Yggdrasil's Ace

Chapter 21

Author Notes: What's this? Something smells off? No...no it's not that. My shipping senses are screaming in agony because I created awful tension...time to fix that. I do not own dragon quest.

3rd P.O.V

It seemed that Sylvando's snooping has really done it this time. To all but the two individuals involved, it was obvious that Erik and Ace were head over heels for one another. They were completely in sync, working together gracefully as if they'd known each other their whole lives. It was a beautiful thing.

But thanks to his curiosity and big mouth, it appears that he truly botched it up as the lovely pair couldn't so much as look each other in the eye without turning away or find some sort of excuse to distance each other. And that was when they weren't in battle...when they were, they lost rhythm, taking more hits than they normally would.

Meaning both of them fretting over the other before realizing what they were doing to repeat the whole damn cycle all over again! On top of that Erik was snapping at them more and more, acting like a rabid dog if there was even one toe out of line or someone looked at him the wrong way.

He's even snapped at Ace, something he (obviously) immediately regrets but has no idea as to how to properly apologize and explain himself for. His regret therefore forces him to keep even more distance, sulking all the while.

All in all...this was a mess that needed to be fixed and fast. "Honestly if they just confessed it would make things a whole lot easier." Veronica, out of all of them, was absolutely fed up with their awkward interactions.

She was seeing their little dance of denial the longest, and words could not describe just how agonizing it was for her to see these lovestruck fools avoid their feelings. So painful to watch that she would rather be Raja's chew toy-which fits considering the annoying cat beast was always trying to nibble on her hat.

"It's not so simple sister." If only it was. "Looks like I made a terrible boo-boo here. Just how deep is their history darlings?" It was another day(of three) that have gone by and another step closer to Gondolia. In fact with how things were going they would be in town within another few hours of traveling.

The sun was still out, but due to the raging heat and the multiple missteps from the drama happening within the party, everyone had agreed they were in desperate need for a break. "Not long, surprisingly. From what we know Erik and Ace met shortly before we did."

Still, the time they spent although short was full of incredible adventures. Like something out of a fairytale, of course Serena had only heard small snippets from the swordswoman. Yet each of them entranced the mage to no end. "Truly?" Sylvando dared to take a glance behind him.

Though Erik was still ways away from the girl, going through their inventory, he was keeping her within his sights. Blind devotion and admiration strongly shown within his eyes. Anyone that looked at the jester like that and ooh would he swoon, knowing someone cared so deeply.

What was mind boggling was the fact that Ace herself had no idea of such loving dedication. She most certainly felt the same way-but she couldn't see it. Completely unaware to the affectionate stare as she was nestled on the ground, tilting her head at...nothing.

"Is she alright?" Either that or she assumes that even though she knows he cares, doesn't have the courage to outright confess. Thinking she has no shot of keeping him invested in her(which makes no sense whatsoever.)

Something had to be done about her lack of confidence..."Oh she's just speaking to a tockle, don't mind her." A...tockle? Veronica smacked her sister's knee, exasperated. "He doesn't know what a tockle is. He can't see them!" Once more Serena strikes again with her big mouth.

One that she partially covers. "Oops..." Though there was no reason to apologize, she did. Thinking that the tockles were important mystical beings that needed to stay secret...and technically they did. But what could Sylvando do?

He couldn't see them-let alone attack them as they could make themselves transparent at anytime. Literally on another plane of existence. A small hum leaves Ace's lips as she rises to her feet, dusting the dirt off her cloak.

"I'm going to head to Tickington for a moment." Already the others were on their feet, surprising the performer. "You got yourself another pastcode?" Raja, who at the time was slumbering on Serena's lap hopped off. Flapping her wings towards Ace who for once was ready for her.

Hugging the silly sabrecub to her chest. "Yes, but this one isn't too much of a danger at all. So you all don't have to come with me this time." That didn't relieve the group at all, especially Erik. "Don't think you're heading out alone." No matter the little...funk their teamwork was, there was no way he was going to let her go solo.

"It's not a big deal Erik, and even if it is, everyone is tired. None of you need to go with me with what will be another side quest." A thought came to Sylvando as the pair stared each other down.

The most they've kept their gazes locked since he fumbled them up. "Big difference with this one is there'll be no time issue." Her cheeks puffed out in annoyance. Matching his irritated crossed arms. "Ok dearies break it up~ The solution to this is simple-I'll go with her on this little sidequest~ There we go!"

Everyone turned to look at Sylvando in surprise. "You...want to go with me? You don't even know where I'm going to go." Indeed he didn't, but this gave him the chance to talk to the poor girl.

Give her some much needed advice. "No-but this sounds like a fun adventure~ And this way-you won't go alone! It's a win-win. Serena can hold down the fort, Erik and Veronica will protect her should any trouble come their way-and Raja will protect us!" The cub in questioned meowed. As if agreeing with the lunacy idea.

"Sounds good to me, my feet were hurting-no offense Ace." Already the little mage in red could see the game Sylvando was playing, and was more than happy to play along. "Not happening. I'm going too." Whether he had truly meant to or not...he was making Erik very jealous right now.

Originally the romantic silver tongued performer had thought separating them in the hopes to give the girl some encouragement to be honest with her feelings...but this works out wonderfully as well. Rile the poor boy up to make him chase her.

Far more entertaining if anyone asked him. "Guys-it's not that big a deal. I can handle it without help." Leave it to Ace however to put her two gold in. She didn't want anyone going with her, knowing everyone was obligated to help.

A guilty thought came to her that maybe she should've said nothing at all-knowing time worked differently for the tockles. However it just wasn't in her to do that. Knowing that if they ever found out-she'd be in a load of trouble.

Since the Slayer of Sands-more than usual the people she's been with has been treating her like glass. She understood their concerns, knew that she scared them with how close to death's door she was. But...this amount of coddling was getting old.

She was fully healed, her fatigue was practically gone and this was something she needed to do. If for nothing else than to help her self-esteem because damn it all did she feel like an invalid. However Erik refused to let her go without him, whether she went with Sylvando or not.

So...she had to compromise. "Alright...fine. You win." Satisfied the two males approached her. One with a composed expression, the other confused as Ace extended her arms out with her eyes closed. "Let's go...We'll be back soon girls!" A flash of light and the trio were gone.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

"Oooohhh they're adorable!" Erik rolled his eyes, unimpressed as Sylvando went about hugging one of the random tockles walking along. "We should've left him..." Ace could only sigh. "Give him a break Erik, last I recall our first encounters with them was quite the experience as well." He couldn't deny that.

But it wasn't taming his jealousy whatsoever. "I thought you said this was going to be a temporary deal? So much for that..." She glanced his way, her gaze sad as he stormed off, already knowing where to go.

Another sigh left her as she approaches Sylvando who was- unfortunately for her, watching the entire thing. His expression conveying sympathy. "I'm sorry for causing such a drift between the two of you, darling." Immediately the girl shakes her head, releasing a heavy huff.

"I...I was more embarrassed that you assumed we were together. I-I'd like to be but...he's not interested. His reactions to me speaking loud and clear." Now that wasn't going to do at all. "I'm not so sure about that. If anything I think you're reading his signals completely wrong."

She blinked at his serious tone, though she kept walking, leading him towards the Echo chamber. "How so? For once-I don't know what he's thinking. He's always annoyed at me, and...I just don't know what to do." Bless this girl's innocence.

Now he HAD to make this right. "Is he your first crush?" Her blush said it all, but she nodded anyway. Letting him continue with a smirk. "Honey, I've been around quite a bit in my days as a traveling performer and I can tell you this...a man doesn't look at a woman like he does with you and NOT care in that way. The boy's jealous-plain and simple, love."

He nearly laughed at the realization that dawned on her face-crimson reaching her ears in a flurry. "Is that-do you truly think so?" She hoped, painfully that was all it was. That her affections could be reciprocated.

Or if nothing else she could properly talk with him without feeling like someone was stabbing her heart. "Darling...I KNOW so. You should see the dirty look he's giving me right now. Not you. Me." It was true, though she couldn't really see Erik as he was leaning against the walls to the chambers.

But with Sylvando's height and eyesight, he could. If he could Erik would be murdering him with no qualms. The young man probably regretted walking away from her the moment he saw them together.

"Now my question for you is...what are you going to do about it? Because Ronnie is ready to incinerate the both of you for this sad dance. Whether it's now while we're here, or later on today when we regroup with the girls, I believe you and him should talk one on one."

It was good advice. "Do you think...I could do that with him after we finish this? I feel like-i'd lose my nerve if I waited till we were back on the road." Sylvando would give her all the time in the world for this.

And considering time does not apply to here per say-he absolutely could. "Of course!" Plus this would give him the chance to explore the village more. These little goops were so cute! "About time you two got here." Now that Ace was aware of it, she was able to see her friend with the new perspective.

She could now see the agitated motions he was displaying as points of jealousy instead of anger, findign herself amused. "Sorry Erik, it's been awhile so I couldn't quite remember where it was." He snorted, keeping his stone, cold gaze on the jester. "Best get this done and over with."

Sylvando had managed to get through Ace's head what was happening...now for the real challenge. Talking to the blue haired rogue about his feelings without getting stabbed with his knife. From the get go Erik was the most difficult to approach and converse with.

Even with the spellcasting sisters, he kept his lips shut unless need be. "Erik hon, do you mind if we talk while Ace is a bit busy over there?" No matter what Sylvando has to make this count while the lovestruck girl is speaking with the aged tockle.

"What do you want?" It was like speaking with a stone wall, impenetrable and difficult. So he had to switch gears...shake things up a bit. "I just want you to know that if you want to take Ace-now is the time to do it. Immediately the boy's eyes went wide.

He choked on his own saliva, not at all expecting that. "Wh-what the hell are you going on about!?" He fortunately managed to prevent a loud outburst, though his whisper was as sharp as his knife.

The thief was more than ready to retaliate, but he was stopped with a hand held up. "If you're worried about me having feelings for her, don't. She's a royal sweetheart, but she's not for me. A bit too young for my tastes." It was funny watching Erik fumble.

As a rogue, he always kept his heart locked up and hidden away, but all it took was one teasing remark involving his favorite sword master to break down his barriers and make him a mess. "Why are you even talking to me about this?"

Making it all the more funny when he tried to deny his attraction to the moon and back. Still now wasn't the time to be laughing. Sylvando placed his hands on his hips, scoffing at his attitude.

"Because while you're pouting away, looking like you're about to commit a murder, Ace is thinking you hate her. Being a grumpy cactiball isn't the way to win her heart and unless you want another Faris trying to take claim you need to make your move." At the end of the day Sylvando was a troublemaker.

But with the best of intentions. "What-hate her? I don't!" Even back at the circus he was the one who stirred the waters whenever something was going on within the troupe. Add love and boy was he invested. This though, he took it farther than he's ever gone. With this pair though it had to be done.

"Well you need to talk to her. That girl carries the literal world on her shoulders, and deserves every bit of happiness she can get. And as far as I've seen up until my little blurt-she was happiest with you. So stop with the one man show because it isn't doing you any favors honey."

Now it was Erik's turn to sigh as he rested his head against the wall. Closing his eyes as he takes in this whole conversation. A conversation he never thought he'd be having with anyone, let alone the newest (Temporary) addition to their group.

Frankly he wished it wasn't happening. "Even if, Goddess forbid she felt the same about me it won't work out. She's too good for me. The past I have, the work I do...it's not something I'd ever want her dragged into." It's not like Erik hasn't had those moments of wanting to confess. He wasn't a coward.

However he was aware of his place. A friend, a traveling companion and protector? Sure. He will take those roles with his head held high as he stands by her side against whatever foe is in their wake. A lover to the Luminary? Yggdrasil's chosen leaf that is all good and wonderful? No. Not with his stained hands.

"Erik...I don't know what life you lived before going on this journey with her, but I think you're not giving yourself enough credit. Love is a beautiful thing and frankly Ace accepted you and your secretive, stained past long ago if how the two of you act around each other is any indication."

Sylvando gave him a stern look, one that made Erik feel like a kid again. How the hell was it he was being lectured on romance of all things?! However the man wasn't done as he jutted his chin Ace's way. A knowing gleam in his eyes.

"Don't underestimate her, as naïve as she can be she isn't stupid. Her eyes from what I can tell have seen horrors and can clearly tell when someone does not have the best of intentions towards her. If you have her attention...it means something and denying it will hurt her more than an attack from a monster ever will."

It was one wake up call Erik didn't even know he needed as he paled. His mind shifting to how he's behaved the last several days, his mouth forming a terrible grimace. "I...what should I do then! If you're so sure that things won't go south then what do I do?" Who would've thought a damned circus clown would be here playing matchmaker?

Of course it wasn't like Erik had any sort of crushes or romance experience previously. Before finding her in Heliodors' dungeon, there were several other things on the blue haired thief's mind. Love was never a passing thought. And up until recently it still wasn't. The words from the seer he met ages ago rang off in his head.

"Like I said before darling. Talk to her-before she makes a move herself. It's only a matter of time before she finds the courage or frustration enough to confront you." And she would, Sylvando planted all the seeds neccesary to do it. "Guys, we're ready to go!"

That gave the blue haired male very little time to prepare himself from that little talk. At least he was warned when the two of them turned towards her. There as a change in her as she glanced over towards them. Reigniting a fire Erik has been trying to avoid for ages.

to be continued

Author Notes: Not gonna lie, probably botched up the silly jester's character but personally I love writing him. Sen and I got to octogana(is that how it's pronounced) before the gameplay got stopped so I'm not too familiar but...I read a shit ton of fanfiction and I can just imagine him being a flamboyant, sassy cupid.

Either way...there's not turning back now lol. But sadly that is it for today. Thanks for reading guys! If you like the series please feel free to fav/follow/review since your support means a lot to me. Tchao for now.