Yggdrasil's Ace
Chapter 13
Author Notes: Time for the area/story arc that arguably was the sole reason this story and the other dragon quest 11 stories got written up in the first place...let's get going here, I do not own Dragon Quest.
3rd P.O.V
"I think the heat's finally fried her brain." Erik frowned, giving Veronica a slight smack across the back of her head. "For a protector of the Luminary you seem to forget that she's not exactly normal. She's probably talking to a ghost or something we can't see."
Obviously watching the girl speak when there's nothing there is strange. Five minutes have gone by, yet she was still in the same position. On her knees, her expression serious with her lips twisted as if she was listening intently to something.
Like there truly was someone right in front of her. An invisible entity. "Has she done this before?" Serena tilted her head, curious at what their companion could see. From the corner of her eye, she watched the rogue shrug his shoulders.
"No. At least not with me. But she's had visions that allow her to interact with the past-anything's possible with her." The sad part was it was true. She could tell him that fish fly or the sky was green and he would believe her.
There were things that just couldn't be explained by logic. At this point Ace and strange phenomenon go hand in hand. He couldn't make half of this shit up even if he wanted to. "Ok then." He blinks, watching Ace stand up, dusting off her attire. "I'm ready when you are Ickle."
Within a blink of an eye, a light surrounded them-temporarily blinding them as they disappeared. A dizzying sensation overtaking him. "What-is this!?" It took Erik a moment to crack open his eyes. Amazed when he saw himself and the others surrounded by greenery.
It was as if he was back in Manglegrove, the only difference being there were little huts in the distance. "My goodness!" It seemed he wasn't the only one startled as the twin mages glance all around, taking in the sights.
Veronica especially not able to handle what exactly happened. "Hold on! What just happened?! Things went all wavy and suddenly we're in this weird village!" Her sister was clapping her hands, reacting the complete opposite as she takes notice of the little creature in front of them.
"Oh look! He's adorable...but what is he?" Now what was Erik telling the girls? His guess was right on the money. This is what Ace was talking to before. Though for the life of him he couldn't at all identify just what type of monster it is.
It was tiny, a mere blob with black dots for eyes. It looked more like a plush than anything else, but it just raised the almighty question. Just what was this transparent slime-like being doing in the damn desert? Let alone in the corner right by the Gallopolis checkpoint.
"Tick-tock, looks like you clocked me too! You must be Miss Hero here's friends~ Welcome to Tickington, a place that's just a little bit out of the ordinary...Normally only certain special people can see us tockles, but the second even ordinary folk set foot here in our home, they can see us too!"
Well it was all good that they can now see why Ace was on the ground for a good five or so minutes talking to the air, but Erik needed an actual explanation that wasn't from a one sided conversation that he couldn't engage in.
He raises a hand to keep the slime creature from continuing its tangent. "I think we might need a little background info. Like who are you? Where are we? Why the heck are we here? You know, just the small stuff."
Ace gave him an apologetic smile. One he accepts as he steps forward, crossing his arms as he gives his full attention to the Tockle. "How about you start from the beginning?" Even if none of them were interested, it was a relief to be out of the scorching sun.
The crisp breeze rustling their clothes and cooler temperature perked everyone up. "The beginning? Yes, yes of course! The beginning~ Tickety-boo! Allow me to explain." Erik and the girls were starting to see why it took Ace so long conversing with Ickle.
It seems the tockle or whatever Ickle is liked to ramble. "...It's our sworn duty to make sure time flows as it should. That the past, present and future are all in the right order-unfolding as intended." Already the party could see what happened.
As they were traveling through the desert to Gallopolis Ace caught sight of Ickle wandering around and got curious. "Ah! Hang on a tick-I need to tell the Mayor you're here. Why don't we let him explain the rest?" And her being her, agreed to help whatever problem that was going on.
The tockle took a few steps forward, reaching a fingerless arm to grab Ace's. Giving her a gentle tug. "Come shake a leg! Follow me up the stairs and you'll find him in a very special place we call the Echo Chambers~ The clocks ticking, and there's no time like the present."
With a small nod, the swordswoman lets him guide them forward. All of them wondering what Ace just signed them up for this time.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxxxXxXxXX
Beyond large stone walls and horse carved doors lied a bustling kingdom getting ready to party. "Oh just look at all these people! How marvelous~ Is there some kind of festival going on, I wonder?"
Ace couldn't stop herself from taking in the sights, agreeing silently with Serena. There were so many people walking about. Far more than that of Heliodor-though it wasn't like she had the time to really take in the sights back then.
"Hmm...yesss...of course~" Veronica took a few steps forward. A knowing smile gracing her features as she takes in the sight of horses and knights dressed up. "What's up Veronica?" The tiny mage turns towards Ace, winking with a hand on her hips.
She knew exactly what was going on. "Gallopolis is the kingdom of the desert knights and the racetracks where they love to compete~ Looks like we arrived just in time for the horse-racing festival." A grin formed on Erik's face as he saw silver-blue eyes brighten with intrigue. "Horse racing?"
But...that excitement immediately turned to concern as she caught the twins staring at her. The party's rogue could already see the gears turning in Serena and Veronica's heads as they turned towards the Luminary.
Their expressions downright predatory. "Um...why are you two looking at me like that?" Ace backed away. Looking anxious as she tried hiding further into her coat. Though it did her little good when Veronica went and grabbed her hand.
"Well what are we waiting for?! It's time for you to get some more suitable clothes!" She may've taken what Erik told her to heart-but she was dead set on making sure Ace was properly situated for this climate.
Surely she could find something that was tasteful and proper for this damn heat. "N-no it's ok! Weren't we here for the Yggdrasil branch Noah told us about?!" It was just as the swordswoman feared as she tried tugging away. Surprisingly Serena latched onto Ace's other arm, effectively preventing her escape.
"Yes-but that doesn't mean we can't take in the sights~ There's all sorts of food stands and shops set up. I'm sure we'll hear interesting gossip as we make our way around." The worst part of all this was the fact that for once Erik was silent as he watched them interact.
Usually, he would be the one telling them to stay on track. That they needed to focus and follow the intel they received. But in all honesty he agreed with Veronica-as harsh as she was a couple nights ago. It was only a matter of time till Ace collapsed or found herself hit with heatstroke.
Though he had his own ideas on how to help her out, there was no harm in letting them do their own thing. "While you girls are playing dress up and ponies-I'll be off." The look of betrayal on her face was absolutely priceless.
"Wha-but! Erik!" Granted he felt a twinge of guilt for walking away when she clearly had no interest in parading around the shops but she needed this. Let her get spoiled a tad and act like her age. "Let him go off if he wants. We got bigger concerns! To the shops we go." Her fate was sealed.
This gives him the chance to check out that other piece of information Noah had kindly provided him before. "Now let's see...where is it?" He wasn't sure what to expect when he made his way towards the corner edge of the city.
The people of Gallopolis seemed far less uptight and carefree as many of them chattered endlessly while Erik went passed. However he supposed the festivities they're clearly preparing for was a good enough reason for that.
Still he found himself flushing in embarrassment as he found himself being stared at by multiple bunny girls and dancers fluttering about. Honestly he could do without their flirting. "Just look at you~ What a handsome fellow you are! I wish to give you the priceless gift of puff-puff! Will you permit me?"
Immediately he shook his head, giving the girl an awkward smile as he darted past. "Awww...come back!" He was not interested thank you very much. This was worse than when he was in Hotto. He knew he stood out with how he looked but there was only one person that had his attention.
And frankly the last thing he wanted was for any of the group to see him stumbling from these flirtatious vixens. He knew Ronnie especially would never let him hear the end of it. "Ahhh welcome young man to my armor shop! How may I help you today?" It was a relief when he finally made it to his destination.
"I hear you do custom tailors?" The gentleman offers a raised eyebrow as he pulled down his glasses. "I don't do that too often these days but you are correct. I take it there's something special you need?"
Erik found himself grinning as he went into his bag, taking out a few items. "There's something I want made for a companion of mine. Something to help her with this desert heat. I'm willing to pay any price so long as the quality is top notch with my specifications." The man stands there for a minute.
Analyzing him from top to bottom before peering over the items laid out before him. Then a smile forms on his face. "Who am I to say no to a request like that? Must be a special little lady for you to come in here." It takes everything in him to not blush at the store man's amused expression.
Though it seemed like he still failed as the owner laughed. The blue haired teen cleared his throat, ignoring the implications being cast his way. He had to keep his cool. He couldn't retreat because he was embarrassed.
"My resources say you're a damn good enchanter, with a good eye on making every order sent to you perfect as can be. She...she's gone through a lot and if there's anything I can do to help her I won't go in half-assed." There was a twinkle in the armorer's eye as he listened on.
Giving Erik a thoughtful expression before replying. "I like you kid. Gotta say I respect the fact you're willing to go the distance to help your 'companion.' Like I said I don't get too many personal requests these days but that doesn't mean I won't do them. Let's talk what exactly it is you want and then we'll talk time and money."
It was music to Erik's ears. "Fine by me."
to be continued
Author Notes: Plans are in motion boys and girls. Poor Ace-I feel her pain since I hate clothes shopping myself, though because of that I'm making her suffer more lol. But I gotta end it here for now.
As always thanks for reading my story. If you like it so far please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean so much to me knowing others are enjoying my work. I'll see you next time. Tchao for now.