Yggdrasil's Ace
Chapter 24
Author Notes: Last Chapter we had to say good-bye to the lovely Sylvando...what a shame. And we got to see the gang split up for the first time since gallopolis(did I spell that right-it's been too long lol) Time to see what went down. I do not own Dragon Quest.
3rd P.O.V
It was soon going to be the end to a beautiful day. There was a warm glow from the sun, a crisp, misty breeze from the ocean...yet despite the wonderous weather no one was exactly in a good mood. It seems that they can't go to one city without something happening to them.
That something usually not being good. And this time really wasn't any sort of exception. "Grr give it back you dirty rotten thief!" Erik felt a headache coming along as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's not like you can you use it anyway."
He glanced at his lover who could only give him a sheepish smile before the pair of them turned back to Veronica. "Oh dear." Serena held her hand up to her lips, looking rather nervous as she stared on.
The pigtailed spellcaster had her hands on her hips as she scowled at the thief standing before her. "A kid like you would have no idea how to summon a spell properly." The stolen item was Veronica's magic staff.
Which was ironically taller than both her and the little boy who managed to swipe it from her grasp. The young boy tried to take a tentative step back, scowling at the remark. Though thanks to a big hulking horse who had his teeth buried into the child's tunic...he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
And neither was his little friend who was standing there, trembling and silent. "Why no? You are a kid, just like me! Anyway, I only borrow, no steal!" Erik was swiftly losing his patience. "What going on here?" Ace could only sigh, rubbing her head.
To think their day was going so well. But a lot could happen within an hour. When Ace had returned without Veronica and Midno, the rogue and healer were immediately alarmed. "The little boy took it from her after we took a slight break from asking around. Midno quickly caught him but he refuses to give it back."
It was kinda funny with how paranoid they were up until they arrived. Though, this little stalemate between a child and a teenager turned into a child only to act like a child couldn't go on. "Right..." Now there was really nothing stopping them from taking the staff back.
In fact that was exactly what Erik does as he takes two steps forward. "E-eh!?" The two boys jerked, startled as Erik tossed the scepter back towards its owner. "Here. Don't let it get swiped so easily next time." All he got was a huff.
She didn't bother giving him a thank you or apology, more focused on frowning at the sticky fingered brat. "But why would you want it in the first place? It's not worth much if its money you're after." With the return of the staff, Midno had released his prisoner.
Watching with narrowed eyes as the boys remained in place. It didn't take long at all for the young boy- Benigno to explain why he tried to steal from them. And already Erik could see where this was going.
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The group now found themselves with a new series of problems. "If what he said was true...then it's possible someone placed a curse on Placido." The group gathered around in Veronica and Serena's room. The latter holding a pillow as she shifts her gaze around.
"But why would someone do that to him?" What good would silencing him do? "Benigno mentioned him being Doge's son...maybe that's got something to do with it." Like with Gallopolis and the Sand National, the gossip mill was more or less based on the Signore Universo competition going on.
With its benefactor Doge Rotondo being the head honcho on what goes on in town. "On top of that-nothing on the Rainbough...with rumors of viscous monsters out in the sea that along with the competition is preventing any sort of boats from leaving the docks."
Even if there was word of that merchant with Yggdrasil's magical branch, they couldn't head out to follow them. The only way out to somewhere new was via boat, something none of them had. And again, no boats were allowed out currently.
They were stuck. Ace had been listening to her companions for the last few minutes, each of them bringing forth all the information they gathered when a thought comes to her. "How long was it that there was notice of dangerous sea monsters?" Veronica blinked, her brows furrowed in confusion.
"Not too long ago, a few days most." Her companions watch the Luminary purse her lips in thought, before turning to Serena. "And what about Placido's voice?" Just like with the monsters, a few days ago.
And immediately all of them could see where her train of thought is going. "You think they're connected?" Erik crosses his arms, resting his back against the wall as his lover nods in confirmation. It was the only thing she could think of.
It couldn't be a coincidence. Around the same time as when an important figure in Gondolia is working on an important competition, monsters start acting overly aggressive AND his only son is forced mute...as crazy as fate and luck could be-this didn't feel random.
No. Something felt off. Despite the cheery, celebratory atmosphere that took place, there was a harsher air than that of Gallopolis. Darker... "I think he was literally kept quiet. Something he must've known or seen that would cause trouble should his father know."
There were still missing pieces to figuring out what's going on. "Sadly with Placido's...less than stellar hand writing, we're out of luck of learning what he knows." As much as all of them would like to relax from their journey through the desert, they couldn't pass up on this mystery.
"So first order of business is fixing up the kid's voice. Ronnie did Benigno's plan have any merit? Could you cure him with your magic?" The girl in question rolls her eyes. Once more she was questioning Erik's intelligence to herself while snorting.
Honestly who did he take her for? "If that was the case either myself or Serena would've already done so." Even though what he did was wrong, Benigno was easily forgiven for his crime. All he wanted to do was hear his friend laugh and talk again.
Of course he was probably better off asking them, since the entire group was full of softies. "The church was incapable of healing him-so it may not be a curse after all..." Erik's mouth twisted a bit at that remark.
He didn't say anything, but Ace took notice of his expression. Able to read his thoughts perfectly on the matter. That it wasn't usually the matter of the church being unable to help-but rather how much money the poor victims had on them to pay for their services.
Begnino was a kid, sure he was friends with the Doge's son, but still a kid-to a commoner. The irony was not lost on the blue haired male. To think that riches and corrupt connections determined who exactly was worthy of the 'Goddess's Intervention' when it should be their faith and reasons.
As much as he gripes about the damn statues that are around the campsites, he can at least feel the presence of something powerful and otherworldly when he sees Ace pray or ask for aid. Plus any donations were guaranteed to go to the Goddess herself instead of the bastard priests.
"You know...while Veronica and I were exploring, there was a gentleman complaining about severe pains to his throat-so much so that he struggled to speak. His cousin had mentioned a special elixir that could cure any throat ailment. Curse or otherwise."
It took a moment but Serena's eyes widened then. Realization shining through as she claps her hands. "Ohh! That's right, I'd nearly forgotten! It's birdsong nectar correct?" Ace couldn't help smiling as she gave a slight nod.
Though she couldn't recall the name confidently at the top of her head, it sounded right. "I think so. Problem is I have no idea how it's made or where we could find it." As quick as Serena's excitement came, it left.
Her smile dimming swiftly as she pondered. "It's not a hard mixture to make process wise...though I would need water from a sacred spring or fountain." Water that's very pure, making it incredibly potent against any wicked spells of darkness.
There were a few options they could go about to get some, though none of them were appealing. There was the church, which due to the vices already shown from the holy men and women of Gondolia, it'd be a hassle to get the actual quality holy water from them.
Then there was the spring back in the monster crypt where they first met Serena. Causing the twins to shudder perfectly in sync at the mention. "I...could go see Father Izar. He'd happily supply me some." The already tense air thickened as Erik grimaced.
His face showing a striking amount of concern as he rests a palm on Ace's shoulder. Her gaze unwilling to meet anyone else's as she tries to hold in the pain that suddenly jerked her heart.
Why? Why did this happen?
What did these people do to deserve such a fate!?
The buildings should not be painted black and gray.
The smell of smoke should not be overtaking her senses like this...
Ace should've never been accepted as a member of this town.
She should've died instead-
"Let's leave that as a last resort. Especially since he potentially may no longer be at the church." That...was true. Though at this point Erik was hoping that just so Ace didn't have to force herself to go back home.
To relive the sadness and regret nestled in her heart like a festering wound. "Father Izar?" The sisters shared a look, taking note of the grim atmosphere. "A-ah isn't there a cave nearby that is said to have magic water with healing properties?"
Serena and her sibling weren't sure what exactly happened(they had a vague guess, but they had no recall of Erik telling them of a man named Izar) but neither of them appreciated the negative shift in mood.
So the healing mage searched for whatever information she could grab forth. Practically shouting it in the hopes of revitalizing the young swordswoman. Of course Erik caught on-and being with her for their search knew exactly what she was talking about.
He was grateful for her memory. "Oh yeah. An old man mentioned that on the southern side of town. What did he call it? The Grotta della Fonte?" It was the only place mentioned that none of them had any previously bad experiences with.
No trauma or lingering fear to be found when its name is brought up. And it wasn't far from the port town at all. "So...then tomorrow we resupply and prepare to head out for the Grotto." No one said anything as Ace took a shaky breath.
Barely able to muster up the words, but slightly proud of herself for staying as composed as she could. Still she could feel the penetrating stares that she refused to meet. "Sounds good. Though its getting late. Come on Ace."
Carefully he rose with her, keeping her hand in his as they bid the Arborian women a good night. "See you tomorrow!" He felt a tight squeeze as he gently pulled her out. "Don't try anything funny with her Erik!" Blushing he spews out a rude retort.
Silently giving his girlfriend a responding squeeze. Smiling with a slight sigh of relief as the girl quietly giggles. "Have a good night girls." She wasn't exactly ok...but she was getting there, one step at a time. "Night." One problem to solve or issue to address at a time.
to be continued
Author Notes: A new town, a new mystery and a bit more hinting for the twins to figure out. I didn't really care about Gondalia but it's still an important town and I thought it was funny how Veronica and Begnino fought.
Figured I'd incorporate it somehow. But that's it. Everyone thank you for reading. As always feel free to show some support by faving/following/reviewing. Really makes my day. I'll see you all next time. Tchao for now.
