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!

16. Dr Z vs Max

Chapter 16

Dr Z vs Max

At lunch time, the families made their way back to the best eating junction in all of Saurus City, being Cretaceous Cuisines. The families gathered around Max as he sat at his seat, with Chomp on his lap as they were going to give him their best wishes of luck for the match to come. "Alright Max, this is it!" Spike told him rather seriously as Max nodded and tensed up.

"Yeah I know, in the next hour I face Dr Z and then after him comes Cera." He swallowed hard, seeing everyone eying him so seriously which made him sweat with anxiety. On his lap Chomp, also feeling rather unnerved and pressured too, despite being a dinosaur he could understand vaguely what was going on with so many expectations weighing on both their consciousness.

"It's all on you now, you've made it this far not to lose." said Spike as he made Max look him in the eye seriously which made his heart jump, "It'll take every ounce of skill and guts to take the win against either one of them, but for them both, I just know that if anyone can do it it's you!"

Max nodded uneasily at that, "Y….Yeah….I know dad." He croaked, he hadn't felt this pressured for great results since his exams, both situations made him feel uneasy as though he were made to carry a huge boulder on his shoulders alone, "But still…." He was starting to feel regrets winning up till this point if all it would get him was this, not to mention fearing scolding or anger should he lose….

Thankfully it wasn't all that bad, "Hey come on," Aki then spoken up with a frown to her husband along with the other women, as she tapped him on his shoulder, "No need to pressure him or anything, it's not like it's a big test coming up or the fate of the world hangs in the balance anymore right?"

"Err….well I suppose…." Spike sweat dropped and scratched his head sheepishly as the men looked away feeling rather shameful of their actions.

"Hahah, don't worry Max," Giggled Zoe encouraging him and Chomp, as Paris and Ace ran up to bark same motivational words to their comrade, "Just be yourself and have fun. That's what really counts."

"After all these dino battles are all to bring smiles to everyone's faces weren't they?" Rex agreed, plus they had no regrets that he was the one to make it this far and they couldn't be more proud of him.

Max nodded back at them feeling much better after that, "Mhmm, that's right." He and Chomp felt a lot less burdened now and could rest a little easier now that he remembered the true meaning of thee battles and the new support they were giving him, "And I'll make sure to know both what and for whom I'm fighting for too."

All by his side smiles and motivational cheers surrounded him, and he accepted and acknowledged them all, vowing to carry their wishes onward not just to the end of the League but beyond that too. A way of uniting the past and the future together with the present.

"With that all out of the way." said Spike with an eager grin as he looked ahead behind Max, "Better fuel up for your fight!" He cheered as they all looked to see both Dr Owen and Patrick had brought Max and Chomp a large Katsu Don and for Chomp a large mixed vegetable salad, both of which were packed to the brim with nutrients!

Overtaken by hunger and by the tantalising smells of their lunch, both duelist and dinosaur couldn't hold themselves back anymore, "Yeah! And me and Chomp are gonna win!" Max cheered and Chomp barked with joyous vigour as they snk their teeth into their lunch, bringing themselves up to full strength as they wolfed down the food with little to nor restraint!

Aki then widened her eyes with slight worry seeing he may not have been chewing enough, "Be careful now! Don't choke or eat too much otherwise you'll get indigestion!"

"Don't listen to her my boy! Indulge yourself to your heart's content!" Spike cheered him on contrasting his wife's concerns, and soon on everyone else began to join him on it too.

"That's it!"

"Keep going!"

"Eat! Eat! Eat!"

"You can do better than that!" Cretacia even cried out.

"M…Mom!? You too!?" Rex gasped in surprise not expecting her to be rooting so much for Max, maybe even more so than him, which made him feel somewhat jealous and betrayed deep down.

"Guess she's really rooting for Max all the way now that I'm out…." Zoe sweat dropped at Rex's mom being rather fickle, hopefully she doesn't think of Max as her new favourite when this is over.

"Or maybe doesn't him to lose to Dr Z. That's all." Rex then muttered, having taken the time to understand her better lately and not putting it past her on that.

"I can imagine why….." sweat dropped Cera with Zoe as she walked up to them from where her parents were sitting. "It would be an underwhelming letdown if you were to lose because of that or if Dr Z were to win by default….." She added at the end. Naturally she didn't want that in the slightest, since she wanted and had been waiting a good worthy fight for all to see and be proud of. Above all to be able to face someone who worked their hardest to make it where she is now, someone who can and potentially will make her do her absolute best when the time comes, and she truly looked forward to and wanted to enjoy it to her heart's and soul's fullest content.

(Meanwhile)

At other side of the eatery, Dr Z cackled to himself deviously as usual, as he harboured all kinds of fantasies of him easily curbstomping Max not just for establishing his throne of Dinosaur King but also harbouring all kinds of desires of punishing him for all his past humiliations and disrespect over their long history together, intending on using said revenge and desire as fuel for his fight, just as he finishing shoving down a mouthful of sirloin steak down his throat and swallowing it whole! "Ehehehehe! All that stands between me and my glorious crown are a pair of pint sized pipsqueaks!" He cackled feeling his energy and strength peaking beyond maximum levels and now he could finally snap Max and Cera like twigs at long last and make it known for all generations that he and he alone is deserving of number one in the Dino world! "They might as well hand it over to me right now because I'm going to rule the duel!" He cheered as Ed and Zander both clapped for him joyously like the loyal fanboys they always were.

"Of course Dr Z!"

"It's written in the stars!" They both cheered faithfully which made him grin and hold his head up with a snobbish attitude while his family sighed or shook their heads in disapproval at his obnoxious ego would no doubt be his undoing one day.

Ursula who was more reserved than usual, folded her arms and smiled giving Dr Z some verbal encouragement, "It's your destiny, after all, you worked too hard and long for this to not make your dream a reality." She said to him genuinely this time around.

Rod and Laura frowned at her words, "Or more like a random thought that just popped into his head one fine day while we were in the past…."

"Which then lead to a whole big mess of trouble after…." They each said which made the old man whimper and lower his head with shame, prompting Ed and Zander to pat him on the back.

"Hehe, brutal honesty as always." Their father Steve chuckled seeing some things would never change, before looking to his adopted father who looked up to him, "Dad, we'll be here for you when you need us and we'll stand by you till the end of your days." He said to him holding a thumbs up.

Dr Z's eyes brightened up with hope that his family still believed in him, as his wife giggled, "Just don't get too excited, or today may be your last day." Caroline smiled, "After all you remember your heart and back aren't what they used to be."

Her words of encouragement had the opposite effect however as Dr Z gained a tic mark on his forehead and growled at her in response, "How dare you speak such nonsense!?" He hissed, though she didn't seem too bothered by it seeing it to be natural, "I'll tell you that I've been feeling younger than I've been in ages!" He boasted standing up tall and proud as he made a declaration to the masses around him, most of which were either annoyed or didn't care, "And after today a new age will be upon us! The age of Dr Z! The Dinosaur-"

Unfortunately just as Caroline warned him, which he ignored-

CRACK!

"YOWCH!" He squealed and winced with pain as he folded forward unable to support his upper body!

"AH!"

"Dr Z!"

"Grampa!"

"Dad!" Everyone gasped in alarm as they gathered around him with concern, as he began rubbing his back side sorely and winced and hissed through his teeth in pain. Though the other customers were relieved that he was clamming up as they got back to their lunch.

"Urk….my back….." Dr Z croaked in pain as he used both his hands to try and push his back in but the pain was so intense he couldn't do so and felt he was frozen in place, "I…can't move…."

"I warned you not to overdo it now look at what you've gotten yourself into." Caroline sighed as she tried to feel for his pain spot, and hearing Dr Z tear up in agony upon finding where it was as he lay down on the floor.

"Like that's new…." Ursula shrugged her shoulders while Rod and Laura sighed shaking their heads.

"Not again…." They both muttered.

As Zander fingered across his spine and felt his back was more tense and hard than his usual backaches, almost equivalent to the time he first cracked it over the alpha metal rock, he sweated with worry, "Oooh…this looks really bad…."

"Guess we'd better call the doctor and hope they postpone the match." Steve suggested as he took out his phone and was about to call for an ambulance, only for Dr Z to yell out.

"No! I refuse!" He growled angrily which surprised everyone else. Before any of them could protest he quickly retorted, "I've come this far into the League, if I backed out now it would bring shame to the entire Alpha Gang!" He growled while also shedding tears of emotional pain, upon an expression which made his entire family freeze in place, "After everything you all did for me, all you went through to get this far…..I could never look myself in the mirror again if I were to be kicked out of the tournament like this! I can't and won't allow it!" He shrieked as he spoke not just for his own sake but also on behalf of his family who supported him and his team for getting this far and for the Trio too having been beaten themselves and how he vowed to carry on their wishes to the end win or lose.

Upon hearing his words it wasn't mere stubbornness or pride but pure zeal and determination, looking to one another the family couldn't bring themselves to deny or take this from Dr Z as this was his life's work and dream. Not to mention he was the reason they were a family in the first place, so smiling at one another and nodding in acknowledgement they decided to accept Dr Z's decision and respect his wishes.

Still the fact remained that his determination to continue the match wouldn't solve his issue with his back…..Till Steve came up with a brilliant yet risky idea worth trying, "Well there is one way we could try dad." He suggested.

Dr Z's eyes brightened up with hope instantly, "There is!? Tell me! I'll take it!"

Everyone else seemed to get the idea Steve thought of, while some of them like Rod and Laura smiled or snickered, others like Ed and Ursula frowned with worry, "Are you sure Dr Z?" Ed warned him.

"Hey, he said he wanted it, so let's give it to him." Zander stated since at this point the answer was obvious.

"Yeah! Let me have it already! Time's a wasting!" Dr Z demanded impatiently.

They all looked to one another with mixed smiles or frowns, as they all looked to him pityingly, "Okay, you asked for it." said Steve. Little did Dr Z know was that this would the biggest regret of his life that he would be taking with him to the grave.

They cried out a name that should never be spoken for when calling for help, "Helga!"

"Urk…." He turned pale and choked upon hearing the floor shaking beneath him, in the blink of an eye the burly housemaid robot rushed full speed to where he was, as she towered over him making him shudder in pure terror!

"Fear not Dr Z!" She proclaimed as everyone gave her space or more like abandoning the old man to his fate, "I've been learning advanced chiropractic techniques in anticipation of this moment, rest assured I'll have you fixed up just a few mere minutes!"

Unable to escape or move from where he was, "WAAH! ON second thought, I-" Before he could finish he found himself surrounded by his own Trio, "GAH! What are you doing!?" He widened his eyes in alarm as his subordinates grinned at him both cheekily and some with a hint of sadism!

They each grabbed his 2 arms and legs, "You asked for it Dr Z."

"Now take it like a man!"

"He's all yours Helga!" They all said giving Helga the green light as he felt an immense sting of betrayal deep within him, as they literally threw him to the biggest wolf of all!

"WAAH!" He screamed as he flew right into Helga's arms and was quickly restrained in her vice lock much to his discomfort! "H…Help me!" He cried out pleading for mercy and salvation, looking to his last hope being his step son and family, unfortunately for him they were on the same wavelength as Ursula, Zander and Ed much to his horror.

"Forget it grandpa."

"You're not getting out of this, no chance." Rod and Laura knew it was time for him to take his medicine.

"This is for your own good dad." Said Steve firmly which made Dr Z widen his eyes in bewilderment.

"EH!?" He cried out feeling his heart break from the abandonment, before ranting out his frustrations while continuing to thrash in a future attempt to escape! "Grr! Traitors all of you! Forget having a place in my kingdom! In fact, you're out of my will! You're-ACK!" Helga slammed him on a table and loomed over him like a lion ready to sink its' teeth into fresh meat!

"Be quiet, stop acting like a baby and let me work." Helga grumbled in annoyance as she then hardened her gaze at him, paralysing him with fear with just a glare, "One wrong move and I may end up breaking you in half by mistake, is that what you want Dr Z?"

"N…No.…." He croaked before surrendering completely to take his lumps much to his immense discomfort and wounding of his pride, to be worked on in the middle of public, as some spectators began recording him open their phones or cameras. He didn't bother putting up a fight or fuss though as he begrudgingly accepted his fate.

"Alright, this won't hurt….much." Helga said at the end as she raised up her hand and delivered a swift Karate chop to Dr Z's spine!

CRACK!

"YOOOOWWW!" That day the entire restaurant's usual chorus was joined by the wails and whimper of a dying old man in agony.

(Later)

A little while after lunch as everyone regathered in the stadium quite eagerly for the final match of the semi-finals, even the MC couldn't wait to get things started, "Finally, the wait is over! The final match of the semifinals is now underway!" He announced to the crowds as they cheered and cried out, "In this corner is none other than the last standing member of the D Team from the First D Lab, who has fought his way for a chance to face Commander Cera, it's Max Taylor!"

As the MC finished his announcement, the crowds cheered and applauded upon seeing Max walk out into the spotlight with a bright shining smile on his face as he laughed joyously, "Hahahaha!" feeling deeply moved by everyone's support which helped him get this far and he wasn't about to let any of them down or fail their faith in him.

"Max! Win it for us all!"

"We believe in you!"

"Be careful honey!" His friends and family cried out to him as he waved back to them all.

"Thanks everyone! I'll be sure to win this one for sure!"

"And, his opponent!" The MC then called out after giving Max his moment to return thanks to his fans, "Standing in his way, his final hurdle before the grand finale, let's all give it up for Dr Z the Dinosaur King!" He announced as he showed the spotlight towards Dr Z next who made his way to the battlefield with a rather tense and grumpy look on his face. Irritation made clear in his eyes and his hard scowl, the audience startled or unnerved by how cranky he looked so he received less applause if any.

His family, not wanting him to be left out of support decided to add in their bit to boost his morale.

"Watch yourself grampa!" Laura cried for him.

"Kick his butt Dr Z!" Zander and Ed both yelled out.

Meanwhile Cera narrowed her eyes seriously, knowing her opponent will be either one of them and that will be decided this very moment. Either way both of them were very strong in their own regard so she decided to pay close attention to learn as much as she could before her destined match with either of them.

At the arena, Dr Z stomped in grumpily to his side of the match, something which caught his opponent's eye.

"Huh? What happened to you?" Max blinked his eyes feeling put off and curious about the old man, just moments ago he wouldn't stop going on and on about being Dinosaur King and now since arriving he hasn't said a word or even an insult to him, though he did seem way more uptight than normal which made Max sweat a little uneasily.

"Tch! Never mind me you brat." Dr Z clicked his tongue in annoyance before stomping his foot angrily, "Let's just get this over with here and now! I have a throne with my name on it waiting for me, and nothing and no one's gonna stop me! Not even you! Ahahahah!" He laughed out loudly with pride.

Max frowned at Dr Z's arrogance, seeing little chance of him changing or learning does he, but that didn't matter right now. "Hmph, well I couldn't care less if you were king or not Dr Z." He scoffed uninterestedly, "All I care about is fighting for all those who supported me and helped me get this far!" He declared firmly with unwavering resolve while holding a fist to his chest, "From the fans who stayed faithful to me, my family who gave me strength and my friends who fought their hardest and gave me the strength to come this far. I do this all for them and never for myself alone!" Looking to his friends behind and to his family in the seats above he smiled and nodded before facing Dr Z again, "I never would have made it this far without them, in fact without them I'd be nothing, which is why I'll dedicate this fight for them all and carry their wishes to the end of this tourney and beyond!" He declared his resolve firmly towards the old man.

His words deeply touched the hearts of many who heard his genuine speech as they clapped and cheered for him, wishing for his success…..all except for one in the arena.

"Blech, your speech about friendship and wishes makes me sick…." He spat in disgust, before suddenly changing his facial expression to a light smile, "Is what I would say any other day, but not today." He stated calmly taking a deep breath which made Max and several others blink in surprise, not expecting him to show humility or respect to anyone, "I now fight with the pride of the Alpha Gang on the line here! And victory in this tournament will secure our place in dinosaur history!" Dr Z declared as he pointed up to the sky, "Which we can only truly achieve that once I beat you no holds barred and with my power alone!" He then yelled out at Max as he pointed out at his opponent, "Furthermore my power is that which has been passed down to me by my family who too have gave their all for me to make it here to the semi finals, and I have no intention of failing them either!" He declared with equal resolve to Max's, "Way I see it, both of us are fighting under the same conditions, however I intend to prove that my family's wishes are and will be greater than yours Taylor!"

At the Alpha gang corner, the family felt most deeply moved and impacted by Dr Z's words, engraving deep within their hearts and souls, as they vowed to never forget this ever.

"Grampa…." Rod and Laura breathed amazed at his words.

"Dr Z…." The trio gasped, having known him all their lives they could tell what he was thinking and this time being truly sincere from the bottom of his old but now pure heart.

One by one they began to ear up as they felt a warmth inside them, "I knew he always had hope in him."

"Never doubted him for a moment." Ed and Zander both teared up and blew into a hankie they each carried with them, while Ursula, Helga Steve and Caroline remained more modest and simply smiled proudly at the head of their family.

"Get ready Max! For you'll be facing the dinosaur king's might right here and now!" Dr Z grinned regaining his usual spunk as he declared his challenge to the brunette, who smirked in response.

"Heh, bring it on!" Taylor replied fearlessly as he pumped up his arms and got into a fighting stance, "I could use you as a warmup before Cera!"

"Took the words right out of my mouth!" Dr Z retorted as they took out their dinoshots!

"Dino slash!"

"Alpha slash!" Both Dr Z and Max yelled out as they slashed their cards!

"Go triceratops! Roar!"

"Shred them to bits therizinosaurus!" The 2 duelists summoned forth their precious partners to the field who greeted one another with ferocious roars which sent the crowds crying out like crazy!

The MC seeing that both combatants have had their exchange of words, engaged the battlefield for them both! "Time warp go!" The field setting changed to that of the grassy plains in the middle of Dinosaur World, giving both of them plenty of room to fight at their best without any restraints or restrictions.

Upon sighting one another, both dinosaurs began to exchange words of their own with each other, Therizinosaurus screeched out menacingly as he stood up to full height, flashing out his powerful sickle like claws and then sharpening them against one another, the sounds of the claws making contact were like katanas making contact as they flashed with a new bladed edge!

On the other side, Chomp stomped on the ground and scraping the ground, waving out his horns which he sharpened against some nearby rocks till they were battle ready before roaring out with courage. Neither side backed down, the tension so thick you can cut it with a knife!

As Chomp grunted and snorted with agitation, "Yeah I know how you feel Chomp." Max tensed as a bead of sweat dripped from his cheek, "I remember it like it was just yesterday." Chomp narrowed his eyes as he recalled the battle they had, how he took down Ace and Paris with a few swipes from claw blade and nearly took him out as well by merely blocking his attack that time. One careless mistake could cost him the match in no more than a split second!

Dr Z snickered recognising the anxiety in his opponents, as he snickered deviously with glee, "Eheheheh! My boy's grown up even stronger than he was back then! I guarantee you and your puny dino don't stand a ghost of a chance!" He laughed angering Max.

"Tch! We'll see about that!" He clicked his tone and clenched his fist undeterred, "Chomp and I have come too far to chicken out now!" He then punched forward without hesitation urging Chomp to follow his lead! "Go in and attack Chomp!" Chomp roared out as he rushed forward head on to land the first strike hoping to get past those massive forearms and claws!

Dr Z however made no attempt or even effort to dodge, but instead grinned sadistically as he gave out his order, "Therizinosaurus! Deflect it!" He commanded as Therizinosaurus effortlessly swung out his arm with great force! Merely with his backhand, he repelled Chomp's attack and sent him knocking hard into some rocks with tremendous force!

"Whoa!" Max gasped in alarm while the audience widened their eyes in shock and disbelief

"With just 1 hand!?"

"No way!" They couldn't believe the amount of power Therizinosaurus had in just a simple swipe like that, imagine if he went serious, the thought made them shudder.

"Ahahaha! What was that? A love tap!?" Dr Z laughed in amusement, "You won't even be able to touch us with amateurish moves like that!"

"Grrr!" Max gritted his teeth and clenched his fist angrily at his taunts.

Rod gulped hard, "Grampa must have really trained him strong…."

Ursula nodded, "His training was always the most….unusual and abusive…." She whistled while also sweat dropping unsure for how else to word it, "But it did bring results…."

"This time around he added in actual care and love into it….Max is definitely going to be in for a rough time." Laura added.

Nearby, Dr Ancient folded his arms in serious thought, "I still can't understand how he was able to do all that training behind our backs for all that time when we were in the past…." He wondered, if only he had kept a close eye on him since the day he made that first move card. While having turned over a new leaf Dr Z still caused some irreparable damage and that was something he still couldn't let go of, even feeling tempted to time travel back to undo or even prevent them from occurring.

"Max! There's no need to hold anything back against him!" Spike then called out to his son hoping to cheer him on and raise his morale.

"Yeah! You'll have to get serious if you want any chance at beating him!" Aki followed after her husband.

Clicking his tongue in agreement with his family, "Tch! Okay fine!" He growled as he decided to take things up a notch, slashing a move card, "Electric charge!" A huge thunderbolt fired down from the sky and charged up Chomp's power to high levels as he prepared to mount another charge!

Rex narrowed his eyes, "Max is taking a huge risk there…." He mused.

"Yeah…." Cera nodded in agreement with him, suspicious of a trap, knowing Dr Z it would be just like him to do just that.

Dr Z grinned in response to his opponents coming in to attack and how eager he was to outmatch them head-on, "Heh, no problem! In fact, bring it!" He eagerly welcomed the challenge which further agitated Max.

"You asked for it you old geezer!" He yelled before pointing forward with no hesitation, "Let em have it Chomp!" On that note, Chomp rushed forward courageously, fully charged with thunder and was more than ready to unload it all on Dr Z!

As Chomp came in full force towards the secret dinosaur, "Here it comes! What will Dr Z do now!?" The MC called out as the crowds leaned forward for a closer look, others looking away in worry.

"Heh! This is what I'll do!" Dr Z smirked as he crossed his arms in front of him, "Go claw blade!" He motioned as Therizinosaurus mimicked his father's movements, his claws shining and growing even longer than normal! Dr Z then punched forward, the scythed lizard following suit as he thrusted out his arm, his claws instantly ensnaring Chomp as he halted the advance with but a single hand! Chomp's horns caught in between his fingers and as hard as he struggled he could wrestle out of Therizinosaurus' grip!

"AH!" Everyone gasped once more, even Cera felt her heart skip a beat at the secret dinosaur's immense strength!

"Amazing! Therizinosaurus has stopped Chomp dead in his tracks with but merely a single arm!" The MC called out in surprise.

"Oh no!" Max gasped realising Chomp was wide open and vulnerable to Therizinosaurus' other arm, as he yelled out towards Chomp, seeing their enemy had flared out the claws on his other arm and was ready to strike them where they were most vulnerable! "Chomp! Get out quick!" Chomp wrested and writhed frantically as Therizinosaurus still held him tightly ion place, right as he thrusted out his remaining arm intending to spear right through him! Thankfully in the nick of time he was barely able to free himself from Therizinosaurus' grip and leapt to the side as the claws barely grazed his scales, but still leaving behind the tiniest of slashes with just mere superficial contact!

Dr Z gritted his teeth in annoyance but soon grinned maniacally seeing he just proved his point, "Ahahahaha! Whatever you do is useless!" Dr Z cackled with pride as he ran up and petted his dino one the leg, brushing through his shining feathers with love, "My boy's defence is perfect!" He even began rubbing his face on said feathers, indulging in the moment as Therizinosaurus roared out happy to make his father proud.

Something which made Steve frown, feeling rather jealous that his dad cared more about a feathery lizard than he did his own family.

"Geez, Grampa's overinflated ego is already surging to irrational proportions….." Rod sweatdropped seeing his grandfather acting way over his head for the umpteenth time this week.

"Still he is capable of backing all that up….." Caroline responded to Rod before frowning with worry, "Which gives him all the more reason to do it….."

"Sounds real worrying when you put it like that." Ed muttered uneasily.

"That's because it is…." Laura reminded him.

At the D Team's family, they showed much more support towards their representative, "Max!"

"Hang in there honey!" Spike and Aki both called out to their son.

It wasn't just them, "Don't you dare lose to that loudmouthed lunatic Max! Kick his sorry butt into the next time period already!" Cretacia yelled whipping out her arm in a flurry with the other backing her up too, though their efforts at having Max's back ended up pressuring him to an extent too.

"Urgh…." Fact that he was up against a secret dinosaur who not only had a strong connection with his partner and was capable of evolving too, needless to say he felt himself facing a giant wall about to collapse on him as he climbed it.

Dr Z then grinned seeing Max losing options real fast and believing this match to be in the bag at this rate, "Ahahaha! Anything else or is that all?" He taunted Max once again, pointing at him.

"You'd wish Dr Z!" Max retorted angrily, "Get ready to feel the thunder!" He declared taking out a move before slashing it with passion! "Or better yet Thunder bazooka!" Chomp ran towards his opponent and leapt spinning like a torpedo surging with electricity as he raced towards the secret dinosaur who held his ground and roared in defiance!

"Ha! Fight back with Claw blade once more!" Dr Z laughed as this time mimicking his father once more, Therizinosaurus crossed both his arms in front as he held his ground as the thunder torpedo collided head on! He dug in his tow claws and found himself pushed back some distance, but mustering up his upper body strength, he swung out with full force and repelled Chomp once more!

"Man….." Max panted tiredly as Chomp landed hard on his 4 feet on the ground, feeling rather shaken.

"He blocked it again flawlessly!" The MC widened his eyes, "Therizinosaurus' defence is near impenetrable! So far all of Max's attempts to get inside have failed, what will he try now!?"

Dr Z grinned at the compliments, but soon felt he had enough fun already and was time he wrapped up this match and moved onto the final so he could claim his crown! "Alright! Enough of this, it's time we attacked now my boy!" He commanded Therizinosaurus, putting Max on edge as the scythed lizard screeched viciously! "Go claw impaler!" Dr Z thrusted his arm up!

"Uh oh! Watch out Chomp!" Unfortunately Max's words failed to reach the trike in time, as he had just finished recovering from the impact and spin, only to be met by Therizinosaurus running up to him, scooping him up with his massive forearms and flinging him high into the air like a beachball! "Oh no!"

"WAAAH!"

"This is gonna hurt!"

"I can't look!" Everyone gasped in worry knowing this could be the end if this landed!

"Watch out Max!" Cera cried worrying for him!

Above at the spectator seats, "Dr Z's going way overboard now!" Dr Owen gritted his teeth tensely.

"We may need to send him to a mental institute after this!" Dr Ancient narrowed his eyes angrily.

"We should have sent him there years ago!" Cretacia cried out loudly.

Dr Z grinned maniacally with anticipation as he awaited for Chomp to get gutted! "Hahahaha! Get ready to be skewered like a kebab!" He laughed excitedly, a sentiment not shared by his opponent who sweated anxiously as he neared striking range!

Max gritted his teeth as thoughts raced through his mind as he started to panic, "No….I've gotta do something….." He himself knew if this attack landed there's not way Chomp could take it, but under the circumstances there was no logical way to get out…..which meant he had to think outside the box for that. "Ah!" He soon widened his eyes as he recalled an opportunity for this, and quickly in an effort to save Chomp, trusted his gut and slashed! "Thunder driver!" Chomp roared surging with power from the move as he spiralled down surging in thunder right when Therizinosaurus struck his arm out!

Both moves met in a clash but Therizinosaurus was caught unaware by this and didn't have enough time to fully use his claw blade, which resulted in both of them being repelled! Though Chomp landed back on the ground unscathed, Therizinosaurus roared in pain as he felt his arm was damaged rather badly as lost the energy to hold it up as it throbbed with pain!

Dr Z couldn't believe it! "What!?" He gasped in disbelief along with his family.

"No way!"

"Did you just see that!?"

"Max uses thunder driver to evade what may have been a devastating blow! And not a moment too soon!" The MC stated.

"Phew….that close….glad that actually worked…." Max breathed a sigh of relief as Zoe and Cera cheered him on from behind.

"Way to go Max!"

"Nice one!"

"That manoeuvre was the same as how he fought me…." Rex put a finger to his chin in thought before chuckling amused, "Heh good on you Max." He smiled feeling happy that he was able to push Max to this point and in a way despite having lost to him he was able to help him here too.

Blaze whistled impressed, "Not bad….." He remembered how Max did that against Rex as well, before realising he did something similar against Zoe with fire bomb, "Didn't think he'd take a cue from my book." It made him feel rather flattered. Making him look forward to see how the remaining duelists would fight using the experiences from their previous matches up till this point, including Cera….

"Therizinosaurus is off balance now! There's no better time to strike than now Chomp!" Max called out as Chomp roared out in agreement! Max then slashed another move, "Now! Lightning axe!" Chomp roared as he focused the thunder in between his horns and sprouted a powerful axed in between them before leaping out and somersaulting towards the unwary secret dinosaur!

"WAH! Quick! Block!" Dr Z flailed out his arms in a panic! Unfortunately for his dino, one arm was rather damaged from Chomp's thunder driver earlier, so with little option left, he guarded using his remaining good arm. As a result Chomp's axe made contact at the arm, avoiding the claw and thus dealing massive damage to the scythed lizard as he roared in pain and staggered back, now with both hips arms temporarily out of commission to Dr Z's worry! "Yikes! That's no good!"

"Like a bolt of lightning, Max and Chomp take the initiative striking when Dr Z was most vulnerable!" The MC called out impressed.

Hearing his son growling in pain, Dr Z ran up to him to see his arms throbbing red and looking real bruised, "My boy, did that hurt?" he said with empathy as he slowly patted the dinosaur's leg, to which he winced as his arms throbbed sorely. "Don't worry, we'll get that boo boo bandaged up as soon as this is over." Dr Z assured him, taking care not to touch the affected area before glaring with fury at Max and Chomp! "Grr! How dare you strike my precious boy like that!? As his father it's my duty to make sure this doesn't go unpunished!" As he said that, Therizinosaurus having regained use of his arms, shrieked angrily as he began to sharpen his claws on a nearby rock as sparks flew out and his scythes gained a new deadly shine and serrated edge to them! Leaving vicious claw marks on the stone which made Chomp and Max rather wary.

Rex sweated uneasily, "Dr Z looks mad now….."

"Since when has he not?" Cera shrugged her shoulders at his comment.

"Well Max hasn't usually had problems fighting him at the moment. I say he's getting better now." Zoe stated still feeling confident in his odds.

Cera then folded her arms, "Yeah, but attacking up close has been really risky so far….." She pointed out realistically.

"I hope Max has other plans in case, otherwise he may be dancing on a literal blade's edge….." Rex narrowed his eyes.

"They're getting serious now Chomp." said Max giving his buddy a heads up. He snorted at Max to which he nodded agreeing with him, "Yeah, let's see how they handle this!" He grinned as he slashed his move, "Lightning strike!" He yelled activating it, as Chomp surged with power and fired a powerful bolt towards Dr Z! At this point to attack up close would be dangerous and reckless, attacking from afar seemed like the smarter choice.

In response however Dr Z made no attempt to evade, but instead scoffed at it, "Ha! A weak attack like that won't get through to us!" He boasted to Max's surprise, "Block it with gyro claw!" Dr Z commanded as Therizinosaurus spun around violently ion a circle and rushed towards the lightning bolt!

To everyone's alarm, not only did he meet the bolt head on but he pushed through it as though it didn't even faze him in the slightest! "What the!?" Max gasped as Chomp stuttered back in surprise.

"Ahahaha! Go!" Dr Z laughed pointing towards Chomp, as Therizinosaurus twirled around Chomp violently slashing him on all sides as he roared in pain before collapsing down to the ground hard!

"Chomp!" Max cried out as everyone gasped in alarm as Therizinosaurus returned to Dr Z's side of the field!

"Max!"

"Hang in there!"

"No!" They all cried worriedly.

"A brutal attack! Chomp certainly didn't like that!" The MC cried out worrying for Chomp!

"Wow!" Caroline covered her mouth surprised and her kids gaping amazed at the same time.

"I never seen dad fight that well before." Steve breathed widening his eyes with awe.

Zander smirked with satisfaction as they both sat back in their seats and folded their arms rather smugly, "Heh, what can you expect he's facing off against the Dinosaur King after all!"

"Go Dr Z!" Ed cheered throwing out his arm with energy.

Ursula then smirked proud of Dr Z's skill and power before frowning somewhat, "I almost feel sorry for the brat out there….almost…." She had to admit her opinion of the D Team had grown better since her new take on things as well as growing more respectful towards them too as she looked back on their long history with one another while not the best, seeing from their point of view helped her gain a better understanding of them and not to be so self centred

Down below upon hearing his family rooting for him, Dr Z smiled brightly and laughed with joy, "Ahahaha! Well I can't disappoint my loyal fans if more fighting is what they want!" He called out before cheering on his dinosaur at the top of his lungs, "Keep it up my boy! You're doing great!" Hearing his father's words fired up Therizinosaurus' spirit as he flared out his claws and spun around in gyro claw once more before heading straight for Chomp who was barely managing to stand up!

"Watch out Max!"

"Here he comes again!" Spike and Dr Owen called out in worry as everyone was on the edge of their seats,.

"Urgh….I've gotta stop that dino in its' tracks now!" Max narrowed his eyes, with Chomp readying himself should this fail. "Counter blitz!" Max slashed, with Chomp summoning a thundercloud which dropped a powerful bolt to the earth and struck right at Therizinosaurus' head! Stunning him where he was unable to block in time as he twitched and spasmed uncontrollably with the current flowing through him!

"WAAAAH!" Dr Z screamed in horror as Max's supporters cheered and praised his counter.

"That's the way Max!"

"Good thinking!" Rex and Cera both called out to him, making him grin with satisfaction.

Deciding to strike while the iron was hot, "Now Chomp! Aim right for his weak points!" He called out spurring Chomp into action! As Therizinosaurus turned his back around to Chomp unable to regain control of his body, the triceratops capitalised on that very moment as he rushed in and scooped up the scythed dinosaurs before tossing him into some trees which collapsed on top of him in the process upon impact!

"NO!" Dr Z cried out with the Alpha Gang gasping in shock.

"A nice reversal from Max and Chomp! Now the odds have evened up!" Announced the MC full of energy.

Seeing an opportunity that may not come again, "Quick Chomp! Move in now!" Max urged his buddy to seize the chance as it presented itself. The triceratops roared and charged in, ramming into Therizinosaurus' gut with full force as he lay on the ground, making him roar in pain as he was shoved right up to a large rock!

"AAAH! How dare you!?" Dr Z flailed out his arms in shock before Chomp began pounding on the secret dinosaur's exposed belly making him growl in pain! Gnashing his teeth in rage! "Get off!" Dr Z yelled out with fury, which his dino picked up on sharing the same sentiment! Angrily, Therizinosaurus leapt up, spinning violently in a tornado twirl which repelled Chomp, pushing him some distance away! As Chomp shook his head clear he saw his opponent take up a tall defensive stance as he reared up on his hind legs and held out his claws warningly, having covered up said weak spots and keeping his guard up. "Ahahah! That's the way!" Dr Z cheered.

His family widened their eyes in amazement, "Whoa!"

"Such graceful elegant movements….." Steve and Caroline both exclaimed.

"Never saw that coming from Dr Z….." Ursula whistled blinking her eyes, never thought she could find herself not just impressed hut amazed at the old goat's performance….and they say you can't teach old dogs new tricks.

Having had his buttons pushed long enough, Dr Z clenched his hands tightly deciding the gloves were off right here and now! "You've asked for it kid! Now prepare yourself to be taught some manners and to respect your elders! Or better yet your superiors!" He yelled furiously as rainbow energy began gathering around him! "Element fusion!" Therizinosaurus exploded in a shining aura as he emerged fully powered up with his evolved stated!

"Therizinosaurus awakened! Now his full powers have been unleashed! How will Max handle that!?" The MC called out to the masses as the crowds cheered with excitement expecting to see way more intense fights now!

Max felt tempted to awaken Chomp as well, but soon decided against it since it was clear he and Chomp would be outmatched against a secret dinosaur. Luckily he had a backup idea, "Here's how!" Max declared as he held out his Element booster! "Dino tector on!" Equipping it to the Dinoshot, it caused Chomp to be enveloped in his thunder armour as he roared out in power!

"What a surprise! Max has chosen to armour up his dinosaurs instead of awakening him!" The MC announced, "Now we shall see first hand a fight between elemental fusion and elemental boosters!" He cried making the audience roar even more with even more vigour.

Dr Z snickered as the MC finished, eager to prove himself Max's better, that nothing beats high tech like old school! "Hehehe, I'll show everyone just how superior I am! No way I'll be beaten by the very armour I made with my own hand!" He boasted, which made Cera pout, as she was the one who made the Armour set for the D Team and Dr Z was stealing her credit.

"We'll see about that Dr Z!" Max yelled back at him to which the old man grinned.

"Yes we shall!" He snared before throwing out his arm! "Gyro claw!" Dr Z commanded as Therizinosaurus shone brightly and spun around violently in a cyclone towards Max!

"Thunder bazooka!" Max countered as Chomp once again leapt and spun towards the incoming Therizinosaurus, both of them about to meet head on in a powerful collision!

Sparks flew as both the spinning claws and spiralling horns collided and shredded at one another! Max and Dr Z both had to cover their eyes to block out the blinding light before they both replied one another from impact! Therizinosaurus had to dig his claws into the ground to hold himself firm while Chomp landed on his feet skilfully.

"Urgh! Take this then!" Max grunted slashing another move, "Buzzing spear!" Chomp sprouted a thunderous lance from his horns before rushing forth to skewer his opponent with it!

"Claw blade!" Dr Z countered! Therizinosaurus flashed out his claws which grew to the size of massive katanas, now amplified by the light of elemental fusion they were far more deadly than ever before!

Yet Chomp showed no fear or hesitation in his attack, and instead thrusted out his lightning spear straight at the awakened dinosaur who guarded swiftly by crossing his blades together in front of him! He swung out and repelled Chomp again, but the armoured ceratopsian held his ground and instead lunged forward once more, prompting Therizinosaurus to swipe out with his claw as the 2 blades met in a another clash which sent sparks flying and dancing out! Chomp's repeated thrusts countered with Therizinosaurus' swipes, with the scythed lizard's claws scraping at Chomp's armour who guarded with his head shield against them before they met once more in another stalemate as horn and claw met together once again like a pair of swords held by a pair of duelling knights! When Chomp thrusted out his spear, Therizinosaurus clapped his hands together causing the blades in his hand to close in like a trap as they slashed into the spear making sparks of light flash out on contact before Chomp shook his horn free from his grip!

"GARRGH!" Max and Dr Z growled out intensely, their very spirits clashing with their dinosaurs together as they refused to give in or give up, intending to see this battle to the end, a trait their dinosaurs both shared too.

"Incredible! It's like a clash between gladiators! How fitting to see such a fight in our own arena ladies and gentlemen!" The MC announced.

Everyone found themselves captivated by the performance both duelists and dinosaurs were giving for the crowd, like a 5 star show in a theatre as though they were actors in a scene called the duelling dino duet. It was truly breathtaking as the light from their bodies and moves flashed, clashed and danced together with one another as they struck one another hard blow for blow, while each of them having the aim to fight with all their might in order ti emerge triumphant they had little idea how much of a spectacular performance they were putting on for everyone.

"Magnificent…." Dr Owen gaped as he felt his breath taken away with the other families amazed.

"I…literally have no words for this work of art…." Marina breathed widening her eyes as she could see the beauty and passion of their souls clashing with one another in sync with their moves! A sight to behold, the makings of an all new classic that would live and be remembered for centuries! Truly it was both speechless and breathtaking for the crowds and audience all around as they felt themselves entranced by the 2 battling dinosaurs as though they were a pair of partners in a delicate dance with one another.

"Whoa! Grampa's fighting real hard out there!" Laura breathed amazed as her eyes widened.

"Yeah, almost too well…." Rod whistled and nodded, before looking towards their housemaid, "Helga, did you do something besides fix his back?" He asked her with a raised eyebrow.

The burly housemaid thought about it for a moment before shrugging her shoulders, "Hmm….no nothing that I can put my finger on…." She simply replied though Rod still had his suspicions regardless of whether intentional or not she may have done something else to him.

"I see….."

Back at the battle below, "Huff….you're good Dr Z….." Max panted but then smiled having fun, something he didn't think he'd ever do with the old man.

"Heh….you're not too bad yourself….for a kid….." Dr Z complimented, putting a hand over his chest to rest his racing old heart. Yet despite the stress it would have on his elderly body he couldn't care less as he laughed out loud with pride and joy, "Have to admit I haven't had this much fun in ages!" It was then he shot a rather serious look towards Max to the brunette's surprise, "But still, I'm not in this tourney for myself. The old Dr Z would have wanted glory all to himself, but that would be no more than a fleeting moment and temporary short lived greatness!" Dr Z grinned maniacally but also with a hint of energetic passion on his face, "Now I want something even more than that!" He then cried out to the sky which made Max blink his eyes in surprise.

"You want more?" He questioned, "Isn't it already enough that you're going to be the one to make this dino league possible in the future?"

"Heh, no not even close!" Dr Z retorted, "I don't want to be merely known for that alone." He then looked up to the seats where his family were sitting, watching over him, the very family he created with his own 2 hands, "I want not just myself but entire family, the Alpha Gang be remembered for all eternity for generations to come in this future! To ensure we will be remembered and have a place secured in the hearts of every person in this world!" He wanted them to experience the glory and honour that his very own dinosaur kingdom would give them, blending both of his very best creations together so they all would be remembered through the ages, dreaming about it made him shed a rather emotional tear from his eye, "My precious underlings may have been beaten in battle but now I carry with me their wishes up until this point. We worked too hard to let our journey to the top end in defeat, after all our sacrifices we made I intend to settle the score in their name and honour, as leader of the Alpha Gang!" He declared with all his heart and soul, with upmost sincerity, something he never thought he may actually do for anyone else other than himself, which he hadn't done for ages till now this every moment.

"Dr Z….." The Alpha Gang breathed speechlessly followed by both Rod and Laura who were just as utterly stunned as they were.

"Grampa….."

Ed and Zander both sniffled and shed tears of deep emotional joy, "I…I don't know what's come over me but…." They both yelled out at the top of their lungs together, "Dr Z! Win this one for us all!"

"We'll stand by your side to the end of time for this! You made us who we are today! Without you we'd be nothing!"

"So win this for us all! Show everyone what why we are proud to have you as our leader and father!" Ursula cried out with passion, gratitude and pride together with her adopted brothers unable to hold herself back anymore.

Dr Z widened his eyes hearing them, looking back he felt moved by their words in turn, "You guys…." He didn't think that by being genuinely grateful to others you'd receive equal or even more in return.

Feeling inspired by Ed and Zander, "Well we can't leave them to cheer your grandfather on alone now can we?" Caroline smiled looking down to her kids as they both smiled energetically motivated.

"Not a chance mom!" They both called out towards Dr Z, "Yeah grampa! You heard them!"

"Papa Z! We're here for you!" Steve joined in last.

Feeling empowered by the wills and hopes of his very family, the Alpha family head had another reason why he couldn't allow himself to lose now, "Heh, you see that. That's loyalty there." Dr Z snickered proudly at Max, "As much as I've made them the family they are now, they've also helped in shaping me to be who I am today." He then placed his arm to his chest with pride, "And with their spirits and support behind me there's no way I'll fall here!"

On the other side of the arena, spectators were deeply moved and inspired by the close bonds the Alpha Gang had with each other, clearly they had misjudged Dr Z, seeing he was a far better man than they had given him credit for.

"Just look at them."

"They're really backing him up." Zoe and Rex each said one after the other, unable to blink their eyes or take them off one bit.

"Never thought I'd see the day…." Cera whistled amazed, she knew Dr Z was unstable and unpredictable at times but this was something else.

"Cera, you were right." Rex said as he got the red haired girl's attention, "When you said the Fossil League can really bring people and dinosaurs together and the best out of them, you really weren't kidding."

"Mhmm." She nodded in agreement with him before looking back with a smile at Dr Z, "Though this time around, it's gone way better than I could have thought it would go." She knew that, while the arena and tournaments that came with it was created by Dr Z himself solely for entertainment purposes, while he wanted it to be something he could enjoy by himself and for people to worship him for, he eventually grew to desire pleasing people through these battles genuinely and not just himself. How much more it had evolved beyond his initial design, to the extent it would even change him too. For that to be the case…..perhaps when the Alpha Gang return home with the principles and honour they've learnt while here, maybe the Fossil League could become even greater than it was now…..something she excitedly looked forward to and had high hopes for, even faith in the very people who would soon make it come to be….

"Dr Z….." Max breathed stunned speechlessly by what the old man told him, he had known him for sometime and got an understanding of his very behaviour and way of thinking, but to hear him sound so genuine and passionate about his dream which was now refined to no longer being selfish but selfless, he found himself a little conflicted deep down, worrying should he win this duel could it have an impact on Dr Z's morale and thus affecting the future of the League itself given Dr Z would one day become one of its very founders…..

"Max! Don't let Dr Z psyche you out!" Rex then cried out snapping him out of his thoughts, "Remember for whom you're fighting for too!" Max quickly looked back to his friends cheering him on.

"We're counting on you to win it all!" Zoe followed after him.

"You're just as big a hero or even bigger than Dr Z is!" Spike cried out at the top of his lungs before being followed by Dr Ancient.

"We believe it!"

Hearing the sounds of the many fans and family backing him up, filled Max with a certain warmth inside him. "You hear that? We both have great people in our lives who care for us and giving us a reason to continue fighting with our best." He chuckled at the irony that the day had come for him to truly acknowledge and respect the wacky doctor of all people, "Heh, never thought I'd say this, but you and I have that in common with each other." His resolve restored he hardened his gaze and smirked, "Looks like in the end it'll come down to whoever wants to win more!"

"I agree on that." Dr Z smiled at that before letting out a hard sigh, "And as much as it pains me to say this, you've been an irritating thorn in my side as well as a worthy opponent." It was then he grinned towards Max filled with excitement and youthful determination himself despite his old age, "So to show my respect I'll finish you off here and now!" Dr Z screeched with a maniacal grin as he called out his last move! "Gyro claw!" Therizinosaurus flared out his claws on command and began twirling around in a vicious whirlwind before rushing right towards Chomp!

Max grinned in response, "The only one who'll be finished here is you Dr Z!" He declared as he slashed out his strongest move yet! "Ultimate thunder!" Chomp roared out as he surged with thunderous power, creating a single lightning path laid out before him to his incoming opponent! He was struck momentarily by the incoming bolts, but pressed on as Chomp charged forth and shot right towards Therizinosaurus as they both met in a mighty collision! Sending sparks and light flying out violently as they made contact followed by shockwaves upon impact!

"Gyro claw and Ultimate thunder collide!" The MC cried out as he and everyone else held onto their hats and seats! "But which one will win out!"

"URRGH!" Dr Z and Max grunted as they did everything they could to steady themselves, unaware their battle's effects had spread out of the dome and into the stadium itself!

Everyone cried at the top of their lungs mustering all their energy and support to give to the one they supported above all!

"Max!"

"Dr Z!"

"Grampa!"

Both duelists could feel the immense support backing them up, as they hardened their resolve and yelled at the top of their lungs!

"GAAARRGH!" Neither refusing to give ground or let their families or fans down! Their fighting spirit igniting that of their dinosaurs, as they too refused to give up with their partners' loved ones cheering them on and their partners counting on them too!

The 2 dinosaurs were evenly matched in both strength and spirit….but Chomp, motivated by Max's youthful spirit and purer heart, mustered up every remaining ounce of energy he had left for one final push, which helped him gain ground against the spinning blades of Therizinosaurus! Eventually the secret dinosaur, having reached the end of his limits, was unable to stop him anymore as he gave out and was sent flying through some rocks and crashing several feet away before landing on his back, motionless and defeated….

"NO!" Dr Z gasped in shock and devastation as he fell to his knees, with his family widening their eyes sadly to see Dr Z, the last of the Alpha Gang and founder of their family to be knocked out of the tournament.

"Gramps!" Rod and Laura cried out worriedly.

"NO! Dr Z!" Ed, Ursula and Zander cried out in shock.

Steve sighed sadly and lowered his head, "He lost…." Was all he could say, as Caroline patted him gently on the back hoping to comfort her husband's downhearted spirit.

While on the other side, as Max processed the situation more closely rubbing his eyes to make sure he was seeing straight after the explosion and through his own fatigue, "We…won?" He breathed before grinning with energy and punching up to the sky with joyous momentum! "We won!" He cheered with Chomp roaring up in triumph!

"Unbelievable! After an intense clash of the titans, Dinosaur King Dr Z has been dethroned by none other than Max Taylor of the D Team!" The MC declared Max the winner as the crowds cheered proudly and happily of the outcome to be more than satisfactory.

"Max won it!" Spike punched up energetically to the sky with his cohorts clapping, cheering or whistling for his victory.

"Hooray! He he shut Dr Z's loud mouth up real good!" Cretacia squealed with joy that she wouldn't be having the old man rubbing it in her face horn teasing her anytime soon.

"I always knew he had talent from the very moment I first laid eyes on him." Jonathan nodded with approval.

On the other hand Cera smiled calmly, while at first she didn't mind whom her opponent would be for the finals, in all honesty deep down she wanted Max above all others to be that opponent for her own personal reasons and that was more than them being close friends.

Zoe and Rex quickly ran up to him unable to contain themselves anymore, "You did it Max! Chomp!"

"Yeah! Congrats!" They both praised him, with Rex fist bumping him and Zoe reaching in to give Max a nice hug, making him grin and blush red slightly.

"Ehehe….it was nothing you guys….." He chuckled as Zoe quickly let go of him to give her friend some space. As Max let out a sigh of relief, with Chomp's armour disappearing off him as the battle ended and the field vanished, "Though I've gotta admit, I never expected to be pushed that hard by Dr Z of all people…." He scratched his cheek and smiled wearily in exhaustion.

"Yeah, who would've thought that old geezer would prove to be that strong…." Rex had to admit, he truly was something else. Never again would he look down on him again after today now that he knows what he was capable of when he really put his heart to it.

"It was clear that his determination and desire to win was a pure as the light itself." Cera smiled as she came up to them, "But it seems Max's will, heart and soul outshined him in the end." She concluded before nodding with approval towards her destined opponent, "Well done, looks like I'll be facing you after all."

"Heh, yeah looks that way Cera….Looks that way indeed." Max nodded to her as she smirked and they both shook hands on it.

"And I look forward to it." She replied acknowledging Max's challenge, both of their spirits telling one another they vowed to give it their very all.

Meanwhile other side, Dr Z ran up to Therizinosaurus' side, "My boy! Speak to me!" crying out with concern as he stroked his face hoping for a sign that he was still conscious and well. After a few moments, the feathered dino stirred, awoken by the sound of his father, looking to him weakly and groaned sadly to have failed him, to which Dr Z shook his head and smiled, "It's okay, you did your best….and I couldn't be more….sniff….proud of you…." He sniffed while disappointed in his loss he had no regrets as his boy fought to the very end and gave his very all the moment their first battle began, that was all that counted.

"Come back….you deserve a nice long rest and delicious treat for all your hard work." He told him sweetly as he stroked his head gently, which put the large dinosaur at ease that he wasn't being scolded harshly, "And I promise to play tag with you as soon as we get home." His words made the secret dinosaur grunt happily before being recalled to Dr Z's hand, as the old man let out a heavy sigh and merely squatted at where he was and not moving an inch.

It was then that his family came to where he was as they gathered around him worriedly, "Hey gramps….Are you….okay?" asked Rod with concern for his grandfather, who said nothing to him, adding to Rod's discomfort believing this loss may have impacted him more than he thought, which he could understand if that was the case. Losing your biggest dream sure would leave a bitter after taste that may never go away after all.

The only response he got from Dr Z, was a hard sniffle and seeing him grit his teeth with an expression of both sadness and anger on his face.

"I…take that as a no…." Zander muttered as they all frowned sadly at their founding father, for him to come so far and then lose in front of countless people in the very tournament and arena he would one day build, they couldn't imagine any humiliation worse than that.

As he continued to mope and cover his face with his own hands, the family couldn't bring themselves to say anything to him in fear of making hurting his feelings even more. Till eventually, "Enough sulking Dr Z!" Helga then yelled out at him in annoyance and breaking the silence to everyone's alarm, "You are a grown man, for you to cry in public like a child is utterly disgraceful! So man up and accept it already!" She huffed folding her arms with disapproval.

This however was met with a swift negative reaction by the family as they turned to her.

"Helga!"

"Can't you see grampa needs a moment!?" Rod and Laura both cried out.

"Yeah!" Ed yelled out angrily, this time standing up to the burly housemaid for the first time ever, "I mean, he worked real hard to make it this far only to lose like that…." He pouted pityingly as he twiddled his fingers together before lowering his head with shame, "To see your dream get crushed before your very eyes we know just how he feels."

"Then again we shouldn't expect a robot with a bulldozer engine for a heart to understand." Zander scoffed, which he quickly regretted as he earned the trio a really scary and stern glare from the female housemaid droid!

Ursula widened her eyes realising they may have just stepped on a lion's tail by saying that, "Not helping!" She reprimanded them as they squealed having realised their dreadful mistake!

"EEP! Sorry!" They cried covering their faces readying themselves for their just desserts.

To their surprise, Helga gave their words some careful thought before sighing, "I shall….make you liverwurst pancakes if that makes you feel better then…." Was all she said and nothing more, as she went off to make Dr Z's favourite snack much to Ed and Zander's relief and the family's surprise.

Despite the words of his loving family, Dr Z was still sniffing though only slightly lesser but it wasn't something to be proud of as his family frowned or sighed seeing this must have been way more disheartening to him than they first thought.

Nevertheless, even after empathising the fact was they couldn't let Dr Z go on like this, "Still, Helga's right you know Dr Z?" Ursula pointed out deciding to show some tough love, "You can't just sit there moping forever….."

"Yeah, come on. Cheer up grampa!" Laura patted him on the back, "Yeah I mean you still fought a pretty good battle and we really liked it!"

The others soon joined in hoping to bring his spirits back up, "You made that kid sweat real bad many times I just know it!" Zander encouraged him before snapping his fingers at a brilliant but dastardly idea popping into his head, "In fact, for ruining your dreams we'll be sure to let him have it right after this!"

"Yeah! We'll make him regret ever stealing the spotlight that is rightfully ours!" Ed pumped up his arm, which made Ursula raise an eyebrow with disapproval.

"Hey guys, I don't think that-"

Before she could finish, "Silence!" Dr Z suddenly growled which surprised them all making the trio jump!

"EH!?"

"Huh!?"

"I won't allow you to taint my loss with pity or with anything dishonourable as that!" Dr Z spat in their faces, "I may have lost…but this loss is mine and I decide what to do about it!"

Feeling real ashamed of their actions now that they looked at it from his perspective without considering his feelings, "Y…Yes sir…."

"Whatever you say." Ed and Zander both saluted him and bowed down taking back their words.

"So then….what are you going to do now grampa?"

"Sigh….."

"What else but wish Max all the best of luck!"

"Huh!?"

"Say what now!?"

Dr Z then grinned his trademark maniacal grin before bursting into hollers laughter, "Hahaha! As if that ankle biter could ever steal my dream from me! When in fact I've already achieved it and will do it again!" He boasted proudly, "Look around you imbeciles! As usual you're unable to see the big picture!" He ushered them to take a good look to see the massive arena they all stood within and the many people gathered to see their fights, whom he would one day host, "Everything here, this arena, it's people and the dinosaurs running around everywhere, it's all thanks to me that it even exists!" He stated as all around evidence that the people of the future still looked up to him as a hero regardless of the outcome.

"You did your best Z!"

"That was an awesome battle!"

"I hope I can raise my dino as good as you did yours!"

They all cried out and clapped to the family's amazement, as Dr Z held up head head high and smirked with satisfaction.

"There's always next time! Winning or losing this tournament doesn't mean squat to me! It's merely a luxury in the big picture! So I lost, big deal! It doesn't change the fact that I helped shaped this world to my glorious design and dream!" He proclaimed with pride, "My dream's been realised already and I'm, no, we're living it right now!" He called out making them all widen their eyes in amazement and surprise at how far he could see things and he did so long before they ever noticed.

"Dr Z!"

"That's genius!"

"Wow….that's one way of looking at it." Ursula whistled with Rod and Laura nodding in agreement with her.

"Mhmm…"

While still egoistical as ever, they could see his eyes shine in a new kind of light they didn't think they'd ever see in him….again, and that made them all proud and happy to have him as both their founder, father and leader.

"And mark my words, when we all go home you have my word you'll all get a share of the glory that is the Dinosaur Kingdom of Dr Z!" He declared to them to which they all cheered with excitement and joy to have him back to his old self, or better yet a better version of himself.

"Yay!"

"We'll be here to the end of time to see your dream through!"

"We'll make it even better than it is right now! A million times better even!" The trio said one after the other.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world grampa." Rod and Laura said together vowing to support him to the end and to make sure he never loses his way in the process.

"Ahahahaha! I know you all will." He laughed joyously feeling a great warmth in his old heart, one he would never take for granted as long as he lived, "I'll be sure to make it a dinosaur kingdom everyone can be proud of so I'll be immortalised for all eternity." He promised them all, "But first. There's something I need to do." He said turning to see the D Team in his sights, narrowing his eyes he locked onto his intended target, Max, before stomping his way towards him, his teeth gritting tensely with frustration along the way. It sickened him to no end to do this, but it would leave an even worst taste in his mouth if he didn't do it. So he swallowed his pride deciding to get this over with. Having gotten within range, he took a breath and mustered everything he had before shouting out to him. "Hey! You! Max!"

"Huh?" The D Team perked up at Max's name being called.

They turned around to see the short old man stomp towards them, "Dr Z?" As he came to a stop, they could hear him sniffling and hissing through his teeth, shaking with what they assumed to be rage. Zoe and Rex uneasily stepped back as Max gulped nervously, expecting Dr Z to cry out and throw a tantrum like a sore loser any second now. In an effort to advert this, Max quickly waved out his hands, "L…Look, I'm sorry that you lost but-"

Dr Z quickly retorted in disgust, "That's not it! And don't you dare pity me one bit!"

"WAH!" He gasped in surprise along with the others. Max blinked his eyes taking a few moments to regain his composure, "O….Okay then what is it?" He asked uneasily.

"Grrr….." Dr Z growled and shook with anger, no doubt tearing up inside and sickened to his stomach for having to swallow his pride, but after their battle in front of countless spectators and after what he just told his family, he didn't want to sully his honour and loss. So taking a very deep breath, he managed to calm himself down….barely, as he said his piece, "Sigh…..I just came to say….good luck in your final match…for beating me and making it this far on your strength alone you deserved this honour more than anyone else." He muttered sick to his stomach as he looked away avoiding eye contact with Max and the rest of the D Team.

They all stared widened eyes in surprise at him

"Dr Z….."

"You'd better not lose this, or else I'll feel even more like a loser for having lost to you!" He then spat at the end in a rather tsunderish manner, which amused them at how hard it was for him to be honest.

Still he was genuine in his words as Max smirked in response, "Heheh, I don't plan on anything like that at all, don't you worry about a thing." He assured Dr Z, acknowledging him as a worthy rival and not about to let their battle and efforts go to waste.

Dr Z then scoffed grumpily and folded his arms, "Hmph, when they say not to worry that's usually a red flag." He muttered but nevertheless had already said his piece and done all he could to wish his rival luck, "Be sure to keep your title of the man who trumped King with you till next we meet, because I plan on taking it back from you someday!" He declared vowing to never lose again! As he turned away from Max, "Until then, feel free to add me to your list of wishes backing you up, because you have…my support." He said in a rather sickened but honest tone, "But know this! Lose to anyone else before then and I'll personally fossilise you for it!" He yelled his head off at the end.

"S…Sure no prob…." Max sweat dropped unsure of whether to be honoured or unnerved.

"Good! Now go on….win this for us all…." Were his last words before stomping off to the seating booths with his family following close behind him, no doubt teasing him about being a good sport now. As he did that, the crowds and audience cheered and applauded Dr Z's good sportsmanship, his new image of being humble and honourable even in defeat now carved into their memories for generations to come.

As they moved off away, Max stared and blinked his eyes as he tried to process it all, "That was….interesting?" Was all he could say.

"Yeah….I mean…Wow…." Zoe commented at a loss for words.

"Guess that's his way of wishing you luck Max." Rex playfully elbowed him which made Max chuckle a little just thinking about it.

"Heh, yeah you may be right about that….." Deep down he really was a big softie after all, if he were more honest about himself instead of trying to satisfy his own ego maybe Max may consider him better as a friend.

"And here's ours." Zoe then stepped up to him along with Rex as Max looked to them both in surprise.

"Huh?"

Rex then placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled, "Even if you're fighting alone now, we're all here with you."

Looking to both Rex and Zoe, Max felt more assured and at ease deep down as he nodded back at them both, "Yeah, thanks you guys." His expression turned much more confident as he clenched his hand into a fist, "I feel I have the strength to take on any dinosaur now with all of us together." He promised them both as the 3 close friends shared a moment between them as their spirits connected with each other as one.

"That's very sweet and inspiring." Cera then spoke up getting their attention as they saw her approach them. "In fact I know just how you all feel, because I too am fighting for the wishes of those with me, respecting those I've defeated and acknowledging them as I wouldn't have been able to come this far without them." She explained, "Way I see it Max, you and I are fighting for the very same reasons. To thank the people who've supported us up until this point and to give back to the people of the world." She said looking towards those she had beaten in the League and those who had gave her strength all this while and set her on this path with no regrets to become whom she is today, "Question is….who do you think is more able to answer those wishes?" She then asked with a confident smile towards her fated destined opponent and rival, "Care to put that theory to the test?"

"Heh, I'm more than ready to take you on Cera anytime!" Max grinned.

Upon seeing this, tension thickened in the air, prompting Max's firends to step back from them as both Max and Cera stared down one another as though they were sizing up one another's strength of spirit before the real fight, "This is it Rex…." said Zoe tensely as she tightened her palm on her knees while she sat down.

"Yeah….the last battle…." Rex nodded as a bead of sweat trinkled down his cheek in the process.

Tension in the air was heavier than every before, both Max and Cera both felt an immense pressure weighing on them with everyone's expectations of them reaching an all time high…..but that was interrupted as Chomp let out an exhausted groan and fell to one knee, apparently still exhausted from the battle he just had from Dr Z.

"Oh Chomp….." He sighed feeling really guilty for not considering his partner's feelings or even noticing earlier, "Sorry, guess you're still pretty beat up from just now….." He apologised for not considering his feelings yet as he went in and stroked the trike's horns gently, which made Cera smile lightly seeing he was still caring and considerate towards his dinosaur, but at the same time a little letdown they may need to postpone their epic match and the finale to the fossil league….

Aki frowned sadly seeing what was going on, "Oh dear….Chomp still hasn't fully recovered yet from his last fight…."

"I can't blame him." Cretacia nodded in agreement," That sure looked like a rough fight."

"Too bad no treatment of mine or in this period could get him prepped up in such a short time." Dr Drake sighed wishing it weren't true.

"How unfortunate folks…." said the MC with a sigh feeling disappointed himself, "Chances are we may need to wait till tomorrow for the finals." He said which earned several sighs, groans or even rants from the audience all around.

"Aww…."

"No! Not when we come so close!"

"How disappointing…."

"I really want to see the fossil fight of the century!"

"Boo!"

"Grr! Unacceptable!" Dr Z ranted, refusing to let his loss result in a mere postponement of what may be the greatest battle of all. He deserved compensation for his humiliation, and was even thinking of injecting Chomp with power up steroids if it would get him back on his feet again.

"That's too bad I guess….." Steve sighed shaking his head seeing it couldn't be helped, even though there were factors out of one's control he found it hard to accept now being one of those times.

"Man….reality really bites…." Rod gritted his teeth in annoyance with Ed and Zander lowering their heads.

"Like that's new…." They knew reality was often disappointing, and they felt themselves to be its' punching bag most of the time.

Cera was feeling rather disappointed tool, but she didn't want to put her feelings above those of her friends, plus if they truly wanted a match to commemorate the finale of the Fossil League she wanted them to be on fair and equal terms, "Sorry Max….Guess we'll have to postpone to later." She sighed with understanding, willing to put this aside till tomorrow if that was how it must be.

"Sometimes we just can't help it I suppose…." Max groaned lowering his head down feeling just as disappointed as she was, still he really wanted the fight to come right now.

Luckily to everyone, their wish would be granted sooner than they thought, "That won't be a problem." Hua spoke up getting his attention as she got off her seat and walked towards the soon to duel duo.

"Huh?"

Everyone looked to the grass captain as she held out her dinoshot and summoned forth her alpha tsintaosaurus who hooted loudly upon being called out. "Chisotao, if you would do the honours?" Hua said to the Alpha dinosaur kindly to which she nodded, "Nature's blessing." She said activating the grass move, which made the Tsinatosaurus blow out a stream of fresh green leaves which enveloped Chomp, restoring his energy to full power as he roared out strongly!

"AH!" Max gasped in amazement to see Chomp back to full strength again as Hua recalled her dinosaur to card form.

"And there you go." She smiled warmly at him like a bright flower on the sidewalk greeting a passerby on the road, "Wouldn't want you and Chomp to fight when neither of you are at your best right?"

Max stared stunned by this, feeling overwhelmed by the grass captain's kindness, "Th….Thank you Hua." Was all he could say back to her, knowing there was no way he could ever repay her for this.

"Don't mention it, it's the least I can do. In fact I commending you for making it to the finals." She smiled, "To face our commander you'll need to be in top condition after all." She said before looking towards the young red head, "And I'm certain you want your fight to be fair and one where you both can fight to the fullest of your abilities right Cera?"

"Mhmm." She nodded in agreement to Hua before facing Max, "A fight that will live forever in everyone through all time."

Max grinned excitedly feeling pumped up to the Max as he leapt up high with energy, "Ahahaha! Alright!" He cheered at the top of his lungs igniting a spark of enthusiasm and excitement within the crowds as they roared with energy now that they wouldn't need to wait anymore for the final to come!

"Let's get a good seat Zoe!" said Rex to her, knowing they couldn't stand out here anymore.

"Mhmm." She nodded as they cleared the field and made it up to the seating booths up above for a front row view of the greatest battle in history soon to come!

All around the arena the energy in the coliseum was burning with excitement and anticipation as they saw the final battle was about to happen for real this very moment.

Above in the seats, the families gathered together as they prepared to bear witness this moment where it would make history, and they would be the ones to witness it or better yet one of them would be the one to make it happen!

"This is it…."

"At long last…."

"Max….good luck."

"Do your best Cera." They each thought or said out loud knowing all they could do was watch and see for whom fate decides to side with. Either way it would be a battle of the ages.

Mixed cheers and praises of support all echoed from around the coliseums' walls and from around the world too, each one eagerly backing up either Max or Cera and both of them at once, or simply looked forward to a good fight in general regardless of whoever won or lost. Either way, everyone was waiting in anticipation for the battle to go under way, Max and Cera both knew this and decided it would be wrong to keep them all waiting after they all made it this far.

"You'll be a worthy opponent for me indeed Max." said Cera as she looked forward to getting their battle underway for all who have gathered here this very moment, "And I'm certain our battle will be legendary!" She declared with all her heart and soul screaming.

"Yeah!" Max replied, "After today a new legend's gonna be made!" He declared before pointing to himself, "And after coming this far, I want that legend to be me!" He vowed with all his heart and very soul with Chomp growling right behind him in agreement, motivated to carry his best friend's will to the end of this battle as well as the wills of all their defeated rivals and allies.

Cera admired Max's confidence and smirked proud of him, though she wasn't about to let it be easy for him, "Heh, you'll have to get through me and Erwin first if you want that title." She responded, for she had to see from him whether he was truly the real deal or now and this battle would be the perfect test to see that. "I want it just as much as you, and you can be sure I'm not going to give it up that easily, even if we are friends."

Max nodded back at her, "Mhmm, we're rivals here and it would be shameful if we weren't to go all out from the very start." He said with Chomp roaring beside him in agreement.

It was then that Cera took out her card, kissed it for good luck once more before slashing it with every fibre of her being! "Dino slash! Eoraptor! Illuminate!" Slashing her card Erwin emerged onto the field and snarled out viciously, Max being unaware there was something different about him now. Not wanting him to recognise it and for him to have any suspicions, "Now that the stage is finally set, are you ready Max? To see who shall stand triumphant as Fossil League Champion!?" She challenged him to rise up.

Max grinned and pumped up his arms before punching forward towards her, "You bet Cera! Here we come!" He yelled out at the top of his lungs, as Chomp stomped hard on the ground with his fighting instincts peaked and the crowds cheering and crying out in excitement as the final battle had now arrived! A grand moment featuring the first dinosaur of all vs one of the last dinosaurs to ever live, Max a duelist from the past against Cera, their duelist of the future. A clash of the ages to say the least!

Without further ado and seeing no more need to extend everyone's wait a second longer, "Go! Time warp!" The MC declared what many be the Fossil LEague's final battlefield as it enveloped both Cera, Max and their dinosaurs together in a dome of light, the scene and stage was set for the greatest battle ever in all dino history and only one shall walk away victorious.

And thus as many of you may have expected, Max has defeated Dr Z and taught him some degree of humility too. Dr Z himself being uncharacteristically less petty here shows how the Fossil League brings people together and changes them too. Stay tuned for the final battle to come and I can definitely say you'll all be in for quite a treat!

Reply to reviews

tsukikami02

Yup that's right glad you enjoyed it. Lightning definitely is faster than the wind. Both dino and duelist fought almost as one there.

As shown here Max managed to triumph Dr Z and now is facing Cera, not only his strongest rival yet but little does he know she is also his very distant descendant.

Sounds like you have a lot planned but I doubt I may be able to hold off my last chapter that long I apologise. But it will take longer to write if it makes you feel better, especially since work is hectic now for me.

Drew Luczyński

Sorry if it didn't satisfy you but hope you'll enjoy the action packed battles, the last of the Fossil League.

Will admit Max did have some slight plot armour like example how Chomp withstood Pachycephalosaurus' laser ray which took out Terry, while also withstanding super impact which took out Spiny.

Rex actually did have a chance to end it had he attacked before Chomp recharged but Ace was already running on low at the moment.