Yggdrasil's Ace

Chapter 27

Author Notes: It's been awhile-sorry about that. You'd think with the summer, there'd be more time to get things done but uh, i'm still here lol. Let's get going guys, I do not own Dragon Quest

3rd P.O.V

For the longest time he was drifting in darkness. Unaware of himself and the world around him.

"Erik!"

But slowly, over an unknown amount of time he heard an echo of voices.

"Erik Please! Please..."

They were familiar. Distinct enough to where he could recognize who was calling his name. But so in sync that they were in harmony. Desperation heavy in their tones.

"Wake up...come back to me!"

He had to wake up. No matter what-he promised.

"I don't want to be alone..."

But...which promise was he trying to keep?

It took all the strength he had but he had managed to open his eyes, returning to reality. "H-huh?" For the longest time he was struggling with his vision, it being a mess of movement and colors. So intense he had to close his eyes with a slight hiss.

He tried to take a breath, only to puff out a bit of air as his body tenses. His ribs in particular not appreciating the attempt. It was then he was able to take in every bit of pain he was in. Like before with Jasper, he woke up to his body in complete agony.

Most definitely worse than last time. But he was alive, and so was..."ACE!" Immediately he opened his eyes, forced his arms to try pushing him up to a sitting position. Only for gentle yet firm hands to place him down.

"Glad to see you're awake deary, but perhaps take it easy hm? I don't think the poor thing would appreciate you hurting yourself for her sake." It was Sylvando, giving him a kind smile.

Never has Erik been so glad to see the flamboyant jester. Of course with the man's surprise appearance, it only made the injured rogue all the more confused. Questions were forming in hordes, ready to be released. "You? What..."

Sylvando clucks his tongue, tucking Erik in was felt like a mountain of blankets while cutting off said questions. "Gave us all quite the scare hon. Best not move so much, Serena healed the wounds but mentioned you'd still feel the aches and pains." Well that explained why he still felt awful.

As good as magic was, depending on the circumstances it wasn't a cure all. Especially with the damage he took. But right now the thief didn't give a damn about resting. "Ace-where is she!?" He had to see her with his own eyes...

"Shh! I just put her to bed." The smile was still on Sylvando's lips even as he placed a finger over it. He waited for Erik to scowl and cross his arms for a moment before pointing to their left, both pairs of eyes following the movement.

A familiar lump on the bed with shoulder length ash brown locks sleeping, completely unaware of the conversation. "Ace darling had been running herself ragged watching over you. I figured she'd be a bit more comfortable in bed then on the floor." And she wasn't alone either.

Midno was laying on the left side of the bed, and Raja was pushed up against her chest, cocooning her in layers of warmth. "Is she ok?" Both animals had been awake for ages, finding more entertainment watching the two males talk.

Or rather Erik acting like the worrywart he tried denying he was. "You were the only one injured Mr. Hero. All of us watched the performance you and Ace put on and despite the danger I must say it was quite the spectacle. Something right out of a play~"

He could tell Sylv was being overly dramatic on purpose. Hoping to muster some smile out of him, and though Erik tried, he failed to hide it. "Now that's better. Get some rest now. It's late into the night and you're still on the mend." As much as he wanted to protest, he couldn't deny the jester was right.

Even though he had been unconscious for what he could only assume to be a couple hours at least, his eyelids were heavy. Exhaustion overtook his desire to rush to Ace's side. To cuddle into her soft, comforting presence... Just enough for him to have a dreamless sleep.

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The next time Erik awoke, it wasn't due to dreams, or even noises happening around him. No, what brought him back from the shadows of his mind was a delicious aroma hitting his nose, and the familiar empty feeling in his stomach.

Cracking open his eyes, he once more finds himself staring at the ceiling. A small yawn escapes him as he blinks. And though tears pricked the edges, the fatigue he had felt before was gone. His body still hurt all over, but that wasn't going to stop him from gently sitting himself up.

He goes to lift up his hand to rub his eyes when he realized there was a slight weight on it, and it's then he looks down. A small, exasperated smile forming as a certain somebody was kneeling at his bedside. "Oh Ace..."

Dark circles, and red streak marks from her puffy eyes to the slightly damp sheets told Erik all he needed to know. And it made him feel terrible. Especially as he recalled the last time he was awake. When Sylvando came in to check on him, only having to tuck her into bed because she was most likely in this same position.

Probably fretting for hours over him. Honestly...taking his free hand, wincing a little but still persevered, he gently stroke her head. Silk hairs easily shifting through his fingers. "Hm?" It doesn't take her long to stir. "You're going to give yourself serious back problems sleeping like this."

Hearing his comment woke her up immediately. Her head shooting up, a relieved smile already forming as her left hand cupped his cheek. "You're awake...you're ok!" Though a blush forms on his cheeks, he couldn't stop himself from smiling as well, holding her hand in place.

Loving the warmth from both her words and fingers. "Of course I am, why wouldn't I be?" That smile quickly tilted down, turning small, making him worry. "Ace? What's wrong?" That sad expression still lingered, though she shook her head.

"Don't worry about it." Standing up, she released him to lean towards her left, grabbing a bowl off the nightstand next to the bed. "You hungry?" The smell wafted through his senses again, temporarily distracting him as Ace casted a small spell.

Reheating the contents in her palms before handing it to him. "Talk first." No matter how hungry he was, Erik wasn't going to let her try getting out of explaining what happened. "At least take a few bites first. Then I'll explain." And of course she knew that.

Still his health was important, she knew he was probably starving. So she sat back down on the floor(something Erik really didn't like) and waited, feeling better when her lover took a bite. "This is delicious."

She watched, amused as his eyes grew wide, pausing in awe before going back for more. What was only going to be a few bites before their talk ended up being the entire bowl emptied. "I take it you liked it?" Not a single vegetable or drop of broth remained.

A small sigh escaped him then, feeling more energized and content than when he first woke up. "I've never had something so good." The hot dish was homemade and fresh. Tender vegetables seasoned with beef and spices. Leagues better than something he could ever make back home.

"I'll be sure to let the chef know then. Now as far as what happened, what do you remember?" He hummed, closing his eyes as the memories shifted into place, and together the pair went over what happened.

Any pieces the thief struggled to recall or left blank, his companion easily explained. Though...it wasn't quite so lighthearted of a conversation. "Serena said that it was dark magic that struck you. It was meant to be a death curse, but luckily I was able to get you to her in time."

It was no wonder she really didn't want to tell him. Yes, it hurt like a bitch but he didn't think he was dying when he collapsed. Knowing now, he understood why she was so worried, why she looked so upset waiting for him. "Sorry for worrying you. Are you alright?" He analyzed her from head to toe.

Looking for any bulging bandages or marks. "I am now that you're awake." Carefully she placed a quick kiss to his hand, watching him blush for a second before she grabbed his dish. Fully rising to her feet with a small tilt of her head.

"I'll go get the others. Serena said that you would be fine with some rest and good food, but I promised to grab everyone once you were up and about." She barely made it two steps before a hand took ahold of her. Stopping any further movement.

Or more likely preventing her from running away. "What's bothering you Ace?" No matter how hard she could try, the Luminary couldn't fool him. Still she couldn't stop herself from trying to convince him otherwise. "What do you mean? I'm fine! You're the one lying in bed injured."

Underneath her smile and relief filled eyes there was something else. A lingering pain and sadness that he's seen time and time again. Realization dawned on him as he glanced at her birthmark. Gently rubbing it with his thumb.

"Don't blame yourself for my wounds. It's because you rescued me that I came back in one piece." Her back was still facing him, but he was able to see and feel her tremble. Her false cheer fell in one swift motion.

Her voice cracking with emotion. "You got hurt because Jasper was after me. He tortured you and tried killing you...to get to me." The fingers that were wrapped around the bowl tightened, making her skin turn white. Confirming his suspicions.

Gingerly he moved his upper body forward, ignoring the aches and throbs so he could get a more secure grasp on her arm. "Jasper would've gone after me whether we partnered up or not. He would've done this regardless with him probably killing me." He wasn't going to let her drown in guilt.

Not again. "Ace. You saved my life. You could've zoomed away or chimera winged out of there the moment all hell broke loose. But despite me telling you to leave me behind you saved me. Thank you." A sob flew from her mouth as she turned, diving to hug him.

"You shouldn't be thanking me!" The dam burst as she cried into his chest. "But I am, and I'll keep doing so. Just like how i'll tell you and everyone else that you're not a darkspawn or bringer of evil." Bandaged arms wrap around her frame, pulling her close.

Gently shushing her as she cried. "You're my partner. And I am so SO glad I met you Ace. No matter how hard the journey may be, I'm sticking with you no matter what." He nuzzled his head with hers before lifting her face to meet his.

Wiping her tears as she sniffled. "Do you promise?" Lithe hands reaches for her hair, tangling with the smooth strands. "I promise. There's no where else I'd rather be...Alice?" He had expected a laugh out of her. A snort at the very least before getting an eyeroll for him breaking the serious mood.

But...he didn't, instead she stared at him, stunned as more tears fell. Before resting against his shoulder, her voice low. "Same here." The startling realization hit him just then. She didn't say he was wrong. "Alice is your real name?"

His answer comes with a small nod. "Alice Solaira. That is my birthname." After so many months of guessing he thought he'd never know. Which in all honesty was fine with him. It was more of an inside joke between the two of them.

Yet, somehow he got it, and it was a beautiful name. It fit her wonderfully. But now that he knows, he could only question at this point how it went from 'Alice' to 'Ace?' Something she was easily able that tell from the curious glint in his eyes since she continued.

"My grandpa Chalky while helping my mum raise me, often took me with him to the forest to go hunting or play cards with his friends. He said ever since he found me, he's never had a bad day or a moment of bad luck. I was his ace to any bad hand in life-so he called me Ace and it stuck."

That...was actually a sweet backstory, and only encouraged him to keep calling her that. "I can see why. You've been my ace in the hole since we met too." Her raised eyebrow spoke volumes as she huffed in disbelief. It was incredible how off the rails their conversations went as the topic shifted once more.

With the injured male being such a soft-hearted sap. Rubbing her sore eyes, she shook her head. This man would be the death of her... "Erik you've nearly been killed on multiple occasions since we met. Forced to constantly run and fight for months." That was true, he couldn't deny that.

Still...he wouldn't take back his words. He wouldn't change a damn thing. "But I lived through it all. I found love and hope for a future I never imagined happening. Just like your name you're as bright as the sun. And the one treasure above everything else I've taken." He pulls her in for another hug.

Feeling her desperately cling to his shirt. Not able to believe what she was hearing. "I think I'm going to barf." The loving, touching moment was completely ruined as the two hastily pulled away. Their gazes finding a rather...captivated audience.

Serena, Veronica and Sylvando were all there, watching for what could only be imagined for awhile. "Wha-how-Shut up brat! What are you all doing here!?" Despite the roller coaster of emotions Ace was feeling, she couldn't stop herself from laughing at the absurdity of it all.

"We came to check up on a certain idiot. Because he decided to let himself get captured and beat up by a bunch of sadistic asshole guards! If you had just let me cast my frizz or crackle spell-we would've been fine. But no-you went and threw me in the damn river and I am ready to beat some senses into your brain!"

Veronica was waving her staff threateningly. Daring the blue haired rogue to make a comment. Her sister had given him the clear on his injuries, now it was time for him to face her wrath. "Excuse me? If it wasn't for me you would've gotten killed!" Serena shook her head, giving Ace an apologetic expression.

Whether for her sister's behavior or the fact that they in general ruined the loving moment the swordswoman couldn't tell...While her favorite jester sent a knowing wink her way. Thoroughly entertained with the whole thing.

"Oh and how would that have happened Mr.? I'm not the one covered in wraps like a mummy! And Speaking of which-I hope you're grateful for all the effort my sister and Ace wasted on your ass. Those healing ointments on those wrappings weren't easy to make!"

It was the start to a wonderful new day. Ace didn't realize up until now just how much she missed this. Desperately she wished things could stay like this. She had thanked the Goddess for not taking Erik away, and she would keep praying that he and the others stay alive and by her side on this quest.

However...she's long learned that it would take more than praying for her wish to be realized. It didn't matter how long it would take, she would get stronger. No matter what she would keep them safe.

to be continued

Author Notes: Cavities be real people. I was crying while typing and editing this. And to think we're still so far from even the halfway point in the game. Slowly but surely im making my way through it.

Though maybe i should catch up on the chapters first lol. Before I say my farewells I figured id give some info that convinced me to pick Ace's true name. Alice=noble. Solaira=of the sun. Alice Solaira=noble of the sun~

With that my friends that is it for now. Everyone thank you all so much for reading my story so far. If you like it please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean so much to me. See you all next time-tchao for now!