Yggdrasil's Ace

Chapter 14

Author Notes: Oh yes. What i've been waiting for and can honestly relate to. I don't care how nice the outits are-looking for new clothes are a damn chore and no one can tell me otherwise. No matter the world or era, I do not own Dragon Quest.

3rd P.O.V

Ace really wasn't seeing the appeal Gemma and the other girls back home kept spouting about when it came to them trying on new clothes. "Come on out already!" With a tired sigh the swordswoman came out, crossing her arms as she bit her lip.

"Finally!" She had hoped she could hide inside the tent, she was already in there for five minutes afterall. But obviously Veronica wouldn't allow that as she all but threatened to drag her ass out. "You look lovely!" Serena clapped excitedly as Ace stood there.

Growing more and more self-conscious as people stare at her. Honestly she couldn't understand how anyone could walk around comfortably with these outfits. Nearly 70% of her skin was showing, with bells and beads placed along her chest and hips.

And what was covered was thin silks or see through fishnet. She desperately wanted her coat back. Hell she'll even take her calf length tunic-as heavy and hot as the wool fabric is-it at least covered her stomach. These couldn't even be called proper outfits-let alone dresses!

All credit to those in the profession-but Ace was not a dancer or extravagant desert fortune teller. Sure she felt lighter wearing these more loose garbs, however there was no way she was going to be able to fight when she'll be more worried about losing what little clothing she has covering her.

"I...don't think this is for me." Ace really didn't want to be so difficult. "Looking good gorgeous!" But the random strangers staring and whistling made her want to crawl into a hole and die. It doesn't matter if they were compliments, she could do without thank you. "Let's try something else."

And it seemed Veronica agreed. Or at the very least she pitied her enough as the pigtailed girl glared at the idiot embarrassing her. Despite being half the man's size, she managed to intimidate him away.

All it took was a snap of her fingers to create some flames and he ran for the hills. "Don't give up Ace! Here, try this one!" Much to the Luminary's surprise Serena actually liked the green and gold dancer's attire and bought it.

Figuring it would be good backup for when the dress Ace made her needed to be cleaned or repaired. And unlike Ace, her companion actually had no issues wearing something revealing so much. And now at this point was picking out different pieces for her.

At this point the swordswoman was ready to stop and leave. It's been a little over an hour now and she wasn't having any sort of fun. Knowing Veronica though-she wasn't going anywhere until she actually found something.

"Ok..." With a sigh she took the latest outfit, looking it over with a slight frown. Out of all of them-this was probably the prettiest of the lot. The purple chest piece was identical to the dancer outfit she tried on earlier, but it lacked beads.

Looking more like fabric bandages interwoven together around her breasts. It was tight around her chest, keeping things secure. There were no sleeves sadly, revealing quite a bit of her upper body, including her scars.

But at the very least she finally had something to cover her legs that wasn't see through. It was a long flowing purple skirt that matched the top. As much as Ace scrunched her face up on the slits on each side, allowing her legs to be seen, it had the most coverage.

Wasn't too heavy to maneuver around in either. Even with the silver bells wrapped around her hips. What she was wearing was still not something she could say she felt confident walking around in. "Well?" But beggars couldn't be choosers.

It was simple and comfortable. This was the best she could get-especially since the shop owner gave her a pair of sturdy, silver and leather sandals to try on along with the outfit. "Any day now Ace!" She could hear the sounds of a foot tapping outside.

And here the Luminary thought patience to be a virtue? "I'm coming..." With a sigh she stepped out. Standing there with her hands clenched behind her back, swallowing a lump in her throat as the hot headed mage does her little inspection.

Circling around she checks every part of the clothes to make sure it fit properly. "This looks good." For once it seemed both siblings were in agreement. "Absolutely lovely~" The brunette could only sag in relief before reaching for her bag. "Thank the Goddess." She was ready to pay for it and leave.

Forget the snacks and sights, Ace was going to find an inn, get the rooms situated and hide away for the rest of the day. "Nope~" With swift fingers, Serena took away Ace's bag. Looking rather silly as she clutched it to her chest, hiding it away from view.

Veronica stepped forward, gold already out and ready to be counted. "We'll be paying for this! And don't you DARE change out of it. I swear I will set you on fire should you put on that awful heavy coat!" Dammit...as if she wasn't feeling bad enough.

"I-I can pay! And Serena give me my bag back." It was a surprise to see the calm healer giggle childishly as she ran away, forcing of course Ace to chase after her. Leaving the shortest of the trio to pay without any issues. She even got a couple of snacks with the leftover change for them.

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It didn't take long at all for Ace to actually succeed in escaping the twin mages' wicked clutches. She enjoyed both girls, but after what felt like an eternity going through endless amounts of clothes, Ace was rather spent and eager to have some time for herself.

So the moment she got her bag of valuables back she took a trick out of Erik's book and disappeared. Making use of the crowd she snuck away. Releasing a long tired sigh, she allowed her feet to carry her past stalls full of various goods to a familiar sight...horses.

Originally she was going to head for the inn-but that would've been the first place her companions would've looked to chew her out. So the next best thing was for her to explore. Eventually stumbling upon the royal stables.

"Aren't you a pretty lot." She couldn't stop the smile from forming on her face as she took in the magnificent creatures before her. These weren't like the ones bred back home. Cobblestonian horses were made for survival, to pull heavy cargo across town or to travel long distances with supplies.

The horses of Gallopolis were thinner, seemingly more fragile as their bodies were made for sport. Decorated in all manners of feathers and jewels as they sped along the racetrack. She could see the differences between them like night and day.

Still, she could tell these mighty steeds were given a lot of love and care. Gently she placed a hand on one of them, a black buck, giving him a pat while he nuzzled closer. "I'll bet its a wild ride with you and your friends."

For a moment she could pretend she was back home. It wasn't unusual for her to be surrounded by the livestock in Cobblestone, chatting with them without a care. She always preferred the presence of animals over people.

There was never this feeling of judgement or pressure that she often felt when surrounded by humans. And though they sputtered noises-it never seemed like the creatures were spewing insults either. They allowed her into their space, give them treats, and affectionate rubs, while she found peace.

Her little one sided conversations with them probably didn't help with her reputation, but when you had a dog to scare gossipers away or a horse that was way too smart for its own good-kick a bucket of pig slops at a sneering bully...Ace couldn't find it within her to care.

More concerned with not eating dirt for laughing so hard at the spectacle that she falls to the ground. "Do you wanna give it a shot on the tracks little lady?" She flinched as a loud voice boomed behind her.

"P-pardon?" Immediately she found herself staring at silver. It was a Gallopolis knight-for a moment her mind panicked. Remembering a suit of armor similar to this. Her vision waned for a moment.

Sending harsh kicks and punches onto her already tired body-Their cruel expressions encased in metal. Promising that what little time she had left in this world would be filled with agony-

Quickly she shook her head, It taking her a solid moment to realize that no, this was not one of Hendrick's men. She was not in Heliodor, she was safe. "I'm sorry for spooking you miss. But you seem real attached to Midno there. He usually don't let people near him."

The smile on her face returned as the steed in question decided to nibble her hair. Wanting her attention. "I don't want to cause any trouble. Surely you all are preparing for the what was it-Sand National?" It seemed neither the knight nor the horse were going to let her get away so easily.

Midno kept a firm hold of her hair-as if demanding she stay in place and listen to the man. And the man had a bright expression on his face. One that she wasn't prepared for as he clapped his hands.

"Nonsense! Everyone is welcome to participate in horse racing. The registration for the Sand National itself is full so you can't compete there-but up until then the track is free for all if they wish to test their skill. I'll go ahead and set you and Midno there up~"

Without giving her any chance to decline or protest he marched off...leaving her to sigh as a sharp whine escaped her four-legged companion. "Are you satisfied now?" Midno released her, sending harsh hot breath her way.

There was a smugness around the animal, as if confirming that yes, he most certainly was content with the arrangements and was eager to get out of the stables. It didn't even take five minutes for her to get suited up on Midno, paying 100 gold to participate.

She couldn't help biting her lip as she looked down, her skirt doing nothing to hide her legs thanks to the slits and the fact she actually had to ride. Not for the first time today was she missing her pants.

This wasn't exactly what she was planning to do when she was told about the horse racing events...however she was here. May as well experience it first hand. "Are we ready!?" There were four riders if she included herself involved. The other three all men that snickered and sneered in her direction.

Her knuckles grew white as she tightened her hold on the reigns. She wasn't sure if she was anxious with the looks being thrown her way. "Good luck sweetie! Try not to fall off." Or downright irritated. Something stirred within her, the desire to show these rude pricks that she knew well what she was doing.

That she could ride and would have no qualms showing them up. And by the way Midno moved restlessly in place, snorting in their direction...he felt the same way. Maybe this was why he didn't like people so much. When living in a city of competition there will always be jerks who think they're better than others.

Granted it was like that everywhere, but point still stood that these men needed a swift reality check...and Ace was more than willing to give them that. Even if she doesn't win. "On your marks...get set...GO!" With a flick of the reigns all four of them were off!

The wind immediately snapped in her face and it felt like she was flying! It faintly reminded her of when her and Erik were racing for the Door of Departure-the adrenaline rush. The feeling of the strong muscles of the horse carrying her through whatever obstacles in her way.

The only difference was...instead of feeling terror, Ace was absolutely ecstatic! "Hya!" Grinning she went with the flow. Midno being a bred racer knew this course like the back of his hoof. Even if Ace wasn't sure when to lean or lead, her partner did.

And so she went about working with the animal rather than fighting to control it. "What the-!" And it was this decision that allowed Midno to barrel right on ahead. Maneuvering himself through tight corners and taking extra large strides before leaping over ramps.

"Impossible!" Three laps went by in a flash, right along with her opponents chance for victory. Bells went off as soon as Midno rushed past the finish line. "And we have a winner! Incredible! It was the newcomer and Midno!"

Releasing a breath she didn't even realize she was holding Ace gently got off her noble steed, giving him a well deserved rub down. "You were fantastic Midno. Thank you." His tail wagged as he clonked her head with his chin, making her laugh.

Though the moment was ruined when a calloused hand clamps onto her shoulder. "Congratulations little Missy! Here is your prize for winning." She thanked the enthusiastic man. Offering him a polite smile as she accepted the slime earrings.

It was...an interesting award to be sure. But she was more interested in the copper ore she received for even participating. It was a good thing to have on hand and nice to work with when she's on the forge.

"Feel free to participate again! You just won the bronze cup which gives you access to the silver tier. We would love to see you ride for the top~" It was a kind offer, but as much fun as she had competing, she had done more than enough today. This was a surprising distraction that she didn't even mean to do.

And it wasn't like she was going to be here all that long anyways. By tonight she and the others will be talking about their plans on finding and securing the magical branch they came here for. And hopefully by tomorrow that will be the end of it. "Hm?"

Because even as she travels back into the crowded, bustling city she couldn't help feeling goosebumps. There was an intense feeling she had, as if someone was staring heavily at her. But no matter what direction she turned or how open she kept her eyes peeled...there was no sign of anyone and it was creeping her out.

Between being a 'wanted criminal,' being turned into a dress up doll and winning a race she could really do without people looking her way.

to be continued.

Author Notes: Don't pretend. I know you know what's coming next. If you haven't well...then play the game, watch the gameplay or read one of our other dragon quest stories because it's going to get crazy~

Next time though, next time. Now with that out of the way. Guys thank you all so much for reading the series. If you like it please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean so much to me. Tchao for now.