Yggdrasil's Ace
Chapter 22
Author Notes: So this is a sidequest Sen actually didn't do, which I am horribly sad because it was actually pretty easy and cool. Of course with that in mind I just had to use it...and what better time than with all the tension? I do not own Dragon Quest
3rd P.O.V
For once, Ace was actually right in terms that there was no need for her to be chaperoned by her two companions. "What's with all the dogs?" It was better to be safe than sorry but Erik had to admit this was better than last time they went into a legendary tale.
There was no big bad enemy there waiting for them. No stolen weapon that caused a swarm of monsters to come pouncing about. Though it wouldn't be normal considering Ace was involved. The land of Moonahan was chock full of canines instead of townspeople.
"Oh! Welcome travelers!" There towards the outskirts of town was a beautiful woman in priestly robes. "Can you tell us where the villagers are darling? As well as your name?" The young woman gave a curtsey to the trio.
A small smile gracing her features. "Thou wond'rest who I am? In truth, I am Princessa, royalty of the realm in which thou standest. Fair Moonbrooke." The woman glanced around, her mouth shifting downwards.
Her fingers tightening around her staff. "Alas 'tis a realm-much diminished. An evil wretch known as Hargon, a priest that follows the path of wickedness did burn my home to the ground and cursed me to take the form of a dog."
If there was anyone who could understand Princessa's pain it was Ace who listened on attentively despite the woman's strong accent. "And then...wherefore I know not, the curse upon me was lifted and the people of this town took on canine form in my stead." Every day she tried to break this spell.
Day and night she scoured through as many magical tomes as she could, hoping to find something. But every attempt to fix this mess ended in failure. "Truly, it seemeth that I bring disaster wheresoever I do roam..." This feeling of failure, of guilt that never seems to fade no matter what's done or how much time has passed.
"I know what you mean." Without even meaning to Ace placed a consoling hand on Princessa's shoulder, surprising the woman as she gives a startled glance. Both Ace's birth place and Cobblestone fell because of her. And not a single day does not pass without her thinking of it, regretting that she couldn't stop the mindless destruction.
Princessa offers a smile as she accepts the comfort. Hope blooms within her chest for the first time in so long as she feels the girl's magic radiate off her body. "There may be a solution for these innocents. I once heard tell of a spell from the time of Erdrick. Sheen was it's name." A spell from an era long passed.
One capable of lifting any curse no matter how strong. Immediately Erik's eyes go wide. His own gaze full of hope as his mind drifts. Sylvando glances the thief's way for a moment, his eyebrow raised before turning his attention back towards the spellcasting princess.
"From what I have gathered, 'tis an incantation beyond my meager magical means...but with thou's help and an enchanted elixir known as magic water, I might perhaps eke out a single casting." The Luminary was more than willing to try, especially since she had plenty of phials full of magic water.
Something that surprises her fellow royal a great deal. "What say'st thou!? Obtaining this wondrous liquid in thy world is a mere trifle!? What manner of place is it that thou callest home!?" There were so many questions. So little time. "Nay, we must speak of such things another time-the townspeople..."
Ace listens intently to what Princessa was asking of her, calming quoting the incantation the two of them need to say. "My magical powers are meagre, but with you and this enchanted elixir, we will more than suffice." With a shaky breath Princessa holds out her hands, allowing for Ace to take them.
"For all that thou hast done for me, rest assured that thou hast my undying gratitude. Now, let us pray that our efforts have not been in vain..." There was a possibility that this spell won't do a thing. That these people will still remain on all fours. Or that the curse will once more befall Princessa.
Still, they had to try. Sylvando and Erik take that as their cue to stand back. Watching in awe as the two girls are enveloped in a bright white light. Runes surround their bodies as they perfectly repeat the incantation in harmony.
Oh Goddess who's light shines so bright.
Let us put an end to the darkness tonight.
Bring forth a spell to undo all harm.
Let warmth set forth a never ending calm.
Here I call upon the mighty spell Sheen.
Come and break the curse bound chains that can't be seen!
The light around them extends from their bodies. Like wings taking flight the spell envelopes the entire town. It growing brighter and stronger as the pair continue their spell. Until that bright light flashes. Landing on every single cursed individual and setting them free.
When everyone's visions clear, they all smile. "We did it!" Princessa laughs, tears forming her eyes as she takes in the glorious sight of the village full of people once more. And even more she herself was free of the curse. As human as when Ace and her companions first set foot into town.
She couldn't stop herself from crushing the younger girl to her chest, ecstatic at the fact that she and the villagers were saved. A moment later she pulls away, a blush of embarrassment on her cheeks as she apologizes for her brash behavior before reaching into her bag.
"A miracle thou has created. I thank thou from the bottom of thy heart. Here, 'tis may not be much, I hope it could be of use." Some gold as well as some crafting items, including a devil's tail was given to her. Ace herself was beaming, and though was grateful, tried giving the reward back.
Not really wanting it. "The fact that I was able to help was all the reward I needed Princessa. We have to go. But I wish you and the kingdom of Moonbrooke the best of luck." Despite her claims, the Moonbrooke royal would not take no for an answer, and all but forced the items onto Ace before wishing them safe travels.
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As promised Sylvando gave Ace the opportunity to speak privately with her favorite thief. "Wh-where'd he go!?" The moment they returned to Tickington he disappeared, leaving them alone without a word. Though Erik wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing.
He was still feeling unsure whether or not he wanted to confess as the pair of them wandered towards the edge of the small little village. Though if the circus performer Was there, he'd be laughing since Ace didn't even give her crush a chance to confess first. "Erik?"
Just like the flamboyant jester assumed, she was growing tired of this sense of insecurity and them being distant. "Yeah? What's up Ace?" If she had the chance to be honest about herself, then now was the time to do it.
"There's something I need to say..." If the last few months and what happened to Princessa was any indication, the unthinkable could happen at any given moment. And well, as the Luminary she was destined to fight whatever evil was going to plague the world, there was no guarantee that she survive or even succeed.
Even if he doesn't feel the same as her, she'd rather at least let Erik know. So she takes a deep breath. "I...these last few days I've been wanting to talk to you, but for the first time since we started traveling, I didn't know how to."
The boy crosses his arms, keeping his face composed yet attentive as he listens. Watching every nervous twitch as she stands facing him. Guilt and regret once more coursing through him. Though he keeps his mouth shut, knowing this was important.
"I'm...not sure what I've done to upset you, but I want you to know that no matter what happens, where we go or who we meet. You're always the one person I will always want to fight alongside with." Damn that wasn't what she really wanted to say.
It was-but she was struggling to find the right words, how the hell did Gemma ever admit her feelings to her lover? Or did he confess to her? Either way she wished she paid more attention when the blonde seamstress went on about her relationship.
Sure she didn't think she'd ever be in this situation-but that old mindset wasn't doing her any good. She couldn't even look him in the eye. "I don't know when it happened, but I found myself feeling more for you-more than that of a friend." She closes her eyes then, a small embarrassed laugh escaping.
"Sorry-i'm no good at this, but no matter what I just wanted to let you know how I felt. Even if you don't feel the same way as I do, I just want to be by your side. Even when this journey eventually ends..." She didn't have the confidence to tell him outright she loved him.
Still if the wide eyes and flush on his cheeks on his face were any indication, he understood loud and clear. "To be honest I wasn't sure if I should even tell you, not wanting to ruin what bond we have, but...it's only a matter of time before the danger starts growing and I follow my destiny."
Her unspoken words of her role as the Luminary rang loud and clear as his eyes glazed over. Pain filtering through. "Well...that's all I wanted to say. Let's go see if we can find Slyv-" He had let her say her piece.
Forced to watch her struggle to be honest with her feelings. He couldn't stand the idea of her accepting a rejection she assumes is going to happen. She was partially turned, already planning on walking away as she finally lost what little courage she had.
Only to gasp as she was immediately trapped with muscled arms and a warm body. Preventing the both of them from running away. "Erik?" She tilted her head slightly, trying to get a glimpse of his face.
"I don't know what it is you see in me...but words can't describe how happy you've made me." It was his turn now, and he was going to give her an answer. "I don't deserve you Ace. These hands are stained with the sins of my past. Up until now I was resigned to being your traveling companion."
He admitted that love was the furthest thing from his mind. That there was something he needed to do which is why he traveled and sought out the seer he met in the first place. "Along the way I realized how attached I was to you, and needed to distance myself."
Erik kept himself hidden within her hair, taking in her scent as he confessed. "Still...despite it all I wanted to have you just like all the other treasures i've stolen, and I felt possessive as more people began joining us on our journey."
His grip tightened slightly, his body trembling as all his bottled emotions were being released. In the end, despite how he felt there was no excuse for how he acted. "I've never hated myself more than when I was being an ass to you. Sorry doesn't even begin to cut it, especially with everything you've been going through."
Releasing a shaky breath he stepped away, pulling his arms enough to where she was free from his hold. Allowing her to finally turn around and face him. Yet she didn't try to break free. Her face full of hope, eyes glistening in awe.
"I-I love you Ace. And if you truly feel that way about me even with my past-don't go somewhere I can't follow." That... was fine. It was far more than she ever expected. Tears fell, but a smile followed it immediately after. "I'm not going anywhere..."
Her smile grew as she placed her hands over his, marveling over what was going on. The warmth of his fingers seeping into hers as they interlace together. "There's no where I'd rather be. It was these stained hands that reached out to me when no one else would." This was long overdue.
Them talking...being honest with each other. "And I'm sorry that I made you feel like you weren't needed." Immediately the thief shakes his head. "I was just being a jealous prick." This was a new change for the both of them, one that promised a future they desperately wanted.
Of course both still had skeletons in their closets...and the world was counting on the two of them to fight. Still this was more than enough for them.
to be continued
Author Notes: HELL YES I WENT THERE! I've done the slow burns and sometimes it drives me bonkers! So we're changing things up a bit folks! A little romance will do us some good. Well, at least until I mess it-what's that? We're at the end?
Okie dokes. As always my good friends, thank you all so much for reading my story. If you want please feel free to fav/follow/review as I appreciate all the love my stories get. Really makes my day. With that I'll see you all next time. Tchao for now.