Yggdrasil's Ace
Chapter 20
Author Notes: Haha, chapter 20...oh god i'm already on chapter 20?! Well...once again I've dedicated myself to a long ass series that's going to make me want to cry a river of tears. Damn I work too much-er anyways, let's get started, I do not own Dragon Quest.
3rd P.O.V
"Erik..." He shook his head, his grin growing bigger and bigger despite how repetitive this little gag was getting. "No Ace." Usually he would be annoyed with so much pestering, but the look on her face was absolutely priceless. "I just want to know how much it cost. Tell me." Once more he refused to tell her.
Causing her to puff out her cheeks, that in turn making her look all the funnier as he could only see the lower part of her face thanks to the hood over her head. "Just give it up Ace. It's a gift, it'll help keep you cool and it fits. What more do you need to know?" They both knew why she was so insistent.
She'd have to be blind or stupid to NOT know that his 'gift' was expensive. It was a beautifully enchanted tanned cloak with silver linings. It covered her from head to toe, hiding her gender as well as the immense amount of skin that showed from her previous outfit. It was soft, durable and light.
The best part about it all was the enchantment, something that tripled the price at least as it wasn't an easy thing to do. The fabric was imbued with ice magic, constantly keeping her cool even when under the blazing sun.
"You didn't need to go so far to do this. Especially when you guys are suffering in comparison." Immediately her gaze locks on the outfit he was wearing. Though it was made of lighter material and still quality that was leagues away from the typical attire in the shops, it didn't compare at all to this.
Her cloak costed a lot of gold, and she knew he actually paid for it. But like he's been since he gave it to her last night, he simply waved off her gratitude and desire to pay him back. According to him, with everything she's gone through, she deserved something nice.
Ergo she didn't need to fret or feel guilty. "Don't worry that pretty little head of yours Ace. Just focus on taking it easy, once Serena and Veronica get their asses here we're moving." Her eyes widened, surprised with Erik's nonchalant compliment.
Causing the embarrassed warrior to look away, a blush on her cheeks. But before she could say anything else something slammed into her. Erik watched in horror as her body smashed harshly to the floor. "Oof!"
A pained groan left her lips as whatever tackled her then proceeded to hop up and down cruelly onto her back. "Again?" It was the circus's damn sabrecub. Proceeding to playfully nibble on her hair with its tail wagging.
"Oh again! Off the poor dear you mischievous little scoundrel!" At this point the sabrecub and Sylvando go hand in hand as he rushes forward with Serena and Veronica in toe. A series of thuds from feet and...hooves? "Sorry sweetie." It was a relief as the silly jester lifted the little monster off her.
Erik crossed his arms as he eyed the circus performer, taking a step between him and the Luminary as she slowly picks herself back up. "I didn't think we'd be seeing you again. Don't you have a show to run?" Sylvando raised an eyebrow at the movement and hostility but made no comment.
He instead struggled with the meowing furball in his grasp. Ace huffed, not really paying attention to the conversation when she felt a strong pull on her back. Lifting her quite easily to her feet before a heavy head landed on her shoulder, a familiar black muzzle smacking her cheek.
"Midno?" Without even thinking her hand moved, giving the horse a well deserved rub. She never got a chance to see him after she had collapsed. "Well what are you waiting for Ace? Hop on!" Her head turned towards Veronica.
Who rolled her eyes at her confused expression. "Didn't Erik tell you anything while I went to grab Serena? Faris gave you Midno as compensation." Technically he mentioned them getting quite a few...spoils for their troubles.
But not Midno, and when she turned her gaze towards the blue haired thief in question he just smirked. His conversation with Sylvando temporarily on hold. "Surprise." Both her and Veronica snorted, amused.
"Do you need help getting on darling? I saw the nasty hit you took with that monster." It was a kind gesture from the man, she appreciated it. However it wasn't at all an issue for her to get on. "What about the rest of you? I don't intend on being the only one to ride through the desert."
She rather not get special treatment, it didn't matter if she was on the tail end of recovery. Or the fact Midno has only allowed her to ride him without issues. It was like with the damn cloak. Getting gifts that didn't come from her family was a strange feeling and it made her feel bad accepting them.
Personally she didn't feel like she deserved all this fuss. "That's where I come from~ I got this little bell here that summons any horses nearby~ We'll be in Gondolia in no time!" In unison Erik and Ace look towards the twins, wondering what the hell was Sylvando talking about.
"What's this 'we' business?" It ended up being Serena who explained the situation, scratching behind the sabrecub's ears, beaming as the oversized cat purred and nuzzled into her nails. "Sylvando was asking if he could travel with us towards Gondolia." Already the swordswoman could see where this is going.
As her companion next to her puffed his chest. He wasn't one for surprises(unless he was involved in it) and had no interest in adding a famous one man act to the party. This...unexpected twist didn't seem to be boding well for any of them as Sylvando all but forced his way into their group.
As well as a cheeky cat monster that wasn't even his to begin with. Wasn't it the ring leaders?
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The rogue was the perfect representation of a grumpy porcupine as he sat by the fire, cleaning his dagger while keeping his eyes firmly on the newest addition. To say he was not happy with the way things were going was an understatement. He didn't trust the man, let alone a-ok traveling with him.
Unlucky for him he was outvoted as even Ace had taken the twins side. And...as much as he hated to admit it, the man was a good fighter. Able to put his little magic tricks and sword to good use. Still they didn't need any attention, and if there was anything Erik knew about him from his show-this man loved being in the center of it.
Though they haven't seen any of Heliodor's men, he'd have to be stupid and think they gave up the chase. Especially since rumors were going on in Gallopolis about 'darkspawns' sneaking in to cause terror.
The only thing that calmed him down and kept him from going off on the flamboyant addition was the fact that Ace said that this would be a temporary deal. As soon as they reach Gondolia they'd go their separate ways, which would be a few days max.
"So what's got you so anxious heading to the next city that you'd partner up with strangers as escorts?" More than anything Erik wanted to know his motives. If he didn't think he could tackle the journey solo despite his swordsmanship, he could've asked anyone in Gallopolis.
Or gone with the circus he was working with or hell, he was pretty sure the Sultan would've happily sent guards to protect him towards his destination. Sure they proved their worth fighting the Slayer of Sands-but last the rogue recalled Sylvando was unconscious during that.
However being an actor and illusionist on stage he could've been easily faked that just so he could watch them in action. Why he would do that Erik had no idea. None of this was helping his paranoia.
"Well I did want to properly apologize for Raja constantly going after your little lady. For whatever reason she just won't leave her be. I thought it was her love of carnations but now i'm not so sure...But more so than that you lot looked like a fun group to go with. Three lovely ladies and one charismatic man together on an epic quest? Clearly there's a story."
And a story he got as Serena spilled the beans, resulting in her sister giving her a slight slap on the knee. "Blabbermouth! You don't need to tell him our whole life's story now." Well any hope Erik had on this deal remaining temporary was gone as dark brown eyes widened in horror.
Turning to each of them with a deep stare, checking to see if they were actually serious. "My, my, my, my, my...So there's a dastardly villain coming to steal all the smiles and laughter in the world? Now that just won't do at all!" Erik's eye twitches...
"And you four heroes are on a daring mission to stop him before its too late? Ohh now that does sound fun." This guy was weird, and clearly didn't understand just how dangerous of a mission they were on. "Hmph. You got a strange idea of fun...you still never said why you needed to head to Gondalia."
The raven haired man stands up then, placing one hand on his hip and the other to his chest. "I-the Great Sylvando am going to compete in Signor Universo~" Ace and Serena turned to each other, never having heard the competition.
Only for them to then shift towards Veronica who snorted. "Basically it's a male beauty pageant. Men apparently flock all over to show their stuff and get laid." Well that was an eye opener that left them blushing at the idea.
Of course the jester himself gasps. "It's far more than just that honey. It's a chance to step into the spotlight and express yourself. If a little romance happens along the way, well-little ole me won't say a thing~" Immediately his gaze turns towards the thief and Luminary, an interested gleam peeping through his gaze.
A small hum escapes as he nestles his head in his hands. "I'd ask to see if you were interested in joining me darling. Personality aside you'd be a fan favorite-though I wouldn't want to upset your girlfriend there." It was comical at just how wide Ace's pupils grew, along with her flushed cheeks.
As was her seating companion who almost fell off his log. Forget the insulting comment as his glare multiplied tenfold. "Wh-what are you talking about you insane jester! We're friends. That's it!" Sylvando frowned at Erik's words, even more when he saw the poor girl next to him flinch.
"You mean...you guys aren't together?" Damn he had been sure they were an item. With how overprotective the boy was and how often the two were side by side...Still, he could clearly see the feelings the pair had for each other. "N-no...no. We're not."
If they've been like this since the beginning he could only imagine how painful it was for the blond sisters to watch...
Well that just won't do.
to be continued
Author Notes: I love Sylvando. Not only is he funny but he's a blast to write. With that though comes problems, and well...unfortunately for Erik, he's going to be the main target. So we'll see how long it takes before the Jester is added to his must kill list lol.
But that is it for me. As per usual thanks so much for reading my story. If you like...please feel free to show your support by fav/follow/reviewing as it always means so much to me knowing people like my story. I'll see you all next time, tchao for now.