Chapter 1
The Fossil League Begins!
Peace reigned supreme across Saurus City, as it few signs of the destruction caused by Arkosaurus or even the war remained, as many people along with their dinosaurs went about their daily affairs like they usually did every other day….walking side by side highlighting true coexistence with one another without any signs of tension or hostility seen in anyone be it human or dino. This time however, many of them were amassing in huge numbers as waves of people began amassing towards their greatest monument in the city as well as the very symbol of man's union with dinosaurs, the Fossil Stadium! Fireworks exploded in the sky above it, heralding the reopening of the greatest work of architecture in Saurus City's history as well as the grand reopening of the Fossil League which may be a greater tournament than the world cup could ever be in millions of years! News had spread far and wide across the globe as hundreds to thousands had flooded over to the City in order for a chance to bear witness the revival of the mightiest competition of all as well as the exhibition match planned which would kick start its revival once and for all as people filled with excitement and anticipation laughed with excitement or grunted angrily with impatience at wanting it to start already, as they either lined up outside to be ushered to their seats or for the match to begin.
Those not present or were unable to make it to the arena, being overseas or having bene unable to secure a ticket in time before they ran out, didn't let that minor inconvenience stop them as they headed over to whatever screen at home or public broadcast they could find as families, friends amassed in any public viewing area or hime in order to watch the grandest moment in all history! It was so greta many didn't even want their dinosaurs to miss out on this as smaller ones like stegoceras or archaeopteryx were seated on the couches or around their humans close to the screens while larger ones like patagosaurus or even ceratosaurus were watching them from the windows across the world in every country and neighbourhood outside Saurus City, a handful of large dinos crowded amongst whatever window they could fit their head in ended up showing or trying to squeeze through not wanting to give up their best spots or lose out in watching the greatest moment in Earth's history since the first dinosaur was brought back from extinction!
Inside the coliseum was packed to the brim with people and smaller or mid sized dinos, so much that some kids even had to sit in their parent's laps to make space for others! The roaring and cheers echoing from inside could be heard from even Dinosaur Valley further off, and among the audience were seated several certain species guests whom were invited to sit in the best VIP seats that could be offered. "Oh I can't wait anymore!" Dr Taylor giggled with glee as he shook out his legs hyperactively and even kicking out at the people in front of him much to their discomfort as they moved away begrudgingly from him, "All this excitement is really getting my blood pumping! If I don't see a good old fashioned dino battle right here and now I'm going to explode!" He gritted his teeth as if he was writhing in agony for not seeing any action for several minutes the moment he took his seat.
By his side Aki covered her palm over her mouth to hide her amusement, "Hahaha, easy Spike, if you explode in front of so many people here, I'll have my hands full cleaning up afterwards." she giggled before looking around them seeing all their friends from Zoe's and Rex's parents all the way to even the rest of their associates across time too, had gathered in order to support their respective families and friends, "In fact I'm pretty sure not everyone would appreciate what's left of you covering all over them.…."
Laura and Rod shuddered playfully with their parents nearby smiling politely, while Reese only shook her head in dismay wondering how on Earth could Dr Taylor be considered an adult with such behaviour. Helga and Jonathan merely looked ahead trying their best not to pay him any attention though it was evident that their eyes kept looking to him multiple times whenever he turned away from them. The other parents like Zoe and Rex's parents and even Dr Owen and Patrick too were present, either smiling at him cheekily or trying to hold in their laughter.
Seeing how other bystanders around were staring at him rather awkwardly and how much of a fool he was making himself look, "Oh you're right….how very immature of me…." he pouted in embarrassment as he used his hat to cover his face covered with shame.
They all soon smiled cheekily shrugging it off like it was no more than a mere joke, "Hahaha, don't worry about it," Dr Ancient chuckled before looking to everyone in their circle of friends on their sides, behind or ahead of them, "After all we feel pretty much the same way as you, as well as everyone else here too." They all smiled or nodded feeling the same way.
Other people in the masses also began to murmur, whisper or grumble in annoyance at having to wait so long for the opening ceremony of the greatest tournament ever to go under way, it was a big moment for this was the very first time the arena had reopened again after so many years as a ruin and in rubble…..but soon the long and arduous wait would come to an end and their patience would soon be long rewarded.
"But it looks like we won't have to wait any longer." Reese spoke up seeing one of the gates down below was beginning to open up as the sun rose at its peak and shone right above the coliseum grounds.
"Ssh! It's already starting!" Cretacia hushed them as she placed a finger to her lips seriously, silencing everyone around them as soon every other person in the stadium began to have the same idea as them, the murmurs and whispers vanishing away in an instant and soon all was silent in the coliseum apart from the wind blowing or the occasional passing bird or pterosaur in the sky.
Before long, one of the doors in the arena grounds opened up down below, and stepping onto the field was a middle aged man with a goatee beard and short moustache wearing a brightly coloured red showman outfit with a top hat, with a microphone piece attached to his face. Tweaking it a bit causing a short but sharp siren sound to echo in the arena, disturbing the audience momentarily, the announcer smirked satisfied once he had the settings right as he soon announced to them all, "Ladies and Gentlemen! We thank you for your patience and it shall be generously rewarded!" He announced to them politely, "We know that everyone gathered here or watching on your TV screens afar at home across the world have been waiting long and hard for this very moment, ever since the defeat of the wretched Shadow Empire."
"BOO!"
"You got that right!"
"Good riddance to those scumbags!" Various rants and sneers sounded from the people around them, as the announcer had to wave out his hands to calm them down.
"It has taken much time to rebuild and restore what was lost from our golden age as it was during the time of the dinosaurs," He said rather heavily before brightening up with a huge smile and spreading out his hands to the masses with a most joyous and energetic expression filled with hope, "But now we celebrate the return of a new and old era just as great as the return of the dinosaurs!" He declared proudly, "So it is with great and highest honour that we finally announce the grand re-opening of Fossil Stadium and not least of all, the Fossil League! Where winner shall be crowned Dinosaur King of the World!" He bellowed at the top of his lungs as the crowds began to cheer and squeal with much anticipation and excitement.
"YEAH!"
"This is awesome!"
"Best day of my life!"
The announced grinned having heard just the response he had been hoping from the people of Saurus City, "That is right! The very tournament which created the spark which lit the flame of a great golden age of man and dinosaur working together as one! Created by the greatest heroes of time who helped made that dream a reality for us all!" He proclaimed proudly to the masses, "And it is with my deepest honour that we welcome our great heroes where they shall undergo an exhibition match before the greatest duelists of our time!" He grinned feeling the hype and excitement getting to him as well and even he couldn't wait any linger for the festivities to soon be underway, "This will be but an appetiser of what is to come, for only the most worthy of challengers shall earn the right to face them in the Ultimate Battle Tournament of all! The Fossil League Cup!"
Upon said announcement fireworks shot up and exploded into many sparkles in the sky, and right on cue a flock of pterosaurs consisting of tapejara, tupuxuara, anhanguera and pteranodons, all lead by a massive quetzalcoatlus, swooped across the skies above the stadium letting out loud shrieks which echoed across the city signalling the grand reopening of the greatest tournament in history once lost to time….much like the dinosaurs before….as soon the crowds began to roar and squeal with uncontrollable excitement and enthusiasm as their long wait had finally came to an end!
"Woo hoo!"
"Bring on the battles already!"
"FOSSIL FIGHT! FOSSIL FIGHT! FOSSIL FIGHT!"
"Dino duels! Dino duels!"
Hearing the demands and cheers from the people and masses, the announcer smirked seeing no reason to deny them any longer, as he raised up his hand to an opening gate on one side of the arena ushering everyone to look where he was pointing, " And without further ado, let us welcome the Great D Team and the Alpha gang!"
As the doors finally opened completely, stepping forth into the light the people widened their eyes speechlessly at the sight of the whole group of legendary heroes step forth onto their very own arena whom they dedicated to! It didn't take long for the excitement within them all to break out like a mad lion from its cage as they roared out at the top of their lungs and even shouted through mega phones or held out banners depicting the teams or individuals they rooted for the most!
"Look! Here they come!"
"Whoa! It's really them!"
"It's a dream come true….." They all breathed in awe and amazement to see the greatest dinosaur heroes of all time step onto the field before them, this was a glorious moment in history for the people of Saurus City as all cameras were focused on each and every one of them down below as they made their way to the middle of the battlefield, eyes from the seats and across the planet were fixated on them and neither turning away nor even blink for this grand occasion.
While the adults on the Alpha gang seemed to take the cheers and showers of praise rather well and in fact even returned them, Max and his friends tried to keep a straight poker face and look ahead, shaking nervously or shuddering feeling pressured with so many eyes all on them.
"Woo hoo!"
"Way to go Max!"
"You're our hero!" Were but a few of the many compliments and applauses from the crowds around them, and not wanting them to be unanswered, they tried their best to smile and wave back even though they were still shaking in their shoes immensely at so many fans….though for a certain few they were at least a little more comfortable and worked up some of their confidence back.
"Do your best honey!" Aki cheered for her son as Spike soon followed up behind her.
"Like you always do!" He roared punching forward with all his might, "Show them what makes you the best!" He bellowed having every ounce of faith that he would come out on top above everyone else in this exhibition match and then the entire League!
Max's nervous expression soon faded away and was quickly replaced by an excited and energetic grin as the cheers began feeding his ego and confidence, knowing since he came this far there was no way he could possibly turn back or let them all down, for he had expectations to both meet and exceed and he looked forward to it all.
"You were always my favourite Rex!" A girl cried out in the crowd with her friends, and as Rex shot her a wink and a grin they blushed red and fainted with joy.
"We're behind you every step of the way Rex!" Cretacia whistled while her husband merely clapped proudly, expecting great things from his son who nodded back calmly at his parents, embracing their support and having no intention to let them down either.
Zoe on the other hand, tried her best to play it cool and even pull her pig tails to cover her blushing red face as her 'fans' began showing her with rather affectionate or perhaps unusual comments and praises about her,
"She's so cute!"
"Wonder if she's still single…."
She did her best to play it cool and not look their way and give them any ideas, though the cries of a certain fan in the midst didn't make it any easier for her.
"ZOE! Daddy's rooting for you all the way!" Dr Drake cheered with affection as he waved out his mega needle above him, which spooked several of the audience to back away as well as starlet many chibi dinosaurs who were present too, scattering them like rats from a cat as their owners had to get up and chase after them in annoyance! She on the other hand blushed red and cried into her hair wishing it would be over with already.
Meanwhile on the Alpha gang's side they were receiving the praises rather well from the audience for they believed they were entitled to such kind words for believing they were the best of the best, though none more so than Dr Z himself as he waved out to his biggest fans of all.
"Grampa!"
"You can do it! Show them why you're the dinosaur king!" Rod and Laura cheered for him as even their father shouted out towards his adopted father.
"You can do it Papa Z!"
"Don't you lose now!" His wife cheered after him.
As much as Rod and Laura wanted to join in the League, they hadn't yet met the minimum age requirement yet much to their disappointment, though they wouldn't need to wait long.
"Ahahahah! Me? Lose in my own arena? Ha! Never going to happen!" Dr Z snickered smugly finding the thought of losing on his own home turf to be ridiculous, "I'll show everybody why I'm king and I'll surrender my crown to no one! So Says Dr Z!" He bellowed to the crowds, showing off himself and striking rather dramatic poses, which made Rod and Laura blush red in embarrassment at their grandfather making a fool of himself as they looked away trying not to stand out….though his actions seemed to hype up the crowds even more than before to their surprise.
"YEAH!"
"Show them who rules!"
On another side of the seating area, a group of fanboys began whistling out for their number one queen as they held out banners featuring her as well as even wearing face paint or sprayed their hair in the same colours as her own hair and outfit to showcase their support for her! "We love you Ursula!"
She couldn't help herself but chuckle back at them in amusement having finally achieved the recognition she believed she so richly deserved, "Hohohohoh! For you my loyal fans I'll do anything to please you, and that includes showing everyone why I am number one!" Winking and blowing a kiss to them all she struck their hearts right in the bullseye as many of the men fainted with infatuation or even turned on each other arguing at whom she aimed at.
It seemed to be going well for them all….but in actual fact only 2 of the bunch weren't as satisfied as their friends were upon realising their names weren't or at least were scarcely called in comparison which disappointed them deeply, "Awww why is no one cheering for us?" Zander pouted feeling rather let down as well as envious of how everyone was snatching the attention away and making them look more like wallflowers or background characters in some movie shoot.
"Maybe we're not as popular….." Ed muttered feeling just as sad and disappointed as Zander was before perking up with enthusiasm and hope, "Still, this could be our chance to get some good PR wouldn't you agree buddy?"
In response Zander grinned mischievously and rubbed his palms together eagerly, "Heheh, great minds think alike."
Seth, who was more reserved and kept mainly to the back of the group, couldn't help but smirk and nod with approval as he calmly observed the surrounding premises, "This should be most entertaining…." he mused for the first time in his life. Perhaps Dr Z's pipe dream wasn't so pointless after all, now he can see first hand how dinosaurs and humans take one another to heights never before reached by either species alone, this was true evolution untainted by science and completely natural, something not even years of research could ever achieve. Finally, deep down inside he could rest easy knowing he could finally move on completely from the past at long last, as he began to make peace with himself and for all his previous deeds.
As the crowds began to cheer and roar with even more excitement as the atmosphere was even brimming with the wild and positive energies of their long lost sport of dino duelling. The announcer meanwhile, smirked seeing the legendary heroes present on 1 side of the battle field, deep down even he was hyped up and couldn't wait to get down to the exhibition matches that would kick start this grand occasion…however, as it took 2 hands to clap there was 1 more team he had yet to introduce. The greatest team of today who couldn't be better opponents to face off against the greatest of the past, and he grinned with eager excitement as it soon arrived for the time to announce their arrival, "And now!" He cried out as everyone fell silent at his words. Turning over to the opposite side he held out his arm at another opening gate as everyone including the D Team looked towards it, "Allow us to welcome our greatest champions who also founded the D Resistance which has helped to protect our planet in our darkest of times! Along with our beloved head of the D Lab! Cera O Sauria!"
Once more, the crowds erupted into sheer excitement and immeasurable amounts of joy as their greatest to represent them, stepped out as a unified group onto the stadium field which made countless individuals including the D Team and Alpha gang themselves stare speechlessly in awe!
Cera lead forth the other captains of the Resistance, and she waved out to the masses who squealed and screeched upon seeing their very own commander grace them with her presence! Several fan clubs erupted and roared upon seeing Marina wink at them, while others roared with energy seeing Blaze and Craig bulk up and pose to them, causing several to have nosebleeds upon witnessing how masculine they were and their bravado was pretty much unrivalled in every way! Others cheered seeing Raina and Hua appear behind them, and as Kaze materialised in a cloud of smoke revealing how much his ninja skills hadn't waned but in fact sharpened whipped them all up into a frenzy!
Before long the tension peaked and everyone fell silent at seeing what looked almost like a pair of equal unstoppable forces gathered right before them in their own arena, ready to duke it out amongst one another in a battle that would transcend human and dinosaur history for generations to come! Both sides too were serious and tense seeing their rivals were no laughing matter and were worthy of the highest respect for their deeds as well as skill in battle. Representing their sides, the D team and Cera stepped forward to meet one another face to face, not just on their team's behalf but also as greatest of friends as well to exchange but a few words before the greatest matches of all would go underway and complete utter silence soon filled the stadium and even across the whole planet as they awaited what words both sides would exchange for one another knowing these would be carved into their history for ages.
"Now, the moment you have all been waiting for! Which side will prevail and which shall go extinct?! Let the Fossil League begin!" The announcer concluded hurrying off the arena field to the safety of the side stands as the crowds cheered excitedly and with anticipation unable to contain themselves a second longer. "Without further ado, let the opening selection ceremony commence!" As he announced as such, a silence emanated through the coliseum and there was a certain tension in the air that the D Team and Alpha Gang couldn't put together.
Those who weren't from this time period were a little uneasy seeing how the entire audience now seemed to be awaiting something to happen, "Umm…what's-" Before Max could finish, in the middle between both sides of the playing field, a large stone pillar erupted from earth in between them, catching the D Team side off guard!
"Ah!"
"Whoa!"
"Eep!"
Everyone but Cera's side quickly stepped back in alarm, the Alpha Gang mainly stumbling or tripping back comedically with the shaking of the ground, even Seth was surprised but as calm and collected as he was all he reacted with was with slightly widened eyes. After that 6 oddly shaped rocks also erupted from the ground around the stone pillar, each one coloured like the 6 elements and positioned as such as on the stone plates once.
As Ursula got her face out from the ground, "Hey! That was way too close! It could have taken my head off!" she growled furiously shaking her fists in a flurry considering it got soiled, but she soon sported the others' amazed and surprised looks as they laid eyes upon the stone circle. Seth too seemed to be eyeing it rather intently as well, the scientist and researcher side of him having his interest piqued.
Dr Z pointed out rather uneasily, "H….Hang on isn't that?"
"It's the stone circle." Dr Ancient breathed in awe as he leaned forward a little for a closer look, while Cretacia quickly reached into her pockets and took out her phone before taking some detailed snapshots of it for research purposes.
"Oh my…." Reese covered her mouth in surprised too as she and those from the psst could feel a mysterious aura and mystical energy force emanating from it too.
As many of them felt a sense of awe and respect for it, as they began to recall the role it played in aiding them against Goma, Ursula's eyes began to sparkle with vanity as she began to have other ideas for it, "Oooh! These look so pretty! I bet I could make a priceless jewel bracelet or necklace out of these!" she cheered as her 2 friends began to hold her back from going any closer.
"I….wouldn't recommend that Ursula." Zander and Ed sweat dropped considering this stone represented the resting place of the dinosaur souls after their died out so to carve it into or something out of it would be defiling their most sacred place.
Cera soon smiled as she broke the silence, "Heh, it's been a real long time since I last laid eyes on the stone circle like this." she said getting the attention of her old friends.
"C...Cera?"
"What's this all about?" Max and Rex asked her curiously, feeling rather nervous like this was some kind of occult ritual.
Before she could answer though, "Yeah! Explain yourself already missy!" Dr Z then rudely interrupted after regaining his composure, "Let's get this tournament underway! I've got a show to give to my entire fanbase! So get this chunk of rubble out of my arena already!"
"GAH!" The D Team and Alpha gang were taken aback by Dr Z's sudden outburst and rudeness. Sure they knew he had an ego the size of the meteor that wiped out the dinosaurs but even this was too much! The only one who wasn't surprised was Seth, in fact he expected as much from his former colleague. In response he merely turned his back away from them, isolating himself from them.
Before long they became the centre of everyone's disappointment or offence as murmurs and whispering began to echo amongst them.
"Errr…." The old man began to sweat bullets as everyone began giving him dead fish stares or look away giving him the cold shoulders, it came too late for him as he began to see the amount of shame he was racking up. Including the Ancients who sighed or facepalmed at him or the D Team's families narrowed their eyes with folded arms or shook their head in disapproval of his childish manner.
"Not really helping your image as Dinosaur King Dr Z…." Ursula whispered in his ear as he slumped to the ground requiring his assistants to pat him on the back to comfort him.
"Ouch…poor gramps…." Rod sweat dropped before looking behind him to see what his family though, before being taken aback as some of those close to them began eying inn his direction.
"I think they're looking at us…." Laura whispered nervously as Rod grimaced and tried to pull his hat over his eyes in embarrassment and Laura blushed red with shame.
"Just….ignore them dear…." his mom whispered though she and her husband couldn't help but feel some of the audience were glaring at them too, putting them in the same level as Dr Z.
In an effort to restore the intended mood on this glorious day, Cera cleared her throat and resume, "Ahem! As I was about to say," She said getting everyone's attention once more, "Every Fossil League we hold, we always have a Selection Ceremony where the matchups are decided by the Stone Circle itself."
Her statement came as quite a shock to her friends, "Wha!?"
"The stones decide who fights whom?"
"No way!" They breathed in amazement as Cera smiled proudly.
"That's right," she answered them, "We just need to focus the energy of our minds and souls, along with that of our dinosaurs into it, after that…heh, well you'll see what happens after that."
As she finished, her friends grinned rather eagerly to see what was in store for them, as they didn't want to waste a second longer and ran out towards it, ready to see what destiny had in store for them.
The Alpha Gang though weren't as enthusiastic and were in no hurry as they made their way to the pillar, "Sounds really spooky to me…." Ed commented as it reminded him of the old bones Dr Z used in his fortune telling.
"Yeah, like what you see on TV where they demand a sacrifice." Zander added in agreement with Ed, given those stones held the spirits of the dinosaurs.
Ursula though folded her arms behind her head uncaringly, "You know this would come as a shock to me but after what we experienced before on our trip across space and time, I'm not surprised anymore." she muttered uncaringly given the cosmos stones and Pterosaurs, she was hardly impressed by this in comparison.
Seth though simply eyed the stone rather curiously seeing there was definitely much more to the stones than he and Ancient first realised and there was a part of him that really wanted to study it up close should he ever get the chance.
Unlike his lackeys, Dr Z instead grinned excitedly, "Heh, I couldn't think of something more fitting for such an occasion." He thought to himself eagerly, for no matter whom the stones decided to be his first opponent, or victim, he would reign victorious over them all in the end, "Well then, let's get on with it already! Time's wasting and everyone's expecting a Rumble already!" He then yelled out drawing the attention of everyone once more in a rather unpleasant way.
"Dr Z…." Ancient sighed rubbing his temple as he began to have an old headache pulse uncomfortably as his wife patted him on the back.
"Some things just never change…." Dr Taylor shook his head in disapproval, while Aki frowned worried for whoever would be unlucky enough to face him. She was also surprised at how Rod and Laura could possibly have a grandfather like him, hopefully they wouldn't end up like him too later on in life.
"Ahem!" The MC cleared his throat before resuming from where he was interrupted, "Without further ado, please focus your minds and energy into the stone circle's elemental cores and let the selection ceremony begin!" Upon announcement, everyone became serious as they cleared their minds, or tried to for some, as best as they could before focusing on the stone circle along with the dinosaur cards they held.
"Alright, here goes!" Max and the D Team steeled themselves and their resolve as they prepared themselves for a battle which they believed may be the most important in all of Saurian History, a feeling which they hadn't felt since saving the world, and in an effort to usher in said new era and bury the past, they gave it their all as they glowed in yellow, green and white in the color of their dinosaur elements!
"Urgh!"
"ARGH!" It took a lot of focus and effort for the D Team as they could feel a mild strain upon them as they glowed, feeling as though their souls were as one with their partners, whose aura emanated behind them too! A sensation which made everyone speechless present.
The D Team's parents especially, they knew their kids went through all kinds of trials and tribulations to get this far but their expectations were exceeded once more. No doubt bonding with dinosaurs was something they were destined to do, seeing their very own children whom they've raised would help usher in such a glorious age for the people of the future filled them with great pride.
Cera's side though, having bonded with dinosaurs for as long as they lived, didn't have as much trouble though and they began to flare up in various colors matching their elements too, something which made Cera's parents smile with pride as they saw their daughter illuminate in a bright rainbow aura.
"Grrgh!" Sadly it wasn't as easy for some like the A Team, considering their history with their dinos hadn't always been the best, some of them even looked like they were about to explode even as veins popped all over their faces and beads of sweat forced out through their skin as hard as blood, in an effort to make themselves glow too which was soon achieved.
Dr Z though, having reconciled with his therizinosaurus found it much easier than his minions as he felt himself almost become one with his 'son' and then by fully understanding the pain his dinosaur went through for him and how he was selfish not to realise it before he vowed to do better this time around.
"Tch!" Seth hissed as he felt a huge surge of pain and energy flowing through him as he forced himself to synchronise with his cryolophosaurus' card, the only dinosaur he had left that remained loyal to him. Amongst the Alpha Gang, Seth had to make the most effort give he saw dinosaurs as no more than objects to improve and upgrade like machines, but after his past experiences with the D Team, he finally turned over a new leaf and made the decision to start a new course of evolution for both dinosaurs and humanity together. And what better way to prove it than to take part in this very tournament that symbolised that very bond between dinosaurs and humans.
As his mind began to meld with cryolophosaurus, he recalled the experiments he once put it through back in the Space Pirate ship yet it remained loyal to him out of obedience and slight fear. Nevertheless despite the initial resistance the dinosaur began to feel Seth's heart had changed and while hesitant it eventually accepted him as the card and Seth glowed in a rainbow aura. Eventually the respective auras of the D Team, Alpha Gang and Captains were absorbed into the 6 stones circling the pillar while Seth, Dr Z and Cera's were absorbed into the main pillar itself.
When the ordeal ended, Max's side either sweated from fatigue or panted heavily from the first time experience, "Huff….well that was….something…." Zoe gasped for air as she fell on her butt and beads of sweat dropped down from her brow.
Max and Rex too felt drained though they were still able to stand on their feet despite feeling a little dazed.
Cera and her side recovered relatively quickly, feeling concerned for her fiends she walked up to them, "So guys, how did it feel?" she asked.
In response despite their fatigue they smiled back at her, "That felt….amazing…." Max smirked as he got up to 1 knee, "I feel closer than ever with Chomp." It was as though he could feel and hear his dinosaur's own thoughts in the process, a sensation shared by his friends.
"Yeah, like I was pretty much one with Ace." Rex breathed recovering from the experience yet feeling as though he had evolved and attained a new level of power with his partner.
"I think I actually felt Paris with me through her card when we were doing that just now." said Zoe as she placed a hand on her chest as she said back down.
Cera smiled with relief seeing there weren't any side effects thankfully, "Heh, I feel just the same." It was her first time too and she felt even closer to her partners than ever before.
The Alpha Gang though needed a little more time to recuperate though, as Dr Z first collapsed down on the ground, "Phew….I almost thought I was going to throw out my back there….." he groaned, as much as he loved his son he felt he ought to draw the line at some point and this may be the time.
"Tell me about it, I think my breakfast is going to come out!" Ed whined as he clutched his stomach while on his knees while Zander fell on his back out cold.
"Brr….As much as I love Terry no way do I want to get in his head….Plus no way I want him in mine…." Ursula shivered, feeling her dinosaur's immense rage and power flow through her mind, almost feeling mentally scarred and traumatised from it.
"Hmm….how very interesting…." Seth commented, seeing a new power the stone plates possessed no doubt they could bring up ground breaking revolutions for the future in their development of dinosaur society. A sentiment shared by the Ancients and Dr Z should they get back to their time.
"I can't believe my eyes…." Dr Taylor and Owen gasped in utter shock and amazement, it seemed almost like magic what they just saw.
"Incredible…." Reese breathed as her parents stared stunned, before taking out her notebook to record this for the future.
Raina along with the others from Cera's time saw it as no big deal since they were used to it, even if they didn't fully understand how it worked. "Heh, I've done all kinda of research to try to explain this phenomena with science and yet I never once succeeded." she commented to herself, "Maybe there are things in this world science can't explain….and I'm good with that."
"Now stones! Reveal to us your decision!" The MC then declared as the pillar and stones shone in their bright colors and then fired right into an ancient dais held above the stadium, as several spots on it lit up in the colors of the tournament entrants!
"AH!" Everyone stared speechlessly at what they witnessed and now the order of matches was now decided by the hand of fate.
"The battle matchups have been decided for the first round!" The MC announced as the crowds cheered and roared with excitement, "In the first match, we have quite the eye opener of an opening! We have Commander Cera vs Seth of the Alpha Gang!" He held out his hand towards Cera as the spotlights focused on both her and Seth.
"…." Cera held a rather firm gaze at the blue haired man, despite them having resolved their differences there was inevitably still some scarring on her mind, even if forgiven what he had done was impossible to forget.
Eying the glares he was getting from not just Cera but also from the D Team, Seth didn't feel bothered in the slightest, in fact it was pretty much to be expected, "Heh…." he chuckled with a small smile on his face, could this be karma or fate that their paths cross again like this? Either way he found it rather amusing.
"Oh boy…." Max swallowed hard as the situation turned awkward and tense.
"Hmm….Looks like those 2 seem to have unfinished business between them."
"Maybe this can be a chance they can settle things once and for all."
Her parents though appeared mildly concerned, as she had shared with them her experiences in the past both good and bad, "Oh Cera…." Maia covered her mouth worried for her daughter, while her father narrowed her eyes firmly.
"I know you can do this Cera, I know you can." He thought, "Show me the power you've now attained to overcome your past and hopefully put it behind you." While he and the other D Team parents knew the horrible things Seth had done, he still played a role in saving the world from the Cosmos Stones and in the Shadow War. Perhaps this could be his chance to prove to them he had indeed changed for good and hopefully bury away their old nightmare behind once and for all.
The only one who didn't share everyone's similar mood was Dr Z, who gritted his teeth in annoyance, "Tch! Why does she get to go first!? It's rigged! It has to be!" Being Dinosaur King he felt he ought to have the honour of the first match, so he felt cheated of not being given said honour.
"The winner will then face off against Kaze, the ninja who captains the wind!" As the MC concluded Kaze simply looked on without giving much of a response, though underneath his facecloth he had a small smirk, after coming back from months of training he was prepared to demonstrate his new skills. "The second battle will feature a clash of comrades! Pitting the the Alpha Gang's very own Zander and Ed against one another!" The MC's next words made the 2 men's jaws hang in bewilderment.
"Gah!?" They gasped stunned speechless for a few moments before looking at each other and then embracing one another in a brotherly hug.
"Oh what a tragedy this is Ed…." Zander wept as tears ran down past his glasses like a waterfall, "No matter how much we want it one of us has to lose….why is fate so cruel!"
"WAH! I hear you buddy." Ed cried as tears erupted like fountains from his eyes. The moment made some own the audience feel for them and their sense of brotherly companionship for one another. Ursula though rolled her eyes seeing them as overdramatic and Dr Z just huffed.
Sniffling, Zander wiped his nose and eyes dry before smiling, "Still, the least we can do is give it our best for everyone here." he said holding out his fist, "M…May the best man win!" Which was met with a fist bump by Ed.
"Y…You bet!" The sense of brotherly love was in the air….though it wasn't going to last long if the MC had anything to say about it as he continued.
"Whoever triumphs in that battle will go up against Long time Dinowrestler champion and now our Earth Captain, Cretaceous Crusher Craig!" His announcement shattered the moment between both men as their jaws hung and their eyes bulged!
"WAH!?" They squealed eyeing the Drill Sergeant whose gaze met theirs from the other side!
"Hehehehe!" Said wrestler/captain grinned with a hint of sadism in his eyes as he began to pop his knuckles each sounding as long as a gun clicking, eager to whip either wimp into shape the moment his turn came up!
In an instant the mood between both friends made a quick 180 degree turn, "On second thought Ed, you're the better man than me!" Zander assured as he pushed Ed in front of him, "In fact to prove it, I'll even step down for you right here and now since it's obvious you'll win!" He cried out frantically.
"GAH" Ed yelped as he reversed positions with Zander in an instant, "No no Zander! You are! In fact I don't feel so good right now so you win by default!"
"No you!"
"No you!" The 2 clowns then began to push one another in front repeatedly before resorting they began clouded up with dust as they shoved and tumbled over one another, as everyone including their allies looked at them with bewildered or embarrassed looks. The D team along with Rod and Laura knew they were acting more like kids than they ever could.
"I don't know them…..I don't know them….." Ursula told herself as a tick mark appeared on her forehead, no way was she going to break up in their personal squabble for the umpteenth time and instead tried to look away and even tip toe off to the side….
The MC too stared for quite a bit, seems the League's battles had begun though it wasn't between dinosaurs, before shaking his head remembering he still had a ceremony to finish, "Erm….Our next match will be a battle of beauties between the Alpha Gang's Ursula and our Marine Model Mermaid, Marina!" As the roster lineup lit up blue and red, many of the fans began to roar with excitement given it was a fight between fan favourites!
As Marina began to blow kisses and pose for her many fans in audience as many began to take photos of her, Ursula gnashed her teeth and her fingers twittered as she flared red with rage, "Grr! That siren stole my man from me!" She hissed through her teeth as those around her backed away, "Oh how I'm gonna serve her up deep fried!" she swore to avenge the humiliation she felt that day upon realising Blaze was married to her.
When the water captain turned around to see her opponent glaring daggers at her, "Oh my….such hostility…." she covered her mouth in surprise before smiling cheekily," Her hee maybe she needs someone to douse said flames of rage before she gets consumed by them." she giggled which only added even more fuel to Ursula's rage!
"Graph!" She growled sending shivers down the spines of the audience, several of her former supporters were beginning to have second thoughts.
The MC then continued, "The one who emerges victorious will have the honour of a duel against Rex Ancient!" He announced earning several gasps of surprise, "That's right! The son of Dr Ancient himself who helped lay the foundations for our saurian society!"
Rex blinked his eyes in surprise but then snapped out of it upon hearing certain cheers from the sidelines, "You can do it Rex!" Dr Owen yelled on megaphone he bought earlier with Patrick holding up a banner with his face on it.
"Mommy's here to cheer you on!" Cretacia waved out to him as his dad yelled at the top of his lungs.
"Make me proud my boy! I know you will!"
In response to the praises he's getting from his family along with several female fans who found him cute, Rex couldn't help but blush and scratch his chin in embarrassment, "Ehe…."
Zoe, Cera and Max then walked up to him, "Whoever you're up against, we just know you'll win Rex." said Max as he put a hand on his shoulder.
"Even if we may have to eventually battle each other,"
"Just give it your best." Zoe and Cera followed to which he nodded.
"Thanks you guys, you're all the best." he replied gratefully, feeling motivated. Here they weren't just friends they were also competitors and rivals, and for them and for the many people of Saurus City he vowed to give it his best.
The attention he was getting was fuelling Dr Z's envy, as if he hadn't had enough competition from his father already, "Grrr…."
"In the battle after that, we'll have one of our great heroes and saviours, Max Taylor!" The MC announced which made the crowd erupt into cheers and applause once again filling up Max's ego as he grinned cheekily and waved back to his fans, "And his opponent shall be none other than Captain Raina! Our D Lab's very own second in command!" He pointed over to the Lightning captain.
He grinned pumping up his arms with eagerness, his batteries for battle charged to the max! While Raina calmly pushed her glasses up with her fingers and smirked with confidence, seeing a battle with Max to be an opportunity of a lifetime, plus it would serve as an excellent source of data for her research later.
"It'll be an electrifying battle indeed, with the victor facing off against Captain Hua!" The MC continued as the grass captain smiled rather peacefully, content with whoever would emerge victorious, all that mattered to her was that all had a friendly match.
"And finally," The MC was about to give out the last pairing bringing silence to the stadium, to which Dr Z grinned and snickered eagerly as he awaited his turn.
"Hey hey hee! At last! I finally get the respect I deserve!" He had been let down by not having his name called out the first few times but now he was happy to settle for the finale of Round 1….Or so he thought-
"Our last match of the first round will feature none other than Captain Blaze against another of our D Lab's great heroes! Zoe Drake!" The MC concluded to the crowd's excitement and Dr Z's astonishment once again!
"WHA!?" His jaw hung before turning pale and falling backwards out cold.
Ignoring him, Blaze flashed a bright grin as he lifted up his cowboy hat, "Hehe, you may be a girl but don't expect me to go easy you anytime soon." He snickered her way to which Zoe found rather offensive believing him to take her lightly.
"Hmph!" she huffed momentarily before smirking back at him, "You better not underestimate me or you'll have your fire snuffed out."
A few seconds later Dr Z woke up and immediately began throwing a tantrum jumping up and down, "H…Hey! What about me!? Aren't they forgetting about the star of this show! The reason why this tournament even existed to begin with!?" He ranted to which the Trio had to quickly hold him back from making a scene again for the umpteenth time!
Seeing the awkwardness take place, the MC quickly decided to say his last piece before ending up on the receiving end of Dr Z's rage, "And to top it all off, the winner of that bout will face off against the great Dinosaur King himself! Dr Z!"
His final words to the audience brought up a variety of anxious and excited repress from the crowds both present and from at home, "Whoa!"
"This is awesome!"
"We'll finally get to see how the King battles!" They commented having recalled how adept he was with his dinosaur, perhaps the only one that didn't treat him so harshly compared to others in the past.
Dr Z however didn't quite share their enthusiasm sadly, "HUH!?" His eyes widened seeing he was put in the position as a mere stand in for the winner, which made him feel rather cheap and unappreciated, "W…What is the meaning of this!? Unacceptable!" He growled ferociously on the inside as steam began to erupt from his bald head and his teeth gnashed together so hard they could chip at any second, "How dare they put me, the greatest and first Dinosaur King ever, in such a measly position?!" He tugged on his own beard in frustration unable to contain it any longer finding this to be most insulting. In an instant he glared right at the Stone pillar ready to vent out his full out frustrations on it, "That stone's all messed up! It should've let me be in the first match of this Tournament! It better give us a do over or I'm going to bulldoze right through it into rubble!" He swore with venom, pulling up his sleeves and stomping right towards it. Souls of the dinosaurs or not no way would he let them disrespect him as such!
"Now now Dr Z, your blood pressure remember?" Ursula held him back trying to sweet talk him best she could even though his struggling was becoming much harder to contain.
"Th…Think about it like this, since you're the last match of the first round." Zander then spoke up as Ed finished quickly.
"It can be like the grand finale, saving the very best for last! Everyone will get their money's worth that way and see you in your full kingly glory!" he cried out.
"Ah!" Dr Z blinked his eyes as he came to a realisation, "Now that you put it like that…." a few seconds of processing it all through his head and seeing the logic in his minions' words he then grinned mischievously and rubbed his palm together, "Hee hee hee, I'll give them all a grand finale they'll never be disappointed with! That way my place in Dinosaur History will be secured and they'll all worship me till the end of time! Ahahahahah!" He burst into uncontroiallbe laughter to the relief of the Trio and the D Team present.
"Phew…."
"Urgh…." They sighed or groaned in annoyance not just at Dr Z's overinflated ego but like always the only way to calm him down would be to inflate it even more so.
Only got in thanks to Cera letting them in for their help but it was no excuse for rude conduct given how much they love and value this tournament too in honour of the Dinosaur King
Would give him a bad image and risk them getting kicked off the tournament roster or even banned form entering this time again
With the matchups finalised once and for all, "Now without further interruptions, the Fossil League is now open! We all expect great things and exciting battles from all of you and may the best Dino Duelist be victorious!" The MC concluded thus filling the crowds with even more energy and excitement, if said energy could be used to fuel a power plant it'd be enough to power the whole world for a hundred years!
"Give it your all!"
"Fossil fight! Fossil fight!"
"Dino duel!"
It had been many years since the World had been gifted with the Tournament of the Century, the excitement and cheers that echoed through time had been nearly wiped out by years of war and darkness, now the time had come once again to bring it back and nothing was going to take this from them ever.
Despite the roars and cheers of the crowds in anticipation for the moment of truth, both sides' members were serious and silent at first, but soon smiled warmly at each other in each others' presence as they reflected upon everything they been through together until now. It truly was a wild adventurous ride and things were going to get a whole lot better for them now, they could feel it roaring deep in their hearts and souls as they prepared to share this with the world and help them be able to build such bonds with each other too.
"Well Cera, we've sure come a long way but all our adventures, fights, experiences….." said Max smoothly at his old comrade before looking around to see the eyes of the world fixed on them, "They all lead us up to this very moment."
Cera nodded back at him firmly too, "I couldn't agree more Max." She responded in agreement, "Once we fought on the same side as comrades in arms, now we fight on opposite sides as equal rivals." She then smirked, "Heh, I expected nothing less from you all to make it this far. Though despite our friendship, don't think I'll make it easy for you guys." She said to them before looking up at a certain spot in the crowds, "After all, I have those who are counting on me to make them and everyone else proud of what we've managed to bring back to them." Where her eyes were focused on, her father Lunensis sat smiling upon her with pride….and next to him…sat Maia, whose warm eyes shone with kindness and immeasurable amounts of joy to see how much their daughter had grown and come.
"Hehe, what a coincidence." Max chuckled as he looked up to see his family as well as all his friends too rooting for him as much as Cera's were rooting for her, "It's the same for us too."
"They're cheering for us to win," Rex replied closing his eyes with a gentle smile before smirking confidently at Cera, "No way can we disappoint them now can we?"
"That'd make us really bad kids to do that." Zoe giggled as she bonked her head playfully too.
"Haha, I couldn't agree more." Cera laughed as she covered her mouth in amusement suppressing a giggle, seeing now the paths they were taking were set. She then looked to him with a most confident expression with firmness too in her eyes, "If only we could all win, but sadly that isn't the case, the audience is both kind and cruel. In the end they want to see a winner and thus there needs to be a loser." she explained fully understanding the situation they were in before opening her eyes with firmness and clarity, "Way I see it we all have reasons why we can't afford to go easy on one another or lose in front of everyone."
"In that case, let's give everybody here exactly what they came for and not keep them waiting a second longer!" Max cheered at the top of his lungs after that unable to wait any longer for the greater tournament of the century to finally go under way!
Despite with there being high stakes already in this match, it didn't matter in the end who won or lost. The days of war and calamity were long behind them and would remain buried in the past, from this moment forward and forevermore, battles would be about fun, building connections with partners and even opponents, no enemies only friendly rivals in the sport everyone loved and treasured since the dawn of its' beginning. Just thinking about it made Cera smile peacefully as though a dark hole in her heart had been completely patched up and she could rest easy too knowing she and everyone else could finally move forward.
She then nodded with affirmation and pumped up her arm, "Alright! Let's do this!"
"Time to get this party started!" Max cheered as they all reached for their dinoshots and took them and their cards out, which shone in the light of the sun! Before long both sides withdrew to their lines and the tension in the arena peaked as the first 2 representatives of the first match of the Legendary Fossil League began to take their positions and the stone circle disappeared back into the ground and the battlefield being cleared.
The MC cleared his throat as he held his arm to the sky, "Now the the League begin!" He cried out at the top of his lungs with several pterosaurs flying overhead and the audience all around the world roaring with applause and excitement as the first clash of the century was about to go underway!
Hi everyone it's been a long time, didn't have many ideas left to write since I feel they'd take a lot of research into series I enjoyed but then I remembered leaving off my last story here with the start of the League so I decided to begin this as a short side story featuring the battles that would take place.
Regarding the Selection ceremony got the idea from Bakugan Geogan Rising how Selections were made. I found it fitting to put here, and now the teams will be pitted against one another, friends now rivals only one can make it to the top and stand at the summit as Dinosaur King! Stay tuned!
It's been a while since I last wrote so hope this turns out well.