Yggdrasil's Ace
Chapter 2
Author Notes: Hey guys. *sees date* well uh...look i'm sorry. I keep forgetting to post these chapters but here's to hoping you guys like it~ I do not own Dragon Quest.
3rd P.O.V
Life was a whirlwind. "Between fighting guards, evading fire breathing dragons and jumping off cliffs I gotta say it's never a dull moment with you is it?" Ace gives him a small smile as they make their way into the slums.
"I'm sure you'd find some way to entertain yourself even without my crazy luck." Erik laughs, not denying the statement as he readjusts his hood. "Not wrong on that account. How're you feeling by the way? Bruises are probably still hurting right?" He tries to peer through the hood.
Wincing when the black and blue marks could still be easily seen in the light. As if the injuries didn't look bad enough with dim torches... "Looks worse than it feels. The nun was kind enough to give me some salve for it."
He frowns as Ace clutches his hood, trying to hide himself further in the fabric. "You're sure you feel alright going? We could've stayed back for another day or two if you're not fully recovered." The last thing Erik needed was the Luminary passing out or aggravating his wounds.
If the guards find them, both of them need to be in tip-top shape. Still his concerns are waved, his new traveling companion actually walking faster in a pitiful, painful attempt to prove he was fine. Even though Erik could tell he clearly wasn't.
"I'm fine Erik, it stings, but it's nothing i'm not used to. And even so...I didn't want to inconvenience the elder woman anymore than I already did. Better she didn't know who we were before the knights come snooping around." That was a fair point.
Still, the bruises didn't look good, and that was just on Ace's face, didn't count anywhere else that was hidden by the clothes he was wearing. And that didn't even count his limp. Wait-nothing he isn't used to!? "So do you think your friend Derk will be able to help us?"
Erik narrowed his eyes at the sudden change of topic but decided to let it go for the moment. Especially since the inexperienced warrior had every right to be concerned about their latest problem.
Ever since their little escape knights have been coveting all the main roads leading to Cobblestone. Making it difficult to figure out how to get there without getting spotted. It didn't help that the country boy never left his hometown until he was of age.
"Absolutely~ He's a crappy thief, but does good work with gathering info. If anything he'll give us the gossip on the guards' whereabouts and give us the best route. And we'll get the loot I stashed away to boot~ A win-win in my books." It was not only the only plan they had, but also the best.
Ace was sure if it was just him-well for starters he'd never get out of jail. He'd probably still be sitting there waiting for his death. And even if he miraculously escaped, there was little doubt would get found out and arrested again. "Then I'll follow your lead."
Suddenly the two heard a growl, leading them to bring out their weapons. "Sabrecubs. Let's do this!" They were cute little babies, so cute that Ace's first instincts was to reach out and pet...but he wasn't stupid.
They may be young, but they were still monsters that could do some damage if you're not careful. With fangs and claws the monsters leap, ready to strike. Ace was prepared, easily able to block and push them back.
"Hya!" Despite their lack of experience, the two of them worked well together. Erik was agile, easily able to maneuver around and give quick slashes with his dagger. "Frizz!" A good contrast to Ace who though is agile himself, prefers using magic safely at a distance when not able to gain reach with his sword.
The fight didn't take long at all. "Not too shabby partner. You sure you lived far down south in the mountains?" There was a small sense of pride found as the monster's bodies faded out of existence. The two quickly sheathing their blades, giving Ace the time to compose himself.
His eyes lighting up at the praise. "You bet. Cobblestone is a small, isolated town surrounded by mountains. We relied on learning various skills to make use of the natural resources around us. I learned how to defend myself from my grandpa Chalky who was a jack of all trades from traveling."
Ace loved that man. There wasn't a single bad bone in his body, and always was there whenever Ace needed him. "Sounds like a great guy." If only he was here to guide the teen now. "He was. I miss him dearly." Especially with the dark thoughts and worries lingering.
"Remember to keep your hood up and a low profile."
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"You no-good double crossing rat!" Ace winced as the blue haired boy threw a punch, ready to knock the backstabbing thief off his ass. Erik was absolutely livid-and the Luminary couldn't blame him in the slightest.
They had spent hours searching high and low in down town Heliodor, only to discover that Derk was nowhere to be found. And on top of that, the red orb Erik had hidden away before his arrest was missing as well. It didn't take long for them to put two and two together.
Of course Erik's friend and the owner of the only inn found on that side of town confirmed that Derk opened up his own shop among the rich nobles. There was no doubt he went and took the orb to sell off while Erik rotted away in jail...
"Erik-my brother, my comrade in arms! Oh how I've missed you!" But Ace noticed tears in the mans' eyes as he held his old thieving partner, preventing him from actually landing a punch. "Get off me you piece of shit! Have you no shame!?" With a pained grunt the two separate.
Erik crosses his arms, scowling with deep, hurt eyes. "You always were full of it-but this takes the cake. You sold me out!" Ace couldn't help shuffling his feet, feeling out of place. "No! I never sold you out! I've been worried sick-"
Suddenly a hand tentatively touched his shoulder, making him glance behind him. It was a young woman in a beautiful, red gown that pooled down to her feet with a ruffle lace under piece. There was a light-hearted aura around her, calm as can be despite the tension in the air.
Offering him a kind smile. "Would you like to join me for some tea while those two talk? It looks like it may be awhile." There was a bit of hesitation on the Luminary's part...he hasn't known Erik long but the guy knows his way around a knife.
He was worried that if he left, Derk was going to get shanked left and right. But it seemed it was a rhetorical question as Ace is dragged away. Sitting down as a maid gives him a fresh cup of tea. "No need to look so worried. Knowing my husband, things will be just fine." She gives him a sunny-side smile.
"Are you friends with Erik as well?" He takes a small sip, enjoying the warm herbal aroma. It was a delicious blend, one he couldn't quite pinpoint the flavor of. But regardless of what it was, it was soothing. Releasing some of the tension in his stiff shoulders.
She giggles, waving her hand around. "Oh no. I only know him through the stories Derk told me. He was worried sick about his friend when he got locked away, and did whatever he could to try and help him. I fell in love with him when I started assisting him with his business." It was a cute story.
But it didn't exactly explain what happened within the months Erik was locked away. Though Ace supposed it really wasn't any of his business. "Would you like a tart? They're absolutely divine~ Oh where are my manners!? I'm Gisella!"
She was a sweet girl. Her eyes were sparkling as she passed the pastries down his way. "I go by Ace Miss. Gisella. Thank you for your hospitality." Another giggle passes through her lips.
"My pleasure. I must say I didn't expect to meet such a well mannered thief! I've heard so many fascinating stories of roving rogues. To think I'd get to meet his companions is incredible. Especially with the reputation surrounding Erik! The most light fingered gentleman in all the realm~"
Ace took a bite of the snack. Tasting a pleasant sweetness as Gisella goes off on a tangent. For a moment he forgot about his current issues, too enraptured with the tales she told. Despite her prim and proper demeanor, the woman knew how to narrate a story, weaving the tales as if she was there herself.
It...was also nice that Ace got to learn more about his new ally, since the rogue in question didn't talk about himself too much. "Seems like you two are hitting it off." Ace raises an eyebrow, taking a sip of his tea as Derk and Erik enter.
The murderous aura from before nowhere to be found on the latter. No signs of a scuffle to be seen either. "Oh absolutely. Ace is such a delight~ I haven't had such a captivated audience in so long! Far more enjoyable than the priss aristocrats I had to deal with before."
He coughs, sputtering at the compliment, missing the amused expressions on both men. "Is that right? Well, I guess that means you two will have to come back and visit once in a while." Taking that as his cue, the swordsman rises from his seat.
Giving Gisella a slight nod of his head. "Thank you for your company." The girl simply claps her hand in glee, acting much like a child. "The pleasure was all mine~ Please take these treats for your journey." The married woman was not taking no for an answer.
Placing the leftover goodies in a little napsack before pushing it into Ace's hands. Fumbling for a response much to Erik's amusement. "Never gonna see me saying no for free food. Come on Ace-we got a lot of ground to cover." Derk escorts them out, happily marching as he hums a little tune.
"It seems 'endrick and 'is men went and took the red orb to Kingsbarrow. It's been under lock and key there ever since." It was good to see Erik in a better mood. Even more so when they're told where to go.
The Manglegrove. "You coming Derk? For old time's sake?" The merchant gives a sheepish smile as he rubs the back of his head. Ace already knew what the man's answer was going to be. "Sorry, no can do. I got a shop to run and am a married man these days."
Blue eyes widen for a moment, before a wry grin forms. "Married huh? Well you did say you wanted to settle down and open a business. I'm happy for you." The two share a hug, their misunderstanding cleared completely.
"It means all the world to 'ear you say that Erik. I wish you and your new partner the best of luck." Ace thanks him for his aid. Tilting his head in confusion as Derk eyes him up and down.
Humming for a moment before speaking. "You seem like a bright fellow-keep an eye on 'im you 'ear? Also feel free to come back and visit anytime. Gisella absolutely adored you." The comments caused the swordsman to flush.
Even more so when a slim arm wrapped around his shoulders. "Fraid we got bigger worries than tea time Derk but we'll be sure to keep that in mind. We'll be seeing you."
to be continued
Author Notes: So not gonna lie I forgot Derk's wifes' name, so I gave her one lol. I was too lazy to go back and find out but that's fine alright. She doesn't play a too big a role in this story so we can forget all about her lol.
Anyways next time we're hitting the forest route home, fun times await if you recall the story. Anyways that is it for now guys. Thank you so much for reading my story. If you like please feel free to show your support as it always makes my day! Tchao for now.