AN: Hello guys, I bring to you all the new chapter! After this chapter, I might take some time to update because I've got major essays to work on at uni so I won't be able to write as often. Anyway, time to respond to you awesome readers that reviewed!

ydshahid: Huh? I don't get what you're saying, lol

Time Heals All: Ah yes... Cliffhangers, I just enjoy writing them but when reading them... huhu! Mmm, it's okay, you'll see more of Alvin and Leia in this chapter! And yes, Alt. Milla is beginning to at least soften up to Ludger. It will progress more

U-know Yunho: Well... It was touching but I didn't intend it to be a romantic scene yet xD but glad it worked somehow. Yes, Ludger's blood will be a huge problem

BruceNadeauJr: Thanks! Well yes, someone was bound to discover Ludger's predicament. Hahaha, cliffhangers is such a joy when you're the one doing the writing XD Oh dude, go for it man! Just try your hand, experiment a little. I'm sure readers on this site will share their thoughts, what you can improve on, etc.

GroundZeroFirework: Bahaha, thanks. I try to make the skit as humorous as possible! Hehe...

13TheAce : The feels for Ludger T_T HOHOHO! WHO IS THAT MYSTERIOUS FIGURE INDEED! Well, I'm not telling, although I'm sure you can guess from the chapters you've read. The problem sometimes is not so easily solved after all, huehuehue

That Mysterious Reader: Yes, I shall do my best to make sure the skits are funny enough to balance the sad parts in the story xD

Riku Uzumaki: Indeed, his condition is becoming much more apparent. As for your theory, I cannot say anything more, but it is a good one nonetheless

Haseo55: Mhmm... Well, we'll just find out soon enough what is making Ludger so sick :p

EternalKing: Yes, I believe the games didn't do enough interactions. I mean they did, but some were not explored enough. So I intend to expand certain parts.

Mr. AE Hachi-Roku: Ohohoho, we were never done with it! :D The 'disappearing' problem is not going to be dealt with just like that, huehuehue! But it's okay, most of your questions will be answered in Victor's arc

Nameless Knight: Ah yes, I understand what you mean now. Hmm... Well, I just fear that even though it sort of goes into a POV in certain paragraphs, if I change 'fractured' Milla to just Milla just because it is in Ludger or Elle's POV, it might confuse the readers :S
Oh yeah, you're right. Julius was the first he destroyed but I felt the game had just started at that point, so even I forgot about that.
Hehehe, yes... I try to cover a little more on Ludger's personal thoughts that the game did not go too much in detail

Luckenhaft: Err... I guess? hahahhaa

Well, that's it for reviews! I hope you guys will enjoy this chapter!

CHAPTER 7: GREYDAWN FANG

"Ludger, are you okay?" Asked Elle but the girl had not yet seen the blood.

Thinking quickly, Jude stepped in front of Elle's view and kneeled in front of her, "Hey Elle… you mind going to that stall over there and getting me an apple gel?"

"Is Ludger okay?"

Jude gave a smile, "Don't worry… I'm a doctor after all. Ludger's just… feeling a little dizzy so the apple gel will really help."

Elle nodded and took one last glance at Ludger. He was on one knee, covering up his mouth. Ludger just gave a thumb up in her direction and the little girl ran off to her errand. Once Elle was far enough, Jude turned to Ludger. His coughing had stopped but the palm of his hand was filled with red blood.

"Ludger… what's going on? This isn't normal." Jude asked.

Ludger stared at both of his palms, decorated with his blood. Ludger knew there was no point in lying, "I guess there's no point in hiding it."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Elle returned a short moment later, handing Jude the apple gel, "Here you are Jude."

Jude thanked Elle and then treated Ludger, although there was nothing to fix. It was just a ploy for Elle's sake. Ludger's palm and mouth was already cleaned. Only small droplets of dried blood were on the ground but Elle did not notice that. After completing the pretend check-up, the three decided to meet up with the others at Driselle's manor.

Elle gave a pout as she offered her arm. Ludger smiled and grabbed hold of her hand and Elle's mood instantly brightened. Perhaps due to Ludger's sudden sickness earlier and Elle's concern, the eight-year old wanted to be pampered a little.

Jude however was walking on autopilot. His mind was at a loss over the conversation he had with Ludger.

"You can't be serious!" Jude cried after Ludger explained what was going on with him. "There… There must be another way!"

Ludger had a sad expression on his face, "I don't know… but I know that every time I use it, it gets worse."

"And… you say… her condition is still-"

"This is my responsibility… That's why please don't tell anyone else about this Jude."

"What about…" Jude was saying but he spotted Elle coming towards them. She had the apple gel with her.

Jude stared at Ludger as they walked towards the manor. He was laughing as he chatted away with Elle, holding her hand like a father or big brother would. He was happy as long as those he loved were happy, even at the cost of his own. Jude clenched his fists in frustration. Jude wondered if he was always going to be powerless to help Ludger.

At the manor, the three were quickly allowed in and found the rest of the party in the living room. Rowen and Elize were present as well as Driselle. None of them noticed Ludger, Jude or Elle's presence yet.

"I must say, I still cannot differentiate between you two." Rowen said, turning from one Milla to the other. "Or perhaps it is just this old man's memory not being as good as you young ones."

"Oh stop it Rowen. You're not that old." Driselle chastised. Rowen laughed in response.

Milla was the first to notice Jude and the rest. "Oh you guys finally made it."

Everyone turned behind and greeted the latecomers. "Ah Jude, Ludger and Elle… so glad you could join us!"

"Hello Elle!" Elize greeted, approaching Elle. Elle was the closest to Elize's age so it was natural for Elize to stick with Elle. "What have you been up to? And where's Rollo?"

"Oh we left Rollo in charge of some of the cats back at Trigleph. He's like a cat emperor! And we're still trying to earn money to pay off Ludger's debt." Elle replied. "Which is fun! Although when he cooks, I just wish he'd lay off on trying to put tomatoes in my food." Elize giggled at Elle's predicament.

"Elize and I have been trying to find you that Bunnykins!" Teepo said excitedly, "We haven't got one yet but Elize has been trying hard to find you one!"

Elize nodded, "I made a promise to you and I won't break that promise!"

While the children spoke with each other, the adults separated into two groups. The females in one, which included Milla, 'fractured' Milla, Leia and Driselle. The other was the males.

Rowen shook his head in disagreement, "Honestly Jude, how could you? Alvin told me everything about what you have done. I thought better of you."

Jude sputtered with confusion, "Huh? Wait, what are you talking about?"

Rowen gave a heavy sigh, "To force a woman to bed you simply because she had nowhere else to spend the night. That sort of tactic… ugh, I am disappointed in you." Alvin began roaring with laughter while Jude tried to explain himself. Ludger was enjoying the scene when Rowen turned to Ludger. "And you too Ludger! Don't think you're not involved as well!"

"Huh?"

"From what I've heard, you-"

Jude quickly interrupted the old gentleman, "Rowen, you've got it all wrong!"

Alvin had to catch his breath from all the laughing he did. Ludger sighed while Jude finally cleared things up with Rowen. Rowen apologized to both Ludger and Jude while Alvin quickly made himself scarce. It was interesting for the manor to be this lively. When it was mid-afternoon, Driselle insisted that everyone stayed over for lunch. The party all agreed.

After lunch was done, the party bid farewell and left the manor. Rowen and Elize promised Driselle they would visit sometime soon in the near future. Everything was normal. But for Jude who now knew Ludger was hiding his 'situation', it was frustrating. Even if he told everyone, there was no point. Even Ludger himself did not know how to solve the issue. At this rate…

Milla noticed Jude was a little off and approached him, "Jude, what is wrong? You seem to be lost in thought."

"No, it's nothing… just a lot on my mind." Jude responded. Ludger gave a very subtle nod of thanks to Jude.

"So what do we do now?" Leia asked the group.

Elize spotted the job bulletin and then suggested, "How about we check out the job bulletin? If we still can't get to the final Waymarker, we might as well do something to help Ludger's debt."

Ludger gestured towards the group, "Actually… I and Jude saw on the job bulletin about a new elite monster on the Sapstrath Highroad. It's offering a 100,000 gald reward!"

"Interesting." Rowen said while feeling his beard, "Any idea what this monster is? Any weaknesses?"

"It's called the Greydawn Fang." Ludger answered, "Apparently it's a giant wolf that is terrorizing the Sapstrath Highroad. It seems that it can call more hounds to help it. Not much was said on whether it had weaknesses."

Alvin snorted at that, "Alright, this seems like a job for us! I say we go for it!"

"We should properly prepare ourselves before we head out." Milla suggested.

'Fractured' Milla agreed to her other self, "Yeah. Let's meet up at the city's entrance in ten minutes. Then we'll go find ourselves that Greydawn monster and teach him some manners!"

"Hoho, it will be interesting to see the two Millas in action." Alvin remarked. Both Millas stared at one another and smirked. A small sense of competition growing with the two.

Thus the group separated and wandered around the town, preparing themselves with better equipment and restocking their apple and lemon gels. Jude was with Milla at one of the weapons shop but he was keeping Ludger in sight on the corner of his eye. Milla noticed this.

"Jude, what is wrong? You have been acting strangely since you arrived at the manor." Milla said.

Jude switched his focus back to Milla, releasing a nervous laugh, "No, no… It's just… well, I…I can't…"

Milla sighed, "If you don't wish to speak about the matter, I will not force you to, Jude. But I know when you are troubled. When you can talk about it, know that I will be here to hear you out."

"…Yeah… thanks."

Sometime later, all of the party met up at the entrance of Sharilton and departed for the Sapstrath Highroad. They would need everyone to work together to take down the elite monster, Greydawn Fang.

Skit: A woman's age
Present: Elle, Rowen, Milla, 'Fractured' Milla, Elize & Leia

Elle: Hey Rowen… mind if I ask you a question?

Rowen: But of course… what do you need answered?

Elle: How old are you actually?

Rowen: Ohohoho, you wish to know my age do you? Well if you must know, I am sixty-two years old.

Elle: Wow, you're really old… is it safe for you to travel so much?

Rowen: It is true that at my age, it is not as vigor as it once was. But I am still capable enough to accompany you all in your adventures.

Elize: Rowen's may be old, but he's still tough like an ox huh?

Rowen: *Chuckles Indeed! However Elle… you should be more cautious on whom you ask their age. Especially if they are women. Some are… quite sensitive about the issue.

Elle: How come? I'm not sensitive about people asking my age.

Elize: Yeah, I'm fine too Rowen. I don't mind if people ask about my age.

Rowen: Ah, but you two are still very young. Once you reach a certain 'age', I'm sure you'll think differently.

Elle: Really?

Rowen: Hmmm I might regret doing this but allow me to show you an example. *Clears throat* Milla? Would you mind telling us how old you are?

Milla: Who are you talking to? Me?

'Fractured' Milla: Or me?

Rowen: Oh dear… Well, both of you may answer.

Milla & 'fractured' Milla: We're twenty-one.

Elize: They seem to be okay with you asking their age Rowen.

Elle: Yeah! Are you just trying to trick us?

Rowen: Ah… well Milla isn't well accustomed with human customs. Even the Milla who excels at cooking is not familiar with this. But no matter. Leia!

Leia: Yes?

Rowen: Pardon my questioning, but how old are you?

Leia: Huh? Why are you asking that? You know I'm sixteen! Come now Rowen, you know you're not that old! *laughs*

Elle: She seems fine as well Rowen.

Rowen: ….*Mutters to himself* the women I am travelling with seem to be the most… unnatural with the common womenfolk that I'm familiar with. *sigh*

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

After the party spent some time searching for the great beast, they finally found it on the northern part of the Sapstrath Highroad. The Greydawn Fang was on its own, wandering around. It had not sensed the party yet.

The Greydawn Fang was indeed a large wolf-like creature. It stood on all fours and was at a height of at least ten meters. Its fur was purple in color and spiky as well. It had claws on the tips of its legs and worse of all, it had two heads.

Alvin eyed the creature from the distance and whistled at the sight, "Well… the job description did NOT say it has two heads."

Leia nudged Alvin in the ribs, "You're not thinking of backing out are you?"

"What? No! I'm just saying it'd be nice if we were told of such an important detail!"

Rowen stood in front of the party as he analyzed the situation. Since Rowen was a world-renowned strategist, the party normally relied on Rowen to plan out their attacks. Rowen nodded to himself a couple of times then turned to the party.

"Jude, Ludger and Alvin will lead the assault." Rowen instructed, "Leia and the two Millas will support them. If the beast manages to call for reinforcements, the support will cover the lead assault. Elize and I will provide support with our artes for everyone. Is that clear?"

Everyone responded in unison, "Roger!"

Ludger, Jude and Alvin charged ahead. The great beast finally noticed the attackers and released a terrifying roar. Alvin threw a number of shots from the beast's right with his gun, barely hurting the beast. Ludger attacked from the left, delivering a number of cuts with his dual blades. Jude confronted the monster from the front. The beast dived forward with its two heads, trying to swallow Jude but Jude jumped and delivered a bone-crunching blow on its head.

The beast yelped in pain from Jude's attack but it was just beginning. Milla released all Four of her spirits under her command to attack. 'Fractured' Milla appeared from behind the beast, working together with Leia. Both of them attacked the hind legs of the beast. The monster tried to swipe both Leia and 'fractured' Milla with its tail, but the two of them avoided it easily.

"Meteoric Waltz!"

"Teepo Quake!"

Both Rowen and Elize released their artes, blasting and hurting the great beast. With the synchronized attack, the Greydawn Fang was receiving a heavy beating. It tried to swipe Alvin with its paws but Alvin leaped away. Ludger backed away as well, switching to his dual pistols and releasing a wave of bullets. Finally furious, the great beast released a magnificent roar. From the cliffs, several large wolves appeared, coming toward to aid its master.

Rowen saw them and barked orders, "Leia! And the two Millas! Your duty!"

Leia nodded and spun around, whacking her staff against one of the wolves in the muzzle. Another wolf leaped towards her but Leia pushed her staff forward, smashing it square in the face. The wolf was instantly knocked out cold.

'Fractured' Milla found herself surrounded by five of the large wolves. However she was skilled with the blade and when all of the wolves lunged for her, she danced between their dives and counter-attacked, slashing each of the wolves. When the wolves tried to attack a second time, Milla emerged from behind one of them and her sword pierced through from behind.

Each of the wolves was getting cleaned up. However one had managed to sneak from behind. No one noticed it until the scream for help pierced the air.

"AHHHHHH!"

Everyone turned towards the source of the scream. One of the large wolves had pounced on Elle, who was watching from afar. The Greydawn Fang took advantage of everyone's confusion, swiping its paw and smacking Alvin in the side, throwing him across the ground like a ragdoll.

"ELLE!" Ludger cried out in horror.

In anger and panic, Ludger transformed into his level three Chromatus form. Instantly, Ludger appeared before Elle and swung his lance across the wolf's neck. The wolf stopped its attack and its head fell off from its body. Ludger quickly picked up the crying Elle in his arms, who had a scratch on her arm from the wolf.

"Elle! Are you okay?" Ludger asked.

Elle could only nod in response. Ludger inspected the wound. The blood was still fresh and Ludger felt the wound. Elle twitched in pain and Ludger stopped touching it.

"Ludger, I'll take care of Elle." Elize said, finally arriving next to them, "I can heal her up. The others need you."

Ludger nodded and laid Elle gently on the ground as Elize began to heal the little girl. Ludger watched for Elle for a moment. Elle was definitely putting up a brave front but he knew the pain was unbearable. A loud howl from the Greydawn Fang caught Ludger's attention. It was still on a rampage but all the other wolves were dealt with at least. For now, he needed to help his friends. Elle was in safe hands.

With a huge burst of speed, Ludger appeared next to Jude. Both Millas who were attacking behind the wolf sensed the opportunity and simultaneously slashed its hind legs. The great monster howled in pain. Jude ran forward and delivered a fury of blows on the monster's neck. Jude's attack severed the monster's windpipe and was struggling to breath. With it vulnerable, Ludger dived in with his lance placed in front of him. A second later, Ludger had his lance plunged deep into the elite monster's neck, exactly where Jude had delivered his attacks. The great monster whimpered for a moment before it collapsed on its side, lifeless. The battle was over.

Alvin groaned in pain as Leia rushed to his side. "You idiot!" Leia scolded and cradled his head in her arms, "You got distracted!"

Alvin gave a smile, "How else was I going to catch everyone's attention?" Leia shook her head in disbelief. Alvin was still Alvin in the end.

Ludger deactivated his Chromatus form and fell on one knee. He could feel pain from the inside of his body. It was like crushing him from the inside. He grunted in pain but made sure to not catch anyone's attention. He pretended to be caught in exhaustion but Jude, who was watching Ludger, knew better. Jude clenched his fists as he watched Ludger struggled to maintain himself.

'Damn it Ludger…' Jude thought. 'Why do you have to go through so much? Why can't I do anything to help?'

"Is Elle alright?" Ludger asked Elize. The party had regrouped.

Before Elize could answer, Elle gave a proud victory sign, "Of course I- ow!" Elle flinched in pain. Although the scratch was healed, the wound was still fresh. Besides the wolf was huge and Elle was just an eight-year old girl.

"Well we should return to Sharilton for now and report towards the job bulletin on the success of this mission." Rowen said, "I'll ask Lady Driselle if we can stay the night there. We need to tend to Alvin and Elle's injuries after all. I'm sure Lady Driselle will appreciate the company."

The party agreed with Rowen's suggestion. As the party made their way back to Sharilton, Ludger could feel the same sensation of the cough appearing but he forced himself not to break down. A small amount of blood still managed to seep out of the corner of his mouth however. No one noticed.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Driselle welcomed the group with open arms. She immediately prepared guest rooms for her guests. Ludger and Elle shared a room while Alvin, on Leia's insistence to watch over him, shared a room with her. Jude had a room with Rowen and the two Millas had the last guest room for themselves.

Much to everyone's surprise (except Jude, who knew the reason), Ludger rejected the notion to prepare dinner. Instead 'fractured' Milla got the kitchen to herself. Elle was pouting the whole way as she wanted Ludger to cook but when she tasted her Milla's cooking, she immediately brightened up. Milla of course ate the most and the party had to admit, the two Millas were starting to look like twin sisters living together.

After dinner, everyone retired to their rooms. Ludger was tucking Elle to bed but she couldn't sleep.

"What's wrong?" Ludger asked with a gentle smile.

"I can't sleep." Elle replied with a pout, "My arm still hurts."

Ludger chuckled lightly and caressed her hair gently, "It's okay… I'll sing you a song that will help you go to sleep. My brother used to sing it to me." Ludger paused a moment, trying to remember how the melody went. "Hmm… hm, hm hmm…. Hm, hmmm…"

Elle closed her eyes as she listened to the soothing melody. It sounded similar like what her father would sing to her. But listening to Ludger… it made her feel safe. She could feel sleep overcome her. And even then, she could still feel Ludger with her. Through Ludger humming the song, it was like even in her dreams, Ludger would be watching over her.

Once she was asleep, Ludger leaned down above Elle's ear then whispered, "Good night Elle…"

CHAPTER END

AN: I hope you guys know that the song that Ludger is humming to Elle is the 'Hymn of proof', just in case you haven't realized yet.

And if you guys were upset that there is still no proper answer on Ludger's condition in this chapter, I apologize. It will be clarified in Victor's arc. But I'm sure you guys already have an idea on what's going on yes?
Anyway, see you guys in the next chapter!