A/N: Hey guys, I bring to you all the new update for this story. I apologize for the late update and everything. With that, I'll just get on with the response to reviews!

MysteriousOwl: Yes, even I am confused about how this all played out. I mean I understood what happened, but when I was writing this, I needed to think hard on how it happened so that I could advance this chapter.

Riku Uzumaki: Yup, this is basically a Gaius character quest, although it can be a mini-Alvin chapter as well. Yeah, that detective was a prick and I too, didn't like how he got away with everything. So this arc will bring justice to it all and closing up everything with Gaius.

That Mysterious Reader: Hahaha, well it's not really a spying chapter but you'll have to read on to find out. Progressing this chapter wasn't the easiest but I wanted to explore it since I really liked Gaius. Hopefully you guys will like it.

Mr. AE Hachi-Roku: Hmm, three different reviews on each chapter so I guess I'll respond each of your review through each review.
1. Haha, yeah I realize you tend to be gone for a while but at least you leave your thoughts when you do appear, so that's much appreciated. Yes, the game didn't do a lot to progress 'fractured' Milla as a character so since she lives beyond chapter 11, it's best to develop her, hehe.
Thanks, I appreciate when you correct my errors. It allows me to improve :D
2. Lol, thanks that means a lot. I always thought my descriptions of a battle was bad but your words bring hope to me. And I'm sure yours isn't too bad, I'm sure you will improve the more you write :) Yeah, I dont think the game gave her any mystic artes, hence why I felt she needed one XD
Thanks for pointing out about Elle's dialogue. As you know, I really try to keep the characters stay-in character, so I've already corrected the part. Elle did sound a little too formal and not like an 8-year old, so thanks!
3. Yup this will be Gaius's character chapter. Well I definitely plan to tie up all character chapters and whatever the game did before progressing to the final arc. It's funny how the soul bridge was created and we can still do other character quests and the bonus chapter. It's like Bisley went "Alright, guess I'll just wait here with Elle until Ludger is ready" XD
Hey man, if you really write a story, let me know! I'll definitely read it and give you my thoughts. And if this story actually inspired you to write a story, then I'm honoured, hehe :3
Anyway hope you'll enjoy this chapter!

Demigod103: Thanks! I hope you'll continue to enjoy this chapter (once you've reached here, this is a response to your review in chapter 8 lol). As for Ludger, fractured Milla and Elle... well, I have something planned for them but I cannot say much more. You'll just have to read and find out. Will I let them live? Maybe. Will I kill them? Maybe. Will one of them die? Maybe. Huehuehue

Aldehar: Ah, that's understandable then. You do what you have to, but when you can read my story, I hope to hear your thoughts when you have the time, hehe. You're really busy so I hope you can take some time off soon, haha.
Ah I see... I've only played Abyss and Xillia, so I won't know any of the past songs, lol. And I've already bought Tales of Graces and plan to play it soon, after this semester ends. I want to play it without any thoughts of essays and assignments *sigh*. And Indeed, writing with a foreign language is not the easiest but well... practice makes perfect, haha. Hopefully I'll be able to write better in future chapters.
Yup, glad you understand that. There's a clear distinction between their character and it's actualyl quite easy to write Milla as a character. It is fractured Milla which makes it harder a little (for me) since I need to maintain her differences.
Oh yes, how could I forget about the linked mystic artes. Frankly I never earned that in the game, but I've seen on Youtube how devastating they could be. But yes, seriously, the dialogue in Xillia 2 really makes me laugh... or give me feels, depending on it. I guess since ToX covered the party, ToX2 gives the creators chance to deepen the characters. Sometimse I just wished they gave Ludger a voice :( I mean, a silent protagonist doesn't work too well on a tales game. I can still see Ludger's character but man... if he had a voice, I think ToX2 would have so much more feels T_T
Erm... this story is yes, 3 days after Kyle being taken into custody. But I don't recall much about a letter of recommendation O_O which part is that? lol. Hahaha, well Ludger is a tomato freak after all XD Makes me feel like eating spaghetti, imaging all those juicy tomato _
Hmm well Leia is always a caring person, so I reasoned that she wanted to cheer Gaius up. And about my choices in game, well I chose the decisions that gave me points with the character, so yes they were the kingly duties choice. I believe the choices that give points with a character are the canon choices, words or actions that Ludger would actually say/do. Of course that's just my assumption but I believe that's what it is.
Yup! I fear some might say the previous chapter of Gaius being distracted as "out of character", but I believe that no matter how strong he is, Gaius still has his weaknesses. Yes, he did not act too remorseful when the Chimeriad died (in a skit in ToX2, he was a little regretful), but I believe having Kyle gone is more painful to him because Muzet told him that they were realfriends. With the Chimeriad, while they were actually friends, Gaius did not think so at the time. Now, Gaius was emotioanlly bonded with them. But well, this is just all my theories :P
Well I have no idea of this recommendation letter, so I'm writing this arc without the use of that. I have already planned it out so I hope you'll enjoy what I have in store for them.
As for the group photo, well... you'll have to wait... thats all I can say :3
Thanks for your review! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!

Well that's it for reviews! I hope you guys will like this new chapter! Give me your thoughts!

CHAPTER 25: COOPERATION

Gaius said nothing for a long while. His mind processed Alvin's suggestion. While the former mercenary's words had some truth in it, there were flaws as well. For one, acting on an unofficial issue would be catastrophic for the diplomatic situation if they were caught. For Gaius, it was not worth the risk.

"I will have to refuse your idea." Gaius finally said, "Whether or not an incident such as Kyle repeating is nothing but an assumption. I cannot risk getting involved in this as King."

Leia had a feeling Gaius would reject the proposal. Alvin however was persistent, "Come on Gaius. No, not Gaius. Erston! You said you're not the King, right?"

"And it is because Kyle thought I was not a King, that he got involved in all of this." Gaius reminded coldly, "I've already achieved my objective by posing as the scion of a wealthy family in Elympios, and I have learned Elympios culture. There is no more need for me to continue this charade."

"So… you won't help us then?" Alvin asked to confirm Gaius's decision.

Gaius nodded, "There is no need for me to get involved. What about you? Why are you so persistent on the matter?"

Alvin smirked, "Well I've got a little policy to try and clean up the dirt that's ratting in Elympios. I know, I know… it's not going to be easy, but hey, it's helping a little, right?"

Gaius said nothing.

"So you really won't help us?" Leia asked.

"Why do you want to help?" Gaius asked instead, ignoring Leia's question, "Alvin has told me of his own agenda but what about you?"

"Me?" Leia grew a wide smile, "Because this is to help your friend! And you're our friend, so that makes your friends our friends!" Leia then blushed as she mumbled, "Although this won't really help release your friend from Elympios custody, but Alvin said this is to prevent things like this happening again… and…"

As Leia continued muttering to herself, Gaius closed his eyes. He allowed the dark confines of his mind to clear his thoughts. He thought back to why he became King. He wanted to protect his people, those who could not do so themselves. He believed that those in power had the responsibility to protect the weak. That was his philosophy.

Gaius looked at Leia and said, "I cannot let my personal emotions get interfere anymore. Getting involved in this might result in an international conflict. I will not risk the safety of my people through my own rash actions."

"Gaius…" Leia whispered. She could feel Gaius's strong will through his voice, just like how he usually carried himself.

Alvin shrugged with little care, "Fine then. But we're still gonna go for it. And don't worry, if anything happens to us, we won't say we're involved with you."

Gaius made no response for a while, so Alvin took that as a yes. Gaius was quite the social oddball at times. Gaius finally turned around and started walking towards the entrance, Muzet following him as she floated by. Then before he walked out of the inn, Gaius stopped.

"I have other matters that I need to look into." Gaius said without looking at Alvin, "If you need my help, and if it is within my power to do so, then you know where to find me."

And with that Gaius left the inn. Alvin and Leia looked at one another, not sure what to make of that. Leia guessed that even though Gaius said he could not help, perhaps deep down he wanted to. But as a King, he was thinking of his position first. After all, it was because he hid his identity as King that allowed the detective to use Gaius's new friends to his advantage. Gaius probably wanted to avoid that. In a sense, Leia felt that Gaius was entrusting them to succeed in exposing the detective.

"So Ludger, what about you?" Alvin asked, "We could use your help. What do you say?"

Ludger answered without any hesitation, "I want to help so I'm in."

"Exactly the answer I was expecting out of you!" Alvin enthused, "Now come on."

"Erm… do we even know where this detective is?" Leia asked as Alvin led the trio out of the inn.

Alvin stood still for a moment and then faced Leia with a grin, "I have no idea."

"What?!"

The former mercenary started laughing, raising his hands up, "I'm just joking! Okay, what I said was half true. I don't really have a plan, but how hard can it be to find this guy? He should be somewhere in Elympios and all we need to do is find him."

"You make it sound so easy." Leia chastised, "In case you haven't noticed, Elympios is huge! If we don't have a lead, just how are we gonna find him?"

Alvin listened with a serious face and Leia for once thought her words knocked some sense into him. But then, Alvin started snickering, "Leia, Leia, Leia… this is where you leave it to Elympions to handle this. We know our way around the city more than you. Right Ludger?"

Ludger would have agreed to that if not for the look from Leia. He simply chuckled anxiously without saying yes or no to Alvin's question.

Leia made a pout, "Fine! Then why don't you show me that you can find this man then!"

Alvin winked playfully and led the trio. To Alvin, sometimes it was just too easy to rile Leia up that allowed her to get emotional, thus letting him have his way on how to handle things. Besides he was much better at planning things, so it was not like Leia had any problems with him taking the lead.

The three of them scoured the city of Elympios, exploring each region of the city. But while they had an objective in mind, sometimes they got a little sidetracked. For one, when Alvin spotted the blooming businesses nearby in the commercial district, he wanted to 'scout' his rivals. As a fellow merchant who was trying to establish himself in the market, Alvin still had a lot of obstacles he needed to overthrow. And 'scouting' what his rivals were doing was not a bad idea. Also being in the commercial district, Ludger took this opportunity to examine the goods. In particular, groceries he could use to cook. And to his joy, there was a stall with a basket of fresh tomatoes. Good, ripe and red tomatoes. He was almost tempted to buy them then when Leia had to rein him in. If not for Leia, Alvin and Ludger probably would have forgotten their whole purpose here.

"You guys are such a pain!" Leia groaned as she pulled Alvin and Ludger away from their 'distractions'.

They moved on from the commercial district and tried their luck on the central square of Trigleph. It was one of the most populated areas in all of Trigleph, mainly because the Spirius Corporation was located there as well as the central station. Nevertheless, the three of them tried searching for that detective. After all, Ludger recalled it was here in the central square was where the group encountered Kyle and his friends. And the detective.

"Hey Alvin, I've been wondering," Leia started while they searched in Trigleph's central square, "Was what you told Gaius true? You're trying this to clean up Elympios?"

Alvin grew serious, which was not a common sight for the former mercenary, "Of course. I was born here in Elympios, it's my country. No way am I going to allow jerks like him ruin Elympios. And people like him are scum who're just trying to serve their own interests. Elympios needs to change… change so that both Rieze Maxia and Elympios can work together."

"Alvin…" Leia was mesmerized. She had never seen Alvin speak so passionately about anything before. Now she knew that he truly loved his country, and wanted to improve it with his own strength. That was why he was doing this. It was not just for Gaius's sake but for his own as well. Ludger was impressed as well.

"But most of all," Alvin added in, "That detective messed up my meeting with a client a few weeks ago! I almost got everything done then that… detective scum came and said my business is illegal. That scared the client off and he investigated Yurgen and I. Then when he found nothing, he just laughed it off and went off. He ruined a deal for my business!" Alvin pointed at his chest with his thumb, "That's why I'm gonna get him for that!"

Leia sighed, "I had a feeling you'd have your own reasons for doing this."

"Hey I don't do everything for free." Alvin winked and then reminded, "After all, I was a mercenary once. And my motto as a mercenary was to help people. And then get paid for it."

Leia rolled her eyes, "Isn't that how it works with almost everyone?"

"Not everyone. I mean, look at Jude." Alvin said with a laugh, "That guy always does what he thinks is right. And that's good, but not everyone works that way, right?" Alvin nudged Ludger on the sides, and Ludger merely scratched his head. "So in this case, I help Gaius with this… and I get to settle the score with the guy who screwed over my business deal. Everyone wins!"

Leia and Ludger looked at one another and sighed at the same time. However in the end, Leia didn't mind. At least Alvin was honest about. If this was a year ago, no doubt he would have kept this to himself.

But Leia smiled at this. 'At least… he's changing slowly.' Leia thought. 'The progress is slow… but he's changing.'

Skit: A family
Present: Ludger, Alvin & Leia

Leia: *Sighs* Still no sign of that guy anywhere…

Alvin: Hmm…

Leia: What's wrong? You've been like that for a while. Something on your mind?

Alvin: Something about Ludger's bugging me.

Ludger: Huh?

Leia: *Worried* What do you mean?

Alvin: Ah I got it now! *Moves closer to Ludger* You know, it's the first time I see you without 'your' Milla and that little girl with you. They're always hanging around you, I don't see you out alone anymore.

Leia: Hey, that's right. Normally Elle and Milla stick with him wherever he goes.

Alvin: So, where are they Ludger?

Ludger: W-why do you want to know?

Alvin: Oh? And why don't you wanna tell us? How suspicious.

Ludger: They're at my place. That's all it is. Milla's probably preparing dinner and Elle's probably playing with Rollo.

Leia: That's nice to hear.

Alvin: That must be nice… they're just waiting for 'daddy' to come home, eh? It's like a family already.

Ludger: *Blushing* It-it's not like that!

Alvin: Don't worry Ludger, your secret's safe with me. *Moves away*

Leia: Yeah we won't tell anyone else! *Moves away*

Ludger: Wait, that's… I… man… *Sighs*

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"What are we doing again?" Muzet asked restlessly.

"I told you, I have tasks to accomplish." Gaius answered as he walked on the streets of Elympios, "If you're feeling restless, perhaps you should join Alvin and the others."

"But then you'd be so lonely." Muzet replied, giggling and poking her finger on Gaius's cheek, "I'm here to keep you co-m-pa-ny."

Normally most would feel a great pressure just speaking with Gaius. Not because they were afraid, but because the aura Gaius naturally emitted was too great. His presence, his posture, everything about him exuded power. Only very few could talk to him without falling under this pressure. And only Muzet was able to actually tease Gaius in their conversations.

Muzet released a heavy sigh, lying down on her front with both her hands propped up on her chin, floating next to Gaius, "This is boring…"

"You're complaining more than usual today Muzet." Gaius stated.

"Well, because this is the fifth time we've walked through this street." Muzet pointed out with a pout, "We're just moving in circles."

Gaius stopped in his tracks and surveyed his surroundings. Indeed Muzet was right. They have been through this street a few times now. He even lied to Alvin at the inn that he an errand to do. In actual fact, he just wanted some time to think.

"This is really unlike you Gaius." Muzet finally said, "You're just not being honest with yourself."

Gaius turned towards Muzet, "What do you mean?"

Muzet giggled, positioning her finger on her cheek, "Well, clearly you wish to apprehend the detective at his own game, right? So I think you're just being stubborn on not wanting to help Alvin."

Gaius scoffed at Muzet's assumption, folding his arms on his chest, "Even if I feel that way, my personal feelings mean little in the matter. I have a responsibility to my people and I will not be foolish to jeopardize that."

Muzet started thinking again, before she finally said, "I don't get it." When Gaius said nothing, she took it as a sign that Gaius wanted her to clarify, "I mean… isn't it a King's duty to see bring justice to its people? Or something like that."

"It is true that it is a King's duty to bring justice when it demands it." Gaius agreed but then he argued, "However Elympios is not my country. It is not within my jurisdiction. And it is not of my concern."

Muzet sighed, "I hate this thing you call politics." The Great Spirit Muzet was giving up when all of a sudden, she brightened up, "Oh, but, but… I thought Elympios and Rieze Maxia are trying to cooperate with one another?"

Gaius nodded, not sure where Muzet was going with this, "That is correct. We have officially declared peace and friendship between our two countries a while ago during the peace ceremonial talks. However both nations still face problems and tension is still high. This is mostly due to the people not accepting the peace talks, especially the extremists from both sides."

"Then shouldn't you help Alvin after all?" Muzet questioned, brimming with a smile now.

"I've already told you…" Gaius started but Muzet cut him off.

"If both countries are cooperating with one another," Muzet said quickly, "Then isn't it in your best interest to stop that human who blackmailed you? I mean, he's obviously a dirty, no-good human! He might bring more problems. And since he's corrupted, aren't you worried that his influence might affect you own people as well? I remember you told me that Rieze Maxia sends people to work here as part of a way to learn one another's culture."

Gaius's eyes widened at that. It was true though. Corruption was one problem that he managed to dispose of in his country just by his direct rule. However, Elympios was a nation that had many problems. Corruption was one of them. In a sense, was it not part of his duty to help a fellow nation that needed help in such issues? Especially since it might affect his country if the problem was not taken care of. Elympios might be out of his jurisdiction, but as the ruler who was now an ally of Elympios, it was now his duty to provide assistance to Elympios.

Gaius now had his resolve. He had an objective. He had a reason to help Alvin. His personal emotion in the matter was now intertwined with his responsibilities as a King. However he knew he had to approach this with care. Even if the logic of helping Elympios worked, tensions were still high. If done wrong, it could escalate to an international crisis. But removing the corrupted detective was necessary for the two countries to grow. In a sense, many saw Gaius as a man who could not be corrupted. He only focused on his objective, his mission and never on his own feelings. This set him to never be swayed by temptations.

Before Gaius moved on, he looked at the Great Spirit next to him, "Muzet… when did you actually know enough about politics? Your reasoning on the subject was… impressive."

Muzet released an amused giggle, "Spending all the time with you, I was bound to pick up something. I guess it's put to good use."

And in a rare occurrence, the King of Rieze Maxia chuckled from Muzet's words. "I see… it seems that you spending your time with me weren't wasted." Gaius then turned around and started walking, "Now let's find Alvin and the others."

Muzet merely giggled in agreement, flying behind Gaius.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ludger, Alvin and Leia finally found the detective. The unmistakable cowboy hat along with that moustache, there was no mistake it was him. They found him in a café, interacting with another man while enjoying a cup of coffee.

"There he is!" Alvin exclaimed, rushing towards the café, "Time to settle everything!"

"Hold it!" Leia cried out, pulling Alvin's arm, "Stop being so rash! What're you going to do? Don't forget that he's working for the law, a part of the Elympios government!"

Ludger agreed, "Leia's right Alvin. Besides, we need to prove he's a corrupt, right? If we just go in and beat him up, we'd just put ourselves in prison. We need to watch him."

Alvin shook his head, gathering his thoughts, "Yeah, sorry guys. Going in without a plan, that's not really my style anyway." He was calm by then and fixed his suit, "Alright, let's find a place to stay hidden and watch him."

Leia and Ludger agreed. There was a small newspaper stand nearby so Alvin bought a paper and the three read it while keeping an eye on the detective. But while Ludger and Alvin had their eyes on the detective, Leia took a glance at the person the corrupted detective was speaking to.

"Hey, I know that guy." Leia said when she realized who it was, "He's the head of the Ministry of justice of Elympios."

"So that means he's the boss's boss of that detective guy eh?" Alvin said while pretending to read the paper, "Wait, how do you even know that?"

Leia did a peace sign, "Reporter Leia over here."

"Right." Alvin said with a chuckle and then took a sneak peek at the man the detective was speaking to, "You think he's also 'in' with how his subordinates play?"

Leia shook her head, "I doubt it. I've read some of articles on him and he seems to fight for justice. I don't think he'd actually…"

"You'd be surprised at how strong of a front a person can put." Alvin interrupted, "Like me for example. A year ago, you all thought I was trustworthy…" Alvin then sighed, deciding to stop talking about the past, "Anyway we don't know whether or not that guy's good or not. But we can find that out another time. Our target is that detective guy."

"R-right…" Leia answered. Ludger stayed silent, something he tend to enjoy doing.

Ten minutes passed before the detective got up from his seat, tipped his cowboy hat to head of the Ministry of Justice and the paid for his bill. After that he left the café, entering the streets.

"Looks like he's on the move." Alvin said, crumpling the newspaper and throwing it away.

"Let's follow him." Ludger suggested.

The trio kept a safe distance from the detective, making sure they were not too obvious in tracking him while not losing sight of him. Well it was almost impossible to lose track of that detective, with that noticeable cowboy hat. The detective made a few stops, speaking with Elympios guards. Since the Elympios guards were part of the Justice ministry, the detective was technically their superior. Leia tried to listen in, but it was impossible at the distance they were at. In any case, the talk seemed casual and there was nothing off. Leia doubted the detective would do anything illegal in the open.

In a way, Alvin knew it was not going to be easy to catch the detective red-handed. After all, he managed to actually blackmail Gaius. While it was quite obvious that he set Gaius's friend, Kyle, into killing the Rieze Maxian soldier, there was no evidence to back up such claims.

For quite some time, Alvin, Ludger and Leia followed the detective. Before anyone even noticed it, they had walked to one of the deserted region of Elympios. It was an old apartment block, very much like Ludger's, but the area around it was desolate. There were no one in sight and Alvin knew that the detective led them here. The detective knew he was being followed. The question now was, what would happen next.

"Looks like you guys want something from me." The detective said smugly, turning around to face them. His eyes instantly fixed on Ludger, "Oh, you're a friend of that Rieze Maxian King right? Gaius? Or that name he used, Erston." The corrupted detective started laughing, "So what? You trying to pick some dirt on me?"

"There's that," Alvin said, drawing out his gun and sword, "But I don't mind just beating you up for what you've done. You blackmailed my friend, sent a friend of his into prison and worse of all, you screwed up my business deal! So I'm just gonna deal with you personally. Do you want a receipt for a ticket to hell?"

The detective instead started clapping, "That's really inspirational. So in return, let me tell you guys something." The detective snapped his fingers and from out of nowhere, several people in black military uniform armed with different arrays of weapons appeared. Each of them wore a mask, hiding their identity. "You see, after my little encounter with Gaius, I made a little background search on him. And imagine my surprise when I found his connection to you guys. And what you all have in common is a feud with my little friends here."

"Exodus!" Alvin and Leia said at the same time. Leia and Ludger quickly drew their own weapons.

"Are you with Exodus?!" Ludger demanded.

The detective raised his eyebrows, "That's some accusation you've made there. But since you're all going to die after this, I might as well tell you. No, I've no connections with them directly, but I do call them from time to time. So long as we both serve our own interests, I don't see anything wrong with such a deal. And it seems Exodus has a bone to pick with you guys. You must have really pissed them off." The detective then snorted in laughter.

Alvin smirked, pointing his gun at the detective, "You know if the head of Justice hears about your connections with Exodus, you're toast?"

The detective scoffed at Alvin's words, "That's of course if you make it out of here alive. Have you looked around you, Mr. Svent?"

Leia gasped in shock but Alvin maintained his composure. "Looks like you did your studies huh?" Alvin said, "But clearly you underestimate us."

The detective only laughed at that. Alvin had hoped his confidence would throw the detective off but his bluff did not work. Alvin looked around him and saw there were a large number of Exodus soldiers. Even with Ludger and Leia with him, he doubt they could take on so many of them without injuries. Exodus soldiers were no ordinary soldiers after all. While there were weak ones, some of them are proficient in battle. This could get ugly for them.

"Don't worry," A deep voice said from the entrance of the apartment blocks, "They're not alone in this."

"That voice…!" Ludger whispered.

Ludger, Alvin and Leia turned around and found Gaius and Muzet at the entrance. The Exodus soldiers all focused their attention at the two newcomers and upon realizing who it was, were now much more hesitant. Even the detective found this troubling.

"W-what are you doing?!" The detective exclaimed, pointing his finger at Gaius, "I-if you get involved, you know what will happen?"

Gaius nodded, "I am aware of the consequences if I fail. However…" Gaius then drew his katana, the long blade shining brightly as he moved into an attacking pose, "I will not fail!"

Muzet giggled at that before she started channeling her own offensive artes.

"Looks like the cavalry's arrived." Alvin said with a grin.

For the first time, the corrupted detective's face showed signs of fear.

CHAPTER END