"Welcome one and all, to the IG-Festival!" the announcer called as the crowd cheered. "In this grand interlude event, we have special events that pair members of teams with one another, have team members of different positions race by themselves, and for this, we will present the highlights of the battle royales that have gone down earlier today."
"Indeed. There are several teams who participated today. The battle royale is possibly one of the most anticipated events of the entire festival. With no teammates to back them up, this was a chance to see how each racer fared on their own. Competing were Abby of Rising Risks, Blood of Steam Machine, Bathin of Demon's Blight, Miasma of Darkness Emperor's, Ichiro of Imperial Steam, Zetsuna of Eastern Warriors, Dawn of Undead Party, Sectonia of Shining Ice, Teresa of Valkyrie Maidens, Poison Ivy of Reformed Society, Eijiro of Justice Men and Harumi of Silent Blades. 12 racers who each battled out for their right to lead." Diablo said.
"So it's finally begun, huh?" Ace asked as he held Luna.
"It's already gone on. These are just highlights from today." David said.
"Ah, don't worry about Ace's timing, he was taking care of Lunamon." Hope said as he patted Suzaku on the head as she giggled. "And since this is a festival, I'd thought I'd take Suzaku to see it."
"A good thing too, because it seems Luna wants to be friends with her." Ace said as Luna waved to Suzaku.
"Hmm. I don't trust you two alone out there. Erza, mind keeping an eye on them?" Jexi asked.
"Of course." Erza said.
"What about the times I explored the city alone you seemed to have trust me then." Ace said.
"I was talking to Hope and Suzaku." Jexi said.
"Oh sorry." Ace apologized. "I can help keep an eye on them."
"But why am I being singled out?" Hope asked.
"Because you somehow have a knack for attracting trouble. And with a lot of enemies here, I don't wanna take a risk." Jexi said.
"Funny, isn't your team all about taking risks?" Hope asked.
"That was reference to how we were just two members and taking risky strategies. This is a different ball game here." Jexi said.
"Please, let's not fight okay?" Ace asked.
"Fine. Then I guess I'll come with you." Jexi said before giving a whistle as Eevee jumped onto his shoulder.
"And who's this cute little guy?" Kagura asked scratching under his chin.
"That's an Eevee, a Pokemon capable of evolving into one of 8 different evolutions." Vera said.
"It also happens to be my perfect link." Jexi said.
"Perfect link?" Ace asked confused.
"It's a term that we use for our Ace Pokemon. They're generally Pokemon that have a strong connection with a certain person." David said.
"I see." Ace said. "Do you give them nicknames?"
"It's an option but mostly by what they're called." Jexi said. "Everyone in the worlds has the possibility of having at least one perfect link."
"Even me?" Ace asked. "And my teammates?"
"Yep. It's all a matter of finding a Pokemon that you have a strong relation with." David said.
"Like Rainbow. Her's is Talonflame. In fact, she took it along with the pokemon she caught with her when they left." Jexi said.
"Left?" Ace asked.
"Rainbow and Jesse left for the Heroes Coalition for training after our little trip around Valentia." David said.
"I see, have you been able to keep in contact with them?" Ace asked before Model O floated off of his arm."
"No. But I sent ten of my members with her to give her support. Only one who keeps me informed is Robin." Jexi said.
"And Jesse when he calls me." David said.
"I see, as long as they're doing ok." Ace said as he looked at his pendant and the colors representing Jesse and Rainbow glowed bright a bit.
"We don't know when they'll return but...it'll be when Rainbow can defeat her father." Jexi said.
"Just believe in them and have hope they will return to you and the others soon." Ace said as he put his hand on Jexi's shoulder.
"Same here. Now then, I think it's about time we headed out." Jexi said.
"Let's go then!" Kagura said.
Around the festival, they came through the concessions and souvenirs area as some of the other teams were there too.
"Hey, Zetsuna!" Pinkie said as Zetsuna was checking out japanese recreational Holo-Art. "Great run in the Battle Royale earlier today!"
He stared at Pinkie with detest.
"Oh, Pinkie. Let's go somewhere that's...not here." Lucy said pushing her aside.
"What? What'd I say?" Pinkie asked.
"Trust me, you wouldn't live long to know." Lucy said.
"Hmm. All seems well here." Shinji said to himself observing the events.
"Yeah, though I can't help but shake the feeling something is gonna happen during the playoffs soon." Pom said.
"True. Even I can feel something is gonna happen soon." Shinji said. "Reminds me of this old legend...considering all the events that have occured recently."
"A legend?" Pom asked.
"Yeah. It's called the Four Monsters but...it would be something that would bore you." Shinji said.
Orchid was at a stand when she accidentally listened on what they were saying and widened her eyes. "Four monsters? I better tell the others about this." Orchid said to herself as she walked away.
"I wanna know?" a voice said as Neu approached with Rachel, Wendy and Gemini.
"Ah...so you kids wanna know the old legend huh? Fine. I guess I could share with you." Shinji said. "A long time ago, there existed four monsters of different origins. A god who desired powerful kin, a human who had the ferocity of a beast, a manmade being born as a dragon and a being born into a demonic evil. Each of these beasts were said to have appeared once time had begun in the universes. First came the god who tried to reclaim his kin through the dark underbelly of society. Then came the human who would go to devour everything. The dragon came next to try and restart life. Then came the devil child who wanted all to be perfect. These may seem like bad guys, but...there would rise heroes to combat these monsters. It is said when all four have fallen, something new would be born from the hardship. And that is the legend of the four monsters."
"Zis tale is very interesting. I never zought zat something like zis vould actually happen." Rachel said.
"We've dealt with legends before, but never on this grand a scale." Gemini said.
"Hmm. Actually...maybe we've been living the story Shinji just told." Wendy pondered.
"Right. We've actually encountered people much like them." Gemini said.
"Ze human zat devours everyzing… Zat sounds a lot like Velvet." Rachel said.
"Actually...there was someone else to fit the bill. Lucius." Wendy said.
"Lucius?" Rachel said.
"Oh, right. You weren't with us at the time." Gemini said. "Lucius was a color fighter. He used this Forbidden Style to devour everyone's hearts. He has succeeded for a short time until Bass came and saved the day. Weren't for him, a lot of us wouldn't even be here."
"So that's one monster…" Neu said.
"Ze dragon zat tried to restart life… Doesn't zat sound a lot like Dragon from ze Elements?" Rachel asked.
"Yes. He wanted to replace all races with the Emotionless and become their leader." Wendy said.
"Luckily, David stopped him for good." Rachel said. "Zough, I vould imagine Normal vanting revenge on him for zat."
"Then for the God...that's obviously Black. He was using the Ginova Family to reclaim all the Enhanced he created." Gemini said.
"That leaves the Devil Child. Wouldn't that refer...to…." Wendy said looking to Diablo on screen.
"So it's true. We're livin the story." Gemini said.
"Not a surprise. The story is rumored to repeat itself every 100 years or so. But...that's only a rumor." Shinji said.
"Thank you for the...interesting story but we really need to be leaving." Wendy said as the four of them left.
Meanwhile...
Ace was currently meditating in an open field while the Eidolon's in their orb form floated around him.
"Ace?" Jexi asked as he noticed Ace's meditation.
"Hmm? Yes Jexi?" Ace asked.
"Yeah. I saw you in the middle of one of the few fields out here. What are you doing here?" Jexi said.
"Just trying to attune with the Eidolon's because ever since I obtained them I took on traits from some of them." Ace said as he stood up.
"I've noticed. You know, Ace. When things are done here and we go against the Hobbyists...things are going to get dicey." Jexi said.
"What do you mean?" Ace asked.
"Diablo is a powerful foe to be sure. His law allows him to use the abilities of anyone he's made a contract with." Jexi said.
"Which is why I'm here to help you, ever since we've separated, I've attained Titan's strength and Bahamut's flight. Besides that, we're here to help you anyway we can." Ace said before he drew Yato and pointed it Jexi. "I want you to fight me. Not to the death but to a test of strength."
"Fine. All this racing's got me pent up for a real fight." Jexi said allowing his aura to surge.
"See for your own eyes if I have the power to protect the people I care about, I will not hold back!" Ace yelled as he grew an enormous rainbow aura while his eyes glowed red as the armiger forms of his Eidolons floated around him.
"Okay...let's start basic. Ultimate Color Fist!" Jexi shouted landing a punch to Ace's stomach.
"Aaah!" Ace screamed before he recovered and disappeared. "Behind you." He said kicking him in the back.
"Oh...you're gonna have to do better than that." Jexi said not budging an inch.
"Fine then. Hellfire!" Ace yelled as he summoned his gauntlets and greaves and did a barrage of fire imbued punches and spin kicks.
"Ultimate Color Barrage!" Jexi said unleashing a powerful barrage of punches that countered each kick and punch.
"Gaia's Wrath!" Ace shouted lashing at the oncoming attacks with his chain axe before switching to his spear and launching it. "Judgement Bolt!"
"Fine...you aren't going to go down easy...so I'll have to kick it up." Jexi said as a burst of golden aura overtook him as he stood there. "Golden God Mode!"
"Fine let's see you go against the God of Destruction!" Ace said as he held out Model O. "Megamerge!" He shouted as he donned the armor of Omega Zero and a white silhouette grew around him.
"It won't make a difference. Golden God's….Golden Fist!" Jexi said landing a hit to Ace's stomach once more, making him cough up blood.
"Ugh, Rekkouha!" Ace shouted as he punched the ground summoning beams of light down on Jexi before dealing various attacks. "Shinkujin! Arc Blade! Ryuuenjin!" He shouted firing a wave of lightning, small waves of Ice, and did a launching fire slash.
"Wow...that's a pretty powerful attack." Jexi said standing there unscathed. "Are you done now?"
"Damnit!" Ace muttered before he reverted back to normal and closed his eyes as a red and blue aura gathered around him as the ground shook around them.
"Let's end it then. Ultimate Color Fighting Secret Art!" Jexi said making a bow and arrow. "Golden God's….Shining Magnificence!" he said firing the arrow as it hit Ace dead on, causing an eruption of light.
Ace was shown on the ground unconscious as his right arm was burning a bit and his right eye was bleeding.
"Seems you have some powerful moves. But...you have a long way to go." Jexi said dispelling Golden God mode as he picked up Ace and carried him off.
Spade saw Jexi approaching them with an unconscious Ace. "Oh my god, Ace!" He shouted running to them.
"He challenged me to a fight and lost." Jexi said handing Ace off to Spade.
"He wanted you to test his strength, correct?" Spade asked. "Do you think he has the power to protect the people he loves?"
"He's got a lot of room to improve, but if he can control those techniques of his, I'm sure that he will." Jexi said.
Azura saw them and widened her eyes as she quickly rushed over. "He needs medical attention, and that arm…is too far damaged." She trailed off as she closed her eyes. "Spade, take him to Chopper, Kirumi and Mari. They might be able to help."
"I'm on it." Spade said quickly running off to find them.
10 minutes later
Spade looked around the grounds and managed to spot Chopper, Kirumi, and Mari and quickly ran over to them. "Guys, its Ace!" He yelled to get their attention.
The three hurried to Ace's side and quickly began working on him.
"Hmm. Looks like a flow of power was trying to erupt from him." Kirumi said. "His body couldn't handle it so it injured him internally."
"That Ace… Always trying to show off." Mari said. "Doesn't he understand that he'll keep wasting his energy if he keeps fighting like that?"
Spade bonked her on the head with Stoj's frying pan. "The reason he fights is so that he improves and will be able to protect the people close him. So please help him." He said starting to tear up a bit.
"If he keeps fighting like that...it'll just leave him in an early grave." Jexi said seriously as the three went to healing Ace. "It doesn't matter the reason if he ends up dead."
"Which is why he'll continue to train and get stronger to live on." Spade said.
"He has a lot of powerful techniques. The main concern is the lack of control." Chopper said.
"It's almost as if half of his power has been sealed off." Mari said using her gauntlet to check his vitals.
"Or perhaps his tendency to let his emotions control him. A lot of rookies are like that. Even Master David when he started out." Kirumi said.
"That could be one of the reasons, but when I first met him in Godshill, I sensed potential him ready to be released, I didn't tell him because I wanted to see him grow on his own." Azura said.
"But before he can even think about that, he needs to learn to control his emotions. Trust us, there are plenty of people that take advantage of impulsive behavior." David said.
"They won't hesitate for a moment to take an opening due to emotion." Jexi said.
"We are partially to blame for what happened to him." A voice said as Shiva and Ramuh appeared.
"He is now undergoing a fierce battle in his mind to help him control his emotions and powers." Ramuh said as he stroked his beard. "This may be the only way we Eidolons may be able to help him. Please watch over him as he undergoes this trial." He said before he and Shiva disappeared.
"Ace…" Hope said before the TV flickered on.
"Attention IGPX fans. Shocking news. Our sponsor has made a startling change in the line up. The playoffs are taking place three days after today." the announcer said.
"Indeed. As such, I have already decided the final 8 participants personally. They are...Rising Risks, Shining Ice, Valkyrie Maidens, Silent Blades, Reformed Society, Darkness Emperors, Demon's Blight and Undead Party." Diablo said. "All will race on the same track."
"Unfortunately, this means it's the end of the road for Imperial Steam, Justice Men, Steam Machines and Eastern Warriors." the announcer said.
"But you did well and we hope to see you again, next season." Diablo said.
"He's already hand picked the final participants so quickly after one day." Jexi said. "I don't like this."
"Yeah. It's Diablo we're talking about here. We'll need to be extra cautious here." David said.
"But I know you guys can pull it off. Go, go, let's go!" Tapu Lele said seen along with Tapu Fini in Shining Ice cheerleading outfits.
"How did you talk me into this?" Tapu Fini asked.
"Come on, it'll be fun." Tapu Lele said.
"Of course, we'll be fighting Miasma and Astaroth in there too." Jexi said.
"This'll probably give you and the others enough time to prepare." Kagura said.
"Three days… We may as well make the most of it." David said.
"Meanwhile we'll have Guy and Jago keep an eye on Ace back on the ship." Aya said.
"As for us...we need all the practice we need against them for the last battle." Jexi said seriously.
"Hey, Mari… Think you can get some new parts ready?" David said.
"Just leave it to me, uweheehee!" Mari said as she laughed with stars in her eyes.