CHAPTER 2 - Trouble in Paradise
Ana skipped through the forest, swinging the basket in her hand lightly. She was humming a soft melody along the way, filling the silent around her with cheerful music. She perked up when she saw the lake at the end of the pathway.
Lance should be there by now. I wonder if he had any lunch today? I hope he likes the food I cooked this morning.
Ana picked up her pace until she was at the edge of the forest. She breathed in the clean air and taken in the gorgeous sight of the crystal clear lake and flowery fields in front of her. She looked around the area and zeroed in the sight of a red dragon by the lakeside. Ana didn't need to look any closer to know it was the same carrier dragon that Lance frequently rides on.
The pink-haired teenager giggled, feeling giddy knowing the Dragonoid was nearby. She raced through the field in search for her Ice Prince.
Little did the Princess know at the very moment, the Ice Prince was with his Light.
Angine sat on her couch with Rena as they spent time together drinking tea and discussing (gossiping) about Ace and his date. Their conversation was cut off by the sound of a phone ringing next to them. Angine reached over and pressed the speaker on.
"Hello, this is Angine."
"Angine! It has been awhile since we last talk to each other. How have you been these past few weeks?" It was none other than the Ancient of Water on the phone.
"Vahaton! It's nice to hear from you. Are you resting your injuries and not overexerting yourself like usual?" She hears the other laughing but was cut off with a cough. "Honestly, you are not as young as you used to be."
"Nonsense! I still have some spunk left in these old bones of mine!"
Rena shook her head in amusement at the conversation. The Ancient of Water was still the same jolly old man when she was growing up in Dragoza Island. Rena was happy, however, that Vahaton was the one who raised Lance to be one of the most reliable and strong Dragonoid out there.
It puts Rena at ease knowing Lance was the one Ace choose to love and be with forever.
Speaking of them…
"Excuse me, Vahaton?" Rena asked. She leaned over a bit closer to the phone.
"Hmm? Oh! It's you, Rena! Angine, you should have told me I was on speaker. I could've said something embarrassing in front of a beautiful woman like Rena." The women could hear the pout in his tone. Angine rolled her eyes good-naturally as Rena only laughed, used to those kinds of comments.
"Don't worry about it, Vahaton. The conversations we had in the past are one of the highlights of my life," the rosey pink haired woman replied.
"Such a kind woman you are, Rena. Unlike that mother-in-law of yours." Angine glared at the phone, seeing if her glare could melt it. Rena pat her hand in good humor. "Anyways, what is it you want to ask?"
"I just want to know when are you free to have a family dinner together. It has been awhile since we last saw each other. Will you have time?" Though, Rena has a hidden agenda for this dinner. Her family album is in serious need of updating considering the special circumstances with her son.
"I don't see a problem with it. If anything, a family dinner is a marvelous idea! I wonder if that's why young Ana was so excited this morning?"
"Ana was there?" Angine asked, confusion written over her face. The elderly Dragonoid woman hasn't seen the cheerful girl in awhile. The last time Angine saw her, the young girl asked her for some cooking lesson. It didn't went well for the most part. "What about her?"
"Let's see, she came into my office this morning asking if Lance was around. I told her he was busy with a special appointment in the near forest from here. She then ran off like a Tamadora finding its food! Such a spirited young lady, but I am a bit worry about her."
Rena kept her voice even. "Why are you worry?" She has an idea, the exact idea, why Ana asked Vahaton about Lance's whereabouts. The girl isn't exactly the definition of subtle.
"Well, she has this look in her eyes I seen many time before in my life. It doesn't take a genius to know about young Ana's feelings towards Lance. And that's the worrying part. Did she not know about the Dragonoid Bond or the relationship between Ace and Lance?"
Angine face-palmed because she knew about Ana's upbringing in her home village. She herself felt at fault for not explaining certain matters to Ana. Angine had hoped Ana saw the special bond between Ace and Lance like the rest of them.
Sadly, her hopes dashed off from this one phone call.
"I can assume by your silent that Ana has no idea at all. This is quite a pickle we are in."
Vahaton had no idea how right he was.
Rena sighed, dropping her head into her hands. Any good feeling she had this morning about Ace's date turned into dread and worry.
Why couldn't the deities above let her son have one peaceful day with the love of his life without having trouble along the way?
Ace sighed contently, leaning against Lance's side as they both sat on the picnic blanket under a shady tree. One of Lance's leg was bent upward to propped his arm and his other leg was outstretched in front of him. Lance wrapped a protective arm around Ace's waist, pulling him closer as the younger teen lay his head against the Dragonoid's shoulder. Ace's legs were folded under him and he cuddled against Lance's side more.
Both of them watched most of their Monsters either relaxing or playing around in the lake or on the opened field. After having lunch, Tamazo begged Ace and Lance to release their other Monsters so they can all play together. Devi surprisingly also asked the same thing. The teens didn't see any problems as they released their friends and allies from their Egg Drops.
Tamazo, Devi, Ouka, Holy Dragon, Fairlion, and Pierdrawn were playing tag and the Tamadora being "it" chased the others around. Luckily, the lake was large and deep enough for Plesios and Leviathan to swim freely; sometimes, they make conversations or splash waves at each other.
Crystal Aurora Dragon, Water Blade Aoyaiba, Dark Dragon Knight, and Blue Troll were actually training together. They decided to make a competition out of it - see who can win the most sparring matches between the four of them.
Brave Cross Dragon decided to stay inside its Egg Drop, not wanting to attract any attention to them considering the fact the dragon itself is a well-known legendary. Lance's red carrier dragon laid by the lakeside, soaking in the sun.
Overall, the Monsters were having a fun time together.
Tamazo fly-tackled Devi into Ouka, sending the both of them into a crash. He screamed, "You're it, tama!"
The Tamadora then quickly flew away from the two laughing. Both an irritated Devi and Ouka were hot on Tamazo's trail with the Devidra shouting after him. "Get back here, devi!"
Devi got his wish when Tamazo ran into Fairlion, knocking them both to the ground. The Devidra wasted no time in tackling the Tamadora. The two instantly entered into a wrestling match which Ouka and Fairlion excitedly jumped in. The other Monsters watched this in amusement, some laughed at their friends' antics.
"It's nice to see them like this. Enjoying their time with their friends without a care in the world," Ace commented.
Lance smirked, "Indeed." He then sighed, leaning back against the tree. He was glad to take the day off and mentally congratulated himself for inviting Ace out. Lance pulled his young lover closer to him.
Ace had no problem with that, pressing himself more into Lance. Glancing up, he was pleased at the look of peace and fondness on the Dragonoid's face. The younger teen was relieved to see such expression because of what Lance had been through during their war against Jest.
Both of them have many scars that will forever be with them. Scars that are slowly but surely healing with time.
Ace touched the small scar on his neck, feeling the slight roughness of skin compare to his usual smoothness. Their greatest enemies didn't hold back their strength once their battle began.
He couldn't help but shiver at the mere thought of the corrupted Ancient of Light. Jest and the Monsters the Dragonoid send after him and his friends were fearsome and powerful. The memory of a dark claw wrapped firmly around Ace's neck left him feel the phantom sensation of being suffocated. Ace traced his scar, telling himself that there was nothing and everything was finally over.
"What's wrong?"
The sound of concern from Lance broke through Ace's dark thoughts. The light auburnette turned his gaze back up to Lance to see yellow, dragon-like eyes tinted with worry. The hand that wasn't occupied around Ace's waist cupped the younger's cheek. Ace leaned into the cool but gentle touch, holding the hand with his own.
Ace closed his eyes for a moment before opening them. "Bad memories." Ace didn't need to lie or explain to Lance, believing that the Dragonoid knew what he meant.
Lance knew well enough alright. When he saw that familiar haze and darkness in those beautiful blue eyes, Lance knew Ace was remembering the time when the younger teen faced off against a very powerful Devil Monster. The Monster Jest personally send specifically after Ace and his team.
Lance turned his body to face Ace and leaned his forehead against the other, not breaking their gaze. Ace saw traces of guilt and remorse in those yellow eyes he loves. The younger teen send Lance a shy but comforting smile.
"You know, it wasn't your fault."
"I should've return to your side sooner."
"You had to heal, Lance. That awful crystal Jest forced inside of you corrupted your heart and soul. You took so much damage during our battle more than anyone else. I don't blame you for taking so long to come back."
Some part of him back then wanted Lance to come home sooner, but Ace was more relieved and happy that the Dragonoid actually took the time to heal and rest. He'll thank Devi later for taking care of Lance during his recuperation.
Lance lowered his face towards Ace's neck. He caught the sight of a faded white scar and pressed a soft kiss on it. He could never forgive himself for leaving Ace all alone, fighting against an enemy that was sent to kill the light auburnette.
The Ice Prince almost came so close to losing his one and only Light.
"I almost lost you, Ace." I almost lost everything that terrible day.
Warm, delicate hands cupped Lance's cheeks, gently raising the Dragonoid's head to face Ace once more. Lance saw the clear understanding, sincerity, and love in those blue eyes he adores so much.
"But you didn't lose me." Ace sweetly kissed Lance's forehead. "You came back when I needed you the most." Another kiss between the eyes. "And you saved me." Ace drew them both into a chaste kiss, full of love and trust. It wasn't the same heated passion from this morning, but rather a much softer and tender passion.
After what seems like forever, they both parted. Lance who had settled his hands on Ace's waist, effortlessly lifted the younger teen practically onto his lap. Ace straddled his legs on either side of Lance's thighs, wrapping his arm loosely around the Dragonoid's shoulders. The light auburnette glanced down a bit to see his lover resting his head against his shoulder, near where his heart is. Ace sadly frowned at the action.
Oh, Lance...
It wasn't everyday for Ace to see his strong, compose Dragonoid mate this vulnerable. But nonetheless, Ace will be there for Lance like how the other always do for him.
The Dragonoid closed his eyes, taking in Ace's warmth and calming scent. Lance wrapped his arms tighter around the other, burying his head into the younger teen's shoulder, listening to the soothing rhythm of Ace's beating heart. His mate's beating heart. Lance can feel the tears building up behind his closed eyes.
Ace is alive. Alive and in his embrace.
Lance never wants to let go of his Light again.
Ace ran his hand through those soft white locks, gently caressing and massaging Lance's scalp. He hoped it will bring comfort and ease Lance's worries and guilt away. Ace was startled when he felt something warm and wet against his shoulder. He quickly came to the realization that Lance was crying, silently with no noise or shakiness. Just quiet tears.
And that hurts Ace's heart the most.
Ace continued to caress through Lance's hair and started peppering soft kisses on the Dragonoid's forehead and temple. He whispered sweet nothings to Lance, telling him that he's here and alive and that he won't go anywhere. Soft whispers of "I love you" brought a bit peace to Lance.
Around the two, only the sounds of the gentle wind dancing through the air and rustling leaves of the forest, their Monsters distant laughter and joy, and their beating hearts. It left a feeling of tranquility and peace. Nothing could penetrate their little world they created at that moment.
"LANCE!"
Maybe except for that.
"LANCE!"
The Monsters were startled by a shrill sound. They all looked towards the direction of that sound and saw a teenage girl with pink hair running towards their Masters' direction.
Devi immediately blanched at the sight. "Please tell me I'm hallucinating, devi?!" He didn't want to believe what he's seeing is real.
To the Devidra's dismay, Tamazo shook his head. "No, that's Ana running towards Ace and Lance, tama." His dark counterpart's face looks cross between annoyance and horror. "What's wrong with her, tama?"
"Seriously, you don't know what's going on with her, devi! She has that look when you see food, devi! It's obvious like how a raw egg goes well on a bowl of steamy rice, devi!"
Tamazo's face lit up as though an imaginary light bulb appeared above his head. He knows exactly what Devi meant about Ana.
"You mean that she likes Lance the same way how Ace likes Lance, tama?"
Apparently, food analogies make sense to the Tamadora of all things. Scratch that, Devi should expected food analogies to work anyways.
Devi nodded, pleased that his light counterpart gets it. "One difference is that your Ace loves my Master Lance, devi. I don't know how strong that girl's feelings are towards Master Lance though, devi." Which is a big problem in the Devidra's opinion.
Sometimes, Devi can't help but feel wary of Ana ever since he and his partner first met her. She wasn't dangerous or evil (unlike Jest and his Dominion) or have a deceitful nature. However, it was her naiveness that struck his nerves more.
The same naive nature that almost got her kill during the time when Lance had that awful yet powerful crystal inside of him. Who would face against a destructive Dragonoid without any protection of some sort?
Tamazo scowled, an unusual expression on the normally upbeat and cheerful Monster. "I don't know how much she loves your Lance, but I know how much Ace loves him, tama! I won't let her get in the way of Ace's happiness even though she share her food with me, tama!"
Ouka made a worrying sound. The small fire dragon and the rest of her team and Lance's didn't like what Tamazo and Devi are saying. Ouka, in particular, didn't want Ace, its first kind and gentle Master, to be hurt or sad. The rest also felt the same way, wanting their precious Masters to finally have their happiness.
All of them never wanted Ace and Lance go through the same experiences like the ones during the war between Jest and them. It was something they could never forget.
Tamazo quickly smile reassuringly at his friends. "Don't worry, tama! As long as Tamazo is here, nothing will get in the way of Ace's happiness, tama!" He thumped his chest proudly, radiating with confidence.
Devi turned to his allies as well. "And we will do the same for Master Lance's happiness, devi!"
Everyone nodded, confident that the two will help their Masters through this. Each Monster transformed back into their Egg Drop, floating towards Tamazo and Devi. Ouka was the only one left. It nudged Tamazo and yipped at him to take care of their Ace.
Tamazo petted her soothingly. "You can count on the genius Tamazo to fix this, tama! No need to worry, tama!"
Ouka let out a cheerful sound, turning back into its Egg Drop. Tamazo and Devi carefully stored the Egg Drops into their star patches. The two looked at each other, determine and ready before nodding.
They swiftly flew over to where Ace and Lance are resting, hoping to beat Ana there first.
Ace snapped his head back up, almost giving himself a whiplash. He widened his eyes when he saw a teenage girl with long pink hair running towards him and Lance while carrying a basket.
Ana! Ace realized shockingly. He knows her from the time he was training in her village and the time when he was seeking power to save Lance and their friends.
Lance growled lowly when he heard his name being shouted. He felt greatly annoyed and angry because no one was supposed to know about where he and Ace are at. Lance also didn't want anyone to see him like this, unguarded and vulnerable. Devi, his Monsters, and Ace are mostly the only ones he trusted himself to remove his mask.
Ace heard his lover's muffled growl and calmingly stroke his white hair again. "I'll tell Ana that you're resting so she'll leave you alone for the moment. I'll also ask her if she needed something from you too."
Lance calmed down somewhat at Ace's soothing ministration. So, it was Ana he sensed earlier. The only things he remembered about her is that she's cheerful and naive and gets on his nerves most of the time (even though he wore a blank expression). The Dragonoid shook his head at Ace's plan.
"Don't worry," Lance said, already composing himself. He reluctantly extracted his arms from Ace's body. Coldness replaced the warmth when Lance backed away.
Ace shared the same reluctance, but carefully moved away from Lance. The light auburnette stood up and turned towards Ana who is now slowly walking towards them, basket resting in front of her. Ace saw the slight shock and confusion on her face when Ana saw him there as well.
It seems like Ana didn't expect Ace to be there with Lance apparently. The thought send a bit of apprehensiveness inside of Ace's heart for some reason.
It was only when he sensed Lance's emotions and thoughts that Ace figure out what Ana actually wants from his lover.
And he doesn't like it one bit.
Lance stood close beside his mate, carefully watching the girl stopped a few feet away from them. He raised an eyebrow at the redden cheeks on Ana's face when she turned towards him. Lance saw this before when certain fans and admirers sees him. The Dragonoid bit back a groan when he realized what Ana exactly felt about him.
Lance immediately sensed Ace's shock through their bond. He also sensed the distress and wariness in his mate. Saying he was displeased would be an understatement. This girl was upsetting Ace just by her mere presence alone.
The Dragonoid knew rationally that Ana hasn't done anything wrong. People have the right to love anyone they want. But his protective instincts are urging him to get rid of the source of his mate's distress.
Ana, for the most part, didn't take notice of the sudden change in the atmosphere around her. She looked at Lance dreamingly and couldn't help but blushed softly when those intense yellow eyes met with her own sky blue ones. Her heart was racing at that moment.
"Nice to see you, Ana. It has been awhile since I last saw you," Ace said, tone steady but with underlying hesitancy, breaking Ana out of her thoughts. The air around the three grew more tense. "What are you doing here?"
The pink haired girl once again didn't take notice as she gave the two males a beaming smile. She held up her basket in front of her with blushing cheeks. "Master Vahaton told me about this place and he said you might be here, Lance. I thought we could have a nice lunch together! This place is very beautiful and a great spot to eat at!"
Ace sweated-dropped, he didn't know if Ana was purposely ignoring him or not. But at least she confirmed a few things in his mind.
One, Ana came here to see Lance.
Two, she planned to have lunch with said Dragonoid.
Three, she expected to find Lance alone (with the exception of his Monsters).
Four, Ana might either have a crush or is in love with Lance.
Ace felt uncomfortable knowing that one of his friends has romantic feelings for his boyfriend.
Lance must have noticed his distress because he felt a hand encasing one of his in a warm, protective grasp. Ace took slow breaths, calming himself after realizing panicking would only worsen the situation.
Ana, who still wasn't aware of the tense air around them, asked, "So Lance, do you want to have lunch together?" She twirled one of her pigtails with her finger with a bashful smile, hoping that it would seem cute in his eyes.
The Dragonoid ignored her subtle flirtation (because it only works when it's from Ace) and shook his head. "I already had lunch with Ace. The food he made was delicious." From the corner of his eye, he sees his mate flustered at the praise.
Honestly, the older teen loves causing these adorable reaction from his equally adorable mate.
Ana frowned a bit, tilting her head in confusion. The scene in her head didn't go exactly like she would have thought. Lance was supposed to take her offer and they would both eat together while looking at the beautiful lake. After that, Ana would confess her feelings to Lance and he would return the same feelings towards her.
It would have been a happy ending for the two of them like in the books she read back at her village.
What went wrong?
Ana looked at Ace as though she finally notice his presence despite being in close proximity. She narrowed her sky blue eyes, taking in his appearance. Maybe Lance didn't accept her lunch offer because Ace was here.
That's right! Lance must have been shy to say "yes" with someone else there. Alright Ana, ask him again when he's alone next time!
Ana nodded determinedly, earning a confused look from the other two. She then cheerfully smiled at them. "Well then, you can have this Ace! I made some sandwiches so they shouldn't be too filling to eat."
Ace waved his hand in front of him, smiling nervously. "No, no! I'm fine!"
Ana pouted, "Nonsense! You still look too skinny for a boy, so you need to eat more properly." She dug into her basket to find the sandwiches, missing the frown on Ace's face and the cold glare from Lance.
Once Ana pulled out the sandwich, she threw the food at Ace. "Catch!"
What the pink haired teenager didn't expect was a flying Tamadora intercepting the sandwich with his wide, opened mouth. "Tama!"
Devi flew towards Lance's side. "Master Lance, are you alright, devi? Should I get rid of her for interrupting your date, devi?" The Devidra can tell that Ana wasn't paying any attention to him because she was gaping at the sandwich thief Tamazo.
Lance was all for letting his partner to drive away the naive girl, but he felt Ace squeezed his hand. He turned to see Ace shake his head, mouthing that they should just leave and head home. The Dragonoid was irritated that his day together with Ace was ruined by one meddling girl.
Lance broke his thoughts when he heard a choking sound from Tamazo. Devi quickly flew to the Tamadora and thumped his back firmly.
"Are you alright, Tamazo?" Ace asked, worried and quickly went to his partner's side.
Tamazo face grew a bit green then purple before shouting, "Tama!" The Monster fell onto the ground, cartoonish foam spilling from his mouth.
"Tamazo!" Ace cradled his fainting Tamadora. Lance was at his side with Healing Drops ready to use. Devi shook his light counterpart lightly yet firmly.
"Pull yourself together, devi!"
Ana can only watch with a clueless expression, not knowing what to do in the situation she unintentionally caused.
Author's Note: I have finally updated this story! I'm sorry it took so long, but I have been busy with family stuff and the likes.
So, we finally have our first victim in Ana's attempt of wooing Lance. Pray for Tamazo and his poor stomach. Actually, pray for any character that might be subjected to Ana's failing attempts of courtship. Someone would be bound to go to the hospital one way or another.
Ana was portrayed here as a cheerful, naive, and clueless teenage girl. I mostly assume she was raised without anyone around her age and was properly sheltered for the most of her life. She must have learn about the outside world from books and became somewhat of a dreamer, wanting a fairy tale ending. She hasn't realize that not all fairy tale endings are exactly real and true.
This isn't me if there isn't Lance/Ace moments. I love making angst and fluffy scenes for them! I practically live for writing these moments! Love them!
Leave a review or a comment! See you guys next chapter!
