Yggdrasil's Ace

Chapter 8

Author Notes: Favorite number, and it's time to get the ball rolling on some new character interactions. And we ALL know which ones i'm talking about so let's get started, i do not own Dragon Quest.

3rd P.O.V

For once, things seemed to be going well. "This is the life." Ace couldn't help but let out a relaxed sigh as she gently made her way into the hot open bath. Everything she had set out to do for the day was checked off splendidly.

She found a few locals to chat with, revealing they were on the Southern Continent-quite the distance from her old home town. Her bag was filled with plenty of medicine, bandages, books, food and water.

And thanks to doing a couple favors with her forge-she even got some additional money and materials to craft new weapons and armor for her and Erik. After all that running around, Ace was more than happy to take a breather and finally dip her toes in for a soak.

It was a good thing her wounds had finally closed properly. Especially considering how deep the marks she obtained from those damn monsters were, it was nice to see that the only signs of it being there were thick white lines across her chest. Though the pain still lingered from time to time, specifically when messed with.

Still it was a relief knowing she wouldn't have to worry about it reopening or getting infected. It was times like these where she wished her heal spell worked as well on her as it did anyone else in needing a little patch up.

It was mind boggling how complexed magic could be, regardless if it was support healing or offensive elemental strikes. She wasn't sure if it was just her, or if it was something most spell casters had to deal with but the warrior realized when she casted a spell it didn't work when used on herself than on other people.

It was that exact reason why she had spent the last of her energy healing Erik after their run in with those gryphons. His injuries were gone as if they were never there, whereas if it was used on her, it may've closed the wound-but it would still be there, speeding up the recovery time just a tad.

In all honesty a waste of magic if anyone asked her. Which was why she allowed Father Izar to patch her up and just use good ole bandages in the beginning. Though this lovely bath may just change her mind in the future if it means she was able to rest her weary form and clean up more often.

Cleaning cloths and soap was even offered to her just so she could scrub herself down. Her face scrunched up seeing all the dirt and grime slide off her body, it was disgusting. Though it couldn't be helped that she was so dirty.

With her and her friend being on the run from knights and monsters, it was no wonder there was very little time to focus on hygiene. It was almost a shame that she would have to get out soon, and put on the gross clothes she had on before...

"Weary traveler.

I enter bearing clean clothes.

Please enjoy your stay."

Or not apparently. "Thank you ma'am!" Words couldn't describe how grateful she was. The owners of this bathhouse were wonderful people, even if they spoke a bit oddly. But then again that seemed to be the whole town, so Ace paid it little mind.

Carefully, Ace went to scrubbing her scalp. Marveling at the wonderful aroma hitting her senses. "Wow you look really happy. Either this is your first time in a bathhouse or you've been on the road for ages." The young voice startled her, causing her to glance around before finding a familiar shade of red.

"Can I help you?" It was the little girl Ace had seen earlier trying to enter the inn. The child was young, though Ace couldn't really pin point an actual age. Still, the little miss had chubby cheeks and big bright eyes.

With her little red dress with its matching hat and twin golden braids she looked like a doll. Absolutely adorable. "Yes you can actually. Thank you for asking with manners unlike the idiotic lots." Which doesn't work with how sophisticated-and downright brutal her speech is.

Not afraid to mince words should a conversation go south, and from what Ace saw when checking out the town-it happened quite often. She only heard bits and pieces of the chatter, not wanting to be rude and eavesdrop. But it seemed she was looking for her younger sister. Still...why did she follow her to the baths?

They had only greeted each other once. And even then it stirred something strange within the teen. This child, didn't act or talk like one. Now that she recalled, she did say she wanted to properly speak with her about something important.

It was as if she knew who-or rather what Ace was. Of course that chat was supposed to be only after her younger sister was found. Still, if she was willing to follow her in, Ace had no choice other than to listen. The short girl seemed like the type to stubbornly persist regardless of the challenges in her wake.

"I apologize for ruining your private time, but you're the only one that actually seems to be able to listen. My younger sister Serena is missing. I know at one point she was staying at the inn I met you at-but as you clearly saw...I cannot enter on my own. Would you mind helping me get in there?"

It could hardly be considered a favor, in fact it was no trouble at all at least to Ace. But it made her wonder how Serena who was even younger than this girl got in the first place. An inn it may be, but it was also a bar.

That apparently had strict guidelines in allowing those of age inside. "Not at all. I don't think you ever gave me your name Miss." She received a grin. "Sorry about that. I am Veronica." They offered each other a small smile, before Ace sighed.

Bath time over. Rising she grabbed a towel to dry herself off. "H-hey! You don't have to get out and do it now! You can finish cleaning up first." Ace glanced over her shoulder, squeezing the water from her hair.

A small hum escaped her, stretching her arms above her head for a moment. "It's fine-I wasn't going to stay long in it anyways." Especially since she needed to find Erik. She was hoping he was still in the sauna, but it wasn't like she could enter it. There were separate sets for genders after all.

The blonde haired girl frowned, narrowing her eyes before shrugging. "Fine. I'll wait outside the bath house then. Don't keep me waiting too long!" With that Veronica scurries away as fast as she came, not seeing the small smile on Ace's face.

"Still adorable." Stifling a yawn, Ace grabs her washed attire. Hesitation stilled her fingers for a moment before she sighed. As hot as she was, she wasn't too keen on giving up the comforting layers. Erik may've easily accepted her, but that didn't mean she still didn't feel brave enough to show her more feminine side.

It didn't make her worry less with the fact that Heliodor guards could show up at any time. Sure they were on an entirely different continent, but Hendrik seemed like a man of persistence. Should he be assigned a job-he won't stop until it's done.

Which...really didn't bode well for her. "Time to get the show on the road." Out of the corner of her eye she sees movement. Something dropped out of her bag. "O-oh..." Her breath stills as a familiar blue charm sits there on the floor.

It was the last gift Gemma gave her before she set out on her journey to discover her role as the Luminary. To think...it was the last gift she would ever get from her sister in all but blood. "Gemma...I miss you so much. Please watch over me."

Carefully Ace picks it up, resting her head against it for a moment before setting it back in its proper place. Determination flared in her gaze as she stepped out. She took a quick glance around, about to ask to see if anyone had seen her companion, since it seemed blue hair wasn't too common a color.

Actually now that she thought about it, Erik in general seemed to stand out if all the attention from the girls here were any indication. It kinda annoyed her, seeing them all swoon and-shaking her head Ace returns to the matter at hand. Only to blink in confusion when a surprised gasp catches her attention.

It was a young girl sitting at the table, instead of the kind bathhouse owners. "Excuse me Miss-" Ace didn't even get a chance to finish her question as the girl screeched, giving her a look of pure hatred and disgust. "What's wrong?" Stalking right up to the Luminary with a crimson red face, pointing a finger.

"Eek! Intruder! Man!

A bold ugly cukoo stands.

In the nest of doves."

Ace's mouth twitches at the rude statement. "I don't appreciate being called that." It seemed the girl was getting the wrong idea as she suddenly began throwing various items her way. Books, quills, towels, all of it was flying towards her direction.

And some of it actually hitting her. "Ow! Can you please stop that!" Screeching like a banshee up until the woman who did Ace's clothes arrived. Looking just as horrified as the rest of the guests who were watching.

Though...it was hard to tell what their expressions were from. The young lady's atrocious behavior...or that they had the same idea as her and believed Ace to be a man that had snuck into the woman's chambers. Again rude.

"Lissana stop this!

A rude gesture to be sure!

She is a woman!"

The older woman forced her employee to bow her head along with her, apologizing profusely for the terrible behavior presented. It wasn't ok, at all. But she supposed it was to be expected. Anyone that didn't see Ace come in or change would have the same conclusion. "It's fine..." But it was still rude.

Not something she was going to necessarily forgive anytime soon. But she could put aside her frustrations for the moment. "Can you ask one of the male employees to grab my friend for me? His name is Erik, he has blue hair and I last saw him coming here to try the sauna."

It was somewhat funny seeing the two nod profusely before running away. Either they really wanted to make up for the misunderstanding-or they desperately wanted Ace out of there as soon as possible before she starts talking bad about their customer service.

"Sniff...sob. Why did you gooo!?" Either way, she got cleaned up and now she had to get on to business. "Daddy! Where are you?" She heard the soft crying before she saw its owner. A poor little girl about ready to go into the male section of the bathhouse.

With wide eyes Ace couldn't help approaching her. "Hey little one, what's wrong?" Gently the Luminary went to her knees, using her finger to wipe the child's tears. It was a heartbreaking sight. Especially as her lips trembled.

The sign of someone reaching their breaking point. "I-I can't find my daddy. He left me to go into the sauna and-and he never came back! I was waiting at-at the inn. I don't wanna be all alone!" At that Ace saw the sad thing burst into tears.

Crying her heart out. Carefully Ace pulled the little girl close, rubbing circles on her back. "Shhh, it's ok." She kneeled there for a few moments, waiting patiently for those heartbreaking sobs to cease. "If you want I'll help you find him." The teen pulled back then, offering a gentle smile.

"R-really?" Ace couldn't stop herself from nodding. "I promise. What's your name?" It took a moment for her to answer, but it was well worth it as the tears were starting to dry. "I'm...i'm Connie." With soft fingers, the Luminary brushed away some strands from her face. "Connie, that's a pretty name. I'm Ace."

Huffing the warrior stood up to her full height. Offering the young girl a hand to hold. "I need to wait to see if my friend is still here, but after that we'll go looking for him ok?" That bright, wobbly smile was her response.

That adorable smile shining bright. "Th-thank you! Thank you big brother." Connie happily latched onto her hand, even going one step further to give Ace a hug. One so strong it nearly knocked her over. But she didn't mind. "Don't mention it." If anything she felt warm from the innocent, sweet gestures.

Simply patting Connie on the head. "Now let's hope my friend is actually here and doesn't mind a slight detour on our plans." It was then she heard a snort not too far from where she was.

"Considering we didn't really have plans in the first place I don't really have a choice but to tag along." The sneaky thief had been there nearly the whole time. From the moment he heard the reception girl Lissana shriek he showed up.

Watching everything unfold from Ace looking irritated by the rude remarks to her promising Connie. It was cute to see such sides of her, seeing Ace as she is when not in combat or working tirelessly on the forge he gave her.

Seeing her blush, avoiding his gaze completely made him grin. "Do I wanna know how long you've been there..." Erik simply shrugged, not bothering to give a specific answer. Knowing it would rattle her even more.

"Long enough. Got any other little quests for me as we investigate?" Her mouth opens, only to shut a moment later, making him raise an eyebrow. He waits with his arms crossed over his chest. Amused as she gives him a sheepish grin, knowing she was caught.

Connie hidden slightly behind her with a curious stare watches their interaction. "As a matter of fact...yes." It was never a dull moment as Erik groans before chuckling. Not surprised in the slightest.

to be continued

Author Notes: Well well well...look where we are. My poor Ace has been assaulted, Erik's having fun and children are weird lol. But that is all for now folks. I know, pretty short author notes but hey-

I gotta upload this before I go to bed tonight. But regardless, thank you all so much for reading guys. If you like the series so far please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a crap ton to me. Tchao for now guys!