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!

17. Max vs Cera Part 1

Chapter 17

Max vs Cera Part 1

As the battlefield's light died down, this time the entirety of Dinosaur World was given to both Cera and Max as their final battleground, an epic and fitting way to conclude off the Fossil League once and for all. As Cera and Max, along with Chomp and Erwin stared down one another, the tension and anticipation had never been so great than any other match before prior to now. Most fans were restless and really pumped with huge grins and smiles on their faces waiting for Max and Cera to go at it, while others being their closest friends and families looked on smiling proudly seeing how far they both had gotten and they all agreed there couldn't have been a better matchup to end of the greatest Fossil league of all.

"Alright folks! The time has arrived for us to decide between our 2 finalists! Just who will return home as victor and-" The MC suddenly ceased, overcome with excitement and adrenaline himself he broke character, "Oh forget it! No way can I announce anymore! I'm a fan too! Go you two! Go!" He cheered them on releasing the die hard fossil fighter fan in him and soon he was joined by many others in the crowds in the arena and around the world.

"Do your best both of you!"

"We look forward to seeing it, and we'll be rooting for you both the whole way!" They all cheered at the top of their lungs.

Some distance away, Craig stood at one of the far corners of the stadium bleachers folding his arms and narrowing his eyes at the battle below. Having awoken an hour ago and now having forced himself through the after effects of there drugs and making his way back here, for he had no intention of missing out on what may be the greatest battle in history. One which no doubt everyone in the world had their eyes on this very moment. He then frowned and closed his eyes, "You don't need to hide, I know you're there." He spoke seemingly to no one, till a certain ninja stepped out from the shadows behind him.

"Heh, back so soon? Thought you'd be snoozing in bed till now." said Kaze in a slightly snarky attitude which made Craig scoff in response.

"Hmph! I could say the same thing to you, showing up now of all times after leaving like that." He rolled his eyes.

"And miss my student's final battle to the top?" Kaze smirked under his hood, "That's never going to happen."

"Then that's the same for me too." Craig then grumbled in annoyance, clearly they didn't get along and couldn't stand the sight of each other for they were pretty much polar opposites of one another with very contradicting beliefs…..on any other ordinary day. But today was very different. Uncharacteristically, Craig had a small smirk appear on his face that very moment, "Heh, you did a good job training her up I've got to admit." He chuckled having to confess after his recent battle with Cera and becoming more open minded he was beginning to see some of the benefits of Kaze's style.

"I'm the best at what I do so it's a natural, you on the other hand while rough around the edges you haven't done such a bad job yourself." Kaze responded which made Craig grunt annoyed, feeling he slipped in both an insult and compliment at the same time.

"Hmph!"

"Heh, I don't really care who wins or loses this battle. It's been a fun ride all the way since it began, even though my turn is over the fun still hasn't ended!" Dr Z commented with his family smiling proudly over his newfound maturity….till he quickly sported his trademark sneaky grin, "Plus, I'll enjoy even more when I take the winner's crown from them when the time comes, so they'd better enjoy it until then! Eheheheh!" He cackled which made them sigh at him for getting their hopes up and then smashing them down all over again.

The families above tensed or smiled either proudly or with uncontrolled anticipation, "This is it….."

"The final battle….."

"We've all made it this far and every battle we've seen so far was real intense, nail biting and jaw dropping." They each said one after the other as others simply observed or got out their cameras to record history being made.

"Now it's finally come to this." Lunensis noted folding his arms, "Question is….who will come out on top?" He had a most serious expression on his face as he then nodded with approval at this, "That will be decided today." After that he smiled because in the end the winner wasn't what mattered but how the match would be conducted, and by 2 of the most honourable and pure hearted duelists he had ever met he and everyone else was certain it would be a battle to remember. Lunensis soon narrowed his eyes, "Max….Cera….What kind of battle will you show us today?" He thought seriously before smiling with pride and youthful excitement in his heart as it began to race with anticipation, "Let's see how far you both have come."

Down below, both Max and Cera could hear the restless cheers and excitement of the audience above. The atmosphere, tension and energy of the arena reaching phenomenal heights as Max felt his blood pumping with the anticipation and hopes of everyone gathered, "Well Cera, it's finally come down to this." He spoke out to her, "The Final of the Fossil League, and me and Chomp are ready to throw down anytime!" He declared as Chomp roared out towards their rivals, feeling just as motivated as he was.

Cera nodded back at him feeling the same as him, with Erwin screeching back answering Chomp, "Indeed Max. I expected nothing less." She replied with a calm smile of approval as she rested one hand on her hip, "Have to say while this is your first ever tournament you've done real well to make it this far. Then again I shouldn't be surprised." The day she first met him and the D Team, even when she had lost her memories she knew out of them all Max had something special in him, a certain potential he carried in him that neither Rex nor Zoe had. What Max and Chomp didn't know was that they were the ones to discover that humans and dinosaurs can walk alongside each other as equals, and that was set in stone the day they first met.

This tournament was made due to the bonds of humans and dinosaurs together, made possible by them both, and now she looked forward to seeing how much farther they can go and how this tournament would be no more than a stepping stone for the dynamic duo. Though putting that thought aside for the time being, Cera had other matters to focus on, "I've seen my dad won this league 5 years in a row, and it was my dream to not only be a champion like him, but to also surpass him too!" She told Max stating her reasons for fighting here, "We may be friends but don't think me and Erwin are going to make it easy for you to win that crown. We've got too much riding on this and we've worked way too hard to make it this far just to go soft."

"Heh, likewise Cera." Max agreed with her, "Plus it'd be just plain disrespectful to those who've supported us all this far and the opponents we've beaten too."

"Hee hee we really do think alike don't we?" Cere giggled back at her close friend as she took on a more serious look, "In that case, let's get this battle started!" She declared the time for talk was now long behind them, now is where they get serious for sure.

Max grinned pumping up his arms excitedly, "I couldn't agree any more!" He cheered as the audience burned with excitement as the finals were about to go well underway.

"I think we'll start things off with this." Cera then made eye contact with Erwin who could read what she was thinking, "Lightning mode!" She commanded as Erwin shone bright yellow and turned to a styracosaurus!

Max grinned, his heart pumping wildly as he tightened his hand into a fist, "Heh, going head to head with me? Bring it on!" He declared to her as Chomp roared out!

"Consider it brought Max!" Cera grinned with Erwin roaring back as they both called out their moves!

"Lightning strike!" Max slashed his move while Cera needed to only call!

Both dinosaurs shone bright yellow as they collected energy at their horns and then fired off powerful lightning bolts at one another! Chomp's being yellow and Erwin's being purple as they both collided with one another fusing into a single giant ball of lightning which exploded between them! Cera and max stood their ground unfazed along with their dinos, as the light cleared it revealed a large crater in the ground in between where the attacks met!

"WHOA!"

"They're both equally strong!" Zoe and Rex both exclaimed in amazement.

"Going all out from the start," Dr Ancient gulped under pressure as he began to sweat, "I know we expected this but wow!" He couldn't help but gasp, and usually he was the calm one.

"The energy spikes are insane!" Raina exclaimed in disbelief as her device suddenly short circuited and fired, smoking and sparking in her hand! "EEP!" She squealed being forced to drop it as it fried much to her dissatisfaction and shock both together!

"And they haven't even begun to try!" Blaze called out as everyone braced themselves, for it was already having everyone on the edge of their seats and they had barely begun!

At the field, Chomp and Erwin began circling one another waiting for an opening to exploit, while also keeping their guards up so not to give away any moments of weakness to their rivals, "Didn't think you'd be able to repel my attack that easily." Cera admitted as she stood by Erwin's side while Max did the same.

"Heh, what'd you expect Cera!?" He bellowed confidently, "Me and Chomp are in maximum overdrive today!" He cheered at the top of his lungs prompting Chomp to growl with the same energy as him.

She smirked in response to his confidence, "Okay, how about this then!?" She was ready to put that to the test, "Buzzing spear!" She commanded Erwin as he sprouted a thunder javelin from his head and then preparing to ram it right into Chomp!

Max grinned in response, "How about I real you in instead!?" He countered slashing a move, "Plasma anchor!" Chomp charged up with energy before firing out a hooked thunder anchor which ensnared Erwin's spear, as he growled and pulled back refusing to give in, as the 2 ceratopsians engaged in a brutal tug of war with both their partners gritting their teeth tensely and in frustration at one another's tenacity!

"Urgh!"

The tug lasted for several minutes, till the larger triceratops mustered up his superior upper body strength to throw the smaller styracosaurs over his head to Cera's bewilderment!

"AH!" She gasped as she could only watch Chomp throw and slam down Erwin multiple times as he remained helpless to the barrage of throws before being slammed hard onto some rocks!

"Whoa! Chomp actually overpowered Erwin!" Rex widened his eyes with amazement before smiling brightly, "Nice work Max!" he cheered.

"Hang in there Cera!" Zoe called out surprising him as he turned to her, "Don't lose so easily!"

"You're cheering for her instead of Max?" He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Hey we're roommates it's natural for us girls to stick together." She cheekily giggled while sticking out her tongue in a playful manner, "Besides they're both our best friends so I'm rotting for them both!"

"Heh, guess you're right. I may have done the same too." Rex sweat dropped as he thought about it.

Erwin meanwhile picked himself back up and shook his head clear, unfazed by the attack as he quickly recovered his senses. "Urgh….okay that didn't work as I hoped…." Cera grunted seeing she may be off to a slightly wobbly start, perhaps Max and Chomp were a little better than she had given them credit for.

"What'd I tell you? Me and Chomp are on a roll!" Max pointed to himself smirking.

This made Cera scowl at him with some annoyance, "Hmph! Don't get too comfortable just because you handled yourself there Max." She replied to him calmly keeping her composure though a small hint of anger was building up inside, "Let's see how you handle round 2!" She declared as she decided to switch things up! "Water mode!" Erwin shone brightly as his light enveloped the area and he emerged in the form of an amargasaurus! This time they appeared right at the waterfall lake of the battlefield, as Max narrowed his eyes.

"So it's water next…." He noted as he also realised something as he looked closer, "Erwin's form changes are way faster now, that leaves attacking him at that point out." He said as Chomp snorted with agitation, sensing the dora-tor's fighting spirit was stronger than any other dino they fought before, no way could they afford to lower their guard for even a second.

"Changing to an element that is at a disadvantage…." Max noted putting a finger to his chin in thought as he narrowed his eyes, "She's got to have some sneaky tricks up her sleeve for this." He then smirked confidently before looking to his partner who shared his confidence, "No prob, we can take it can't we Chomp?" He asked him pumping up his arms, as Chomp roared out in agreement.

Cera narrowed her eyes, believing Max ought not to take her lightly, she had a certain trick in mind to show him some humility. "Tough talk, let's see you back it up against Futabasaurus cannon!" She called out as Erwin bellowed out to the sky, summoning forth a body of water behind Chomp, to his alarm as a Futabasaurus appeared from it and screeched at them both!

"What!? She can use assist moves without needing a move card!?" Max exclaimed shocked just as much as everyone else was!

"That's just not fair!" Ed whined shaking his arms in annoyance, though that was the last thing on the Alpha Gang's minds now!

"Watch out Max!" Rod and Laura called out to them as the plesiosaur charged up a powerful water cannon before firing it at him!

The plesiosaur meanwhile began to charge up and fire a barrage of water cannonballs to the sky as they prepared to rain down at them! "WAH! Run Chomp!" Max cried in alarm as he ran away to take cover himself! Chomp did his best to leap out of the cannonballs' way, as they splashed hard or obliterated rocks that got in the way after he evaded them! But as he was focused on the attacks from Futabasaurus, he failed to realise in time that Erwin intercepted him as the sauropod charged and rammed his sides, flipping him onto his back as he roared in pain! "Aw man!" Max gasped realising Cera was trying to split his focus and corner him both mentally and literally!

Cera smirked seeing her plan had worked as Futabasaurus got a clear shot and fired a beam of water straight at Chomp's unprotected side making him roar in pain from the pressure it emitted!

"Oh no!"

"Hang in there Chomp!" Zoe and Rex each cried out worrying for their friend as many gasped in shock.

Meanwhile at the seats above, Lunensis folded his arms and whistled impressed, "Wow, she's handling Erwin better than I thought….at this rate even better than me…." He mused, seeing she also inherited both his skill and his instincts to capitalise at every opportunity to attack while showing no mercy in the slightest, while taking all that even higher than he could with her own unique touch.

"She's all grown up isn't she?" Maia smiled with joy before sighing with sadness, "Oh poo a shame I didn't get to appreciate her younger self long enough." She pouted as Lunensis patted her with sympathy one her shoulder feeling just the same as her.

Back at the battle, "I'll say this Max." Cera spoke to him seriously, "While you may have defeated my father once, I guarantee you that you'll be facing a whole new ball game against me. So you'd do well not to underestimate me." She warned him

"Urgh….She's got a point there…." Max sweated, "I was barely able to keep up with Lunensis last time and no doubt Cera's mastered that eoraptor as good as or maybe even better than him. I only won thanks to a miracle with Chomp, but Cera's no doubt expected that." He swallowed nervously before hardening his gaze and clenching his fist tightly, "I'm gonna need to do more than pull out the stops this time around." Observing the situation and seeing Erwin on one side of Chomp and Futabasaurus locking him in a pincer attack, both being powerful long range attackers too so this wasn't going to be easy for sure.

"Alright! Double attack now!" Cera suddenly called out as Erwin fired Falling water from his mouth and Futabasaurus did the same!"

It was so sudden Max had barely enough time to react, "Gah! Watch out!" Chomp leapt out of the way in time as both water beams collided with one another! Everyone gasped at how fast it came, while Cera snapped her fingers in annoyance having missed, with Erwin and Futabasaurus refocusing their aim right at Chomp, as he panted tiredly with Max gasping with exhaustion himself.

"Whoa….That plesiosaur can strike real fast, so I've gotta hit it even faster!" He panted.

"No way you'll get the chance Max!" Cera retorted, refusing to give him another opportunity to fight back as both dinosaurs prepared to charge up their water beams again!

Max narrowed his eyes finding himself trapped this time at the valley wall and between both opponents, "That case…." Seeing that dodging wasn't an option this time, all he could do was attack! "Counter blitz! Go!" Max quickly slashed! Chomp quickly summoned a thunder cloud which fired a bolt off lightning down at the plesiosaur, shocking it while still in an entire body of water which made the attack even more effective as it screeched in pain!

"AH!" Cera gasped in surprise as Futabasaurus vanished from the field, evening the odds once more..

"Nice work!" Reese smiled, "With that whole body of water, that futabasaurus is in for a real shock!"

"Tch! So much for that idea…." Cera clicked her tongue before smiling with some approval, "Still I have to admit that was clever…." Max did always have sharp instincts after all along with the most unexpected and creative ideas too. Even if she did have all the elements at her command and how to use them, he had enough experience on how to fight them too.

"Heh." Max then grinned at her confidently.

"Let's see if you can still smile when I do this!" Cera countered as she ordered Erwin to go on the offensive again! "Aqua whip!" Erwin fired out a large water lasso before twirling it around and throwing it at the triceratops, ready to ensnare him then throw him into the waterfall lake!

Fearlessly, Max responded, "Chomp! Counter with plasma anchor!" he called out as he slashed, prompting the trike to charge up with energy as he fired out a thunder anchor! Both whips raced towards one another, but Chomp's attack easily punched through the aqua attack before hitting its' mark dead centre at the amargasaurus' chest as he roared in pain with energy surging through his body!

Everyone on Max's side cheered with joy!

"Nice!"

"Incredible!"

"Chomp punched through that with ease!" Dr Drake, Taylor and Owen all cried out!

"AH! Erwin!" Cera gasped in alarm as Chomp easily mustered up the energy to lift the sauropod off his feet and slam him on the other side with a mighty thud! "No way!"

"Oh my!" Maia covered her mouth in surprise.

"Come on Cera! You can do better than that!" Lunensis called out to her.

"Don't let him disrespect you like that!" Craig growled in anger, "We trained you way better than that! Shape up or you'll make us all look bad!" He yelled.

Meanwhile Cera was beginning to realise she may have been a little too complacent there, not just greatly underestimating Max but overestimating herself against him. She had dropped her guard and allowed Max to get in a few good hits…..a mistake she won't repeat, plus she could use this to her advantage bu putting Max in a false sense of security. As Erwin pushed himself up groggily, still shaken up from the paralysis, Cera grunted annoyed, "Urgh…..Okay time to change tactics…." She told herself as she called out to her partner, "Grass mode!" She commanded as Erwin roared out grown in a green aura as he shifted to lambeosaurus mode and they were transported to the forest glade! "Consider the battles up till now practice Max! Now you'll have to show me what you're really made of!" Cera called out to him, making the brunette narrow his eyes as he and Chomp braced themselves for Cera's next onslaught! "Go get him Erwin!" She called out as Erwin scraped the ground and bellowed out before charging towards Chomp!

"Ha! Let's give it to them Chomp!" Max laughed as he punched to the sky fearlessly, giving Chomp courage as he threw caution to the wind and charged head on! Both dinosaurs met with a head on collision but it was brief as the trike quickly overpowered Erwin as he pushed him straight into a nearby rock wall before pinning him towards it! He struggled and growled in pain with Chomp's weight being pushed onto his chest, making the others wince in pain.

"Ouch! That's gotta hurt!" Mrs Drake covered her eyes and looked away.

"Heh in a contest of heads no way Chomp's gonna lose." Spike grinned as he folded his arms proud of his boy.

Dr Ancient frowned, "Yeah, so wonder why Cera went with such a tactic while knowing the obvious outcome…." he mused curiously as he came upon a possible hypothesis, "Unless…." He widened his eyes in alarm as he realised what Cera's real goal was! "It's a trap!" He gasped to the families' alarm!

Down below Max was oblivious to the danger hidden within, "Heheh, we've got them now Chomp!" He grinned with energy, unaware his bravado and success was blinding him to danger as Cera smirked rather sinisterly.

"On the contrary Max." She spoke up getting his attention, "I've got you right where I wanted you! Like a fly right into a flytrap!" She declared pointing at him to his alarm!

"Huh!?"

"Now! Parasite tree!" Hearing her command, Erwin used his arms to grab and hold up Chomp's head, lifting him off his body for only a moment so he could position his own crest right at his forehead! A parasitic bud formed there which he slammed down onto the trike's frill as it took root and made him roar in pain as it began to leech the life out of him!

"AH! Chomp!" Max exclaimed shocked at falling for an old trick and a really nasty one at that!

"Not again!"

"That move's the same one Hua did to him!" Rex and Zoe cried out worriedly as they knew what happens next, if he didn't get it out soon before it took full root into him he'd be in a heap of trouble!

"You'd think he'd learn not to underestimate the power of nature after his battle with me….." Hua sighed as she facepalmed with disappointment evident in her tone, "On the other hand, Cera is indeed a fast learner herself. Seems the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree." She then said with approval looking towards her current captain and smiled seeing she had learnt well from her and the others, and wasn't simply copying their moves, but fought with a similar manner and technique that each of them had while adding in her own unique youthful vibe and spirit that they all lacked.

Meanwhile the others were focused on an entirely different matter altogether, "Max better get that bud off quick before it sprouts into a whole mess of trouble!" Reese called out feeling very worried now, and usually she could keep her cool about Max, though this time around she wasn't so sure.

Chomp roared in anger as the seeds roots dug deeper into his scales and began draining much of his energy as he thrashed about in irate agitation to Max's concern, "Chomp! Smash it out like before!" He called to him in worry. Wasting no time, Chomp turned and rammed his head right into a nearby tree and tried scraping at it in the hopes of snapping it off…but to no avail! "What the!?" Max widened his eyes in alarm, usually that would work but the fact it didn't caught him off guard.

"Max," Cera spoke to him rather seriously, "Don't think you can get out of my attack the same way as did with Hua." She explained before smirking confidently, "You'll find mine is has a little more root to it."

As Max looked closer he could see Cera's seed was much more deeply engraved into Chomp this time, and the way it was sapping his energy was leaving him with little left for a move! "She's right….she's using all the captains' moves and techniques together it's like I'm fighting all of them at once…." He sweated and gritted his teeth under pressure. Many thoughts and worries flooded his mind as he wondered what he could do and he feared Cera being able to anticipate and counter him as she had watched all his matches prior to this one while he only barely managed to see a handful of the tricks she had up her sleeve! Eventually, realising his contemplating and lack of quick decisions would lead to Chomp's suffering prolonging, "Tch! No way around it now!" He clicked his tongue as he gave Chomp the all clear! "Chomp! Elemental fusion!" Opening his eyes with fury, Chomp roared out as he erupted in an aura of thunder, disorienting Erwin and Cera as they had to shield their eyes from the light!

"Urgh…."

"That light!"

"He's doing it now?" Everyone gasped while others cheered pumped up excitedly as they knew what was coming next!

As it died down they came face to face with awakened triceratops who roared out fiercely at them! "Now Lightning axe!" Max slashed as Chomp gathered energy in his horns and shot out a thunder axe which vaporised the seed bud on him!

"Hmmm…." Cera narrowed eyes as Erwin stepped back cautiously, seeing Max has decided to bring in the big guns, so she'd best be on guard now.

Rod and Laura both tensed at what they saw, "That was narrow escape for Max."

"Yeah and not a moment too soon!"

Max had wanted to save awakening for when he really needed it, but saw no other way given his current predicament. That aside, it was time he kept up the pressure and fought back, "Go Chomp! Attack!" He called out ordering the triceratops to leap into the air and spin right towards Erwin ready to bring the axe down on him!

Cera widened her eyes at how fast he had gotten, "Quick! Dodge it!" She warned her partner who managed to leap out of the way like a graceful stag, right as Chomp brought the axe down and cleaved a tree in half!

The parents widened their eyes, "Wow that was rather graceful." Aki blinked surprised.

"Much like that of a geisha!" Dr Owen breathed as his eyes glistened with awe.

"It's like with fukuisaurus…." Zoe commented having recall being there and seeing it move so smoothly when performing emerald garden, she felt Paris ought to be a little bit more like that whenever she performed the move herself or in general.

"Tch! I let my guard down there just now…." Max grunted in annoyance, "I won't make that mistake again, no way am I going to let that work twice in a row."

Cera nodded at him, "I believe that Max." She replied making him blink his eyes curiously as to what she was getting at. "However, unlike Hua I'm not afraid to use more direct approaches." She hardened her gaze as she threw out her arm while calling out her next move! "Here's an example! Metal wing!"

"AH!" Max and Zoe both gasped as Erwin cried out to the sky as he summoned forth a red, yellow and blue trio of pteranodons that zoomed right towards Chomp!

"Oh no! Chomp! Incoming!" Max cried urging Chomp to brace himself, seeing no time to evade. He held his ground as the pteranodons struck out at his head with their bladed wings making him groan in pain as they darted away and began circling overhead. "Urgh…So that's what it's like to be on the receiving end of that move….." Max winced getting a taste of the D Team's medicine.

"Ouch….that must sting…." Hua cringed, she really disliked the grass element being used for violence, while it was capable of doing that she never really enjoyed using that side of her signature element, though her sister Hana being her almost polar opposite had no qualms about it.

Max tensed, knowing things would only get worse and that they planned to strike him when he was most weak! He recognised the moment they did so as they regrouped together and prepared to spear him right through with a massive dive-bomb!

His family and friends widened their eyes, "Here they come!" Rex called out.

"Watch out Max!" Zoe cried with worry.

"Hold me!"

"I can't watch!" Ed and Zander both hugged one another looking away as everyone gasped.

Max sweated and gritted his teeth under pressure, "Urgh….No time to dodge, I've got to face them head on!" He grunted, bravely taking a chance with a move he hoped would work, a 1 in 3 chance but there was no other way! "Go! Plasma anchor!" Chomp mustered up the energy within him to fire out his thunder chain towards the incoming pterosaurs! The trio split up as it came towards them, but he was lucky to snag the yellow one which was a moment too slow! "Alright!" Max grinned pleased as the audience gasped amazed he managed to hit a moving target with such accuracy. As the other 2 pteranodons swooped in to rescue their comrade by severing his chain, Max grinned seeing an opportunity! "Now swat them away!" He threw out his arm as Chomp whipped out his head and using the yellow pteranodon, swatted him against his comrades before sending all 3 of them flying away and disappearing!

"Whoa! He actually did it!" Cretacia exclaimed in amazement.

"I can't believe my eyes!" Marina cried widening her eyes.

"Hurry take notes you buffoons!" Dr Z flailed out his arms not wanting to let this valuable data and opportunity go to waste.

"How's that!?" Max cheered feeling more assured of himself than ever before!

To his surprise, Cera still remained rather calm about it, "Not bad, though I expected as much Max." She clapped praising him before moving on from it, "How about we take things higher now!?" She looked to Erwin and called out, "Erwin! Super impact!" The purple lambeosaurus bellowed out to the sky as a storm of leaves swirled around him, summoning forth a giant supersaurus who reared up on his hind legs and bellowed out thunderously before slamming on the ground dwarfing his puny rivals!

Max widened his eyes and sweated nervously upon being faced with the familiar giant sauropod before him! "Uh oh….Me and my big mouth…." He gulped with Chomp stepping back anxiously himself.

"I remember that move…." Ursula gulped turning rather pale at the sight of the behemoth!

"You definitely would want to cover your eyes and pack a helmet right now." Dr Z cracked as Ed and Zander hugged one another and looked away!

"I can't look!" They croaked as everyone else began widening their eyes in shock, right when Erwin leapt onto supersaurus' head right as the massive sauropod swung him out with tremendous force before spiralling towards Chomp like a huge cannonball!

Max gritted his teeth knowing there was no avoiding it now, only way out was to face it head on! "Thunder bazooka!" Max countered slashing his move, as Chomp propelled himself supercharged with energy as he met with Erwin head on! They both collided as sparks and leaves began blowing out across the field, but as they repelled Chomp landed on the ground and shook it off while Erwin was redirected right back at supersaurus' face!

Cera couldn't believe her eyes, "AH!" She stuttered back caught off guard as supersaurus bellowed in pain before collapsing to the ground, knocked out cold and out of the match to everyone's disbelief and bewilderment.

"No way!" Hua widened her eyes.

"He used Erwin's super impact against himself!?" Craig widened his eyes speechlessly, what Max did was smash down a wall greater than anything he could ever set up himself.

"Unbelievable!" Once again Raina's expectations were blown right out of the water.

Rex soon recovered from his surprise and chuckled, "Hehe, guess this should teach us to never count Max out of the game." He thought, remembering that Max always has a certain gift that goes beyond anyone's beliefs.

Cera stared with widened eyes and gaped speechlessly at what she witnessed, only to be interrupted as Max called out to her.

"That all you got!?" He grinned brimming with energy and bravado.

Cera said nothing at first, but a smile came across her face as she giggled happily back at him, "Hehe, not even close. I'm just getting started!" She responded with equal energy, as Erwin picked himself back up and bellowed.

"Now that's music to my ears Cera!" Max laughed back at her greatly amused and excited, ready to keep this rolling.

"Then let me play you a tune you're sure to enjoy!" She replied, "Nature's blessing!" Erwin flashed green as he breathed out a stream of pure natural energy from his mouth which began to swirl around him and restore his healthy and heal his wounds!

Max widened his eyes, "Oh no!" He was beginning to take back his choice of words now.

Everyone gasped realising what would happen, "If she pulls it off, the match will drag out even longer." Dr Ancient narrowed his eyes.

Spike gritted his teeth tensely, "Even Chomp will have his limits, a drawn out fight won't do him any favours."

"Max! Do something to stop her now!" Rex cried out to him with upmost urgency.

Max agreed as he nodded back at Rex, "I can't let her heal or else this match may never end….." He thought to himself as he pointed out, "Chomp! Quick atta-" Before he could finish, Chomp roared out in pain as a bright yellow light erupted from his body and he was suddenly reverted back to his normal form much to his and everyone else's surprise!

"What!?"

"Chomp reverted back to normal!?"

"It's limited in battle too!?"

"Hmm?" Cera surprised as much as they were.

Aki covered her mouth in shock, "Oh no….That means…."

It was right about that moment when Erwin neared completing his healing process as he screeched out strongly.

"Now all the damage Max inflicted is gone…." Zoe frowned feeling bad about Max's chances now.

"That elemental fusion must have drained him too much, he couldn't hold it for long." Lunensis noted as he put a finger to his chin in thought.

At the captain's side, Hua smiled seeing Cera care for Erwin's wellbeing though couldn't help but feel equally sorry for Max now, "It's a little unfortunate for Max though…."

"On the other hand, that just means we can see more of what they bring to the table hehe…." Blaze smirked seeing they can keep the match going and he could look forward to seeing more of their hot blooded spirit and passionate moves too. As much as he liked looking on the positive side of things and was liked for that, Hua frowned finding him to be a little insensitive at that.

Back at the battlefield, Cera smirked to see her healing move paid off before looking towards her unfortunate opponents, "Sorry to ruin your hard work on weakening us Max, but I'm not gonna give you a win that easily." She told him firmly as she pointed out at him, "You'll have to earn it!"

"Tch!" Max clicked his tongue in annoyance, "Hehe, that's okay, just means this battle won't end so quickly then." He chuckled as he picked himself back up refusing to dwell on what he failed to do and decided to focus on what he could still do, "Meaning there'll be more chances for Chomp and I to strut our stuff, and not to mention how much more fun it'll be too!"

His words came as a big surprise to nearly everyone present.

"Fun!?"

"He's driven into a corner and he still thinks he can both pull off a win and have fun!?"

"Is he nuts!?" Ed, Zander and Ursula each gasped in disbelief at what they heard.

"I knew there was always something wrong with that boy…." Dr Z sighed pityingly shaking his head, and everyone said he was the lunatic.

While most wanted to win their matches as quickly and easily as possible either out of impatience or so not to prolong their partners' pain, those close to Max knew that wasn't how he did things as they smiled or chuckled at him.

"Heh, that's just like Max." Rex smiled, him being able to see the light in the darkest situations was a trait they admired him for.

"Since you healed yourself, I think it's fair that I play your game too!" Max then called out, "Giga generator!" He slashed the healing thunder move, allowing Chomp to charge up electricity inside his body as it helped him to slowly recharge his stamina and energy!

Meanwhile Cera watched with Erwin, making no move except smile with approval.

"Cera's not doing anything to stop him." Craig mused as he folded his arms as he observed with Kaze, "I think she wants him to fight her on even terms."

Kaze's smiled under his facecloth faded and was replaced with a scowl of disapproval, "Hmph in a real fight it would be unwise to allow your opponent to gain an edge, once the odds tip in your favour you strike when they are off balance and claim victory without hesitation." He scoffed seeing honour and fair play often went against his principles as a ninja bounty hunter, "And yet, a small part of me wishes to see this match be conducted with honour…." He couldn't help but state at the end, as a certain side of him felt appealed by Cera's actions.

"Hmph…." Craig then grunted still in disapproval of healing, believing it to be cheating or a coward's method of drawing out the fight, but from another perspective it would be to help ensure one's love for their partner's wellbeing is there after all. Plus battles were for fun after all and he was getting into the spirit of things too.

"Well Max, feeling fully charged now?" Cera then asked as Chomp finished his reenergising session as he roared out ferociously again, she wanted to be able to use her full power and to demonstrate everything she learnt from her teachers and father for Max to experience, as well as communicate them all to the masses around him.

"You bet Cera!" Max laughed pumping up his arm, "I'm more than ready to take on any and all of your eoraptor's powers!" He declared firmly to her, "But first let me get my game face on!" He said taking out his element booster! "Element booster! Dino tector on!" Chomp soon sprouted his thunder armour around his body as he emerged in his armoured mode and the crowds roared with every eating it up!

"Now Max has shifted to using armour!"

"Alright!"

"Nice!"

"Go get her Max!" They all cheered him on.

"To think we'd be able to see him implement both forms of power up in this battle…." Lunensis mused with interest, once again Max surpassing his expectations, "Armour, unlike elemental fusion, will last for the remainder of the battle till the user is defeated…."

"Cera! Watch out! Things won't be the same as earlier!" Maia called out to her daughter.

Despite the warnings of her supporters, she wasn't deterred in the least. In fact she gladly welcomed the challenge, "I'm quite impressed you made it this far Max." Cera whistled commending him, before grinning excitedly herself, "Maybe now it's time to heat things up!" Max tensed as he knew exactly what she meant by saying that, along with Blaze letting out a battle cry of joy to see she was going to show off the results of HIS teaching!

"Show him what it means to play with fire Cera!" He cried out as she responded in term!

"I'm all fired up!" She yelled out full of energy as Erwin did the same as he shone bright red! "Fire mode go!" Erwin roared out as he was enveloped in red light and transformed to saurophaganax form and let out a powerful battle cry which shook the land as they were transported ton the volcanic field of Dino world! "Attack Erwin!" She called out as the large carnivore roared and rushed towards Chomp, baring his fangs and preparing to sink them into his rival's flesh!

Fearlessly Max punched forward! "Take it to him Chomp!" The yellow trike roared, spurred into action!

As Chomp swung out his head aiming to slash Erwin with his horn, the saurophaganax leaned back just barely avoiding the horns as they grazed against his chest! In response he bit down on his horn! They both tugged and pulled for a bit, till Erwin was able to lift Chomp over his head and slam him down on the ground, exposing his weak underside!

"WAH!" Max gasped in alarm, and his troubles were just getting started!

"That's it Erwin! Good job!" Cera cheered as Erwin quickly stomped repeatedly onto his stomach where his armour gave him no protection! Chomp quickly rolled aside the chance he got as Erwin stopped for a moment to target his chest next, as the carnivore's floor cracked the ground beneath his foot!

"Chomp! Counterattackl!" Max quickly called out as the trike thrusted forward, only for Erwin anticipate this and side step before grabbing his frill in his jaws! Chomp roared out in pain as the carnivore's teeth gripped into his frill, but this time, he was able to shake him off making him lose his grip before rushing in and ramming the carnivore's stomach sending back!

"GAH!" Cera grunted feeling her partner's pain as he roared out at Chomp in rage with the trike roaring back at him, the 2 of them exchanging words of acknowledging one another's strength! She gritted her teeth in annoyance and clenched her fist tightly, "Urgh! Alright then, that does it! You want to play rough, you're gonna get it Max!" The gloves were off, now this was getting personal! "Fire cannon!" She called out, motivating Erwin to charge up a fiery sphere in his jaws before launching it towards Chomp!

"We'll meet you head on with Lightning strike!" Max slashed as Chomp charged up energy in his horns and fired out a powerful thunder stream at the fireball!

Both the fireball and lightning bolt collided with one another resulting in a huge explosion which shook the earth beneath them!

"URRGH!" Max and Cera both grunted bracing themselves from the impacts, as the volcano in the distance spouted smoke and lava violently with a massive crater where the impact was!

"Incredible!" Marina widened her eyes feeling her breath taken away from her.

"Max is able to match every one of Cera's moves and Erwin's forms almost perfectly….." Kaze noted narrowing his eyes, deeply impressed by the young boy's spirit being able to keep his student on her toes.

Blaze grinned excitedly, "And with how things have played out, they're just getting started!" He felt his heart racing and pumped himself up with excitement, while it wasn't too difficult to get himself fired up this time he felt his heart about to erupt into a firestorm of vigour and anticipation!

How right he was as they continued battling on!

"Explosion!" Cera called out next, as Erwin flared red and launched himself at Chomp, wrapping himself in flames as he turned into a blazing meteor!

"Thunder bazooka!" Max yelled slashing his move as Chomp leapt into the air spinning into a thunder torpedo spiralling towards Erwin!

As both dinosaurs headed towards one another at terrifying speed, they both met in a massive collision sending off cinders and sparks that spread across the battle field before an explosion between them forced them both to break away and land some distance away again.

Cera then called forth another daring attack, "Fire bomb!" Erwin roared gathering fire in his jaws before launching himself up into the air and spiralling down at Chomp!

"Lightning spear!" Max countered once more as Chomp launched himself into the air sparking with power! As he collided with Erwin, who clamped onto his horns and prepared to ignite, he shot forth a spear of thunder to match the fire as they both met once more in a blinding explosion which shook the earth around them! Landing back down, Chomp emerged somewhat scorched while Erwin was mildly paralysed from making contact with the thunder at such close range, yet their spirits still stood strongly.

"Unreal, Max is actually holding his own and giving Cera a run for her money….." Craig breathed speechlessly, it was no wonder he lost so easily.

Even Kaze who was normal stoic and emotionless, felt moved with awe as he widened his eyes and his mouth almost gaped under his facecloth, "To see the youth of our time with such passion and connection with the dinosaurs….." In his cold heart he felt a warm fresh breeze of hope blow through. Almost making him smile with excitement too.

Cera, feeling her blood pumping through her, smirked as she began to sweat feeling pushed in their battle, with Max feeling the same as she did as they both panted and smiled caught up in the atmosphere and intensity of battle!

"Heh, maybe it's time I start trying now!" She called out as Erwin roared feeling his battling spirit demanding him not to lose, "Flare sword!" He roared to the sky summoning forth a mighty sword of fire right above Chomp!

"Counter with counter blitz!" Max slashed as Chomp summoned forth a thunder cloud which shot out a bolt of thunder, striking the saurophaganax dead on as he twitched with energy surging through his body! "Aha! Gotcha!" Max grinned pleased with himself.

Cera grunted annoyed, "It'll take more than that to throw us off our game Max!" She retorted with Erwin mustering the energy needed to finish throwing the sword down at Chomp, as it struck him hard making him roar in pain!

"Chomp!" Max widened his eyes as Chomp slumped to the ground caught off guard while Erwin fell to one knee still weakened by the thunder attack Chomp managed to get off him just now.

"Erwin still pushed through the damage he took and dealt a strong counterattack back!" Lunensis gasped in surprise at his endurance and determination, he hadn't seen such persistence in his former partner in many years since their younger days, and now for Cera to bring that back out of him meant one thing, Cera was no doubt on her way to surpassing him no doubt having more potential than he did.

Everyone widened their eyes unable to look away, others who needed to go to the bathroom decided to hold it in as they didn't want to miss a second of this!

Both dinosaurs managed to force themselves back up to their legs, though weakened their honour and pride refused to let them fall now. Not to mention with their partners and loved ones counting on them too.

Cera, seeing how Erwin was beginning to tire, decided to take things more seriously and tip the odds more in her favour this time around. "Earth mode Erwin!" The purple saurophaganax roared as he glowed with purple light and emerged in stegosaurus mode, with the battlefield changing to the beach next! "Now! Sand power!" She commanded as the stego hissed, gathering up the beach sand all around him, which made him radiate with earthly energy and restored his strength!

"Aw man! He just healed himself again!" Max growled in annoyance, if that was the case 2 can play at that game! "Alright then! Chomp! Giga-" Before he could slash-

"Not this time Max!" Cera interrupted him, unwilling to hold back this time around and she was done showing mercy! "Spike arrows!" The stegosaurus bellowed as he surged with purple energy and began firing a barrage of arrows from his tail which interrupted Chomp's moment as he was pelted by the arrow barrage! If it weren't for his armour he'd have suffer way worse damage as some arrows harmlessly bounced off, though it didn't help against the ones that managed to embed themselves in his scales as he roared in pain!

"Whoa!"

"AAH!" Everyone gasped surprised at Cera acting all merciless now, which was uncharacteristic of her.

"Hey what gives Cera!?" Max yelled out at her, pumping up his arm in anger.

She smirked at him in response, "Like I said I'm not going to make it easy for you Max." She then turned serious before pointing out at him, "If you want to beat me now you better start taking this seriously! Because we aren't friends in this battle but rivals playing the same game and aiming for the same goal!" She yelled making a declaration of war to him! "Now come at me if you can!"

He gritted his teeth and sweated tensely, "Urgh….She's right…." It was painful to stomach, but he saw he couldn't treat this like playtime anymore, it was time for him to get his act together.

Above in the seats everyone looked on feeling rather unnerved at what they just witnessed first hand, "I've never seen Cera this serious in a long time…." Rex narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah she's almost scary…." Zoe gulped feeling uneasy of herself if she were the one to be facing her, not even their friendship would stop Cera from trying to beat her and take the championship title after all considering it was a dream everyone was striving for, one which couldn't be achieved half heartedly.

"She's not giving him any chance to regain energy this time!" Raina exclaimed in disbelief.

"Had a feeling her generosity would soon run out." Blaze whistled, having known it was only a matter of time.

"Just shows she's taking this battle seriously too." Kaze commented as he folded his arms and smiled with approval at her thinking more maturely and realistically now, "As she should be." He added at the end.

"Run Chomp! Run!" Max called out desperately to his partner urging him not to get hit. He tried his best to evade them all, barely managing to avoid each crystal spike as they came as they shot out like a barrage of machine gun fire! It wasn't easy though, as the beach sand was not only unstable and slippery it also tired Chomp out as he was forced to fight through it all, slowing him down, till eventually a few of them struck bullseye at his sides! "Oh no!" Max gasped in horror, thanks to the armour some of the spikes were deflected but a handful still struck him hard making him roar in pain as he crashed to the ground with the sea water washing over him.

"He's hit!" Dr Drake gasped in alarm seeing this was a really nasty case of acupuncture in all the wrong places.

"This is not good!" Dr Owen tensed and gritted his teeth.

"Be careful honey!" Aki cried worriedly.

Max stepped back worried and turned to Cera, who no doubt saw this as another opportunity to capitalise on, "Since we're taking this seriously Max, I'm not going to pass this chance for some direct damage!" She commanded Erwin to keep attacking refusing to give Chomp the chance to retaliate and putting further pressure on Max's thinking and judgements. "Crystal crusher!" She commanded as Erwin summoned forth giant crystal spears from the ground which aimed right in front of him before he rushed forward ready to ram them into the helpless triceratops.

Seeing this Kaze smirked, feeling proud of Cera's thinking, others though on the other hand.

"Here she comes!" Zander gasped.

Ed covered his eyes, "This is gonna hurt!"

"Do something Max!" Zoe cried out to him pleading for him not to get hurt.

"O…Okay!" Max replied, but in a panic he grabbed the first move he thought could work instinctively, believing they never let him down before! "E…Electric charge!" He slashed in a panic as thunder struck Chomp and powered him up, spurring him to charge towards Erwin!

Everyone widened their eyes in disbelief at what he was attempting to do, "No! You're using the wrong move Max!" Reese called out to him from above, as Max realised it too late as Erwin's crystal lances smashed through him with little effort and sent him flying across the beach sand and crashing to the ground!

"AH!"

"Bad idea Max," Cera shook her head with disapproval, "If it wasn't for your armour, Chomp would have paid a huge price for your miscalculation." She said disappointedly at his error and mistake, then again under the pressure it was normal to make such mistakes, though the idea of dinosaurs being hurt under the careless moves by their duelists wasn't something she could easily let slide, as both dino and duelist hold responsibility in some way.

"Urgh….Yeah I messed up there….." Max winced guiltily and with regret as he looked to Chomp groaning in pain. He quickly had to shake it off, for there was no time to cry over spilt milk, what's done was done less he wanted Cera to attack him again while his guard was down. "I panicked but that's no excuse for what I did. Just means I'll have to keep my guard up better this time." He told himself, calming himself and clearing his mind with a deep breath as Chomp managed to pick himself up again, "Alright Chomp, since we're against Earth we better avoid direct attacks." He told his partner who snorted agreeing with him, planning to be more careful this time around. Max too needed to do his part, and he planned to make a different approach this time around, "Plasma anchor!" He slashed a Chomp fired out his thunder whip again at his opponent!

Cera, having anticipated what he was planning, readied herself, "You won't get me again with that!" She retorted, "Quake saber!" The stegosaurus' tail glowed as a giant crystal sword sprouted from his thagomizer, swinging it he easily cleaved the anchor in half as soon as it reached him!

"AH!" The trio exclaimed hugging one another in terror!

"She cut through the anchor like it was string!" Laura cried out in disbelief.

And Cera was far from finished! "Now! Gigarock hammer!" She commanded as Erwin's tail glowed till a giant crystal mace materialised on his tail and he shrieked lifting it up and wagged it threateningly at Chomp as he backed away nervously at the sight of it!

"Aha! Now we're talking!" Craig grinned pumping up his arms to see Cera pull off his signature move and tactic!

Everyone else panicked and cried out in a frantic! "AH!"

"Max! Get out of there quick!" Zoe and Rex cried out to him as Erwin launched himself into the air and prepared to somersault and slam the club on him!

Every fibre of his being was telling Max to do as they said and get out of the way post haste! Clicking his tongue seeing how much pressure was being piled on him now, "Tch! I'd better…Wait a sec….." Blinking his eyes and looking closer he saw what could be an opportunity to take Erwin and Cera by surprise real good! Naturally this idea of his was a double edged sword, should his timing be off by even a split second Chomp would get hammered and pay a really big price for Max's miscalculation which could also cost them both the match and the finals!

But, seeing no other choice, and this time fully confident in his instincts this time, Max went completely for broke! "Lightning spear!" He yelled slashing it making Chomp roar out with power which surprised everyone including Cera!

"Huh!?" She widened her eyes.

"What is he doing!?"

"Has he lost it!?" Mrs Drake and Patrick booth exclaimed.

Dr Ancient narrowed his eyes and smiled in realisation, "No…..he's got it!"

To everyone's surprise, as Erwin leapt up and prepared to bring the hammer down, he was surprised to see Chomp run under his belly and leap into the air, striking right at his chest at the moment he was caught off guard, as the thunder speared right through him making him roar in pain as he lost focus and the hammer broke apart!

"What the!?" Cera exclaimed taken aback completely by surprise.

The entire audience couldn't believe their eyes! "No way!" Patrick gasped.

"Unreal! He used Cera's own move to his advantage!" Spike cried out.

"Earth dinosaurs always have soft underbellies….but they're so heavy and durable it's almost impossible to flip them over to expose them." Cretacia mused.

"And Max remembered that chink in their armour…." Dr Owen finished for her as he leaned forward and tensed in amazement and surpassed expectations.

"Hee hee if only he applied that memory in his studies." Aki giggled jokingly which made the others chuckle or laugh at her seeing it to be a good one.

As Erwin crashed down, he spasmed with electricity flooding his veins, but being an earth dino now he was able to recover from the attack effects rather quickly as he shrugged it off and shook his head clear before hissing in nannoaycne. Despite her attack being thwarted Cera couldn't help but chuckle impressed, "Heh, looks like you got me again Max…." She complimented his instincts and out of the box thinking, this time it really paid off and he got her good, "Your courage and creativity never ceases to impress and amaze me."

"Heh well I aim to please." Max smiled blushing red a bit at the compliment he got from her.

Her praise didn't last long though unfortunately for him, as she switched instantly back to he serious face! "I hope you can do it again when I do this!" It was time for Cera to take things to another level, "Wind mode now!" For the last form as expected, Erwin glowed white as he appeared in the form of megaraptor and the field settings reverted back to the grassy plains where the wide open spaces would give the speedy carnivore all the room he would need to fight at his very best and hardest.

Everyone tensed upon seeing Erwin morph into his final dino mode, "The last element…." Dr Ancient narrowed his eyes.

Rex felt rather reassured though in his friend's chances and nodded, "Max has already gotten some experience fighting me earlier today, I'm sure he's ready for what Cera's got planned."

Max grinned feeling confident himself too, he and Chomp had fought their hardest through the other 5 attributes and he was certain he could overcome the final one just fine. Having recalled his earlier battle against Rex he felt prepared and knew just how to start things off, "Chomp! Time for Electric charge!" He called slashing the move which summoned a thunder cloud which sent a bolt of energy to the armoured trike and powered him up as he roared fiercely.

Unfortunately his confidence made him throw caution to the wind, for Cera knew exactly what he was thinking and smirked, "Watch out Max," Cera warned him in advance, "You'd be wise not to think I'll be using the same moves as Rex did." She then narrowed her eyes, for she knew a wind dinosaur's movements and soul much better than he could not to mention knowing a way wider array of moves too! Before giving Max a chance to react, "Wind crusher!" She commanded Erwin who charged up his energy, looked onto to Chomp and struck out far before he could move as he collapsed down in pain!

"WAH!" Max widened his eyes taken completely by surprise!

Everyone widened their eyes or gasped speechlessly, "What the!?"

"That was….so fast…." Kaze breathed, he didn't expect Cera would be able to give him a run for his money in attack speed so soon after having fought her not long ago.

"In the blink of an eye, couldn't even see it coming!" Blaze covered his mouth at a loss for words.

"Unreal!" Spiked cried.

"Not even Ace could move that fast!" Rex breathed in awe.

"She's almost like a real ninja there." Dr Z whistled impressed.

"Maybe she could even give your deinonychus a few pointers eh Dr Z?" Ursula teased elbowing him which made him gain a tic mark in anger.

"Are you implying she's a better sensei than me!? How dare you!?" He ranted taking huge offence, flailing out his arms which startled the Trio as they yelped in a fright!

"YEEP!"

Meanwhile Max looked upon Chomp who lay down on the ground his eyes closed while groaning deeply, wincing with what Max no doubt knew was pain. He went up close and found him breathing deeply, unaware of what was actually going on, as Cera held back to see what would happen next. She hardened her gaze with Erwin remaining on high alert as though she knew what was about to happen should she choose this route of action, while there were risks upon doing it she knew it was one that had to be done.

As Max got in close to inspect Chomp worriedly, he was caught by surprise as the unconscious Triceratops suddenly regained his senses and opened his eyes suddenly, his pupils turning slit and almost feral as he roared out fury, startling Max as he fell back! "WAH!" He gasped startled as Chomp went berserk, thrashing and bucking like crazy, as he charged and bowled through several large boulders and threw himself against some trees, toppling them down like dominoes! Taylor could only stand and stare speechlessly, unable to comprehend what his best friend was doing.

"He's out of control!" Steve gasped in alarm.

Zander clenched his head and tensed up, "Unreal! That brat's dino has gone berserk like a mad bull which caught rabies in a china shop!"

"That's the understatement of the year!" Ed followed just as panicked as he was.

"But why!?" Laura cried feeling just awful to see him in such a state, he was almost unrecognisable from the dinosaur she was used to seeing along with all the others.

Everyone was either shocked in disbelief or disheartened to see their beloved Chomp turn into a feral mindless beast driven solely by unstable primal instincts and rage.

Max could see this, as he turned pale and disheartened seeing his best friend in such a state, which made an immense weight weigh down on his heart as Chomp snarled ferociously and continued to flip out rocks out of the ground, but still he refused to move or leave his friend's side. "Chomp! What's going on!? Speak to me!" His words managed to reach him as he called out, but in the worst way possible as he widened his eyes at Chomp suddenly turning to him. His heart skipped a beat as the triceratops snorted and charged at him like thundering rhino! Making him widen his eyes in alarm as he dodged out of the way in time! "WAAAH!" He cried as he leapt out of the way with Chomp bulldozing through another pile of rocks in the process!

"Max! You'd better get back!"

"It's dangerous now!"

"Yeah! Keep your distance! Something's not right!"

"Call him back before he hurts himself or you!" His family and fiends warned him.

Yet their words fell on deaf ears, as Max still refused to leave his friend's side, wanting to understand why he was acting so out of control. Nor could he bring himself to recall Chomp and surrender after them coming this far, plus he still refused to give up on him. "What happened!? Chomp! What are you doing!?" Once more his cries didn't have any effect on his close friend, whom he may even consider brother, as the trike roared at him in defiance and agitation, in his eyes his vision was clouded red and he could only find himself tormented by images and hallucinations of Erwin surrounding him at all sides like a pack of wolves. He was both enraged and scared, Max could see it in his eyes, and tried his best to bring him back to his senses but to no avail, "I don't understand! Why can't you hear me!?"

"Save your breath. Your words won't reach him Max." A voice called ahead of him as he looked ahead, "Wind crusher has the effect of leaving the opponent confused Max." Cera explained getting his attention and also answering whatever questions the other had on their minds as all of them were focused upon her and Erwin, "Because it strikes a certain pressure point on a dinosaur which makes its senses and instincts go berserk!" She added at the end as Max widened his eyes!

"What!?" He gasped shocked that she would do something so cruel.

"Erwin and I added more force and precision to that point to ensure the effect lasts longer and is far more potent than normal. And while Chomp wastes energy hurting himself, Erwin and I will just have to wait for the right moment to strike." Cera didn't like it any better than Max, part of her felt rather regretful for having to put all that hurt on Chomp and to pressure Max. But deep down she felt it was time she felt that Max and Chomp's bond of friendship be truly put to the test now if he was to stand against what she had planned for him, and she had to rise above loyalty and her friendship with him to make sure he could do it, "Or, maybe I could speed things a little faster by doing this!" On cue, Erwin snarled as he leapt in front of Chomp's path, snarled at his face as if he was spurring him to attack, which was what the agitated trike did as he rushed forth, only for Erwin to easily leap out of the way but not before using his toe claws to rake his sides which were still unguarded by the armour!

The wounds stung him painfully as Chomp stumbled and crashed to the ground, he groaned painfully but could hear the taunting shrieks and snarls from behind him coming from Erwin, which prompted him into getting back up! In anger he roared and charged out again only for Erwin to use his catlike reflexes and agility to leap over him with ease, and then using him as a spring board to kick down on him, forcing him down once more before landing with grace and skill a safe distance ahead!

"Oh no!" Max cried out worriedly as he knew exactly what Cera was planning.

"Erwin's attacking without mercy!" Reese gasped in shock while Aki and the other mothers covered their mouths in horror at the sheer barbarity that was taking place down below, and how it involved the duelist down there who were still children!

"He's aiming with such precision at the spots where the armour doesn't protect him." Lunensis noted as he narrowed his eyes, seeing Erwin leap over Chomp who rushed at him, only to pelt his back with a flurry of kicks, striking several weak points between his armour before keeping out of the way and making him crash into a nearby rock in his fury! "Just like Kaze…." He breathed realising her tactics were just like his. Max wasn't just fighting multiple dinosaurs at once he was facing off against all 6 elemental masters at once….along with himself too…..Still he couldn't help but feel conflicted about Cera taking this battle a little too seriously and far.

"She's really pulling out all the stops here…." said Maia as she could even see much of her husband in their daughter's skill, along with her passionate spirit and determination. At the same time she couldn't help but be quite afraid at how much she had grown, a little too much she hardly recognised her right now.

Everyone else didn't quite see things as she did, and were more focused on Chomp continuing to waste his energy in his confused state while still remaining at the Erwin's mercy who was no doubt toying with and torturing him non stop.

"No….at this rate…."

"He's done for now…."

"I never thought Cera could actually be so ruthless…." Many were fearful of Cera and doubtful or worried on Max's chances slipping away with each passing second.

Others though weren't giving ump on him just yet, "Max! Don't give up!"

"We believe in you!"

Those words of encouragement were enough to keep Max's own personal hopes alive even if it seemed hopeless to everyone else. He was grateful enough to have others still sticking with him to the end since the beginning of this match, and he wasn't about to call it quits yet, "Chomp! Snap out of it now! Please!" He yelled out desperately as Erwin's next strike landing a somersault kick under his chin sent him flying back as he crashed down and groaned in pain, before being knocked out once more! "NO!" Max ran to his side, his eyes on the brink of tearing up with compassion and worry as he looked upon his partner who was on the brink of defeat.

Cera closed her eyes and sighed, "Looks like it's over for you now Max…." She was expecting more from him so if this was the limit of his power she couldn't help but feel somewhat underwhelmed, though it was fun while it lasted earlier. Plus him refusing to quit and to continue trying to appeal to his best friend's heart was admirable even if it was futile now, but guess that was the extent of their bond, "Since you won't surrender and recall Chomp, least I can do is give you both a proper send off as a show of respect." She said before looking to Erwin, "Do it." She told him as he nodded, before snarling viciously and leaping out at Chomp ready to deliver an eagle like strike to the vulnerable triceratops and hammer his claws down like talons!

Everyone watched in anticipation or anxiety as what may be the final blow was about to land on the now helpless trike!

"I can't watch!"

"This is it!"

"It's Cera's win!"

"Max no!"

"He's done for!" Various comments came out, as some waited excitedly to see Cera claim victory while others looked away or gaped in shock and horror at what would soon unfold.

Max looked on and despite the overwhelming offs and near hopeless situation he was put in, his resolve stood firm still as he reflected on all his past battles and the cheers and wishes of his foes and friends whom he overcame to make it here. Unwilling to give up any hope just yet, took in his deepest breath of all and yelled out at the top of his lungs speaking the voice of his very soul! "CHOMP!" His voice echoed deep in his dinosaur's mind, causing him to open his eyes in time to see Erwin mere moments away from landing what would be the final blow! Quickly getting up he turned around and back kicked, sending Erwin flying back when he least expected it!

Cera widened her eyes in deep surprise as Erwin was repelled, "No way!" She was absolutely certain the point she struck would make sure he doesn't regain his senses so easily. To think even their bond would help them overcome that very physical disability too…..

"Alright! Our bond made it through!" Max's eyes glistened with hope and pumped up his arms as Chomp roared out fiercely with more determination than ever!

The crowds widened their eyes, "He pushed her back!"

"No way!"

"Phew, talk about cutting it close again…." Several of which gasped for air or nearly collapsed from the shock of the experience.

"Just when one of them has the upper hand it gets stolen again." Lunensis chuckled, despite it happening so many times already this battle he still couldn't get over it.

"They're strong….to be able to break our combo like that Erwin…." She then smiled most impressed with their connection and happy they could continue fighting. "Heh, just means we'll have to try even harder!" As much as she wished they cold continue fighting forever, the crowds came here to see a winner and champion which meant one of them had to lose, and she had no intention of being the loser in the greatest battle of her life. "Jet shuriken!" She called out as Erwin roared out summoning a series of wind shrikes before sending them towards the still disoriented trike!

"Hang in there Chomp!" Max cheered him on as the trike held his ground against the raptor's direct kick to his forehead before somersaulting back several feet away keeping out of range of Chomp's horns! Chomp then let out a pained groan as he fell to one knee, heavily drained, "Oh no he's running low…..this isn't good." He tensed.

"Not for you, but it is for me Max!" Cera called out to him as he widened his eyes, "You fought a good fight but now I'm ending it!" She declared as she called out her best wind move of all, "Mayfly now!"

Max narrowed her eyes as Erwin stomped his foot and rushed forward to him at full speed, "If she hits those critical points with such accuracy at that high speed….." Erwin quickly vanished in an instant as a light breeze swirled around Chomp, who looked around anxiously and restlessly hoping to spot the raptor before getting struck. Max sweated and everyone held their breaths believing this could be it now. Narrowing his eyes Max knew one thing was certain, "Only one chance here….." He had to hope that he could strike right before Erwin could, a slim chance but it was all he had left. Betting it all on his move card he slashed with his heart filled with hope and faith, "Counter blitz!" Chomp roared to the sky as he called forth a dark thunder cloud in the skies which raged and roared with electricity crackling through it! As Erwin appeared in front of him ready to strike a fury of blows, he was caught unaware by the bolt of thunder from the sky which struck him split second before he could make contact!

"AH!"

"Nice work!" Max pumped himself up seeing now better time to counter than now as he slashed again! "Now! Lightning strike!" Max followed it up as Chomp surged with thunder coursing through his veins as he fired out the stream of thunder at Erwin, paralysed and unable to move in time as he got struck with full force thunder which sent him crashing to the ground while spasming all over in pain!

"Erwin!" Cera cried worriedly as she ran to him as the electricity died down and it was safe for her to get closer without getting shocked, "Are you okay?" She asked with concern as she stroked his feathery neck. The megaraptor nodded back at her with assurance before snarling at Chomp who roared back at him. He took a step forward intending to rush him, only to fall to his knee and point exhaustedly, as much as he wanted to attack he needed to catch his breath and recuperate.

"Alright!"

"Amazing!"

"Wow!" Both sides of the audience gasped in amazement at what they witnessed, a miraculous counter attack by Chomp as well as Erwin who seemingly held the upper hand suddenly had the tables turned on him in an instant. As they said anything could happen in this match of the century.

On the other side Max saw this as an opportunity to attack too, but seeing Chomp was running on low himself he decided to play it safe, "Chomp, time for an overdue recharge!" He said to him as the triceratops nodded with appreciation. "Giga generator!" Max slashed as the trike supercharged himself again with energy, restoring his strength to safer levels. A wise move on his part, as Max also suspected perhaps Erwin could be trying to lure him in feigning weakness, not to mention he didn't want to push his partner harder than he needed to be. Cera also had to commend Max on his smart decision too, for it showed how much he loved Chomp more than victory, his partner who'd stick up for him as much as Erwin would for her, and the same applied the other way around for them both.

Around the world people were utterly captivated with the incredible performance both Max and Cera put on for them all, unable to describe it with words for anything they could call it would fall real short of what it truly was.

"Unreal, they're equally matched."

"Not just that…they're almost like reflections of each other.

"Even with all 6 elements at her command Max still managed to fight her to a standstill…."

"This is the greatest match of all time!"

How they each clashed with both their dinosaurs and with one another's souls with every attack, each move they made they also poured in their friendship and bonds while pushing one another to new heights never once attained. It wasn't just friends, even rivals or enemies could spur individuals to grow stronger than they ever could before.

Cheers and applause soon erupted not just within the stadium walls but across the globe as though everyone was united in that very arena in spirit which no amount of distance or even time itself could separate!

"This is the best ever!"

"Don't let up!"

"Unleash every bit of your friendship filled ferocity!"

As they cried and cheered with all their might, Max couldn't help but look up to see all the expressions of joy and hope written on them all, "Look at them…." He breathed feeling overwhelmed with emotion to see such pure hearted feelings coming off everyone, "Their smiles….their cheers….." And they were all thanks to both him and Cera, the spirit of dino duelling which they long sought to bring back the moment this League was first hosted was now back and here to stay forever. Which made him smile with a sense of achievement coming over him.

Cera then wiped away some sweat from her brow as she whistled with some slight fatigue in her voice, "Phew….you're really tough Max I'll give you that." She panted but still smiled with approval, "Looks like you making it all the way here wasn't a fluke or luck after all."

"Hahaha! Of course it wasn't Cera!" Max laughed as he held his head up high and folded his arms on his hip, "All the battles Chomp and I fought through to get here, how we now carry on the wishes of our defeated rivals and friends to see this through and win it all for them." He said pumping up his arm and grinning with energy, "It wasn't mere luck or skill alone, it's our very bond and spirit that helped make this possible!" He declared firmly with Chomp roaring out sharing Max's very spirit too, "I'm going to dedicate every fraction of my soul to them and to you as well!" He pointed out at her, "You'd better prepare yourself because Chomp and I will give you our full spirit soon enough! What you've experienced so far is just a taste of what we have planned!"

"I truly couldn't have asked for a much better opponent than you." Cera thought to herself without a shred of regret in her, as she thought about his words about bonds and wishes, looking back she knew she was also doing the same, and how the 2 of them were almost like reflections of each other fighting one other in spirit. It was time she felt she truly honoured Max with everything she had as he had given his all to her, both her and Erwin knew now was the time. "You're definitely in high spirits Max and that's what I admire about you," She said to him with upmost sincerity, "Always being able to see the light in the darkest of situations, which is where light shines the brightest." She said putting a bright smile on Max's face, "However, let's see if you can keep those high spirits going….." Cera then spoke, hoping he'd be able to keep smiling even after she pulled out all the stops.

"Huh?" Max blinked his eyes, as he felt a certain chill in the air and the mood of the battle began to slowly shift in the opposite direction.

"You've done real well to make it this far in our duel Max, and I couldn't have asked for a much more worthy opponent." Cera then added, which made Dr Z scowl along with a few others feeling rather offended thinking they were not as worthy as Max was.

"Even if the Ancients and the Alpha Gang were the ones who brought the dinosaurs from extinction it was you, the first ever human to initiate a bond with a dinosaurs, to the point of seeing them as equals and even and friends. And it was from your fateful meeting with Chomp that made my future possible as well as making this battle possible too."

"For that I'm going to do my best to honour you with the greatest respect you deserve." She then chuckled amused, "It's funny, when I was half my current age I heard many great stories about the D Team and Alpha Gang who laid the foundation of Dino society today, and I always dreamt of one day being able to fight you guys." Cera then eyed Max with almost teary eyes filled with hopes and fulfilled dreams, "And today I've really gotten my wish. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart from that."

Max couldn't help but blush sheepishly as he scratched his head feeling flattered and embarrassed, "Ehehehe, is that so, well I'm happy to have granted it for you."

Cera soon smirked, "Yeah about that…." She said getting his attention.

"Hmm?"

"You see when I wished to battle you I wanted it in a way where we held nothing back and we let our souls clash and not just our dinosaurs." She said, "So far me and Erwin thrown nearly everything we've had at you and Chomp and you've both responded well to us. And by nearly I really mean nearly everything."

He blinked his eyes surprised, "N…Nearly?" He croaked uneasily, sensing something was amidst, Chomp stepped back keeping his guard up.

She nodded, "That's right." The fact she just colnfimed it put him on edge, and also both puzzled and worried everyone else in the arena, as it seemed she as about to reveal her ultimate and true trump card! "I've actually been keeping a special move in store for this moment for a while now, and no one I've ever fought has ever made me use it before." She placed a hand on her chest to feel her very heart and soul beating within her, as though her body could no longer cage said feelings and desire, she had to unleash it right here and now for she felt Max's battling spirit speak to her and she was determined to answer him back, "I feel the pounding of my heart and the roar of my own soul demanding that I unleash every ounce of it here and now!" As if what she had long been searching for, for a worthy foe to make her soul cry out in battle, "The fact you've overcome the biggest challenges each of the elements have had to offer, proves you've passed the test and you just might have what it takes to face it!" She called out as she pointed back at Max!

Max widened his eyes, caught completely off guard by what she just told him. "What!?" He exclaimed as everyone else was stunned.

No way could Cera ever make such a bold declaration if she didn't have anything to back it up with, and the fact she did meant she could, yet they still couldn't believe it, for they thought her mastery of the 6 elements was plenty great enough but the fact she declared she could go even higher than that was beyond anything they could comprehend as her best.

Everyone else was puzzled by what Cera said to Max, unable to figure out what she meant they turned to her parents, "Lunensis, what is Cera talking about?" Dr Ancient asked him, but to his surprise the former dino champion folded his arms and frowned.

"To be honest….I have no idea…." He confessed just as confused as they were. What he did know, was that Cera wasn't stating mere words, but truth…..While it worried him slightly in finding out what she had in store part of him was deeply interested in what she had to offer, "But I look forward to seeing what it is that she's discovered for herself on her own."

Maia nodded agreeing with her husband, "Indeed Lunensis. Our dear daughter has grown up well hasn't she?"

Seeing they won't be getting answers from them, they looked back with great unease, "Watch yourself Max…." Rex tensed as his grip tightened on his knees, "If she's telling the truth that means everything so far was….just the opening act…."

Down below at the battle, Cera could feel her heart pumping and her blood rushing through every vein and fibre of her being, her very soul roaring and raging deep within ready to burst out at any second! All that was needed was one final trigger, "Max, are you ready for our real power!? Are you ready to experience first hand what it means to face the elements and the spirits of all the dinosaurs together!?" She challenged as she pointed out at him, Erwin sharing the same feelings as her as he screeched Chomp's way.

"I….I…." While Max was nervous and rather conflicted in signing out what her best was, a part of him truly wanted to know what she had to offer him. They had come this far and he had given her his best, and even if it took him all he had to last this long against her, the very passion and pride he put into coming here, made him believe it wouldn't be a true fight if Cera wasn't able to unleash her true strnfght as well. Plus he felt he wanted to see the unknown as an adventure and not something to fear, and hopefully create a new path for man and dinosaur to strive towards. Fully convicted, "I accept your challenge Cera! Chomp and I have come this far together and our bonds have seen us through every trial that came our way!" He called out to her with upmost confidence, having no regrets about his decision ns truly believing he could handle it as Chomp roared out with him, backing him up in both body and soul! "Bring it! We'll surmount anything you send our way and even more!"

That was all she needed to hear, "Heh, just the answer I expected and hoped from you." She smirked closing her eyes calmly, taking in a breath to clear her mind, now the time had finally come for her and Erwin to unleash their true potential, the ultimate technique they both attained together and they could find no better opponent worthy of said power now. "Very well then, no more hesitation and no more holding back from here on!" She cried out from the bottom of her very soul, as Erwin snarled viciously as some sort of seal was undone within them both while Max, Chomp and the entire stadium braced themselves for what they were about to unveil! "First! Split attack Erwin!" She commanded him as Erwin split himself into 6 copies of himself which surround Max and Chomp as they had them boxed in with no way of escape!

Max blinked his eyes in surprise, "That's it? 6 clones?" He was a little underwhelmed as everyone else felt, though some of them suspected there was more to it. "Well it's a little more than I expected but I can see through your little trick already Cera!" Max responded confidently as he instantly spotted Erwin's shadow in 1 of the clones.

Unexpectedly, Cera simply smirked back at him in response, "Heh, I'm just getting started."

Max blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

Looking to Erwin for a final confirmation, he nodded back at her giving her the green light, to which she grinned excitedly with "You wanted our best, now you've got it!"

"It's too late for regrets, now witness our real power!" She declared firmly with resolve before throwing out her arm and giving the all clear for her partner to do exactly as they had planned, "Erwin! Elemental Burst!" Screeching ferociously, Erwin shone white on his side, with each of his clones shining red, blue, yellow, green and purple with him, as they all became enveloped completely in rainbow light which swallowed the entire area forcing everyone to shield their eyes or gasp in utter amazement at a truly spectacular spectacle!

"AAAAH!"

"The light!"

"It burns my eyes!"

"URRGH!" They all cried disoriented at the blinding brightness.

Thankfully for them, especially Max, the light soon dimmed gradually and he was able to open his eyes slowly bit by bit, "Urgh….What was that about Cera?" He muttered still rather annoyed by the glare but as he looked he saw something wasn't quite right, "H….Huh?" As he looked closer he could see what seemed to be 6 distinct shapes in the luminescence around him and Chomp. Trying to picture what it was, he blinked and rubbed his eyes to get a clearer look….though once he did, he soon came to deeply regret it! "WAH!"

To his and Chomp's utter disbelief, as Erwin stood before him in megaraptor form, but he soon found they were completely surrounded…..by Erwin's other forms all at once! Next to the sides of the megaraptor, were the lambeosaurus and saurophaganax bellowing and roaring at Chomp! As the circle continued, the stegosaurus and styracosaurus were standing side by side with each other threatening Chomp viciously with waving thagomizer and shaking horned frill respectively along with the amargasaurus stomping his foot and bellowing out powerfully! All 6 dinosaurs stood in the same formation as that of the stone circle's elemental rocks and like that of the original stone plates' positions themselves!

Everyone widened their eyes speechlessly at what they just witnessed first hand before them all, as prehistory was being remade before their very eyes!

"AAH!"

"NO WAY!"

"IMPOSSIBLE!"

"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!"

Her true power was now laid bare, as Max and Chomp truly surrounded on all sides by all of Erwin's forms!

"GAH!" He gasped in disbelief and alarm, the seeds of regret starting to sprout in his confidence and it was too late to go back, everything he anticipated or expected to happen…..couldn't come close to what Cera actually had in store for him.

"Ahahahah! Behold Max, this is the strength of our bond!" Cera laughed out feeling more confident and triumphant than ever with her newfound strength as all 6 dinosaurs roared out at Chomp and Max, as they tensed and braced themselves for their biggest battle ever yet!

Everyone held their breath as the fossil league's finale soon drew to its climatic close…..

And so the final battle ends off in a cliffhanger! Stay tuned for the epilogue of the Fossil League!

Now comes what may be Max's greatest challenge yet! To face off against his best ally and one of his closest friends in a clash for the crown! Just when he manages to overcome the 6 elements, Cera throws in her trump card by unleashing all of Eoraptor's 6 forms together at once! Proving she has achieved a level of power that surpasses anything her father Lunensis ever could, proof that she not only knows how to use the power he passed onto her but also make it her own and take it even higher!

Just how will Max and Chomp respond to their opponents' newfound power and strength! It will surely take every ounce of skill, strength, spirit and determination to pull it off, but can he do it? Stay tuned for the answer for the final chapter!

A while back that scene with Cera calling out Miku the other night, well this is where it leads up to, did it throw you all for a loop?

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Drew Luczynski

Yup Dr Z's maturing and after seeing this no doubt he's actually thankful he lost to Max heh.

Max certainly has his work cut out for him but he did push Cera to this extent as she planned and expected him to.