Yggdrasil's Ace
Chapter 4
Author Notes: So Sen's dropping his co-author hammer on me. Apparently I have way too many stories stockpiled so today and probably once a week(we'll see how long that lasts lol) is going to be a story dump where certain stories will have several chapters uploaded.
This will be the first of many my friends. Last time Erik and Ace ran into a mystical magical plant and took care of a mystical mischievous imp...So let's get on with it shall we? I do not own Dragon Quest.
3rd P.O.V
There was a dull gleam that shouldn't have been found in the Luminary's eyes. To Erik, it didn't look right on him. It was nothing like the passionate fire he saw when Hendrik's men were beating him to a pulp. But he supposed his new partner had every right to be so upset, it should've been expected.
After fighting hordes of monsters, traveling for hours upon hours on end, and sneaking passed the main roads-this is what the Luminary returns to? Instead of happy faces and the sweet sight of home there was destruction. What buildings weren't reduced to rubble was still on fire.
Smoke turning the sky black. In all honesty Erik wished that it was even darker, if it meant that hiding the horrific fate of the Cobblestone townspeople. Blood painted the pathways, leading to bodies littering the earthy floor.
Pierced with arrows, stabbed by swords, burned alive...there was no sign of mercy as crows pecked at the remains. "Ace..." He's been silent ever since he touched that tree. It was a stark contrast to the gentleman who matched his banter with laughs or told stories of his childhood.
There was no sign of the boy who asked curious questions when seeking guidance. It was amazing how at ease the teen was with Erik. Though to be fair-they did jump off a raging cliff together. Not exactly a step taken when making introductions. But for them-it worked.
And considering how well they maneuvered around each other when fighting it only made sense for the thief's sense of interest to peak in learning about the mysterious Luminary. But Erik wasn't sure what to do or say when he looked towards Ace now.
He stood rigid, his eyes scrunched as if he was on the verge of breaking down. Tears desperately wanting to form, yet the country boy simply shook his head. Refusing to show his grief. "I'm fine." Releasing a shaky exhale, he made his way towards the center.
Ignoring concerned blue eyes that followed his every movement. The thief desperately wanted to comfort him, but didn't know how. "Ace! Oh great Goddess you're alright." A wrinkled priest in dark purple robes ran in their direction. A whimper escaping Erik's companion at the sight.
At least not everyone was killed. "Father Izar? What are you doing here? I thought you were visiting your daughter." The elder man quickly took the boy into his arms, squeezing him tight. Erik kept his distance, not wanting to intrude on the somewhat touching scene.
Though he still lingered, watching with slight relief. The priest hold's Ace's face in his hands, salty crystals freely flowing. Shame and anger caused him to shake, much like a raging volcano he was ready to burst.
"I was. I had left her home two days ago, running into a merchant warning me of soldiers, only to arrive and find our home in ruins. I'm sorry Ace. They left the church untouched-but everything else...I'm so sorry."
The teen choked back a sob, knowing that it wasn't the holy man's fault this happened. It was entirely his. "Don't apologize Father...there was nothing you could've done." There was a fatigued acceptance that fell on the boy's shoulders as he looked around his home.
His expression full of pain. Cobblestone had bodies lingering everywhere, but his silver-blue gaze found a few holes dug next to the chapel, and even fewer graves. "Ace?" Refusing to break down, the young man takes a deep breath, closing his eyes a moment before shrugging off his coat.
In two swift actions he pulls the sleeves up to his elbows. "Where do you want everyone Father?" Erik stands stunned at the question, eyes wide and sad. "There is no need child. This is not a burden for you to carry." But it was.
"Please Father Izar...indulge me just this once." Some hero he was. For all the good the legends say, he couldn't even protect his family and home town. Why was he chosen? "I...dear one. Al-Ace-" The old man was struggling to form words, he wanted to provide comfort, give support.
But there was nothing he could do to quell the guilt and regret in those young irises. Izar was not sure what burdens formed on those small, fragile shoulders but he knew the teen long enough to know it was going to be a pointless argument. "Grab the shovel in the chapel. I'll mark a name in the earth for everyone."
Relieved, Ace does as he's told. Heading inside the building without looking back. Giving Father Izar a chance to analyze the blue haired companion. "I don't know who you are young man, but I'm grateful to see Ace is not alone during these hard times." Taking that as his cue Erik approaches warily.
Glancing towards the doors before addressing him. "It's no big deal. He's a good guy and doesn't deserve any of this shit." There was a great desire to scold Erik for his vulgar mouth, however Izar couldn't find it in him to, especially since he was absolutely right.
There was no need for the knights to come and destroy their village like this. It was completely unwarranted. "Indeed. What is your name boy?" The thief fidgets for a moment, hesitant in answering. "Erik..." A small smile forms on the elder's lips.
"Well then Erik. As much as it pains me, there's very little I can do to help Ace with the journey at hand. So...if you could, keep a watchful eye on her?" Erik scrunched his eyes a bit, confused.
Only to turn his gaze towards Ace who returned with a shovel. "I'm ready to begin Father." It was a painful process for the three of them. Though Ace had mixed feelings for his fellow traveler assisting.
On one hand he was grateful for his new friend's aid in burying the dead, on the other, he felt awful about him feeling obligated. Even if he says otherwise. "I'm here because I want to be here Ace. What happened here wasn't right and like hell am I letting you do this on your own."
He still hadn't brought up the vision he had with the Yggdrasil root. As important as it was, there were matters that took priority right now. "Mum..." He had to say goodbye to all who he lived with. Who made him who he is today.
"Gemma. Everyone-please forgive me." And who ultimately died because of his ignorance and naivety. "Ohh poor souls of Cobblestone, our dear friends and family...may the Goddess guide you to a blissful paradise. May you watch over the lost lambs who have yet to join you. Blessed be."
Both Izar and Ace bow their heads down then, watching the wind give a harsh push, taking the flowers they collected into the sky. A cold, numb sensation overtook the brunette as his gaze still locked onto the sky.
Only to flinch when a hand gently grasped the boy's shoulder. "Why don't you and your companion rest in the chapel tonight? Goddess knows you're due for some rest." He wanted to refuse, not wanting to burden Father Izar anymore than he already has.
But it wouldn't be fair to Erik, who looked just as tired as he did. They had been traveling and fighting monsters nonstop so far. As much as he wanted to deny it, they needed to accept the offer. "If it's not too much trouble." All it took was a gentle push and cluck of Izar's tongue to usher them in.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXXx
Weary blue eyes slowly opened as moonlight danced across his bed, temporarily blinding him. Hours had passed since he and Ace went to sleep for the night, yet as he glances around the room, the man in question was nowhere to be seen. "Ace?" He quietly whispered as he immediately hopped off the mattress.
He wasn't fully rested, his muscles screaming in a symphony of aches but he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep until he knew where the Luminary was. "Goddess...why did you choose me?" It shouldn't have surprised him to find Ace in the praying room.
On his knees with clasped hands he faces the statue. Tears finally falling freely down his cheeks. His cries open and raw. "Out of all those in our world-why am I chosen as the hero? I'm just some kid from the country-I can't protect anyone!"
His hand grips his chest, roughly squeezing the fabric. Erik found himself powerless standing there, unable to raise his voice or take a single step. But he couldn't move. Though he was desperately wracking his brain, not a thing was coming to mind as to what to do.
What could he say? What could he do to help? "I want...to have faith that there was a reason for me to take on this purpose as the Luminary, but i'm scared." Swallowing a painful lump in his throat Ace continues, completely unaware of the audience.
"I'm terrified. That I'll fail and bring death to Erik and Father Izar. Please...I beg of you please watch over your lost lambs. Give me the strength to accomplish my duty-whatever it may be. And protect those left who are important to me." Blue eyes widen, stunned once more.
When people think of the title 'Hero of the Ages' one would think them to be strong, charismatic and untouchable. If anyone asked the thief's opinion on the subject he would've simply told them there was no such thing. There was very little good in the world from what he's seen in the time he's traveled.
Anyone that called themselves a hero was crazy, arrogant, a liar or some strange combination of the three. Ace, was none of those things-hell knowing him the Luminary even before this would've denied the title of hero.
Granted it hasn't been all that long since they jumped off that cliff, but Erik wants to say he's starting to understand how the teen younger than him ticked. Ace was the type of person who was caring and compassionate.
Back in the slums he gave up some of the medicinal herbs in his bag to one of the merchants who was struggling with a nasty sickness. When he was told to collect holy water and buzzberries so a little brat's dog could chase away the guard...He brought double the original amount.
Because he knew the little girl only wanted to make sure her and her loyal companion had food to eat. He was willing to hide his sorrows in exchange of someone else's happiness. Or in the case of helping Father Izar, hide his sorrows to help lighten the burden of others.
It was clear as he watched the teen break down into heart wrenching sobs, that...he didn't deserve any of the suffering he's undergone. He shouldn't sound so broken and alone. Lost in this grand destiny laid out for him to do. Still, even when in the face of grief he managed to show how selfless he is.
Despite his fears and insecurities...he prayed for Erik's protection. It was mind boggling. Asking for his protection as if he were something precious. Yeah he said when they first met that they were now partners in this whole saving the world thing till the end-but he never believed Ace would take those words to heart like this.
Although it made sense he would feel this way since...he had no home or family now. Sure Erik was a crook. Someone who on a daily basis stole from anyone and everyone that passed him by but at the end of the day...he was willing to support him with the trials that lay ahead.
Ace's confessions also made him question just what kind of demons were in his head. The comments of him feeling unworthy or incapable of accomplishing his tasks seem unfounded to the thief. If anything the Goddess chose the perfect person for the job.
Someone humble, brave and open. One who could handle themselves in a fight and not let some bias sense of justice sway his decisions. Pure. If Ace hadn't gained his respect and loyalty before-he most certainly did now. Though...there was some nagging sense that Erik was forgetting something.
It was probably important if it bugged him like an itch, but he wasn't worried about that right now. "A bit late to do some praying ey Ace?" His priority was trying to convince his partner to get his ass back to bed and actually get some sleep.
to be continued
Author Notes: So in the game the main character comes back to his home in ruins with their loved ones and fellow villagers gone without a trace. I...decide to kill everyone the main character's ever cared and about and left their bodies for Ace to find.
Do you people see why Sen gets scared whenever I have an AHA idea or decides to work on a random story prompt he gives me? Things go terribly wrong lol. But that is it for now folks. As always thank you all for reading.
If you like this story so far and want to show some support please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a lot to me~ I'll see you all next time. It'll be a bit more upbeat I promise. Tchao for now.