Yggdrasil's Ace

Chapter 29

Author Notes: Long time no see folks! I'm still alive, but uh busy bee be busy so i'm not gonna waste any time today. I do not own Dragon Quest. Let's go!

3rd P.O.V

There was a pattern to be had as the group traveled through the vast sea. Idle chitchats and battles against monsters by day, and Erik finding Ace asleep with books scattered about her frame at night.

"I finally caught you awake. What's with all the reading?" He smiles, amused as Ace yawns, rubbing her eyes. "Researching." His gaze glances at the vast amount of texts laying around. "Research huh? And that's the reason why I find you clonked out here night after night?" Caught red-handed she blushes.

Nervously chuckling before yawning again. Well, it explained why she always found herself wake up in her bedroom. "I figured I'd make use of the free time I have?" He gives her a look. His expression half amused, half exasperated.

Taking a seat right next to her, taking in the bright stars overtaking the night sky. "I think you're overdoing it Ace. It's not good for you to be reading till you pass out like this. At the very least read in your room."

She gave him a sheepish smile. "Sorry. I really don't mean to do it." A sigh escapes him, not really surprised with her answer. "I know you don't but you don't have to go about running yourself ragged like this. It's ok to take it easy especially with what happened a few days ago." It was why she was doing this.

It never hurt to be prepared. Call her paranoid...no one could really blame her. Erik gave her a look as his hands moved. "You missed dinner." Her eyes widen slightly in surprise. Guess she was reading longer than she initially thought.

Her eyes blink as a bowl was offered in her direction, a wonderful, steamy aroma hitting her nose. "There wasn't much left, but I managed to steal the rest before Veronica could get her grubby mitts on it." A small chuckle escaped her but her hands were hesitant to accept the dish.

"I'm...not that hungry." That wasn't true, and they both knew it. Especially when her stomach grumbled in protest. "Try again Ace." She sighs, but gingerly takes a bite of the stew. It was good. Even if the others didn't praise it to the moon and back over the last few days, she knew it was good.

But, it didn't uplift her mood, and he could see her struggling. "What's wrong?" Not wanting to worry him anymore than she currently was she takes a few more bites before putting it down, looking pained. "I-it's not the same." His lips open slightly with those furrowed brows.

Another sigh breaks through as she gingerly holds the bowl. "This was my mom's recipe. But it's not the same." She was homesick, so much so it hurt. "Whenever I was upset, my mom always made me stew to cheer me up. It was my favorite dish and the only thing I know how to make."

She wouldn't cry, she's done enough to last her a lifetime. So she would ignore her lover's concern and take a deep breath. "I...she was always able to turn things around when things were rough, so I thought I could do it for everyone else. But it's not the same." Despite memorizing the recipe and having all the ingredients.

"Sorry. I just..." She missed her, she wanted her mom here, showing her how to make the stew the right way. She wanted to see the smiles on her friend's faces on how it should be properly made. "Don't. It's ok." He squeezes her free hand, knocking his head with hers gently.

He could relate to how she was feeling, even if the circumstances were different. "Maybe we can make it together next time and tweak out any issues." Honestly it wasn't a surprise he offered. Out of the two of them he was more experienced in the kitchen.

Knowing far more recipes and just naturally gifted with his knives. "It's ok Erik. You don't have to." He was going to. "It could be something as simple as the ingredients. Different continents and regions all have their own unique flair. It's not a bother Ace."

Could that be it? "Really?" She looks at him, skeptical. "Yes Ace. Maybe...one day we can head back to Heliodor, make sure old man Izar is ok. And while there, try it again." A smile forms on her face as he turns away, blushing.

"I'd like that." It was a simple idea, but one that promised a future not full of monsters or fulfilling a sacred duty. "Uh great. Hey! You need to finish eating. I didn't risk Ronny's wrath just so it could go cold." So flustered he forgot she could reheat it. With a laugh she continues eating.

Even if it didn't taste exactly like her mother's homemade stew, she couldn't deny that she felt warm inside.

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Ace and Erik were really getting sick of fate and how much the fickle mistress liked to make things more difficult than it had to be. "A tournament? Really?!" Veronica groaned, tilting her head to the ceiling.

"This is ridiculous!" Ace couldn't agree more. Not only would they have to win first place, but this was also with randomized partners. "Chin up darlings. With all of us entering, that pretty little branch will be as good as ours~" Leave it to Sylv to keep everyone's spirits up.

At least until the receptionist opened up his mouth, sneering at Veronica. "This tournament is for those of age and up. Children are not allowed." Everyone felt chills run down their spines long before the fiery mage tried to smack the man with her staff.

Thankfully Serena and Erik were fast enough before she could actually do damage, but she was still swinging. "I dare you to say that to my face again! I'll have you know I'm more than capa-mm!" While those two backed away, Ace and Sylvando went about signing them up.

"Turn that frown upside down, young lady. We'll manage just fine." She wanted to believe in the jester's words. Desperately the Luminary wanted to hope that this would be the last of their running around for the Rainbough and that it won't be so difficult.

However as she glanced around the lobby in Octagonia, she found herself unsure. There were several individuals chatting, many of them looking intimidating when dawned in costumes. She herself felt piercing gazes into her being. "Let's just hope Ronnie doesn't burn this place down along with everyone else..."

It was a new town alongside the opportunity they had been waiting for after traveling by boat. All of them were feeling somewhat restless despite the relatively safe voyage. "-ill out Ronnie. How was he supposed to know you were more than just a shrimpboat?" Erik leaped out of the way, nearly falling into Ace.

"Ohhh i'll show both of you just how terrifying I can be! You're lucky I won't be allowed to enter otherwise I'd be burning you to a crisp." Ace could only sigh, not surprised to see her friend and lover bantering.

Serena met her gaze, concern shimmering through her eyes. "Are you alright, Ace?" The girl in question offered her a slight nod. "Yes. We're all signed up. I can only hope that the competition isn't as fierce as i'm thinking it is." Immediately the thief clasped her hand in his.

He gave their intertwined fingers a squeeze. "I'm thinking they're more worried about you. People have been staring at you the moment we walked in." Guess she wasn't overreacting after all. However she wasn't sure if that made her feel better or worse.

She followed his gaze, finding a woman with long black hair staring at her with narrowed eyes. Immediately she turned away, unprepared for the intensity behind those eyes. They were filled with passion and determination. The only question was why? And why stare at her.

"Well let's get a move on to booking some rooms, from what I heard while waiting around, those in the tournament don't have to pay. So that's a bit of gold that can be put to better use." Together they all left the lobby. Chills racked up Ace's back, a familiar sensation she didn't need or want.

The last time she felt those was when she was being ogled by Faris. It seemed regardless of what gender she looked, trouble seemed to search her out. The swordswoman could only hope that whatever the source was for her discomfort was more tolerable to deal with...

to be continued

Author Notes: Wahoo, that's another done, and I think we all know who's been keeping their eyes on Ace but for those unsure, well, you'll have to wait till next time lol.

Ok with that I'm gonna end it here. Ladies and gents that is all for now. Thank you all so much for reading. If you like please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean so much to me. Tchao for now!