Disclaimer: I don't own Fossil Fighters, so no suing. Though I do wish it would make a comeback someday.
Summary: Fossil Fighters. Ever since that term has been invented, Hunter wanted nothing more than to be a Fossil Fighter. But as he makes his way down that path he'll find that his adventures will be quite different from others. One filled with uncertainty and danger, only time will tell if he has what it takes to survive when the stakes are raised.
Chapter 01: Welcome to Vivosaur Island
'Almost there.'
Those were the thoughts of a young nineteen year old young man who was leaning against the rails of a ship, watching the water below him where he could see a pool of fish swimming about.
There was nothing really peculiar about this young man who wore a red t-shirt, blue pants and a yellow hat. His blue eyes flashing with wonder and curiosity.
The only thing you could count as peculiar would be the messy blue hair that stuck up in tufts through his hat.
His name was Hunter.
Hunter Alexander.
And he was on his way to Vivosaur Island to be a Fossil Fighter.
Fossil Fighters is still a relatively new term, only coming into fruition maybe two years ago where they were ironing out the concept, as such it's still unknown to many people and those who do know were wary of it.
After all, a lot of people in the beginning just thought that they were making Jurassic Park come to life, trying to be gods in controlling life that has passed away.
But so far there hasn't been an incident close to that and what's more, these Dinosaurs, or rather Vivosaurs as they're called now, had elemental powers that were straight up out of a video game.
No one knows how it happened or why, perhaps it was something in the Fossil or perhaps the place reviving them had a hand in it?
But it was enough for them to start having Fossil Battles with each other, much like how Pokemon worked and the battles that they have shown on TV to help sell the idea were awe inspiring to Hunter who was in his last year of high school.
As a kid he always wanted to be a Pokemon Trainer, and being a Fossil Fighter was the closest thing he could get to that.
Dig up fossils, revive them and battle it out to be the very best.
In the last two years they have had certain people become fighters, though there were only two that were well known to the public.
Saurhead being one of them given how he was said to be one of the strongest Fossil Fighters to ever live, never losing to anyone except for one person.
That one person was the other well known Fossil Fighter known as Joe Wildwest who is the current number one Fighter who usually spends his time exploring the world.
There were countless others who have become great fighters, but those two were an inspiration and finally the privilege of being a Fossil Fighter was available to the public.
Something that Hunter jumped onto immediately.
Sadly, not everyone saw it that way, people were both wary of the idea of being around Dinosaurs, especially the carnivores, but there were also people who thought this was barbaric and protested against the idea of forcing them to fight.
And then there were people who thought this was a waste of time.
Those last thoughts made Hunter frown as he gripped the railing of the ship, a dark look coming across his face.
His parents were among the latter and he could remember the visible disapproval and disappointment on their faces when they learned he was coming out to Vivosaur Island, saving up enough money to get himself a ticket.
They thought that he was making a hasty decision for something that wouldn't catch on.
That he should've gone to college and got himself a real job.
But what if this did catch on?
What if the whole thing for Fossil Fighting actually worked instead of failing?
Whether it did or not, Hunter wanted to give it a shot.
"We're almost to Vivosaur Island." Hunter's head perked up as the captain of the small fishing boat said that, turning to see him still steering the boat.
Captain Nathaniel Travers, a middle aged man with short brown hair, wearing a straw hat along with a blue tropical shirt, white shorts and flip flops.
"So I take it you're heading to be a Fossil Fighter?" Captain Travers asked, glancing towards the young man who gave an excited nod. "Thought so, ever since the Island was opened to the public we've had countless people heading out there. I'm Travers, what's your name?"
"Hunter."
"Hunter?" Captain Travers gave a small chuckle. "I can easily imagine a famous Fossil Fighter named Hunter."
That made Hunter give a sheepish grin, not expecting that.
But he was happy that someone seemed supportive of the idea, even if it was a complete stranger.
"Still it says a lot about you, not many people come to Vivosaur Island by themselves," Captain Travers turned back towards the front of the ship to continue steering. "Many come with friends and family."
Hunter kept quite at that.
Seeing that he didn't want to talk about it, Captain Travers changed the conversation. "So what's your favorite Vivosaur?"
"The T-Rex." Hunter said immediately.
"Don't know what I expected." Captain Travers laughed at how quick he was to answer that. "That's a fan favorite of many Fighters."
But not many people are able to get one.
"Still, I'll remember that." Captain Travers gave a grin to Hunter. "The Tyrannosaurus Fan, Hunter!"
The conversation died down after that before the island was in sight.
"Here we are, we're about to dock." Captain Travers said, seeing the excitement in Hunter's eyes and had to resist the urge to laugh.
No matter how many times he ferries people to the island, seeing their excitement never got old.
"Still I wish you the best of luck." Captain Travers said, making it to the dock. "Be sure to go far!"
"I will." Hunter promised, grabbing his bag and getting off the ship.
It was a small bag as his suitcase was already sent on ahead to the Island.
The moment Hunter made it to the dock and the ship sailed off, he saw two women in almost identical outfits.
The one closest to him had sandy blonde hair, wearing a long sleeved yellow shirt with a dark blue vest on over it that matched well with the blue skirt while the other one had red hair wearing a turquoise shirt followed by a pink vest and matching skirt.
They approached him with a friendly smile, the red head giving a nod. "Greetings, I'm Sue and this is Beth." She said introducing herself and the Blonde. "Allow us to be the first to welcome you to Vivosaur Island."
"Where Dinosaurs of ages past sleep as fossils beneath the land." Beth continued on from there, showing that this was rehearsed for just about anyone that arrives.
But he didn't care because he was finally here.
Vivosaur Island.
"This is Vivosaur Harbor, the only Port on the Island." Beth continued to explain with Hunter listening intently, trying not to look impatient.
While he wanted to get started and be a Fighter, he had to be patient.
"New people arrive every day, some are just fans, some are protestors." Beth sounded rather annoyed when she said that showing that it happened more often then not. "But some are those wanting to become Fossil Fighters, I assume you're the latter."
"Yes ma'am." Hunter said in a polite tone, fidgeting from his nerves. "I've been wanting to become one since they showed the fights on TV."
That earned him a look of amusement from both Sue and Beth. "Well you'll fit in just fine around here." Sue said, taking over the explanations from there. "We work here as staff support for any and all Fossil Fighters, but there are some stipulations that we need to go over first."
'Stipulations?' Hunter thought in confusion.
He didn't see any of that in the papers and he did look for fine print before signing up.
"Anyone wanting to be a Fossil Fighter must follow certain rules. First Rule, as a Fighter you're responsible not just for yourself but for your Vivosaur, they are living creatures and must be treated with respect." Sue explained in a sharp tone. "Some of the new fighters just don't understand that."
"We know it sounds weird considering we're having them fight but Vivosaurs curb their violent nature by letting loose in a battle," Beth continued from there. "Outside of battles they're pretty docile and playful, most of them are like young puppies and any injuries they get are easily treated by the staff."
'Makes sense.' Hunter thought with a nod, finding that interesting.
It also explained how they're getting away with basically having Dinosaur style dog fights.
"Second Rule, while Vivosaur Island isn't affiliated with any country it does have its own set of laws to follow, in your hotel room you'll find a guidebook with your suitcase that will explain them in further detail." Sue smiled at Hunter, seeing that he was understanding everything so far. "It's best that you go over it to avoid breaking one of them out of ignorance."
It's happened quite a bit in the past.
"Easy enough."
"Finally Rule Number Three." At this, Beth gained a dark look that seemed very uncharacteristic. "Under no circumstances should you ever force your Vivosaur to attack anyone."
"If you do, not only will you lose your Fighter License and have your Vivosaurs taken away, you will be banned from ever being a Fighter in the future and will face criminal charges." Sue shared the dark look, making Hunter take a step back with fear. "As amazing as Vivosaurs are, they are powerful and dangerous, not to be taken lightly, do you understand?"
"C-Crystal." Hunter said getting that part.
He couldn't imagine how anyone could have their Vivosaurs attack another person.
Sue and Beth's dark looks disappeared when Hunter agreed and they smiled as if that didn't just happen. "Very well, to become a Fossil Fighter, you should head straight down this path, follow the road to the Fossil Center and talk to the scientist in charge, Doctor Daniel Diggins."
Hunter stared for a bit. "The Scientist in charge of a Excavation and Revival System is named Diggins?" He asked as if expecting that to be a joke.
Beth gave a giggle while Sue shook her head in exasperation. "Everyone says that." Beth managed to get out. "Even we thought that when we began to work here."
"Whew, so much to do." A new voice caught their attention as they turned to see a dark skinned man with turquoise hair wearing a white lab coat over a hawaiian tropical shirt, orange shirt and sandals, crooked glasses covering his blue eyes. "Hang on a tick."
He seemed to be fiddling with a small handheld device, tightening some of the screws with a screwdriver as he walked past.
Pausing from his walk, he turned the item over and undid a screw to look at something inside of it.
"No that's not it, no not that either." He muttered to himself. "Perhaps if I switch this around, but wait, that would cross some of the wires, so perhaps I should do this instead."
As he mumbled, Beth approached him with an amused smile. "Excuse me, Dr. Diggins?"
Hunter blinked as the man glanced towards her in befuddlement. "Beth? Wait, how did I get out by the docks? I could've sworn I was inside my lab."
This was Dr. Diggins?
Wait-how could he think he was in his lab if he's outside?! Shouldn't he have noticed the breeze.
"No, you got too into your project to notice you were walking around." Beth answered easily, showing this to be a common occurrence. "But enough on that, do you have enough room in your schedule to get this new Fighter registered?"
Dr. Diggins looked from Beth to Hunter who gave a small wave. "Oh a new Fighter? Always happy to help just let me check my schedule-." He began but Sue interrupted.
"Unless you reschedule you won't be able to do it until tomorrow, you have a meeting with Victor Richmond in twenty minutes along with needing to ensure that the lab is in working order for the inspection and then you need to check on the status of the various dig sites."
"Ah, knew I was forgetting something." Dr. Diggins looked rather sheepish before looking at Hunter. "Come by the lab tomorrow and we'll get you registered alright?"
Hunter wanted to protest at having to wait that long but he gave a nod.
He could see how tired Diggins looked despite his exuberant mannerisms and from the schedule Sue just mentioned, he sounded very busy.
Last thing he needs is Hunter acting like a brat.
"Now what were we talking about again-oh right." Dr. Diggins took off running only for Sue to shout that he was going the wrong way.
Beth shook her head, watching as Dr. Diggins skidded to a stop, turning on a dime to run in the other direction while Hunter watched with a concerned expression.
Something that was normal to see for new Fighters.
"That was Dr. Diggins, as you can see he's very busy, doubly so these days." Beth gave a smile. "Just please be patient with him as he means well, but with everything going on he rarely gets any sleep."
"Along with how scatterbrained he can get." Sue sounded fond when saying that. "But since you won't be getting your license until tomorrow, just head down the path and take a right, you'll end up at the Relic Hotel."
Hunter gave another nod and began walking down the path, his shoulders slouched a bit in disappointment.
He was a bit miffed at having to wait another day, but it couldn't be helped.
That was how the world worked sometimes, and he wasn't a child so he won't whine and complain about it.
"Look out!" A voice shouted, that being the only warning Hunter got that jarred him out of his thoughts, turning only to see a girl his age trying to skid to a stop only to crash into him, sending him on the ground as she was on top of him. "Ow, sorry about that."
She easily pushed herself off, shaking her head in annoyance at what she just did before offering a hand to the dazed Hunter who took a moment before accepting the help up.
Trying to keep his balance and ignore the small pain from being crashed into, he saw that the new person had short orange-brown hair wearing an pink archeologist hat followed by a buttoned up shirt of the same color, white gloves and red pants.
"I am so sorry, I was in a rush and I'm not that good at stopping." The girl admitted, looking very embarrassed. "You're not hurt are you?"
"I'm fine." Hunter said, giving a smile to reassure her. "Just wasn't expecting that."
The girl looked relieved. "That's good, I was worried you might've broken something, I'm trying to get into shape a bit, the name's Peggy."
"Hunter." The young man returned before tilting his head. "Getting into shape? For what?"
"Oh no reason, just something that I do for fun." Peggy answered easily. "Speaking of which, I need to dash, see you around Hunter!"
With that she took off running as Hunter watched until she became a speck in the distance.
Man she had a lot of energy.
It took some time, but Hunter was able to find the Relic Hotel and he gaped as he stared at it.
It was a huge building, possibly eight stories with beautifully engraved windows on the front, two palm trees by the entrance.
Hunter was pretty sure that just staying a night here would cost more money than he's ever had in his life.
Thankfully it was free for Fossil Fighters to stay in, paid for by the Richmond Foundation, though Tourists had to pay for themselves.
But it was only free if he continued to rise in the ranks at being a Fossil Fighter.
Otherwise people would take advantage of that to just live there doing nothing.
Taking a deep breath, Hunter walked in and was greeted by the inside décor that looked amazing.
The room was huge with the ceiling being high up there, holding a crystal chandelier that sparkled from the lights shining off of it, impressive paintings on the wall and a huge fountain in the middle where a small island was built in with a huge pond tree.
"Whoa." Hunter breathed out, never seeing anything like this before.
"Ah hello." Hunter turned towards the voice to see a man approaching with his dark brown hair neatly combed and sharp glasses pushed up the bridge of his nose, wearing a fancy black suit. "Welcome to the Relic Hotel, I'm the manager of this fine estate where we provide quality lodging for Tourists and Aspiring Fighters alike, you may call me Jasper."
With that he gave a short bow.
"You must be Hunter Alexander?" Jasper asked, earning a nod. "As I thought, your luggage has already been placed in your room, if you'll follow me."
He turned rather sharply and lead the way to one of the two elevators in the lobby with Hunter quickly taking off after him.
"You'll be staying in a room on the sixth floor." Jasper said as the elevator ascended to the right floor. "We've had plenty of potential fighters arriving by the droves in the last few days, I'm sure you'll come to enjoy your time with us."
"Yes sir." Hunter gave the man a respectful nod, earning a smile from Jasper before the elevator opened, showing a young woman about to enter.
Hunter stared for a bit at the woman who had short blonde hair that fanned out at the end and green eyes, wearing a sleeveless white dress that ended in a skirt barely brushing the floor. A gold belt was around her waist and he could see a purple pendant around her neck.
"Ah Miss Duna." Jasper gave a nod to the woman who came to stay at the hotel recently in the last month. "How are you this fine day?"
"I am well." The woman said in a short, curt tone, turning from him to Hunter, waiting for either of them to leave the elevator so she could get in.
"S-Sorry." Hunter stammered out, a bit unnerved, especially because for a second it looked like her eyes flickered to look reptilian before it was gone, leaving him to think he imagined it.
He didn't know why he felt his heart pounding either, just something about this woman screamed dangerous.
So he had no desire to piss her off.
Duna gave a nod and entered the elevator.
Hunter let out a sigh as the door closed.
'What was that?' He thought, never experiencing something like that before.
Still he followed Jasper to the end of the hall. "This is your room, now while you're here I'd like to ask for you to be respectful of the other guests and not cause too much of a commotion."
"I understand." Hunter promised, not wanting to step on any toes.
He wasn't a Fossil Fighter yet after all.
Jasper gave a nod and handed Hunter his card key. "If you lose your key please notify the front desk immediately and we'll get you a new one while deactivating this one."
With that said, Jasper left Hunter by himself as he opened the door with his card and had to refrain from whistling in awe.
The room was amazing.
A large balcony could be seen, next to it was a bookshelf, filled with countless books that were recently written about Vivosaurs.
Hunter made a mental note to look into that later.
There was also an empty shelf on the other side of the balcony, with a computer desk in front of it and a bed leaning against the wall.
He could see his suitcase along with the Guidebook about Vivosaur Island where one could read up on the laws.
There was also a small kitchen area and a bathroom complete with a shower.
"For now this is home." Hunter muttered now realizing that for the first time he was living away from his parents.
That was something that didn't really click until now.
Along with the exhaustion he was feeling from the traveling.
'Maybe it's a good thing to wait until tomorrow?' Hunter thought, dropping his backpack next to his suitcase before walking to the balcony and this time he couldn't stop the whistle.
It was a balcony with its own outdoor table and chair and one could see the entire island from here, or rather in the area the hotel was in.
He could see the port, the Lab, even the Stadium where he would be fighting soon enough.
Looking around, Hunter saw the blonde woman from the elevator exiting the hotel and he stared at her for a few seconds before shaking his head.
Whoever she was, it was none of his business.
Besides he should probably get something to eat before reading up on the laws of Vivosaur Island.
Then tomorrow his adventure will truly begin.
To Be Continued…
Phew, heck of an introduction am I right? Around 3500 words and Hunter still hasn't gotten his license, but that's because I'm trying to take my time with this story and add more into it then what the games gave out.
Just found my old Fossil Fighters game and I replayed it, it was a lot of fun and I'm surprised I forgot it even existed.
So I figured why not do a story on it? And don't worry I'm working on the next chapter of some of my other stories as well, most notably Trials of a Bug Catcher, Miraculous Tales of Beetle and Chatte Noire and Land of Termina, though that last one hit a snag because of some unforeseen circumstances but it's getting there slowly.
Hopefully people enjoyed how I've been changing things up so far from Fossil Fighting being relatively new, I'm also trying to have a more realistic take on it so expect it to have some dark moments later on.
Which led me to making the three rules that were explained to Hunter, to give more depth and yes I made Hunter nineteen rather than fifteen because honestly it makes more sense at this stage of Fossil Fighters being relatively a new concept that parents wouldn't send their kids to be around dinosaurs like that.
At least until a few more years have passed and Fossil Fighters become the norm.
Then we had some namedrops such as Joe Wildwest, Saurhead and a surprise early appearance of Duna.
I will make the chapters longer as time goes on but I'll try to keep them between 4000-8000 words when I get to that point.