AN: Hello guys! I bring to you all a new update to this story! I apologize for the late update, but I'm trying to get my other story to catch up with this one, hehe. In any case, all of you guys' reviews really helped me to write this chapter! Really, I wish to thank you all for keeping me motivated!
So! Time to respond to all of you wonderful readers!
Ace101Mega: Sorry to keep you waiting mate! Hopefully the suspense of waiting is worth it!
Haseo55: Indeed. The world is never so simple. Ah, no problems. I don't want my stories to follow everything canon, I wish to spice up it up by adding some additions here and there, hehe
Aldehar: Well, they're ruthless indeed! Those bastards! Although to be fair, I don't know if they would be this extreme since Galland's incident is all made-up :P
Haha, indeed, what bad timing. But I feel that's what helps the character to grow. The fact they can push through even in the most difficult times! Hoho, Elle will have a key role to play
TheAnime4Fan: Thanks! I try to update ASAP, but it can be tiring really. Luckily I get most of my ideas when I shower, saves me time I guess XD
Ah yes, the chapter was kinda dark :S Huehue, Alvin and Leia will have some bonding time to do! As for Ludger, let's find out what happens in this chapter!
That Mysterious Reader: DRAMA INDEED!
Err... to be fair, this chapter can actually be considered a character chapter, focusing on Alvin. lol.
Riku Uzumaki: Hehe, but I believe that's what defines Ludger's character. His ability to fight through his problems. Despite all the shit thrown at him, he can still push forward.
Mr. AE Hachi-Roku: Err no, Ludger wasn't in his Chromatus form.
Ah, thanks for the tips! I'll try to do them more, thanks :) And thanks for pointing out my mistakes XD I'll correct them soon
rpglady76: Basically yesh :3 since Ludger did not get 'burned' in that scene, this is that part hehe.
Oh don't worry. I was planning to introduce Julius in this chapter, but I guess you asked before I could reveal it ;)
chronotimeguard: Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the extra character development for Alvin's dark past. I might be experimenting with Rowen as well, who knows?
Ah, don't worry. He'll make an appearence :)
Nameless Knight: Yes it was. I'll be sure to tone down future chapters
Gravenimage: Oh damn! Haven't seen you in a long time. Well you probably don't recognize me since this is a new pen name, hehe.
As for the help... err... I can't really help you on how to beat Victor :S
I guess read into his moves and maybe have Rowen focus on just healing? I normally have one character set to 'only heal'.
GroundZeroFirework: Don't worry, you'll find out in this chapter hehe. Ah yes, I wanted to give Galland a super villainous sort of character, but a background that made him... human? Glad you liked the last chapter
Jackpot 2: Well... I can't really reveal that :p
U-Know Yunho: Hoho, let's not jump to conclusions. Ludger is one of the main cast after all.
Err... wuht? O_O
Time Heals All: Hehe, busy with life eh? So long as you're still happy with the story, I'm glad! XD
Indeed, Galland's words reached to a lot of them and in a sense, it can reach to anyone. We all take things for granted at some point, hehe.
Thanks for your words of encouragement once again! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!
Radomaru: Thanks! Ah don't worry, the consequences of Ludger will be worthwhile, in a sense.
Oh? Glad you liked my added backstory for Alvin. It was kinda dark, but that can't be avoided sometimes. Some people just have shitty stuff happen to them :(
Hahaha, glad you liked how Galland's backstory and words tie up to most of the characters. I'll try to do that more (if i can) O_O
I'll try to continue and do my best to please you!
Well that's it for reviews! So much to respond, haha but seriously, I thank you all for the words of encouragement and your thoughts on my chapters! It really helps me! So, that's it from me! I hope you guys will like this chapter as well!
CHAPTER 17: TO PROTECT
Leia's eyes slowly fluttered open and the sight that greeted her was an unfamiliar one. It was definitely not her room in Elympios, nor was it like her room in Leronde. This room was simple really. The walls were made of stone, brown in color. There was a small table next to her bed with a basket of fresh fruits. When she tried to reach for a fruit, she yelped in pain. She now realized her arms and legs had several bandages wrapped on her.
"Don't move idiot." A voice said from her side, "You still need to recover."
Leia turned to the source of the voice and it was Alvin. He made his way towards the side of the bed and then poked Leia's forehead. "Ow! What was that for?" Leia complained.
"That's for not listening to me." Alvin said and then sighed, "I know you want to get the 'scoop' of your life Leia, but come on. I told you to let me help you with that. I was afraid… that something like this would have happened."
"Aw come on." Leia made a pout, "How was I supposed to know Exodus would actually gang up on me?"
Alvin got serious; now looking guilty, "Damn it… I didn't want my past involvement in Exodus to hurt any of you guys. I tossed it away but… it looks like the past just caught up with me, huh?"
At first, Leia made no response. Alvin's words carried a lot of weight, a baggage that he carried along with him. His past affiliation with that organization was a pain, and even now that he abandoned Exodus, it seems it still haunts him.
Then, to Alvin's surprise, Leia started giggling. "What's so funny?" He asked. He checked his clothes, making sure nothing was amiss.
"Who are you and what did you do to Alvin?" Leia remarked, still giggling. Alvin was even more confused at that point. Leia wiped a tear from her eye and looked at Alvin with a smile, "You're not the type to mope around Alvin."
"Leia…"
Leia shook her head. She had a lot more to say, "And stop trying to keep things to yourself! You say you're not in Exodus anymore, but you sure act like you do! You don't have to deal with your issues alone Alvin. Learn to trust your friends Alvin." Leia then paused before she added, "You don't have to fight this all alone anymore. We're all here for you. I… I'm here for you."
Leia was teary at that point and wiped away her tears. At the same time, she was trying to laugh it off, resulting in a funny sight of Leia shedding tears while giving out a light laugh. And then, she felt a light tap on her head. Leia felt it and it was her beret. Alvin had put it on her.
"Alright already, I get it." Alvin said, "If people find out I made a girl cry, who knows what they'd think of me? Can't let you bust my groove, right?"
Leia landed a soft blow on Alvin's ribs, "You idiot…"
Alvin shrugged in his usual manner, "It's just how I am…" He took a deep breath and then uttered, "Thanks Leia. I'll keep your words in mind."
Leia nodded and the two said nothing more. It was a small step for Alvin in moving onward from his horrible past, but at least he now had someone he could count on. Despite what he had done to her a year ago, despite his lies, she could still forgive him. He knew he had to cherish that trust she had on him.
Now, silence filled the room but for Alvin and Leia, it was all they needed. There was nothing more needed to be said.
XXXXXXXXXX
In the lobby of Xian Du's inn, the rest of the party waited in the lobby. Jude had been in one of the inn's rooms, treating Ludger for the past three hours. Since Jude was the only whose healing artes that could cure a fatal wound, the rest waited. They would just get in the way. So far, none had heard from Jude.
'Fractured' Milla was in the inn's kitchen though, absent-mindedly chopping little onions. Or, she was supposed to. But she had been staring at the wall for the past ten minutes, the knife in one hand and the onion in the other. Her mind kept going back to the incident at the warehouse, her ears picking up any sound of the door of Jude opening.
"Milla?"
The voice brought 'fractured' Milla back to reality. She turned to the source of the voice, "Oh Elle… you startled me."
Elle looked down at the floor, holding the straps of her bag tightly, "Lu…Ludger's going to be okay… right?"
'Fractured' Milla wanted to say 'of course he'll be okay', but she could not form the words. She could not say anything. She did not want to give Elle any false hopes. Or to be exact, she did not want to believe her own words. Fortunately for her, someone else entered the frame.
"I'm sure Ludger's fine." Milla said, entering the kitchen, "Jude's taking care of him. I have faith in his abilities, and I doubt Ludger would give in without a fight."
However, Milla's confident words had little effect on Elle. "But… it's all my fault… that Ludger's now… I-I don't want this."
Before Elle broke down, 'fractured' Milla went to Elle and held her in a hug, calming her down. "It's not your fault Elle. It's no one's fault, okay? You need to be strong. If Ludger sees you crying, he'll think it's his fault. You don't want that, right?" Elle shook her head and 'fractured' Milla smiled a little, "Good. Now, you wait with Rowen and the rest, okay? I'll bet you're hungry. I'll make you something to eat. It's not Ludger's cooking, but I'm sure it'll be delicious."
Elle nodded, wiping the small amount of tears that had welled up. She had to be strong, for Ludger's sake. In her mind, she kept telling herself not to cry and went out of the kitchen. Once Elle was gone, 'fractured' Milla returned to the cutting board.
"This… is actually my fault." 'Fractured' Milla admitted, "Ludger trusted me to protect Elle. I should have been the one that got the blow… but… Ludger… it's all because I'm just a fake. It's because… I shouldn't exist."
Milla walked up and stood next to 'fractured' Milla, "You regret not being able to protect someone… close to you. I can understand that feeling." 'Fractured' Milla turned to Milla as the Lord of Spirits continued, "But isn't his trust on you proof that you are real? No human or spirit can place a trust on something that is not real."
"Milla…"
Milla chuckled at the mention of her name, "I still cannot get used to the experience of having my name called by one that looks exactly like me." Milla then got back to her point, "Stop spouting nonsense that you don't exist. You're important to Ludger, to Elle, even to me… and everyone that knows you."
'Fractured' Milla slowly nodded her head, her mood completely changed. Leave it to the prime Milla to cheer her up. With her spirits restored, 'fractured' Milla focused back to the food she was going to make for Elle. Even though they just had a serious conversation, Milla went into her drooling state as she watched 'fractured' Milla cook.
While 'fractured' Milla was cooking, the sound of a door opening appeared from the corridors. Heavy footsteps were heard, the man pacing quickly towards the lobby. 'Fractured' Milla stopped her cooking, exiting the kitchen and Milla following suit. They guessed right. It was Jude.
"How is he?" Rowen inquired.
Jude released a breath that he did not realize he was holding, feeling his exhaustion welling up, "Ludger… he's safe now." Everyone sighed in relief, "The wound was deep, but thankfully the blade did not sever any of the arteries. His life's not in danger anymore."
'Fractured' Milla was relieved. Before anyone could suggest anything, Elle ran towards the room. She wanted to see him. And she had to see him now. 'Fractured' Milla hesitated, not sure of how she should proceed.
"Go to him." Rowen said with a wink, "I'm sure he wishes to see those important to him first."
Gaius cleared his throat, "Do not have similar regrets that Galland had. He might have been a man who lived for battle, but his regret can be experienced by anyone."
Muzet giggled, "It's nice to see Milla with a totally different character. I really enjoy it."
Jude was sitting on a couch of the lobby but he gave a nod to 'fractured' Milla. Milla also gestured for her to go. With everyone supporting her, 'fractured' Milla went off. She walked though, maintaining her composure even though her heart was beating rapidly in her chest.
Inside the room, she found Ludger still in bed but propped up with his elbows. Elle was hugging him as if she was hanging for dear life. Her words were incoherent, mostly because her face was lodged onto Ludger's chest, sobbing her eyes out. Ludger said nothing, simply soothing Elle while rubbing her back. And then Ludger noticed 'fractured' Milla by the door.
"Hey…" Ludger said weakly.
'Fractured' Milla took a step inside, "I'm… glad you're okay."
"Ludger!" Elle finally cried out words that could be understood, "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry I said I only wanted daddy's cooking! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"
Ludger shook his head with a smile, "its okay Elle. I was wrong too."
'Fractured' Milla did not know what to say. Should she apologize? But if she did, what should she apologize for? For ignoring Ludger? She did do that, but she still had no answer for his… confession, sort of. She did not know if her feeling towards for Ludger was love, or something else. But, she didn't want to leave things as it is.
"Ludger… I…" 'Fractured' Milla started when Elle suddenly pulled her.
"Come on Milla!" Elle urged, "We're together again! Group hug!"
Before Ludger or 'fractured' Milla could protest, Elle hugged the two. And although the two adults were embarrassed at the close proximity, they felt they were compelled to not disappoint the little girl. So they did. For 'fractured' Milla, it was… a wonderful moment. With the fear of being a 'fake', of being alone, she was finally feeling the warmth of what felt like a family. She never wanted this to end.
Ludger as well was glad for the hug. It was… comforting. He had been experiencing too much pain, with the huge debt and his brother being labeled a terrorist, it was nice to enjoy a moment of peace.
Ludger and 'fractured' Milla laughed along with Elle and then the two locked eyes with each other. 'Fractured' Milla was lost with Ludger's green, emerald eyes. The same eyes that held the same compassion when he kissed her. The memory of that event caused her to blush, but she did not look away. She had not given him the answer yet, but… she felt this was almost the equivalent of her answer.
'I wish… this could last forever…' was the thought of the Ludger, Elle and 'fractured' Milla.
XXXXXXXXX
Meanwhile, the rest of the party was still at the lobby. They planned to leave the inn once Jude had enough rest and Ludger recovered from his wounds. At that, it would probably be another day before they could leave Xian Du.
Skit: Wounds from a war
Present: Jude, Milla, Gaius, Muzet & Rowen
Rowen: By the way Jude, how is Ludger's injury?
Jude: It wasn't too serious. He should be fine after a day's rest. Luckily I was there and could stop the bleeding.
Gaius: Indeed, he was fortunate. If he sustained such an injury during a battle in a war, he probably would not receive immediate medical attention.
Rowen: Ah, that is true. Many soldiers lost their lives not just from the battle, but from the wounds they sustained. It is tragic really.
Gaius: However, one must admit, a wound received from battle is like a medal of one's participation in a war.
Rowen: Yes, I wholeheartedly agree. I have many scars of war on me that show my experience in the military. They are badges of honor.
Gaius: Hmm… now that I think about it, I have never received a permanent scar. Most of my enemies were never challenging enough.
Rowen: So I take it you do not have any 'scars' to prove your battle finesse? Hohoho…
Gaius: *Unsheathes katana* How would you like it if I add another scar for your collection, old man?
*Rowen flees and Gaius chases*
Milla: They really are close, aren't they?
Muzet: Indeed they are. Humans sure have a lot of ways to express friendship.
Jude: I… I don't know about that.
XXXXXXXXX
Jude and Milla shared a quiet moment with each other, sitting on the couch of the inn. But they could not be intimate, since there were still people at the inn. However, it was nice just enjoying the company and warmth of one another.
Rowen and Gaius were still gone, although at this point, they were probably enjoying a little spar. Jude found it funny how the king and prime minister of Rieze Maxia could just go and have random spars. It was not the sort he would imagine of important figures. And next to him was the Lord of Spirits, comfortably next to him.
Then, the main entrance of the inn opened. A figure with brown hair and sporting a white trench coat entered. His eyes scanned the inn, and his gaze landed on Jude and Milla. The young doctor and Lord of Spirits were surprised by the man's appearance. Jude got to his feet, not sure whether he should be alarmed or not.
"I heard about my brother." Julius started, walking quickly towards Jude, "Where is he? Is he alright? I want to see him!"
"Julius, calm down." Jude urged, "Where did you even hear about this?"
"I might have been on the run, but I still keep tabs on my brother." Julius said, "He's everything to me. The moment I heard what happened, I…"
"It's okay." Jude assured the older brother, "Ludger's safe now. His life was never in any real danger, so don't worry so much."
Julius glared down at Jude. If looks could kill, Julius's look would. "Don't worry? He's my brother! He's all that I have! I'll do anything to protect him! I tried… I really tried to keep him hidden from Spirius, but the moment they found out about him…" Julius cursed at himself, "His life is in danger because of my complacency! But, I'll make things right."
"Ludger is doing this only because he cares about you too, Julius." Milla stated, "He wants to protect you. He wants to protect those he cares about. And he understands the limit of his powers. You should understand how your brother feels."
"That doesn't mean I'll let him endanger his life." Julius turned to Jude, "I'll take Ludger's place. I'll get you all to Canaan. Just… please… let Ludger go. I've made a promise… a promise that I'll protect him."
Jude could see it in Julius's eyes. Those determined eyes. He knew them, because he carried those kinds of eyes as well. The same goes for Ludger. That was why Jude could understand, he could connect the very emotion of Julius's feeling.
Jude knew no words could change Julius's mind, so he had another option. "Julius… your brother, Ludger… if you took his place, forced him to stop helping his friends, he'll hate you for it." Julius was about to say something, but Jude stopped him, "That's why, I'll show you instead. I'll show you that he's not doing this just because he is forced to. Not just because he wants to protect you or to save the world. It's more than that."
Jude gestured for Julius to follow him, which the older Kresnik did. Jude led him through the corridor and then finally stopped just next to Ludger's room. He signaled at Julius to take a peek inside.
"Ludger… he's doing this because he finally got what he lost." Jude whispered. Julius took a peek and there it was. His little brother, Ludger, laughing merrily tickling Elle, who was thrashing around on the bed. 'Fractured' Milla was laughing as well, and then moved in to tickle Ludger. This allowed Elle to turn the table on Ludger, both she and'fractured' Milla torturing Ludger with their tickles.
The scene before Julius was like that of a small, happy family. He had never seen his brother so happy before.
"If you stop Ludger, you'll be taking this from him." Jude said. Julius stopped watching his brother and his attention returned to Jude. "He's already been through enough. His role to try and beat Origin's Trial, the huge debt… now, he finally has something he wants to protect with his life. Just like how you love Ludger and want to protect him, Ludger has two important people he wants to protect now."
Julius stared at Jude for quite a while, and then started walking away. He brushed past Jude, "Don't let Ludger know I was here." That was all Julius said, and then exited the inn.
Once Julius was out of the way, Milla approached Jude. "Is everything okay?" She asked, concerned. Jude nodded and she asked, "Do you think Julius will return again? To make sure his brother is alright?"
Jude shook his head, turning to Milla with a peaceful smile, "No… I think that Julius now knows."
Milla tilted her head in confusion, "Knows…? Knows what?"
"I think he knows… that he doesn't need to watch over Ludger anymore." Jude answered, "Because he doesn't need to protect his brother anymore. He has his friends… and loved ones to do that for him."
Milla blinked and with a quick peek inside Ludger's room, she had to agree. Ludger doesn't need protecting anymore. Because he had something to protect now.
CHAPTER END