Yggdrasil's Ace

Chapter 28

Author Notes: Woo Woo! All aboard the update train. Long overdue so I won't waste time. Do not own Dragon Quest

3rd P.O.V

Bright sun, strong breeze and the scent of the salty sea was heavy in the air. "Looks like we'll be in for some smooth sailing~ Not a monster in sight!" It was a relief to be out on such a nice day with such gentle waves.

Even with his tender aches and sores, Erik found himself resting his elbows on the rails. For once relaxed. "Guess you really sweet talked the Doge into giving us safe passage huh Sylv?" The performer shot him a wink.

Wagging a finger in his direction while resting his free hand on his hips. "A jester never laughs and tells. But after finding out just what kind of nasty ploys that Jasper fellow was getting into, I was glad he was willing to see reason." What an understatement.

In general the blue haired thief was going to blame all his current grievances on the Heliodorian knights-but for once there was confirmation. The monster invasions in Gondala, Placido's muteness...all Jasper's doing. Right along with trying to set the city aflame.

"Gotta say...you really bailed us out. Thanks Sylvando." It was hard to admit, but Erik found himself coming around with the flamboyant man. Were it not for him, all of them probably would've been caught and killed. It was because of him the Doge was willing offer safe passage.

Because of his kidnapping and injured state, he had only heard of it, but according to Ace, the circus performer went to hell and back getting the Doge Placido's medicine and prove their innocence. Fortunately it had paid off as the civilians were rallied to stop Jasper from pursuing them.

Along with smashing a good few cannonballs on a krakens head that thought Sylvando's boat was a new toy to play with. Within a matter of seconds strong arms wrap around his thin frame. "Ah-hey!" Squeezing him against muscle. "Ohhhh so you really can be a softie when you want to be~"

As grateful as Erik was for the man...he did not appreciate the hug. Especially with how sore he still was. "Alright enough already!" With a pout his captor releases him(not soon enough in his opinion) only to huff.

"Now now, no scowling mister. The last thing I want to see are those on my ship! Especially with how much fretting Ace was doing." Immediately their gazes move along, finding the girl in question.

Currently she was on the ground, throwing fireballs into the air for Raja to chase. Looking far more relaxed then she's been in ages. "Still can't believe I went riding on a flying sabrecub." Were it not for the aches, Erik would've thought he dreamt it all.

"I must say all that training I did with Raja paid off. The little thing is still only a few months old after all. I suppose I should be lucky the ringleader didn't want her." Erik raised an eyebrow at that comment. Recalling previously that Raja wasn't the comedic mans, but the circus's.

He couldn't help being curious. "Why not? Granted monster handling isn't something I'd do but there were a bunch at the circus right?" A small sigh escaped his companion as he huffed. Grinning as Raja jumped right into the blast of her playmate's spell.

Her fur turning the flames into hot extensions, making her grow two sizes bigger. "Raja is a wonderful flier, and as you saw effective when engulfed in fire, however as you know from the show-she's got an impulsive, affectionate streak."

As if proving his words true, the winged monster pounced on Ace, nibbling on her hair with purrs. "She's still a baby, but the ringleader of the troop I was temporarily traveling with had no patience with her." Sylvando waved his hand with a roll of his eye.

Honestly he couldn't stand that man with how rude and pigheaded he could be. The only reason he ever joined the troop in the first place was because of the good friends he had in it, otherwise he would've never accepted the offer to travel with them.

"After jumping Ace during the show he was furious with her, and decided to just up and abandon the poor thing. Of course I had offered to take Raja, especially since it was me training her to begin with. But clearly it seems our lovely Luminary has the magic touch when it comes to free spirited beasts."

First Midno and now Raja, honestly it was like something out of a fairytale book. Originally Sylvando was going to be the one manning Raja for the daring rescue. But the moment Ace saw the state her lover was in-how he was being treated well...it wasn't too much of a surprise seeing her jump into the fray.

Fortunately things turned out ok. "I'll chalk it up to an Ace thing than a Luminary thing. There's a lot of animals that she apparently took care of during her childhood." Sylvando watches the bluenette form a wry grin, happy to just stand there and watch.

His interest piqued...story time was a definite. "Is that so? Well-seems we're checking off 'animal tamer' to the many talents she can do. Warrior, blacksmith, healer, horseback riding, cook-is there nothing else your amore can't do?" Cook? For a moment Erik's brows furrow in thought...then it hits him.

"So she made the stew?" He thought the way she phrased 'telling the chef' sounded off, but he thought she was referring to someone else. "She didn't tell you? She mentioned it being a family recipe-though she didn't take a single portion. Didn't have much of an appetite, apparently."

XXxXXxXXxXXxXxxXxXXxXxXxXxXxXxX

It didn't take long for night to fall on the open waves. "Now then...which one is it?" The moon was beautiful and bright as Ace sat in a little section on the upper deck. For once she was all alone, her companions long gone to their rooms to rest for the night.

Allowing her a moment to take in the vast open ocean she was traveling upon without distraction. It was mesmerizing, sure it was beautiful during the day when the sun glittered on the surface, but there was something peaceful watching the tides splash gently.

Were she not so focused she probably would gone to sleep ages ago. But, she had too much to think about as her fingers dance across the covers of the several books she was looking through, hoping it would have the information she needed. Though it was only a few moments of her scanning the pages before she shuts it.

The contents just wasn't what she was looking for. Of course when she has more time she'll be sure to read it fully. When she wasn't looking for more specific topics of interest. "It's gotta be in here somewhere..."

If there was anything good to take note of in Gondala for the short time they were there, it was the books she was able to find and purchase. "Nope." The ending of their stay may've been abrupt and horrible, but Ace could still appreciate the little time she had spent with Veronica.

Before Benigno had tried to get his little hands on Veronica's staff, the two had gotten a good look at some of the shops set up around town. Fortunately, it wasn't clothes shopping as promised, but there was still a variety of goods for sale.

The young looking Arborian sage had her eyes set on pastries, charms and the occasional magical artifact...whereas Ace had set her attention towards forging materials, medicine and books. Lots...and lots of books. "Dammit, not that one either."

Journals, recipes for medicine and smithing, ancient myths, information on sabrecubs and horses-the list went on. Really anything that caught her attention made its way into her bag. And it's not like she couldn't afford it.

She had plenty of money from all the loot monsters dropped and for selling some of her less than quality or outdated equipment. And even if that wasn't a case, up until then Ace only bought necessities...she usually didn't splurge even back when there were festivals happening back home.

So regardless...she had plenty on hand to spend. "Maybe this one?" Right now her priority was to try expanding her knowledge of magic. And of Yggdrasil in general. Hoping that it would help with the journey she was on.

She still had no idea of what kind of evil that was out there...but no matter what she couldn't afford to fail. Her recent experiences have shown her a world far colder and darker than something no one should ever have to face.

So making a huge pile for herself she settles her back against sturdy wood and got to reading. "Chapter 1: The Elements of the World and its Origins." Knowledge was power, and she intended to make sure she learns as much as possible to help the world.

And protect the friends that she's made along the way. Now if only her determination was strong enough or capable to will her headaches and mild shaky fingers away. But she would be fine...she always was. Always will be.

To be continued

Author Notes: Ace reads a book, gain +2 in magic and intelligence lol. In all seriousness kudos to Ace for researching. I love a good book, but man does it kill my eyes and back after awhile.

Welp, that's it for now folks. Thanks for reading my story. If you like it and wanna show support, feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a crap ton to me. Tchao for now!