Yggdrasil's Ace

Chapter 5

Author Notes: I be back with another chapter folks. As you're aware from the last time Sen is sending several chapters for posting so let us get on with it...and be sure to read the ending author notes. It'll make sense I promise-I do not own Dragon Quest.

3rd P.O.V

"So a royal hero turned country bumpkin. You just can't make this shit up." Erik grinned seeing his partner flush terribly, looking more alive than he's been the last couple days. Carefully the young swordsman places the letters from his birth mother and Grandpa Chalky in his bag.

Still feeling slightly overwhelmed with the letters' contents. "As if things couldn't get anymore complicated..." A sigh escaped the brunette. A headache was coming. "Well it explains my name at the very least."

His mouth twisted wryly as he thought about the information presented by his birth mother. "So Ace isn't your actual name then?" Erik knew something seemed off. It took a little bit of time but he remembered at least one of the things that was irritating him before.

When talking to Izar, the priest had almost called Ace something else before catching himself. And in general what parent names their kid Ace unless they were a gambler? "No...it's not." A small hum escaped the teen as they began walking to their next destination-the Kingsbarrow.

Home to the red orb Erik had tried to steal. Why it wasn't just kept here instead of being hidden in Heliodor's kingdom Erik would never know. Though he supposed he wouldn't have run into Ace if things didn't happen the way it did.

He shakes his head, turning his gaze towards his friend who walked a step or two ahead. A small smile on his lips. "It's a nickname my grandpa gave me. As much as I liked my birth name...it didn't feel right to me. Sounded too elegant and sophisticated. Which now I understand why."

There was a far away look in his expression as he glanced towards the sky. "So what's you're actual name then?" Erik tilted his head in curiosity. The nagging sensation just would not go away. His desire for mysteries intensified at he analyzed the Luminary.

"Why don't we play a little game if you're so interested. Guess." But that sensation was forgotten as he met Ace's gaze. There was a sly-almost mischievous smile on Ace's lips that made him blink in shock. "Wh-guess?" Silver-blue orbs narrowed playfully at him.

A wonderful stark contrast to the dark, sorrowful grief that's been lingering lately. A sense of relief filled the rogue. It was nice to see that Ace was starting to act like himself again. Even if it was a feeble attempt to distract himself of the dozens of graves now littering Cobblestone.

"Like I said it sounds too sophisticated of a name for me. I'd rather be called Ace, but If you can figure it out I'll tell you." Well who was he to ignore such a light hearted challenge. "Got any hints for me? I just can't go shooting at this game blind." It was also a good way to pass the time as they traveled.

A good distraction. It didn't help that most of the monsters ran from them seeing how weak they were. "It starts with the letter A." A groan rumbles from the blue haired teen, leaving Ace to laugh. "You gotta give me more than just that! There's a lot of A names." He raises a fist to smother his chuckles, amused.

Whether he was meaning to or not, Erik had a way of making him ignore the pain he was in. "I just told you my grandfather gave me the nickname Ace, it's formed from my birth name." That didn't make it any easier. So, Erik rattled off every single name he could think of off the top of his head.

Alexander, Asher, Alfonso, Arin, Axel, Allen, Angelo were just some of the many he called out. But none were it. "How bout Archer?" And they were just a few of the names that sounded like names. "Nope." Others were really weird. "Arcs!" All he got was another shake of the head.

"You're really something else you know that? Being sneaky and secretive is my thing." Despite his words, Erik was grinning ear to ear. Feeling more relaxed then he has in a good while. "Well considering we're wanted criminals it would only make sense that I take on some of your habits~" They laugh.

Acting like friends who've known each other for years then some strangers that met through weird circumstances only a week or two ago. "Thank you Erik...I don't know what your story is or why some seer sent you my way. But i'm grateful none the less."

His companion coughed, embarrassed. "D-don't mention it." Another thing he liked about Ace. Despite Erik snooping around(he is a thief-it's in his job description) his partner didn't like to push or demand things from him.

Which if he were honest made him feel bad. Though they're on good terms, a lot of secrets and personal thoughts that shouldn't be revealed was practically given to the blue haired male. Yet Ace has asked nothing in return.

"I gotta ask...why are you so open with me? I told ya I tried stealing the king's prized red orb. I'd pickpocket and swindle any poor sap that comes my way. Most people would back out and not be so honest with individuals that run in my type of work." It was true.

Even some of his good informants kept him at a distance. A good thief was always given a skeptical, cautious eye. And Erik was certainly no exception. Yet none of those normal reactions could be seen from the brunette.

Who had the gall to raise an eyebrow when questioned. "Other then the fact that you got me out of jail, helped me escape guards, a dragon and nearly drowning, also brought me to safety, escorted me home only to assist me in burying my deceased friends and family?" Well...

When he puts it like that, it felt pretty stupid to ask. Yet the mysterious Luminary wasn't quite done. Closing his eyes with a small sigh, stopping for a moment as the wind picked up. Sending his hair flying...in that moment with the sun glittering upon him, he looked enchanting.

"But...even if you didn't do any of those things. I'd still trust you, as stupid as people would think. There's something about you. Something special, I feel at peace having you here with me. And though you have secrets and like being a sneaky snoop, I don't see or feel any reason to feel afraid or worried."

Now he was really blushing. How can a guy just go around saying such mushy crap with such a serious face?! "Aww you're making me blush, Archie?" Ace gave him a deadpanned stare. The majestic light fading away as clouds quickly hid the sun away.

Perfectly matching Ace's change in mood. "No. I think we'd better find a spot to settle for the night. Maybe tomorrow you'll have better luck with finding my name." It was a fun little challenge that was happily accepted.

It made them look forward to a better tomorrow

XxXxXxXxxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

There was something...ominous in the air as the pair made their way into the Kingsbarrow ruins. "Stay sharp Ace." And he was, especially when they found several dead guards littering the floor. "Human hands couldn't have done this."

The Luminary found himself paling at the horrible mutilated bodies. They were scattered everywhere. Limbs ripped and shredded, red coating the stone floor. It was a sickening sight, as was the smell. Revealing they had been there awhile.

"You ok?" A hand kept him grounded, blue eyes watched soft, deliberate breaths stuttered to respond. Immediately Erik wanted to smack himself, feeling stupid. No normal folk would be feeling alright seeing this mess. Yet Ace humored him all the same.

Giving a shaky smile his way. "Y-yeah. Let's go." Gripping their blades, the two set off to the lower floors. Monsters, new and familiar approached them for battle. "How many floors do you think there are?" But all of them fell.

Just like the guards at the entrance..."If memory serves me right there's not too many. I'd say two at most. This place is apparently a sacred burial ground for royalty." Most people shy away from this place out of respect.

Many honorable kings and queens apparently slumbered in peace here. At least that's what Erik had heard. "In my case I stayed away because I didn't find a chance to get to the damn place until now." He was proud to hear a slight huff to his left.

Glad to see someone was amused despite still being as white as a sheet. "Let's just hope whatever attacked the guards is gone." Sadly, as much as Ace hoped otherwise...it would not be the case. They made their way through the lower parts of the ruins, fighting monsters and collecting items easily enough.

However they quickly found the creatures behind the massacre up above snickering to each other. "Skree hehehe. Like taking candy from a baby~" It was two gryphon like beasts. "We're sure to get into his good graces with this!"

Snow blue feathers ruffled in delight as their crusty brown talons reached for the red orb. "Yess~ We're sure to get a wonderful reward with this." Both monsters chuckle, very pleased with themselves.

These were the ones responsible. As much as Ace hated getting the crap beat out of him...there was no reason for such wastes of life. Especially after what he saw in Cobblestone. Erik was just as furious, but he was even more angry when he saw what they were going after.

The red orb. "Hey! What do you think you're doing!? That there belongs to us! Get your filthy hands off it!" The creatures laugh as they flap their wings. "Whoever you are, you've just made a huge mistake!" Now that they were facing the pair, it was much easier to see what type of monsters they were.

Grim Gryphons. Who were more than happy to throw away their sentience if it meant trying to tear them to shreds. "Look out!" The battle was on. Harsh screeches echoed from the monsters. They soared towards the pair with their sharpened talons extended. Forcing Ace and Erik to split away from one another.

Dodging and counter striking around each other. They kept their eyes trained on the monsters. Minutes dragged on as it was a back and forth struggle between going defensive and offensive. "Skreee gotcha!" This was nothing that they had faced before.

Their attacks weren't very strong, however they were fast, using wind and speed magic they were able to do some damage with their sharp claws. "Frizz!" Ace saw them go after Erik who was the stronger and more experienced of the two of them, and managed to launch a good fireball to its face.

But before he could send out another, the second gryphon changed directions. "Ace look out!" He wasn't fast enough, taking a quick strike to the chest. The force of the blow sent him back multiple feet, but was still standing.

"Frizz!" More than willing to pay him back for that. "You alright?" Erik saw his partner give a small nod, though it was clear to see he was in pain, blood seeping through the fabric. "Don't worry about me! Zap!" This has to end now!

Erik sprinted forward, muttering under his breath as he narrowed his eyes. "Take this! Rubblerouser!" Leaping high he slashed at his opponents head just as jagged pieces of rock formed underneath the beast. "Squa?" That was one down, one more to go. "Let's see if you like this human~ Woosh!"

It summoned a mini tornado, sending it Ace's way. Though he had been doing a good job of blocking and maneuvering away, he was getting tired, and with his open wounds he was losing a lot of blood. "Zap!" Raising his hand that had his birthmark, he sent electricity forward.

Both spells hit their designated targets at the exact same time. Woosh tore apart Ace's light armor, aggravating the already present wounds on top of smashing him against the wall. While zap fried the bird from the inside out. Distracting it long enough for Erik to land the finishing blow with his dagger.

He stood there, hands on his knees while trying to catch his breath. More than happy to see both overgrown chickens fade into nothing. "Ace!" That sense of victory quickly faded as the swordsman collapsed against the wall.

Breathing just as hard as he pressed a hand over his chest. "Give me a sec...I'm fine. Go get the orb Erik..." Cursing he quickly does as asked, hiding it away into his bag before rushing over to the injured teen. "You watched my back."

Ace could only smile before resting his head on the cool stone. "That's what partners are for. We watch out for each other." He raises his hand, grabbing Erik's so he can cast his next spell. "Evac." He was getting low on magic, he had to make this count.

Evac got them out of the dungeon. "Z-zoom." And zoom got them back to Cobblestone. Both valuable spells he learned recently before reaching the burial site. "Dear Goddess what happened!?" Father Izar released a wounded sound as Erik held his companion upright. "Stay with me!"

It was good fortune that the priest was able to help tend to their injuries. "H-heal..." Or rather Ace's injuries. Since he used the last of his energy to use healing magic on Erik before passing out.

"Dear Yggdrasil child! You shouldn't use magic in such a condition. Erik head into the room you two were sleeping in before-there in the big closet there's extra clothes and bandages. Fetch them for me." Izar immediately rushed over the take Ace out of the thief's grasp.

Jutting his chin towards the church. The thief nods before dashing inside. He had no idea how bad a condition he was in, but if Father Izar was panicking and Ace just fainted-it couldn't be good. It doesn't take him long to reach the bedroom, having already explored and memorized the church's layout.

He grabs the bandages and fabric, sprinting back the way he came. By that point the priest had already removed the armor and coat that was always draped across the teen's body. Having them off showed a smaller form than originally thought.

But it was the bandages covering the upper body that had Erik's mind short-circuiting. "Did you find them?" Snapping back to attention he rushes forward. "Y-yeah-here." Immediately the elder gets to work, cleaning each scratch found on his...no on her form.

A rag soaked in holy water cleaning away the dirt, and killing any chance of infection. "Knowing Ace there's medical herbs in the bag. Can you pass me some?" Once more the blue haired rogue does as he's told. "So...is he-she going to be alright?"

The older man blinks for a minute. Before laughing. "Ahh so it seems I did hear you correctly before. You thought Ace was a young man." He goes about dressing and wrapping each and every single wound, trying to be gentle. Ignoring how the male behind him bristled at the remark.

"What was I supposed to think!? W-with all those layers on and how tall and muscular she was..." He was so embarrassed, only able to look away with a blush. Making Izar chuckle once more. His heart feeling lighter than its been since before returning home.

Course it didn't last. "I can't say I'm surprised. Considering her personality and skillset, I suppose anyone could've come to that conclusion. Still i'm surprised with how close you are to her. Though she adored many of the people here, she only had one or two friends that she was truly close to."

Satisfied with his work, he quickly grabs the spare tunic Erik fetched, throwing it on her unconscious form. "Wait really? With how she talked about everyone-I would've thought she was a social butterfly or something." It seemed that there truly was more to her than meets the eye.

"Let's just say that her behavior wasn't...normal. Well to the majority at least. Chalky and Amber were full of love and pride for their little Ace. If only they were here now..." Well now he knew what was bugging him before.

to be continued.

Author Notes: I'm ready for you readers. I can already hear and read the future 'wait you made Ace a girl!?' and 'what the hell?' comments. Before anyone says anything, Ace has been a girl from the get go. I wrote for this to intentionally be a secret cross-dressing scenario.

I did it in another story awhile back and in general just love the concept, so from the moment I wrote this story, I intended for Ace to be a she. Things get explained in future chapters, so have no fear, in due time all will make sense.

I will say I purposely wrote this story, more or so based on Erik's point of view though its in a 3rd person perspective-and up until now, he thought she was a he. Were there hints? Somewhat, especially in the last chapter.

So there we go, if any of you decide to put in reviews saying this isn't canon or this makes no sense...well, it wouldn't be the first time i've gotten them, probably won't be the last and frankly i am tired of defending myself for purposely mixing things up.

We good? Hopefully, maybe. Either way that is it for now everyone. If you like this story, please feel free to fav/follow/review as would mean an absolute crap ton to me. I'll see you all next time, tchao for now.