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The sun was already high in the sky above Arikatote Village when Ace's group awoke after their quest in the Temple Beneath The Sea of Sand. Axel was sleeping soundly with his hood pulled up covering his hair and shrouding his face in shadows as Ace picked up the clothing scattered about the room. He took his head band off of his forearm and tied it to his head. It was still stained with blood, but he didn't pay much attention to it. He didn't sleep much last night, his mind was ridden with confusion. He knew in his heart Hades live through the resealing over the temple, but where was he then? Wherever you are...our paths will cross again. I don't know how, I don't know when...but we will

Vlad sat in Aras's room, watching her sleep since he didn't need sleep himself. He looked about and counted the people in the room. Elliot, Yoshi, Aras, Cyn, Shiva's pendant, Fenrir's bracelet...all were accounted for except...wait...where was Cerb? He never saw the hell-hound leave, but he was absent from the room.

Clint sat at the edge of the bed, just below Axel's feet. What's wong big buwadda? You seem stwessed. was all he could say as he watch Ace pull on his usual attire, but leaving his brown vest off and pulling on a flannel over shirt with his black undershirt.

It's just...something that happened in that temple Clint...it doesn't feel right. I feel like the demon inside of me got stronger after I killed the beast Ankoku sent after us. I don't know what it is after... he said, tightening his headband and then throwing something just to the side of Axel's head. Wake up, we're going.
Muha? Where? Where the hell are we going, what time is it for goddess sake? Axel said, sitting up and noticing it was the newest issue of the Ichi Ichi series he was looking for.
How did you-
I didn't, some dude left it with BDC and he gave it to me to give to you. In what way I gave it to you was not specified, so I chucked it at you...problem? Oh, and to answer your earlier question it's almost 10 A.M. He said, walking over to Kirrin and nudging him. That means you too Kirrin, get up. We've got another stone to fi... Ace said, pausing as he saw something begin to appear outside in the morning sky. It appeared to be an Airship, but it had a telescreen on the side.

Elliot rolled over and found herself waking up next to Aras. She quickly scrambled from the bed and fell on the floor.
You may want to be careful about that Young Mistress, falling out of the bed too much could result in head trauma. Vlad said with a chuckle. He jumped over to Yoshi and scratched behind his ears. Come now friend, time to wake up. We have a new day ahead of us... He said, not wishing to bring up the apparent lack of Cerb from their group.

Well I never...what in the blazes is that thing?! BDC said as he stood outside and saw the same thing Ace saw from his bedroom window.

Cyn had just pulled her pillow over her head to block out the sun when she heard something or someone fall and hit the floor. Choosing to ignore it she tried to go back the nice blissful state that sleep brought with it.
That idea didn't work because she then heard Kirrin scream about something. Groaning to herself she pulled the pillow off her head and kicked the already falling blanket off of her. Sitting up she glared out the window at the evil sun that had orginally woken her. Thats when she saw the air ship flying out side. Stretching she walked over to the window looking up at the air ship trying to read the screen on the side of it.

Aras sat up on the bed rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She saw her sister looking out the window and was surprised that she was even awake let alone out of the bed. Looking over to the side of the bed she saw Elliot on the floor. Tilting her head to the side she asked, "Whatcha doin on the floor Eli-chan?" Getting out of the bed she stretched popping her back in the process knowing that it annoys her sister.

On the screen that adorned the side of the large airship, the words "PEOPLE OF TERRA, IF YOU ARE INSIDE, OPEN YOUR WINDOWS" appeared.
Vlad jumped to the window, opening the latch and swinging it open. Alright...whatever it is, it has peaked my curiosity...
Elliot took hold of the hand and stood up, rubbing her eyes and looking out the window at the large screen.

This might prove to be...interesting. Lets watch and listen guys. Ace said, throwing up the window fully.
Axel sat up in the bed and watched intently as the airships froze in the sky and a figure appeared on the screen. The figure couldn't be identified, for it was wearing a cloak with it's hood up, almost like someone from the organization. Axel cringed at this thought, but let it escape him once the person began to speak.

GRAND PEOPLE OF TERRA! My name is Xenorion, and I come to with a challenge a...proposition if you will. You see, I have a substantial amount of Gil, and I see no need for it, but I as well have a hunger...a hunger to find the greatest warrior amongst all of you! I wish to face the strongest warrior on the face of Terra in a battle, and if you can defeat then the Gil is yours. How much I'm certain is the question coursing through your mind...well...to be exact...2,000,000,000 Gil is sitting in a place that only I know the location of, and if you want it, you have to fight and defeat me. Who is up to the challenge? Well, obviously quite a few with that much money on the line...so I couldn't make it to easy on all of you. You must participate in trails against your fellow warriors. Welcome the grandest battle of your life...WELCOME THE X-TREME TOURNAMENT! To proceed to the preliminary matches, you must make it past the primary...the race to the Arena. In every home, inn, and shop last night I place a button. If you wish to participate in this event, press that button to be transported to the location that will begin the race. the figure stated as the screen became nothing but static.

BDC looked inside the inn and noticed that it was true, that was a large, red "X" shaped button sitting on his desk. He wasn't much of one for fighting himself, but perhaps the little ones upstairs would want to.

2...2 Billion Gil? LETS GET OUR ASSES TO ONE OF THESE BUTTONS! AXEL GO GET VLAD AND THE GIRLS! Wait a second...did the words "Axel, get the girls" just come out of my mouth...no matter, lets move! Ace said, running of the room and down the stairs, only to bump into BDC and fall back to the bottom of the stairs. What's the worry BDC? Why are you in the way?

Because youngin'...whatever happens about this whole Tournament thing has to be a decision between you and the girls, you can't just go guns a blazing into this because of the money. Remember, you gots a mission your one for ALL of Terra to stop this Ankoku fella.
Damn it, he had a point...The quest for the stones was more important than any tournament would ever be. We don't even know where the tournament is...Valefor, any luck locating the next stone? Yes, but I'm reading two spirit stones right now...one of which appears to have been activated. I sensed it when the figure appeared on that telleprompter.

Cyn stared at the air ship a while longer after the message was over. 2 billion gil?! This guy had to be joking. Who in their right mind would offer that much just for the chance to find someone strong enough to fight them?
It could be some kind of trap to lure someone out...She thought to herself. But that much money was oh so tempting. Not only that but also the chance to possible improve her skills made her all the more tempted. Cyn turned to look at the others in the room just to see their reactions to the announcement.
Aras also looked intrigued about this tournament. "So shall we see what the guys have to say about this?" She asked as her sister nodded her agreement.

Wait a second...one activated? But I thought you said my group here was the destined ones to awaken the stones...Trust me master Ace, you are...but are you forgetting someone? Ankoku also has the power to awaken the Spirit Beasts. This all coule be crucial to the quest as it is. I suggest you enter that tournament.
Ace nodded his head and stood up. BDC, we have to enter this tournament. Something about it just doesn't strike me as a simple challange to find the strongest fighter in Terra...something in my heart tells me I'm supposed to enter this thing. Kirrin, Axel...are you in?

MEANWHILE, AT XENORION'S LOCATION

So I see...using the gil to lure them out. Very intelligent minion...you are far superior to your predoccesor Hades. Now, how do you plan to defeat Edmonds and his motley crew Ankoku said, standing in the shadows of the room.

I do not doubt that Edmonds and his crew will be in the finals of this tournament...and if not, they will surely have died in the process. Either way, they will be dealt with my leag, they will be dealt with indefinatly.

Cyn walked out of the room with Aras skipping in front of her. She didn't even notice that her younger sister was still in her pajama's which consisted of a pair of short shorts and a sports bra. Before Cyn could yell at her to go back to the room and change she skipped down the stairs. "Damn child." She muttered under her breath while walking down the stairs to see the guys already waiting at the bottom.
"Well I take it every one saw the announcement." She said sitting on the bottom step wanting very much to go back to sleep.

Kirrin, even in human form, hearing the word food madehis ears stand up "Food?!! Where?!!" he shook himself out of it then looked to the girls "Umm, maybe we should let them get dressed Ace." he looked to BDC with wide eyes, if you looked into them they said, "FOOD!"

BDC handed both Kirrin and Aras backpacks full of ready to eat food and handed Ace the button. Well youngins...it's been grand havin' ya'll here with us...but I suppose this be ya'lls callin'. Clint, you go with them and take of 'em now, we'll be seein' ya'll around here real soon like. Remember, you always got a place to stay in this here town.
Ace smiled. Thank you my friend...and I suppose it is decided then. Everyone, hold on to my shirt and lets do this. Ace said, holding the red X button. It began to glow and count down.
Will you be entering the Tournament? You have ten seconds to comply. Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six...