapping just for support.

As he walk in closer to the field, he smirked finding it rather fitting for him to be meeting Cera once more on the battlefield. Among his enemies whom he encountered, she was the one whom he acknowledged as a real rival and the only one whom he ought to be most concerned with. And after coming this far he knew his intuition hadn't steered him wrong.

"Seth…." Rex narrowed his eyes as Zoe and Max looked on. Despite his evil deeds, they knew he was also very strong with much determination to back it up. Among the Alpha Gang he was the one they thought of as the worst of all, even making Dr Z seem nice in comparison, even with the role he played in the Shadow War as their ally they could never feel at ease whenever he showed up.

"Don't let your guard down Cera." Max thought seriously, though deep down knowing how strong and adept she was at dinosaurs already he felt confident she should be able to hold her own. A sentiment shared by many of the spectators in the audience who experienced Seth's treachery and ambitions first hand but were also aware of Cera's role in bringing them to an end.

At the Alpha Gang's side bench, "Umm Dr Z?" Ursula tapped Dr Z's shoulder as he rested his arms in his hands which were sitting on his knees, "Who do you think is gonna win?" She whispered in his ear.

"Better question is, who do you think we should we root for?" Zander then followed after her as they leaned in a little closer.

Dr Z blinked his eyes in surprise before pondering over it a moment, "Hmm good question there….." A few seconds in her gritted his teeth in annoyance before clicking his tongue, "Tch! As much as I despise that red haired ankle biter for always stealing my rightfully deserved spotlight and glory, Seth's not that much better either." Even if Seth had done his part in helping to save the world, Dr Z too had trust issues with him now and then since the last time he took his eyes off him he ended up being held hostage and losing the cosmos stones in their possession to him, in fact Seth used Dr Z's love of dinosaurs against him. Being toyed with and made a fool of was a feeling that wouldn't go away so easily despite his repentance. In the end though he shrugged it off with a cocky smirk, "Heh, not that it matters though, after all no matter who wins I'll have one less nuisance in my way of becoming Dinosaur King! Hahahahah!" He laughed out loud making the Trio sigh.

"Urk….typical Dr Z…."

"Should've known…." Ursula and Ed commented. They then looked ahead and focused on Cera, thinking between the 2 of them at least she respected the Trio a bit more than Seth and was on friendlier terms with them, though negligible the difference it was still good enough for them.

As Seth stood before his opponent, Cera narrowed her eyes and placed a hand on her hip, "It's been quite a while Seth." She said to him calmly, "Despite our past differences let's not have any of that interrupt this glorious moment in the present." Smiling and holding out her dinoshot, "Let's have a fight that everyone here can be proud of."

"Hmph, I expected nothing less." He merely replied, "Then you should know the time for talk is over, there's nothing more to discuss! Bring it!" He held out his signature dinoholder and a card in his hands, "Come forth Cryolophosaurus!" As Seth slashed the card on his dinoholder, it summoned forth a familiar scaly face as the sapphire and white jurassic carnivore appeared in bright light and roared fiercely before Cera! Upon appearing the crowds roared with excitement seeing a secret dinosaur in play or stared in awe and admiration. Patrick, Dr Owen and Reese looked on uneasily though as they remembered the role that dinosaur played in their holding hostage, the D Team and Alpha Gang stared seriously seeing Seth had brought a powerful dino the the playing field, one which they were aware of. Seth couldn't help but smirk rather confidently in his choice, "Surely you remember her from last time do you not?"

His statement made Cera's eyes narrow in turn, "How could I forget?" Her memories of cryolophosaurus were wedged deep into her mind, in fact how could anyone possibly forget a dinosaur like her, who was able to single handedly defeat Gigas, Armatus and Maximus. She also gave the D Team much trouble too when Seth used her to threaten her friends in the past in exchange for the cosmos stones, which also took all of Miku's energy to defeat her in turn. Though the memories Cera had weren't all bad, since Seth and his dino also made an appearance aiding them against Specter in the Shadow Empire's base in Kalimba Park, Africa. Her father Lunensis remembered how adept Seth was at handling his

As far as Cera knew, the way a dinosaur battles will eventually reflect upon either the duelist or the methods the duelist used in raising it. In her first encounter she knew the cyrolophosaurus followed Seth obediently without any kind of defiance. From her Cera could sense a feeling of cold bitterness as if a frozen heart sealing away all her emotions and loneliness deep within, despite being alive she obeyed much like a machine without almost any signs of character or a soul in her eyes, no doubt because of Seth experimenting her while in the Space pirates' ship….till the time Miku defeated her, the bond she shared with her partner may have helped cracked through the frozen crystal shell of her heart before allowing her to truly be free and alive again. Thankfully it was after that when Seth truly had a change of heart himself she felt the seed of a bond grow when he summoned her in the African desert.

Much time had passed since then, and she smirked with confidence eager to see how much closer their opponents had gotten since then, which would make the match more meaningful and challenging.

"Am I to assume you wish to take me on with your micro raptor for this match?" Seth then inquired with slight curiosity before frowning a bit, "While it would be interesting to see what you'll bring to the table, surely you realise you won't be able to defeat me with the same move as last time." While he was aware of and acknowledged the power Miku had despite her small size, he was doubtful if Cera could win the tournament with that minuscule dinosaur, let alone make it past the first match against either him or any opponent, especially given the current terrain would be fully unsuited for her. While he did acknowledge she and her partner had a bond as she called it, he was doubtful that such a thing alone would decide the match.

Cera raised an eyebrow at his words, "Is that arrogance I'm hearing from you Seth?" She said in a serious tone which made him focus on her, given the type of person she was and the power she now commanded it was only right to give her the proper respect she deserved, maybe he was in the wrong for that. She then close her eyes and smiled, "Well, as much as I really wanted to bring Miku along for this tournament of the century…." She calmly spoke and paused….before cheerfully bonking her head and sticking her tongue out childishly, "I unfortunately couldn't bring her along today because she had a really sore tummy ache. Must have literally been a really bad bug she caught ehehe….."

Upon hearing her startling reveal, the whole stadium amassed with confused gasps, "EH!?"

Seth though while surprised, simply blinked his eyes back, "…Excuse me?" He frowned unamused.

Even the MC's jaw hung before he picked himself back up, "What's this!? Cera has forgotten to bring a dinosaur knowing that this is the most important match of the entire century in the world!? Now this is quite a shock!" Various murmurs came between the spectators over how could something like this happen on the best and most important day of their lives, "Does this mean our beloved D Lab Commander will be stepping down from the match right here and now!?"

"Bummer, and here I thought we were going to get some hot blooded matches…."

"What a letdown!" Several fans began to whine and complain.

"Boo!" Zander and Ed jeered with some fo the masses, though partially while hoping to see a good fight it also means they'd be getting to their match soon, which they wanted to delay as long as possible.

Dr Z though wasn't too bothered as he folded his arms and smirked, "Heh, on the bright side that'd be one less match for everyone here to waste time on, when the main event should be about yours truly hehehehe!"

Her friends though were the most taken aback by thus, "D….Didn't see that coming." Max croaked while Zoe stared with wide eyes and speechlessness.

Rex nodded, "Yeah….it isn't like Cera to do something like that….unless…." He thought to himself thinking something was up, seeing Cera wasn't at all acting like she should, had she really been unable to take part in the tourney she would have not entered in the first place….

Seth though, unimpressed and feeling disgusted scoffed, "Hmph! So now you'll be forfeiting this match and leave in complete disgrace for shaming all your people? That's something I never expected from you of all people, how very disappointing…." In his mind though he widened his eyes slightly, "Wait….disappointed? Why am I feeling this?" He thought to himself puzzled, "It shouldn't matter what happens or whom I battle as long as I have an opportunity to test and show off the results of my my latest findings…and yet….why?"

His whole aim of even entering the League was merely to test a new hypothesis of his, so it didn't matter whether he won or not, as long as he gets data from a battle not mattering whom he fought. And yet, he couldn't understand why is he having such illogical emotions now. He did run a lot of simulations against Miku and prepared well against whatever tactic she may try so it was all wasted….but that wasn't it….Maybe he was disappointed in her as a person too for doing something so disrespectful to her city…..but why?

Cera then shook her head with a smile, "Oh no far from it." She said getting everyone's attention as she clenched her hand into a fist tightly before her chest, "After all the effort of assembling the best dino duelists across the world and across space and time for the revival of the greatest tournament in history, it would be a waste if I didn't fight in this first match. Plus I'd be letting all my friends down considering all they helped work towards." She said in serious tone, as the memories of their many battles replayed through her mind in an effort to help restore her world to how it should rightfully be. To not take this event seriously would also be letting Miku and her family down too. "So instead, you'll be getting this from me!" She declared taking out another card from her pocket and her dinoshot from the other, "Dino slash! Shine Eoraptor!" Materialsing before her was a dinosaur no one expected her to call out, small and in shades of purple with red eyes, it was none other than Lunensis' former partner Eoraptor!

"Oh?"

"AH!"

"No way!"

It wasn't just the D Team but nearly the entire audience and worldwide spectators were caught completely off guard by the dinosaur that Cera brought to the field. As it happened, the skies turned multicoloured and a dome formed around the duelists as it seemed to shift into a controlled time warp as the battle field changed to that of a grassy plain surrounded by many trees.

Maia especially was stunned speechless as she stared with her mouth agape for a few seconds, "Is that-" Looking to her husband for a who looked upon Cera with a smile, "It can't be….Erwin!?" She quickly looked to him once more, "Lunensis did you?"

Her husband said nothing but smiled back at her before gazing at his daughter below with pride. He had no regrets handing his partner over to her when he left the Resistance in her hands after he set off on a journey to find himself, leaving his dinosaur to watch over his daughter and help her take care of things too. Now back he looked forward to see how far they both had come, hopefully even further than he ever had. "Cera's earned the right more than anyone else. In fact, it's safe to say she's earned my dinosaur's trust….even more than me." He thought to himself, "Well Cera, let's see how much stronger you've gotten since I've left everything in your hands."

"I…I…" even the MC was surprised by this turn of events before shaking his head and calling out, "Now this is a huge surprise everyone! Instead of Miku the micro raptor, Commander Cera has brought out Erwin! The ace dinosaur of former Commander Lunensis!" Cheers and applause of immense excitement erupted like wildfire in the arena, the Captains who sat down at the sidelines then either grinned, smiled or smirked proud of Cera, "What a shocking turnaround! Not only has she been handed the mantle of Commander but even his very own dinosaur too! Unbelievable!"

"Hahah, I knew she wouldn't let us all down after coming all this way." Rex smiled with relief that Cera didn't make a fool of herself but instead put on a real big surprise for everyone to enjoy.

"Now this we REALLY didn't see coming!" Max stated laughing it off, "She actually had me fooled! Man talk about a psyche out!" His excitement building up to big levels.

"Not that it takes much to fool you Max." Zoe snickered which made Max react with annoyance.

"What was that!?" He growled to which she shrugged out her shoulders.

"Oh nothing…." Zoe giggled sticking her tongue out playfully much to his annoyance as he pouted.

On a more serious note, Rex then looked to his long time friend with his concerns on another matter, "Say Max, you remember what it was like when you first fought that dino?"

Looking to Rex he then sported a more serious look, "Yeah, like it was just yesterday…." Uneasily he flashback to when he fought against Lunensis, with the fate of the Resistance's dinosaurs and future at stake. How the Commander drove Max into a corner and nearly brought Max and Chomp both to their knees.

It was a close match they barely won thanks to Chomp managing to awaken, but the fact remained it was a close match considering how much a combat veteran Lunensis was. Now all that power was passed onto Cera….who no doubt had plenty of time to not only master the 6 elements but even connect with eoraptor on an emotional level greater than her father too.

Despite that, instead of being afraid Max instead smirked rather eagerly as he could feel his blood pumping and his battler spirit aroused, "Heh, can't wait to see what she can pull off now that she's teamed up with him." He grinned pumping up his arms, without any high stakes like the fates of other in the balance, now they could go all out just for the fun of it and let their cards and souls speak. A real contest of strength no holds barred without any strings, not to mention it being a competition against both an old friend and new rival, it was something Mx definitely looked forward to in the tournament now more than ever.

Rex and Zoe were initially surprised by Max's answer, but after taking the time to process what he was thinking, "Y….Yeah…." Rex nodded with a light smile, "Cera may be our rival in this tourney but she's still our friend, so let's give her our full support!" He said to which Max and Zoe cheered back in response.

"Yeah!"

They were a bit conflicted on the inside though, on one hand they worried about facing her and her newfound power, but on the other hand were excited to see how far they all had come with their dinosaur partners and as friends too. All for the people of the future, no doubt this would help all to build their relationship with dinosaurs even higher than before.

At the Alpha Gang's bench, they sweated a bit uneasily upon seeing the little dinosaur appear again, "Never thought I'd ever see that little pipsqueak again." Dr Z whistled clearly not expecting to see him again, let alone in this tourney.

"Yeah except that little pip-squeak almost took down Max a while back, you remember that right Dr Z?" Ed whispered in his ear which made the old man shudder.

"Urk how could I ever forget…." The fact that their entire proof of worth to the Resistance hinged on that very fight which went one sided for most of the way till the last minute. How grateful they were since then to NOT be on the receiving end that Max and Chomp went through, though right now there was no guarantee any of them would be able to avoid a fight against her should she manage to get pass Seth! The 4 of them Shivered uneasily somewhat also hoping that Seth may win against her even so they wouldn't have to experience her power first hand!

At the battlefield, Seth narrowed his eyes at Cera's choice, "Hmm that dinosaur from before….." The first time he ever saw it was briefly during Kalimba Park in their battle against Spector, but given the circumstances he didn't get a chance to look into it further till much later. "It has the ability to change into various forms and use any kind of dinosaur element….." He mused, the fact it could use any kind of attack basically embodied perfection itself, something his former self would see as a scientific breakthrough that can revolutionise all they know and no doubt create new endless possibilities for dinosaurs to expand into.

That aside this was a battle not an experiment or field test, setting those thoughts aside he then smirked, "This should be interesting." While his simulations and preparations against Miku may have been wasted, a part of him was glad he had a new opportunity to see something unexpected and perhaps even gain new knowledge from this experience. Plus recalling how Lunensis handled said dinosaur before, he was intrigued to see how well Cera would utilise him and his abilities.

"Now that our contestants are on the field, without further ado let the first match begin!" The MC then declared as Seth seized the chance and held out his arm right on cue.

"Go now! Cryolophosaurus!" His dino roared fiercely but obeyed without hesitation as she dashed forward towards her much smaller foe. As Erwin readied himself to leap at her, she instead vanished in a blur and instead dashed from one spot to another so fast it was though as she teleporting, in blinding speed she encircled Cera's dino in a blur he couldn't quite keep up with her movements or read her accurately enough. He then hissed in annoyance and hostility as he realised she was slowly closing the gap in on him!

"Whoa now that's what I call speed!" Max gasped widening his eyes.

"Looks even faster than last time!" Zoe cried clasping her hand over her chest worried, the match has just began and Cera is already getting cornered.

Rex gritted his teeth, "Not just that, the strikes dealt at that speed are really strong too….." Thinking back he recalled how her strikes weren't just fast but they carried a lot of power in them too. If she was faster not doubt she'd deal way stronger blows than before. "It's gonna be tough even for Cera to overcome that by herself….."

He was right, as Cera too was starting to feel dizzy as Erwin was, "Urgh…." She put her hand over her forehead as she began to get a slight headache. In the spinning circle the cryolophosaurus even made several mock charges at Erwin forcing him to the circle's edge or even a sudden charge which he thankfully was able to avoid with equally fast instincts! But still each one was too close for comfort, gritting her teeth in frustration she realised Seth's strategy given he isn't giving her much room to think or move, a tactic to corner her both physically and mentally too.

Seeing her frustration amused Seth, "So then, how will you deal with this?" he asked rather mockingly.

Before long she then sported a confident smirk of her own to his surprise, "Simple! Like this!" She called out holding out her hand, "Erwin! Wind mode go!" On cue, the eoraptor nodded and flashed in a bright light, blinding the cryolophosaurus momentarily as she stopped and snarled in annoyance!

"Argh! That light!" Seth had to bring up his arm to cover his eyes.

"Ah!" Everyone gasped in awe as Cera's dinosaur changed form to that of mega raptor and having the abilities of wind at his command as he shrieked at Cryolophosaurus, who shook her head disorientated a brief moment but regained her sight again as she snarled back. Clearly she had underestimated her opponent, but now seeing what he could really do she wouldn't let her guard down again.

Back at the sidelines, Max blinked his eyes having noticed something, "Hey, is it me or did he change form faster than last time?"

Rex narrowed his eyes and looked closer "Yeah, I think you're right Max." he agreed.

"Does that mean….Cera's unlocked a new level of power better than Lunensis could?" Zoe asked in response.

Up above in the seats, Lunensis widened his eyes in amazement. While he knew she was gifted, she accomplished something he couldn't no matter how hard he worked to improve Erwin's transform speed. He couldn't help but smile with deep delight and looked forward to see what else she could pull off.

"And there you have it folks! Eoraptor has shifted into wind form! But will it be enough!?" The MC announced to which Cera grinned.

"Let's find out! Haha!" She laughed out as Megaraptor dashed forward!

"Heh, trying to match my dinosaur's speed?" Seth smirked before thrusting out his arm, "We'll see if that's the real deal or just a farce! Go! Show them no mercy!" He commanded as his dinosaur snarled viciously and jetted towards Erwin!

In a flash right before the 2 of them connected, a set of sparks flew out as both dinosaurs collided head one before breaking away from one another! The cryolophosaurus then sped ahead but in anticipation of said attack, the megaraptor leapt over her! Landing like a cat on its feet, the cryolophosaurus had to stop for a brief moment to rebalance herself only to see the megaraptor rush towards her and launch a flying kick at her side! With fast reflexes the cryolophosaurus swung out her tail as both attacks collided in another impact which caused the 2 dinosaurs to separate again! "We'll keep up with your speed!" Cera called out, "We'll match you blow for blow! Go get em!"

Shrieking fiercely Erwin seized the chance while cryolophosaurus was trying to catch her breath, leaping into the air and landing on her side before snapping on her neck and clawing at her back causing his foe to roar in pain! Angered, she generated cold air from her body which forced the raptor to release his jaws from her, disorientated slightly but it was enough for her to shake him off! Despite landing on his feet again, he was met with a fast headbutt to his chest which sent him flying back! In response he curled up his back as he spun backwards before landing on his feet once again.

"Incredible! Look at these 2 go striking one another at blinding speed even our cameras can't fully keep up!" The MC called out as the crowds of spectators present or at home were At the edge of their seats, since the cameras could only capture blurs and wind at best.

In the spectator seats, while everyone was string in awe and speechlessness, Lunensis widened his eyes seeing there was more to Cera's methods than meets the eye, "She's not just using the elemental powers of the other dinosaurs within Erwin…." he thought to himself, "In fact….she's tapping right into their very souls too….." Looking back through the war before Erwin he too had 6 other dinosaurs before him. A saurophaganax, amargasaurus, stegosaurus, styracosaurus, megaraptor and lambeosaurus. Together the 6 of them made a formidable fighting force in the Leagues before….till the Shadow Wars came.

They fought hard through many battles….but alas one by one they eventually fell in battle….but not before Lunensis, after losing Cera that day, decided to channel the remaining energy they had left in their cards and infuse them with Erwin's own card turning him from golden to the purple skinned eoraptor he is now. Since then Erwin had been able to use the other elements but now….Cera was even tapping into the souls Lunensis infused with his dinosaur….as he looked on he could see the soul of his mega raptor resonating with Erwin and Cera….if that was the case….it could mean the same for the others too….

"Let's take this up a notch! Go split attack!" Cera called out making Erwin flash white before splitting into 3 clones of himself and then charging at Seth!

Seth quickly counter attacked, "Snow crystal!" Cryolophosaurus roared as she generated several huge chunks of ice shards before launching them straight at the charging raptors! The raptor clones managed to duck under, sidestep or even leap around the crystals as they came, but the cryolophosurus only continued to come in wave after wave! Till eventually 2 got struck down by the crystals causing them to disappear! The last one was within reach of slashing at Seth's dino, only to be struck down by a snow shard and sending him flying back as Cera gritted her teeth in annoyance.

"Oooh! So close!" The MC called out.

"Heh….A good trick but not as good as mine." Seth smirked seeing Cera's frustration….till she responded with one of her own.

"Oh is that so?" As she finished saying that, the raptor that Seth struck exploded in a cloud of dust revealing a tree stump in its place!

Seth widened his eyes in surprise, "What?" His dinosaur too was caught off guard as stomped over to smell the stump for any traces of Erwin's scent. She then sensed something approaching, but before she could respond, Erwin rushed out from cryolophosaurus' side, catching her completely by surprise! "AH!" Her master gasped in surprise as well as she crashed a few feet away from Erwin who shrieked in triumph at having outwitted her again.

"Incredible! A combo move from Eoraptor!" The MC declared adding more fuel to the already fired up crowds as they roared and cheered at the top of their lungs!

"Awesome! She landed a hit!" Max cheered for Cera while Zoe and Rex smiled or laughed out with joy that Cera managed to tip the odds back in her favour.

"Maybe we ought to take notes so we can mix up our moves too." Zoe then suggested to which Rex nodded.

"Good idea, this can be a good learning experience for us before our matches too."

The Alpha Gang though, stared with widened eyes and hung jaws speechless that such a manoeuvre was even possible, "Wah!" In fact they wondered if it was even legal.

While she was still down, Erwin leapt into the air ready to bring a clawed foot down on her, only for cryolophosaurus to roll away as his foot only struck the ground cracking it beneath him! As she stood up, he lunged out and grabbed her leg with his jaws and pulled her in before launching a kick at her underbelly and making her slam into a nearby wall! "Don't let up! Strike hard with cyclone while she's off balance!" Cera commanded as Erwin shone in white light and summoned forth a tornado from the sky before charging ahead!"

Seth gritted his teeth in frustration, "Tch! Not if I can help it! Go Frozen Glide!" He commanded as his dinosaur generated cold air and frost breath from her jaws, freezing the surface of the ground and even encasing Erwin's legs in the ice holding him stiff as he roared in pain at the biting cold eating away into his feet!

"AH!" Cera gasped taking a step back.

The MC's eyes widened, "What's this!? Cryolophosaurus launches a surprising counter attack and has frozen Eoraptor right in his tracks! With this Seth has gained control over the battlefield!" causing the spectators to gasp in surprise, shock and awe.

"Tch! Not good, she's a sitting duck out there and even if she gets free, manoeuvring across that ice won't be an easy task…." Dr Z grunted as everyone looked on as the tension peaked in the stadium.

Back at the field, Seth saw Erwin struggle trying to pull himself free from the ice but to no avail. The more he tried the more he wasted precious energy, which was when he planned to make his move. "In this situation the most logical choice would be to get yourself free and regain control of the field." He surmised anticipating she would shift to using fire, "Doing so though would then leave you exposed, which I intend to fully capitalise on." He smirked seeing his strategy was foolproof.

Unbeknowst to him though, "I see what you're thinking Seth…." Cera narrowed her eyes before smirking having thought up another strategy, one that would throw Seth off his game, "Too bad for you I'm not going to play right into your hand." She then shouted out, "Go Lightning mode now!"

"Hmm?"

"Huh!?" Her unexpected command made Seth raise an eyebrow curiously and the others surprised for they expected her to use fire.

Even Erwin was caught unaware by this, but looking at Cera's eyes, "Trust me on this!" She then said, which made him nod back with affirmation before shining in yellow light and appearing in the form of a styracosaurus who roared out.

"And eoraptor changes to Lightning form! But from 2 legs to 4, won't that make her situation worse than it is!?" The MC called out bewildered by then choice.

It puzzled Seth too, as he narrowed his eyes sensing something was amidst, "What are you thinking?" He then shook his head and saw it made no difference to his plan, "Hmph, no matter I'll just continue as I had planned! Go!" He commanded as cryolophosaurus roared and charged forth intended to knock Erwin into the nearby frozen wall!

"Counter blitz!" Cera commanded as Erwin summoned a large thunder cloud in there sky which struck out a bolt of lightning where the cryolophosaurus was! In response she leapt out of the way missing its mark!

"Ha! You missed!" Seth boasted.

"Wrong! My aim is spot on!" Cera responded to his surprise.

"What?" He blinked his eyes but when eying where Cera aimed the bolt, he widened his eyes realising too late his mistake, as the bolt shock through the ice field! However as ice was basically water and now in solid form, it caused the entire filled to be electrified! The surge of energy caused the ice to crack apart and vaporise but in the process also shocked through cryolophosaurus! She shrieked in pain as she was paralysed by the shock and then collapsed down on the grown twitching and spasming with energy surging through her veins! "AH!" Seth gasped taken aback by the sudden development.

"Whoa!"

"Did you see that!?"

"I can't believe my eyes!" Various comments and gasps echoed from Rod, Laura and Reese in the seats above.

At the D Team side, they weren't too surprised though, "Heh, that's Cera for you." Zoe giggled.

"Always can be counted on to do the unexpected." Max commented seeing she really is creative as always.

"It's not just that," said Rex getting the attention of his 2 friends, "She not only understands the hearts of dinosaurs but even sees untapped or new potential to explore in them as an opportunity to come up with both new ideas and strategies on the spot even." He mused, "Potential that they may not realise themselves even. "The fact she's so flexible and able to adapt right on the spot….combine that with eoraptor being able to use nearly every elemental move there is….meaning the possibilities are limitless!"

This caused Max and Zoe to sweat uneasily, realising they may have underestimated her abilities, abilities that make even Lunensis seem like a rank amateur so likely they will have a much harder time than before making her their most powerful opponent yet!

Back at the battle, Seth gritted his teeth in irritation seeing his dino was down and vulnerable to attack, "Get up now!" he commanded, to which she opened her eyes weakly and hissed as she forced herself to stand on her feet.

Cera knew the paralysis wouldn't last long, so she had to act fast, "While she's stunned, we'll seize the chance!" She cried out to Erwin, "Go into water mode!" Roaring out loud, the styracosaurus glowed blue and changed to the form or an armagasaurus which bellowed out and stomped his foot.

"Hmm….What is she planning now?" Rod wondered as he and Laura observed, though they need not wait long for their answer.

"Now aqua vortex!" She commanded as the Amargasaurus generated a huge whirl of water around him before summoning a much larger one around cryolophosaurus! Trapping her just as she regained her footing only to be swallowed up by the water and spun around by it!

"She's got Seth trapped!" Dr Owen pointed out as Patrick gasped.

"Whoa, never thought I'd ever see him backed into a corner let alone in a one on one fight." Dr Ancient blinked his eyes in surprise.

Where the captains awaited below and looked on seriously, seeing that their commander was as strong as they expected given she had learned from each of them their best techniques since she was lieutenant once. The one who was most focused on her was Kaze, "Recognising the slightest opportunity and capitalising on it without hesitation." He noted remembering he taught her to be very aware of the situation and to master every technique to a fine edge must like sharpening a katana, "Impressive." As her former sensei he was proud his student's skills hadn't dulled in the slightest since she left this tutelage.

Seth gritted his teeth and actually felt a drip of sweat trickle down his cheek, it was then he clenched his fist in annoyance, "Urgh….Don't underestimate me…." he grunted as he ushered his next counter strategy, "Freeze it now!" Hearing his words, cryolophosaurus roared as she blasted a freeze breath into the water and before long the entire whirlpool was enclosed in a huge block of ice with her inside it too!

Everyone was caught completely off guard once more! "Whoa!"

"No way!" Johnathan and Reese gasped in alarm.

"Never thought Aqua Vortex could be countered like that…." Laura thought as she frowned seeing that move also came with a price, "But Cryolophosaurus is now frozen too, so was it worth it?"

CRACK!

"Huh!?" Everyone's eyes widened as a massive crack formed in the block of ice. Suddenly multiple cracks formed and before long the entire block shattered into many pieces which flew out in several directions!

"WAH!" Cera cried out as she covered her head, but luckily Erwin was there to use his body to shield her from the incoming ice, Seth on the other hand stood still and calmly as the shards instead flew pass him and his dinosaur returned to his side and roared.

Her friends on the sidelines and the audience widened their eyes, "Whoa! Watch out Cera!" Mrs Drake called from above but they all saw the ice coming their way!

"AAAH!" Many in the audience ducked down to tried to run away as the ice shards began to rain upon them! As they braced themselves, a shield suddenly formed around the field where Cera and Seth battled, as the shards smashed painlessly against it to everyone's surprise.

"H…Huh?"

"Wh…What the?" They all murmured in surprise.

"Fear not everyone!" The MC called out as he spoke out from the podium he was at on his elevated platform, "The stadium is equipped with protective shielding! Rest assured you all have nothing to worry about!" His words brought much relief to the spectators in the seats above and in the sidelines below, though the only people who'd have to watch out are those taking part in the duel….then again it was a risky sport which came with the job, and dino duelists ought to be willing to brave things together with their partners after all.

As everyone sighed with relief or slumped down in their seats, "Wow….Technology really is amazing here…." Dr Ancient breathed in awe and exhaustion from the close experience.

"Phew…thank goodness for that protective barrier….." Cretacia sighed with relief.

Spike nodded as Aki looked up from her husband who was covering her with his own body, "Yeah, good thing we won't have to worry about any stray attacks here." Same was also said with Johnathan shielding Dr Owen and Patrick, Dr Drake with his wife or Helga with Rod and Laura and their folks.

Down below the D Team were at more at ease seeing they thankfully were out of harm's way, though Rex had suspicions given the Captains didn't quite respond when it happened so he kept his cool.

Others though weren't so lucky, "That….almost took my head….Urk…." Dr Z moaned as he had a heart attack believing the shards would skewer him before falling down and fainting on the ground!

"Dr Z!" The trio gasped in alarm as they gathered around him seeing he was out cold and looked very weak.

"Stay with us!" Ursula pulled him up, shook him a bit and smacked his face but got no response. Looking uneasy she looked to Zander and Ed, "Any of you know how to do CPR? Cos no way am I doing it…." In response both men turned blue with sickness and shook their hands and heads at her in refusal.

Back at the battle, Cera clicked her tongue as Cryolophosuarus emerged relatively unscathed after being frozen in the ice, "Tch! Didn't see that coming…." she hissed seeing her movements were back to normal again, without any side effects from the cold, "Guess I should have known it wouldn't make sense to freeze a dino that mastered ice."

"Heh, you're not the only one who can adapt on the fly." Seth smirked cockily, "So then, now that your chance has slipped by what will you do now?"

Cera narrowed her eyes seriously, "I'll just have to make another opening then!" She retorted aggressively, "Time to shift to grass mode Erwin!" Glowing bright green, Erwin shifted to the form of a lambeosaurus, and one again the bright light forced Seth to cover up using his arm and cryolophosaurus to lower her head in annoyance.

"Using the light of transformation to disorient us?" Seth mused before smirking seeing an opportunity, "Clever, but I can see now that also leaves you exposed….." He noted realising he can use that to his advantage next time she tries it.

Unaware of Seth's plan, Cera proceeded to make her move, "Your dino moves real fast, but let's see it avoid this!" She cried out, "Thorn whip!" Erwin bellowed out a battlecry before slamming his front legs on the ground, summoning forth a giant throne vine from the ground which spun around in a circle before proceeding to slam right onto cryolophosaurus!

Seth however remained undeterred for he quickly thought up an effective counter attack, "Hmph! Too easy!" He scoffed unimpressed as he commanded his dinosaur to execute said strategy, "Freeze it completely!" Cryolophosaurus roared as she blasted a breath of frosty ice at the incoming vine! In an instant the entire vine was encased in a block of ice to Cera and Erwin's shock!

"AH!" She and everyone widened their eyes at how quickly her attack was stopped, in fact Erwin could feel the whole vine was frozen right down to the root!

After that, cryolophosaurus leapt up and with a swift swipe of her tail it caused the entire thorny vine to shatter into pieces and crumble away! "Heh, surely you realise that cold air is bad for plants?" Seth mocked to which Cera clicked her tongue in frustration.

"Urk, can't believe I slipped up on that…." She croaked, while in the background Captain Hua and Zoe felt rather uncomfortable and shivered too.

"The fact you forgot such common knowledge proves you're still a child!" Seth pointed out at her, "Now prepare to suffer the consequences of your mistake!" As if on cue cryolophosaurus roared and burst forward in lightning speed, ramming Erwin in the gut and causing him to cough out before being flung across the field!

"No Erwin!" Cera cried as cryolophosaurus launched a flurry of blows from multiple angles, giving the lambeosaurus no room to regain his footing or fight back, before a heavy blow from her tail knocked him down to the ground! The sight of Cera being overwhelmed as such by Seth's tact and mercilessness was something the audience couldn't believe, some of which had to look away.

Thankfully for Erwin, cryolophosaurus began to tire out a little so decided to play it safe and retreat back to Seth to recuperate her stamina, as Erwin collapsed down to the ground, weakened heavily but still conscious as he reverted back to his original form but not a card yet. "Hmph, I must admit you did force me to exert a little more effort than I expected initially." Seth scoffed before smirking with satisfaction, and strangely….without any villainous intent behind it. "But alas it appears as I at predicted and simulated, this battle shall end in my victory!" Despite seeing things go in his favour, Seth wasn't aware that he had a mild itch or nagging feeling at the back of his mind as if he wasn't fully satisfied with it regardless….but in the heat of the moment he shoved it aside and decided to enjoy it as it was.

In the spectator seats above, Dr Ancient put a finger to his chin in thought, "I have to admit….Seth really has gotten much stronger…." he mused, "And yet….something is very different about him this time…..in a good way maybe." He couldn't help but think out loud as he stated his observations.

"You know honey…." Cretacia replied as she put a finger to her chin in deep thought, "You may be right there….." For a long time she and her husband saw Seth as evil and even irredeemable….and yet after his action in saving the world from the cosmos stones since then, they perhaps felt a glimmer of hope in him…since then that glimmer has grown to a glow with how he aided the Resistance simply to pay of his moral debts, but to see that glimmer shine even more brightly up close and personal like this….it was something they didn't expect ever from him.

"Incredible!" The MC announced, "After a furious trading of blows between both secret dinosaurs, not appears Seth now has gained the upper hand! Could we see the end of our Commander's rise to the top spot here and now!?"

Seeing how much of a corner she was being driven into, her friends and loved ones couldn't help but feel a little sad or disappointed that she may not be able to make it any further past the first round, "No way…."

"Is Cera actually going to lose here?"

"Cera…." They each thought or said worriedly.

Some of them hoped to call of the match and decide it was over so she wouldn't need to suffer anymore….Though a handful of them weren't willing to give up on her yet, but still looked on confident in her abilities or believing the match wasn't over until one dino turned back to card form, till then it was anyone's game.

As Erwin panted and struggled hard to make it to his feet, Cera too could feel the icy air in the battlefield begin to surround and even take hold of her heart. The chill made it rather had for her to breathe, as if a massive iceberg had appeared before them and was about to crash on top of them too. It was clear her back was against the wall and she was beginning to run low on options, "Urgh….This can't be….Not after we came so far….." She gasped panting in exhaustion as the pressure from Erwin was also getting to her too, fact their hearts were connected as once, meant their worries and pain too were shared….Till a shred of determination lit up in Erwin's eyes, as the eoraptor opened them sharply and he eyed Cera, "E…Erwin?" She was surprised even after all the damage he took he still had much fight and spirit in him, in fact while his body was battered his spirit was fired up even more than ever before!

Hearing his very thoughts as though they were her very own, she soon smiled with reassurance sensing that since he refused to yield, there was no reason why she should either. "Heh you're right there my friend, we can't lose here….Not in the first match of the greatest tournament in history." She replied back to him, seeing the look in his eyes she then placed a hand to her chest and the great memories with her friends flooded through her mind, "I promised my friends I'd settle the score with them on the battlefield as both fiends and rivals, I also promised Miku, my family that I would give them all a battle everyone in the world can be proud of! No way will I let it end like this!" She opened her mind with a new look of determination and clarity.

She could even feel spirits of her father's dinosaurs too in Erwin, how they gave their all to the end of their life to fight and thus passing on their power into Erwin now. It would be dishonouring them if she quit while she could still stand and fight! Her decision made, she yelled out with determination, "Erwin! It's time to turn up the heat with fire mode! Let's give it our very best!" Upon her words, Erwin bellowed out loudly and glowed red as he began to shift modes!

With the bright light shining, cryolophosaurus had to lower her head once more, but this time she held out a claw over her eyes and peered through the small gap in her fingers and snarled.

Seth narrowed his eyes seeing his chance, "She's changing….now to-" He was about to give the order strike, when suddenly he held back, "No….maybe I should wait and see what she can do this time now…." As that thought crossed his mind he widened his eyes in surprise before shaking his head, "Hold on…what am I saying?" He thought to himself putting a hand on his forehead as though he had an inner unsure conflict within him, while he would be passing up the opportunity to end the battle here and now….a part of him wanted to fight Cera at her very best on even terms…..He couldn't explain such illogical emotions welling within him. He clenched his forehead in irritation, but by the time he got his thoughts straightened he saw the red light was dying down as Erwin had completed his form change which made him hiss in annoyance, "Tch! Seems the window for that strategy has closed for me…." While a bit irritated at first he then smirked believing no matter what she tried Cera's defeat would be unavoidable regardless and this time he won't waver in his decisions.

As the light died down Erwin emerged in the form of Saurophanaganx and roared fiercely earning more applause and cheers, "Alright! Now for some real fire power!" Cera cheered as Erwin roared our ferociously, which made Cryolophosaurus step back a bit in response before snarling back in defiance.

Upon seeing the new form Eoraptor had took, Seth couldn't help eye said dinosaur as it began to take him back a long way, "A saurophanganax….." He then recalled the very same dinosaur he once had in his possession, how he forced it into premature evolution through his genetic experiments so that it could master fire scorcher, the most powerful fire move card of all. Only for it to be taken from him later and used against him leading to the defeat of his Black T Rex, "Heh, it must be karma…." He thought to himself with a smirk seeing it may have been well deserved or like some kind of cruel joke fate was playing on him.

Cera could see what he was thinking, though she didn't want to reminisce on the past for too long, for this battle was to help everyone move on to the future, "Attack Erwin!" She called out as her saurophaganax roared and charged forth towards their opponent!

"Face them Cryolophosaurus!" Seth quickly retorted as his dino rushed forward in full force!

Both carnivores rammed heads one another, shoving back and forth till they pushed one another away! As the saurophaganax snapped at his smaller foe, she leapt back out of jaws reach! She then tried the same move aiming for his neck but he reared back with his his greater height avoided her jaws clamping down! Swiping out with his clawed arm she darted out of his reach and rammed him in the gut! Before she could get away, instinctively Erwin used his claws to grab hold of her before she could do so, before delivering a swift bite to her neck and throwing her across the grassy field and through some rocks!

He charged forth and prepared to crush her underfoot but she worked herself to her feet again and dodged the attack once more! Lowering her head she reached out and grabbed Erwin's other leg and pulled out hard causing him to fall to the ground! However just as she was about to bite into his exposed stomach, he kicked himself forward, in turn knocking his opponent back as he got back up again!

This time trying another approach Cryolophosaurus sped around him rapidly hoping to throw him off balance again like before and attempting to strike him from behind! Instinctively, the saurophaganax anticipated where she would aim for so he quickly turned and snapped at her, forcing her to brake and make a turn! Swinging her her tail Erwin responded the same as both dinosaurs' tails slammed into one another which struck each other so hard it send a small shockwave pushing Cera and Seth back momentarily as they held their arms out to brace themselves! Before long the 2 dinosaurs broke away and roared out with hostility towards one another!

The entire audience was captivated by the immense back and forth between both dinosaurs and the moves called out by their duelists, it was like something out fo a classic, it was so intense even the MC found himself unable to commentate.

Seth, despite being countered and matched at every move, while annoyed at first, he wasn't the least angry….which soon turned to enjoyment! Still, he could tell that the odds would eventually slip away from his favour, and enjoying it or not he had no intention to lose, "Hmph, looks like you both could use a permanent cool down! Blizzard smash!" He commanded Cryolophosaurus to charge up with energy and the cold began to surround her as she glowed in bright light!

Cera smirked knowing exactly what to do in response, "Actually I prefer things to stay heated thank you!" She grinned rather eagerly as she prepared to unleash just the counter move for this situation, "Erwin! Fight back with magma blaster!" Saurophaganax charged up fire in his jaws and stomped his foot down before unleashing a mighty fire stream from his jaws as cryolophosaurus fired her powerful ice blast!

The 2 attacks met in a mighty clash as the extreme meeting of ice and fire resulted in what seemed like a stalemate, yet both moves generated immense heat and cold from them along with frost and cinders blowing out from between!

Everyone's eyes widened "Unbelievable! The extreme heat and cold from both attacks cancelled each other out!" The MC gasped in awe and speechless amazement, "With both dinosaurs now on their last legs, it's anyone's game now!"

"Amazing…."

"To think this is the very first match and there are many more up ahead…."

"Oh I don't know if I can handle that much excitement…."

"RRRGH!" Cera held both her arms out to shield herself from the immense energies emanating from the moves, while Seth, nearly the whole battle he was rather unresponsive to the elements, till now as he held out his arm! Both of them were already on the edge exhausted having given everything they had, but still refused to yield themselves as long as their dinos could still battle! Both beams didn't budge for even a single centimetre, till the tie resulted in a huge explosion causing a massive cloud of dust to form and smother over the cameras and views!

BOOM!

"AAH!" Everyone gasped as the spoke erupted and smothered everyone's view. There was silence as everyone tensely awaited for the smoke to die down, Max and friends tensed, the A Team sweated profusely while their families looked on with concern or worry…..As the smoke faded away….a huge crater was in the centre of the plain charred and all plant life cleared away and revealing from the ashes was both Erwin and the cryolophosaurus, both battered and weakened from the resulting explosion as they panted and gasped. Behind them, their respective duelists too were just as worn out as they were, as Cera gasped and lowered herself forward to one knee but still stood firm, while Seth clutched the right side of his arm painfully. The sight was something to behold, and to think this was but merely the first of many battles ahead for the audience.

From his fatigue, Seth could feel an emotion he never once discovered within himself despite being pushed to the edge of elimination, and yet to still hang on by a thread, the very thrill of it….."Hehe…This is incredible…." He chuckled getting the attention of Cera.

"Huh?" She blinked her eyes in surprise.

As Seth looked up at her, she and everyone else were surprised to see him grinning….but it wasn't a maniacal one that they were used to seeing, instead it seemed to be one of…excitement. "I can't explain it but the thrill of battle, despite us standing on the sidelines giving our dinosaurs commands as they battle, I feel as though I too am fighting against you with my dinosaur." As he said so he looked at the open palm of his hand, which appeared to tense and twitch as he could feel the very blood in his veins pump hard, "I've….never felt such exhilarations…." Clenching his hand into a fist he then grinned with excitement and adrenaline, "It's not enough to just prove my hypothesis anymore, such a mere goal as that is far too small! What I desire now is to truly want to triumph over you with my full power and prove my might surpasses yours!" He declared pointing out at Cera vowing to defeat her with all his power.

"That's a face I've never seen on Seth before." Ursula gulped as she sweated nervously.

"Yeah, I'm so used to him having his maniacal evil villain expression like before." Zander commented.

"Seeing this….it's almost as scary or even scarier!" Ed yelped.

"Urgh….what happened?" Dr Z interrupted the moment as he rubbed his aching forehead and shook his head clear.

D Team surprised no words to say

"Well then Seth," she said getting his attention, "That just proves it, you finally understand the same thing we all feel too…to be one with our dinosaurs, even as they fight we feel our very souls being as one with them too." She said putting her hand to her chest, feeling at peace for she knew the feeling very well to be one with your partner dinosaur and now to think Seth of all people finally realised that….gave her a sense of hope and joy. "It's not just a mindless brawl of brutality, it's a contest where we also deepen our bonds with our partners and even with our opponents too as we gain a better understanding of each other too." Looking up to him with respect and a smile, "As much as I don't want an awesome battle like this to end….It has to end sadly at some point." She said to which Seth smirked.

"Heh, reality is indeed cruel…." he chuckled in agreement before deciding to cast off the gloves, "In that case, then let us settle this with our best moves, once and for all." He declared throwing out his arm as Cera responded the same.

"I agree with that!" She shouted as their dinosaurs roared back at one another. Given the state they both achieved to give each other less than their best would not only result in defeat but be most disrespectful in this most sacred ground in all Saurus City!

Upon hearing both duelists declare they'd be settling this battle on one last move, their very best, it was the cue for everyone to ready themselves, as Max and friends covered up their hands ahead of them.

"Here it comes guys!" He warned.

"Brace yourselves!" Lunensis called out as Rod and Laura took shelter with Helga, and everyone else either hunkered down or cowered behind others.

"Oh please just finish already! I can't take this anymore!" Dr Z whined, both impatient and also because he could feel his heart about to give out at any moment!

"Take this Seth! The strength of our training and bond that we've built up together for this very moment!" Cera declared as her saurophaganax roared and flared red!

"Hmph, if you'll be giving me your best then I'll just have to accept your challenge and respond as such!" Seth responded back as cryolophosaurus roared glowed rainbow and generating cold air around her! "Go! Snow crystal!" His dinosaur roared as the many pointed dagger like ice shards materialised above her ready to fire at will!

As soon as she launched them though, Seth grinned seeing victory was his…..till Cera gained a smirk of her own, "Here's a surprise we've been saving up for this moment!" She called out making him gasp, "Ready?" She looked to Erwin who nodded back and roared,

That was all she needed to hear from him, no more words or hesitation, "Unleash fire scorcher!" She called out to the alarm of everyone present as Erwin glowed bright red!

"What!?"

"No way!

"AH!" No one was more taken aback than Seth himself, as the Saurophaganax flared up in a fiery aura before generating a giant red and black meteor from his jaws and launching it towards Cryolophosaurus! "That move…." Was all he could breathe out as he remembered designing that very move card with every ounce of effort within him in the past. As the fireball was launched, the snow crystals melted easily within the immense heat as Seth staggered back in alarm, "NO!" He gasped as the fireball crashed and swallowed up the entire area with fire, along with Cryolophosaurus who was overwhelmed by the flames!

"URGH!"

"Grrrgh!" Flames soon erupted all around them, burning the battlefield completely all around them as their view was completely obscured!

"AAH!" Everyone gasped in alarm at what they saw, fearing that even the duelists themselves would be in life threatening danger!

"Cera!" Her friends cried out worried for her safety as they ran out to where the arena was, only stopped by the barrier dome surrounding the field, "Cera! Are you okay!"

"Somebody do something now!" Rex yelled out with urgency as several staff began to rush onto the field.

"R…Remain calm everyone!" The MC called out desperately trying to calm everyone down, but to little avail as many looked away, fainted or were even trying to rush out from the seats and onto the field like Max and the D Team!

As the Field dissipated and returned back to that of the Arena stadium, only one dinosaur remained on the field, with his partner standing by his side as he returned back to his original form.

"Cera…." Max and his friends breathed amazed to see that she was alright, a little charred up by the flames but no more thanks to Erwin shielding her, "She's okay!"

"Alright!"

"Phew…thank goodness…" Lunensis gasped as he and Maia let out a sigh of immense relief hoping Cera would never put them through something like that again, no way would they ever want to lose their daughter twice.

"Hahaha! Yes!" Many comments of relief were said from her friends and loved ones, to which Cera smiled at glad for their concern, before looking ahead to see Seth, had fallen to his knees in shock.

"I….lost….." Was all he could breathe out…and yet, he was still able to force a small smile on his face after that.

Blinking her eyes after realising the situation, "W…We did it…." she breathed as Erwin chriped wagging his tail, "Hahah! We did it! We won!" She cheered jumping up and down as her friends cheered her on too.

"Way to go Cera!"

"You go girl!"

"Yay!"

"I….I can't believe…." The MC too was so taken aback by what he saw he stuttered for a bit before regaining his composure and announcing properly, "Ladies and gentlemen after a mighty clash of back and forth between 2 expert dino duelists, a clash that had us all at the edge of our seats, we finally have a victor! And the winner is Cera!" The MC announced as everyone roared out mighty applause and words of praise, both them and the dinosaurs present in the stadium and worldwide! So much that even they could be heard from miles away.

"Bravo! Bravo! A fine show you put on worthy fo the Dinosaur King!" Dr Z added at his end as he clapped hard and cheered out, while the Trio fainted from the exhaustion of the experience. "Heh, if they think that's incredible, they've seen nothing! Wait till my time rolls around and before long they'll already declare me dinosaur king! Hahahahah!" He cackled to himself.

(Meanwhile)

On the other side of the world, watching the battle that took place in a certain house far away in Euro Town, was a certain boy and his family, with an archeopteryx nestling on the couch where they were watching the duel. They cheered with joy upon seeing Cera emerge victorious, the boy especially. Further away at a nearby seaview house, was a girl and her family with a chibi baryonyx who too applauded and celebrated with the battle ending in Cera's favour too.

At Cera's house, Miku her microraptor, sat inside a comfortably made makeshift bed in basket with pillows as she watched the outcome of the duel end in Cera's triumph, making her squeal with joy too. While slightly disappointed she wasn't able to take part in the greatest moment of their world's history, she was at least happy for her partner still being able to participate too. Outside the window near where she was, was another micro raptor much older in appearance given he held a staff which helped support his elderly body a little. He smiled what he had witnessed too.

(Present)

Back at the stadium, as Seth walked across the field to reclaim his card, several thoughts began to race through his head but one of them stood out from all the others, "To be overcome by the very same move and dinosaur that I put my life into creating….." He then smirked seeing the irony in it, "Heh….so a month of intensive training and enhancements wasn't enough….I suppose it was to be expected…..nothing can replace actual hard work and determination." He chuckled to himself believing perhaps it was fate that he lose to the very thing he created long ago. Hearing footsteps approaching he looked up to see Cera walk up to him after recalling Erwin, to which he disliked, "Hmph. What do you want now? Come to gloat?" He scoffed, then again perhaps she earned the right to for pulling off such victory despite his best efforts, being old enemies too he wouldn't expect any kind words from her….but to his surprise she held out a hand to him instead.

"That was a good battle, you and cryolophosaurus fought well Seth." she said respectfully, "I could tell the 2 of you were quite in sync, you gave us both a run for our money there…." She laughed in exhaustion before wiping away some sweat from her brow, "Phew, that took a lot more out of me than I thought, was hoping to keep a few of my moves in reserve for the later matches." She breathed, "Still, guess that means if I was pushed this much in the first round I'll just have think up new strategies before my next turn comes." She thought to herself realising she might have grown a little Complacent and then noticing Kaze at the back of her eye fixing his gaze on her. Though that would come in time, she first had to give her thanks to her new rival for helping her to realise this, "So again….thank you very much for the great battle, it was one that everyone here can be proud of."

Seeing her words to be genuine, and as a sign of mutual respect which he seemed to have developed mid battle, Seth then smirked for a moment before returning her gesture off kindness, "Heh, as did you too….Cera." he replied shaking her hand, and surprising her a bit for to her this may have been the first time she heard him say her name in a non threatening manner but in a way of mutual respect. In fact, through the battle he could tell she had indeed grown and gotten very far, and not just her but no doubt the rest of the others gathered here no doubt had gone on their own journeys and experiences to make it here, so without a doubt they would go even further than this or even him as well.

Everyone then clapped upon seeing such good sportsmanship between both duelists too, in fact those who had been wronged by Seth in the past could feel he had indeed turned over a new leaf and like Cera they felt they could finally trust him and move on from the past as did he.

"Heh, despite my defeat I have no regrets about it." said Seth with content as he took his hand away from Cera, "In fact I found it rather enjoyable, enlightening even….." he said to her surprise. Deep inside he felt a feeling he hadn't yet experienced once in his life, at leats not since his own childhood, as if he was finally free from the imprisonment of his own desires and ambitions, and now could see the power of friendship and bonds, how they too can be power and be used to overcome even the trials of time and space too. It was illogical for a man of science for him to experience such emotions…..but now he sees the world isn't as straightforward or easy to comprehend as he first thought, and perhaps it was a good thing this new perception of things.

Upon hearing his words and the genuineness behind them, Cera felt an immense weight lifted off her shoulders and as though the scars of her heart had faded away too. Smiling back at him, "I'm glad you are able to see things that way." she said in acknowledgement that they both had found inner peace and can move forward into the future.

Seth nodded back, "And with that, I don't see anymore reason to stay here any longer." He replied before turning his back towards her.

Cera blinked in surprise at his actions, "W…Wait, you're not going to stay and watch the other matches?" she asked reaching out for him, hoping he'd stay, but he had other plans in ind.

"Hmph! What for?" He scoffed, "Since I lost it's clear what the outcome of this entire tourney will be now. After all it's how the world is, to the victor goes the spoils. Winner takes all and there's nothing left for the loser." He smirked for a bit before easing up, "And yet….despite this loss, I'm quite satisfied with it actually. Since I now finally have the answer I long sought after." He said making Cera rather puzzled and intrigued.

"What answer are you talking about?" She asked.

He smiled, "For all my life I used science to achieve my ambitions, an ambition to create the ultimate dinosaur and take their evolution to their highest potential and even be the first reach a level of unattainable perfection." He said as he looked up to the sky, reached out his hand where the sun was and then grasped it tightly, "Heh, how ironic that in my foolish pursuit of perfection, an impossibility that would then lead to stagnation, I looked down on your so called bonds of friendship and connection with your dinosaurs." He chuckled realising all his past sufferings could have been avoided had he realised it sooner, "Called it all childish nonsense, yet in the end I now see I was the foolish child for being or perhaps blinding myself to the real answer I should have seen from the start, which was in front of me the entire time." He said looking at the D Team and Alpha Gang in front of him, who were stunned rather speechlessly at what he just told them, before turning his attention to Cera, "I never thought I'd ever admit this…..but I have you and your…friends to thank for helping me finally see it." He added at the end giving a slight respectful bow.

"Seth….." She had no other words to say, nor could she find them. She knew he had changed but for this much it greatly amazed her. While some traces of his old self remained such as being rather reserved and liking to keep to himself, the fact he had found a new path to strive forward to made her believe that he indeed could use his great talents to truly benefit man and dinosaur kind the right way now. A fact the others around her also realised, and were amazed and speechless at. The Ancients especially as they smiled at their assistant having finally seen the light at last and they along with everyone else could move on.

His last few words as he eyed everyone he ever made contact with, "All of you, continue to live in peace with the dinosaurs and one another. I leave the future in your hands, it is your destiny." With those parting words he pressed a button on his dinoholder which made him vanish from the field.

Cera nodded in acknowledgement, "You can count on that." she said assuring him he would have nothing to fear or worry about. After that, she nodded to her friends telling them their turn will come soon, so they'd best be prepared, as she made her way back to the stands.

As soon as she did, "Man! After a battle that incredible I really can't wait for my turn to come soon!" Max then called out unable to hold himself back any longer, pumping up his arm he felt ready and motivated to take on any opponent the League would throw at him.

Rex laughed at Max's enthusiasm, "Haha! Yeah, but when my turn comes Max I'll put on a way better show than you, you'll see!"

"Oh yeah!? Dream on Rex! I'm gonna be the centre of attention once Chomp and I hit the stage!" Max countered as he held out his fist with an eager grin.

"Not if Ace and me beat you to it!" Rex responded as they both fist bumped with no intention of losing should their turn come.

Seeing them act like little kids despite being almost 13 made Zoe sigh and shrug her shoulders, "Typical boys…always giving into the excitement of things and letting your instincts take you over….and here I thought people were supposed to be evolved…." Though she was trying to put up as mature a face as she could….in reality she could feel her heart was pounding deep inside her chest and getting infected by the contagious exhilaration she too wanted to make it to the top herself but didn't want to give her fiends a reason to tease her.

"And that concludes the first match of the Fossil League everyone!" The MC announced the the crowds cheering and were rooting for the next battle to come, "In fact, the day is still young so let's keep this momentum going as we move onto the next battle!"

His words made the next contestants' hearts skip a beat, "N…Next-"

"Battle?" Zander and Ed croaked uneasily as they suddenly snapped awake from their faint spell.

"Featuring both members of the Alpha Gang, Zander and Ed!" The MC announced as the Dais glowed in the color of Zander and Ed's entry!

The 2 men turned pale and clenched their faces in terror, "GAH! We were so caught up in the moment we forgot we were next!" Zander squealed.

"Wh…What do we do now!?" Ed whined.

"Easy!" Dr Z called out before delivering a flying kick to their rear ends! "You 2 lugs get your butts out there already and give us our money's worth!"

WHAM!

"WAAAH!" They cried as they both were flung right onto the field and landing face flat on the ground! "Urk…." They groaned in pain and misery as to what they ever did to deserve such suffering.

The MC grinned upon seeing their 'eagerness' to battle, "Well folks it appears our next 2 competitors have been motivated as such from the first match they've decided to step onto the playing field already!" He announced before punching out, "Let's all give it up for them right now!"

Cheers echoed through the stadium followed by them rooting and eager cries of "FOSSIL FIGHT! FOSSIL FIGHT!"

As the calls echoed out, the 2 men shuddered and were on the verge of wetting their pants, "They're looking at us Zander…." Ed swallowed what felt like a rock in his throat, not just the audience but also their friends, acquaintances and potential opponents all over the arena.

"I can see that Ed." Zander nodded. Looking around frantically for the nearest exit, "Maybe if we hurry we can sneak out the back way." He suggested.

As Ed looked behind the way they came, "Eep! I don't think that's possible…." He pointed behind, as Zander followed the skinny man turned pale as a ghost to see the exits were blocked by 2 of Craig's soldiers, 2 rather beefy men in uniform whose job was to ensure no one entered and no one would leave, as they even shot a pair of sneaky grins their way!

They gulped in anxiety seeing the size of the guards blocking the way out, no way would they dare to muscle their way through that not like they could. Looking ahead they could see Craig grinning at them rather sadistically before pointing at them, looking them in the eye as though he had set his sights on them!

Seeing their fates were pretty much sealed, the 2 of them decided to take their lumps like men as they lowered their heads down sucking it up then looking to one another.

"Well Ed…it's been an honour knowing you…." Zander teared up.

"Same here buddy….same here….." Ed whimpered.

"Never thought I'd see the day where I want to lose…." They both then thought to themselves….which caused a light bulb to light up in their heads, "Wait!"

"Maybe if I lose on purposely…."

"And let him win…." They each thought after the other unaware they were thinking the same thing.

As a rather unpleasant idea hatched in their twisted little minds they grinned with mischief and snickered eagerly seeing perhaps there might be a way out for them yet! "Hehehehe…."

And thus the first match concludes in Cera's victory and demonstrating her newfound power with Eoraptor whom is now called Erwin, somewhat based off tsukikami02's idea a bit. Also here Seth being finally at peace with the outcome of the battle and seeing a new insight of life and how dinosaurs and humans really ought to be. If he seems out of character let's just say he's had time to reflect on his actions, also the irony of him losing to a saurophaganax using fire scorcher too. How Cera mastered it without needing any genetic enhancements also helps towards Seth getting the answer too.

Next up is a battle between 2 nitwits, which do you think will move onto the next round? Stay tuned!

Reply to reviews

tsukikami02

I do plan on this finishing off where my last story ended off, hopefully I can see this story through and it turns out good. So many characters to touch on and develop so hope I can give each of them their moment.

I will try to incorporate some of your story bits into this like how I called Eorapter Erwin but Cryolophosaurus isn't named yet. Did add a cameo of Cera's friends after her victory.

Fair enough on that all that matters is that you enjoy what you do.

Drew Luczynski

Yup never thought I'd do another story again, will do what I can to see this through and bring it to proper closure.

Dr Z definitely will be one who is a less favourite to win but wait till you see what I have in store.