AN: Hey guys, here comes the new chapter. Again, the reviews that I have received were overwhelming and just made me want to write more. This one was a pretty long one for me so I hope the quality still remains good enough for you guys. Now let me respond to you awesome readers.
GroundZeroFirework : Man, I am misspelling so much stuff xD thanks for letting me know, I have already made the corrections. Hahaha, like I said, I'm not the best at creating fluffy moments but I'll try to write some here and there
Time Heals All : Yes, I am actually to be quite honest interested in creating Ludger's POV about destroying dimensions and might actually create another story where it is focused more deeply. Of course this is the starting point of Ludger and alt. Milla's progress :)
Haseo55: Hmm... a lot of you guys guessed this is an alternate dimension to chapter 11... it's not though. It's completely new, things just happened and chancellor Marcia dies.
Riku Uzumaki : Bahahaha, awkward eh? Well, I guess that's one way of looking at it
Luckenhaft: Mmm, no... those characters die but it is not due to the events of chapter 11. And yes I always wanted the game to explore more on Ludger's personality of destroying worlds. We know that it caused quite an effect on him and I believe realistically, it should have scarred him. Thus I wanted him to express it in this story :D
Mr. AE Hachi-Roku: Well, guess you'll find out in this chapter about which 'Milla' fractured Jude is seeing. God, I make so much spelling errors T_T
chronotimeguard: Indeed, Ludger will have a lot of trouble fighting another Jude. A psychological battle.
13TheAce: Yes, there is always that possibility. Errr... I don't recall chapter 4 stating Milla is dead O_O All Jude was surprised about was that Milla was in the human world. He never said he died. That was just to Ludger. lol
Nameless Knight: Ah... that's true, they are different. Mannn... and yeah, I might be exploring more on original FDs.
That Mysterious Reader : Hahaha, thanks. I hope you'll continue reading the story :D
TheAnime4Fan : Well I've always wanted to read this kind of story but I realized no one yet has written a story of both Millas existing. So I thought I'd give it a shot. Well I like both Jude x Milla and Ludger x alt. Milla, huehue. Fractured Jude has a very big role to play in this chapter, as you'll soon find out.
Thanks, I'll continue to try to keep my story as interesting as possible
U-know Yunho : Indeed. And you'll find out how in this chapter.
Anyway, that's it reviews. ONE IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THIS CHAPTER!
Disclaimer: The song "Song 4 u" by Ayumi Hasaki does not belong to me. I will be using that song in this chapter to try spice things up!
CHAPTER 5: FRIEND AND FOE
"M-Milla… Ludger… is that really you?" 'Jude' spoke with a trembling voice.
Ludger and 'fractured' Milla did not know what to say. 'Fractured' Milla because she did not know what to say to not blow their cover and Ludger because he was too shocked about what Jude had said. That apparently 'he' had died in this dimension. Not just him. Rowen's death was a surprise as well. It was far too much to take so suddenly.
"Hey are you going to ignore me?" Elle spoke up, taking a step forward towards Jude.
The fractured dimension 'Jude' looked down at Elle, confused, "Huh? Who are you?"
"…It's me… Elle…? You know me, right?"
'Jude' narrowed his eyes and thought for a moment. Then he shook his head, "Sorry, never met you in my life."
Elle was in disbelief. 'Fractured' Milla unconsciously consoled her, hugging and reminding her that this was a fractured dimension. It almost seemed natural for 'fractured' Milla to do so. Elle was close to tears. Even if 'Jude' was a different Jude, it must have still hurt her. That was the problem with fractured dimensions. The people they knew were different. 'Fractured' Milla then stopped herself there. It was like she was considering herself as one of the 'prime' dimensions. A part of Ludger's group. But no, she too was once from a fractured dimension. And yet despite that, here she was comforting Elle. Maybe deep down, she too was beginning to accept that she was her own individual. Not some 'copy' of the real Milla.
As for Ludger, his mind was trying to configure what was going on. 'If this 'Jude' never met then that means the 'other' me never met Elle… and he knows Milla but… does he mean his 'prime' Milla…?' Ludger thought in his mind. 'Then this dimension has a lot of differences… No wait… none of this is my concern. I just need to find and destroy the divergence catalyst.'
"Milla… what are you doing here? I haven't seen you in a year! I thought… I thought you can't return to the human realm unless there is a need to… you are the Lord of Spirits, right?" 'Jude' inquired. Now Ludger could safely conclude that this 'Jude' knew nothing of other dimensions. He thought this Milla was his 'Milla', the Lord of Spirits. Not Milla of a fractured dimension.
'Fractured' Milla turned to Ludger, her eyes asking for guidance on what to say. "I… well… there have been certain… complicated reasons…"
"And you cannot tell me…?" 'Jude' asked. 'Fractured' Milla said nothing and 'Jude' then turned to Ludger, "What about you Ludger? How are you still alive…? You should be dead. I still remember the day it happened… we were all together… You, me, Alvin, Leia, Gaius, Elize… and Rowen… we were all at the peace ceremony… and then Exodus attacked. We were heavily outnumbered. And even the soldiers that didn't want peace… both Elympios and Rieze Maxia soldiers attacked us. We had no chance. Chancellor Marcia died before our very eyes. And we would too… but you and Rowen… you told us to get away and… you both remained… to buy us time… while we ran with our lives… I saw you before you died Ludger. So how are you still alive?! Why didn't you come back to us sooner?!"
'Jude' collapsed on his knees and bawled. The other patrons in the tavern were looking at them. Ludger decided they needed to draw attention away. Ludger pulled 'Jude' to his feet and dragged him out of the tavern, 'fractured' Milla and Elle following suit. By then 'Jude' had composed himself, although his eyes were still red from the sudden tears.
Then Ludger saw it. It was faint but on the left arm of 'Jude', there was a hint of a purple gas. This was it. It was reacting to Ludger. This 'Jude' was the divergence catalyst. Elle and 'fractured' Milla saw it as well but the pair remained silent. Elle went up and held Ludger's right leg tightly, as if to comfort him.
Ludger decided he needed to get 'Jude' vulnerable. So for now, he decided to play the part. "I'm sorry Jude… I didn't die… I was badly wounded but I managed to escape and… take some time to lay low to recover. But my memory's a little foggy since the incident… how did we first meet again?"
'Jude' narrowed his eyes, the first hint of suspicion evident, "You… don't remember even that?" Ludger made no response but 'Jude' still answered. "I was lost in Trigelph… I needed to find the train station and you helped me. Then Exodus attacked and you and I both stopped them from hijacking the train. Yeah… that's how we met. A weird way to meet a new friend but I'm glad it happened."
Ludger and Elle recalled the story. The way they met was exactly the same. But the only difference was that Elle was missing from the picture. Ludger stared at 'Jude' for a moment, unsure of what to do. He seemed vulnerable but Ludger knew 'Jude' was a well-seasoned warrior with his fists. But that was not what made Ludger indecisive. It was the fact that this 'Jude' was friends with his 'other' self. That connection made Ludger feel he was about to kill his own friend. This was just too much!
Then Ludger felt a warm touch on his shoulder. A warm, comforting hand. "It's okay Ludger…" 'Fractured' Milla whispered, "You… need to do what needs to be done… don't think about anything else."
Ludger shut his eyes, thankful for the support. 'Fractured' Milla was prepared to do what she can to help so he too needed the resolve to do this. In his past experiences, the other fractured dimensions he destroyed were only related to his friends. He felt bad because of that. But this time, it was personal. He knew Jude personally and this time the divergence catalyst was 'Jude'. Ludger steeled himself.
Ludger drew out his dual blades and 'Jude' immediately took a step back. "Ludger… what are you doing?"
"Ju-" Ludger stopped himself. If he called him 'Jude' as well, Ludger would lose all his determination. "I'm sorry… but I have to do this."
'Jude' however remained nonchalant. Not even a hint of surprise. "I see… I guess your memory loss affected you greatly. Now that I think about it, you're nothing like the Ludger I remember. The Ludger I know never talked this much… he was always a man of a few words. So are you the 'Ludger' I know…?" When Ludger remained quiet, 'Jude' had his answer. "Then you're not the 'Ludger' I know… No, even this Milla is different to the 'Milla' I know... but you all came here to find me. To take my life." Again Ludger said nothing. "But you should know you're in enemy's territory then. Guards!"
Instantly Ludger, 'fractured' Milla and Elle were completely surrounded by soldiers. Elle cowered next to Ludger and 'fractured' Milla grabbed her sword, facing the other way. Ludger viewed the situation and found no escape. Fractured 'Jude' was battle ready as well, equipping bracers to his fists.
"You're different as well." Ludger commented, "The Jude I know is not a coward. He'd fight his own battles."
'Jude' could feel the sting of that remark. However he brushed it off quickly enough, "I've already lost two close friends. I know the pain when hearing that news delivered. So I'm going to make sure I live through this. It seems that you know a different 'Jude' other than me, so I'll assume your battle prowess is like the 'Ludger' I remember. If that's true, I'm going to need the help I can get."
Then it was silence. All the citizens were quickly ushered out of the area. More reinforcements arrived and blocked all escape routes. Basically Ludger and 'fractured' Milla had no way out. They had to settle everything here. What made it worse was that normally Elle would be safely outside the battlefield. Elle was still next to Ludger so he had to protect Elle as well. This was the same for 'fractured' Milla. Ludger was the only one that could destroy the divergence catalyst. All she could do was support him. With that in mind, protecting Elle was her top priority. It was a mutual understanding that did not need to be said. And then, 'Jude' gave the order.
Like rats pouring out of a sewer, the guards all simultaneously charged in. Ludger and 'fractured' Milla engaged them all with Elle positioned between the two. Ludger slashed the nearest soldier with his blades when another soldier to his right attacked. Ludger blocked it with his left blade and used his right hand to pick up his gun. A quick shot to the man's head and it was done. Ludger realized these soldiers were no ordinary soldiers. They were probably on the elite level. If this continued, Ludger and 'fractured' Milla would be in trouble.
'Fractured' Milla evaded an attack and thrust her sword forward, the sword cleanly slicing through the man's stomach. However more enemy reinforcements arrived. "Ludger, what do we do? They keep on coming!"
Before Ludger could answer, 'Jude' entered the fight as well. He engaged Ludger, the battle changing. All the soldiers concentrated their focus on 'fractured' Milla whereas 'Jude' and a handful of soldiers attacked Ludger. With 'Jude' on equal terms with Ludger, 'fractured' Milla could not rely on Ludger for help. The huge number of soldiers was bad enough. Now the pair stood no chance.
"This is where you die!" 'Jude' cried.
"Not necessarily." A voice said.
Suddenly a figure emerged from the Arkland Quag road. All the soldiers in the man's way were defeated easily. When the other soldiers recognized the new threat, they all ran towards the newcomer only to be blasted away by some unknown magic. It was then that the newcomer was accompanied by another. It was Gaius and Muzet.
"Gaius!" Ludger cried out in relief.
"Muzet!" 'Fractured' Milla exclaimed with a breath.
'Jude' as well recognized the newcomers. "Gaius… Muzet…?" 'Jude' shook his head to clear his thoughts, "No… they are different! That's not the Gaius and Muzet I know! Attack them as well!"
Gaius narrowed his eyes as the soldiers surrounded both he and Muzet. He had to admit, he was surprised by the sheer number of them. He then focused his attention on the fractured 'Jude' battling Ludger. He saw what he wanted. On 'Jude's' left arm was a hint of dark clouds of the catalyst reacting to Ludger's presence.
"It looks like he is the divergence catalyst." Gaius remarked, moving into an offensive stance with his katana. *Itsu datta?*
Muzet giggled, "Then we'll just have to have some fun until Ludger is done." *Dou natta?*
Some of the soldiers hesitated due to the fact Gaius was also their king but Gaius showed no mercy. With his huge katana, Gaius swung his weapon like a wrecking ball, slicing a wave of soldiers in half. Gaius simply approached the closest soldier and easily finished them mercilessly. Any soldier that approached from Gaius's blind spot was easily blasted away by Muzet's artes. *Mou dame datte Subete oshimai*
'Jude' sensed the situation was now reversed. He disengaged from Ludger and more soldiers rushed in. Ludger switched to his hammer, smashing the ground and blowing away all the soldiers. One of the soldiers then went for Elle, reaching out for her. 'Fractured' Milla stepped in, delivering a clean slice across the neck, ending the soldier's life. The other soldiers were then hesitant targeting Elle then as 'fractured' Milla revealed the fury of a Maxwell. *Datte natteta Ano toki*
'Jude' fled from the scene, knowing the party would slowly overwhelm the soldiers. He needed to escape. He needed to live! Ludger wanted to give chase but more soldiers appeared, blocking his path. Ludger drew his dual blades once more. He had to get rid of them first. But he had to hurry. If 'Jude' escaped, then it would be much more difficult to locate him again since he knew they were coming for him. *Nan datta?*
"Ludger, go ahead! We got this!" A familiar voice shouted from above. *Dare datta?*
The real Jude appeared from above, landing directly in front of the soldiers blocking Ludger's path. The soldiers were surprised to find another Jude and it allowed Jude to deliver each of them a fist in the face, knocking them out. *Sonnan demo Nantoka*
Ludger took a step back, surprised. "Jude!"
"Go Ludger!" Milla ordered, landing next to Jude as more guards surrounded them, "You are the only one that can destroy a divergence catalyst! Make haste!" *Mou ichido omotte susumeta no wa*
Ludger nodded and gave thanks, sprinting to where fractured 'Jude' was last seen fleeing. Milla and Jude had their backs against each other, watching each other. The soldiers all rushed in and both reacted. Jude threw a right punch on the nearest one and Milla slashed the one in front of her. The two attacked simultaneously. Then a soldier from behind Milla moved in but Jude took it, delivering a straight punch and knocking the soldier out. Milla returned the favor as one tried to attack Jude from behind but Milla gave a clean cut across the man's chest. The two lovers continued supporting each other, never needing to verbally communicate. They understood each other. *2 u, yeah! Eyeyeah! Eyeyeah! Eyeyeyeyeah!Shinjiteru Shinjirareteru*
"This was like how it was a year ago." Milla said to Jude with a smile. *4 u, yea! Eyeyeah!*
"Yeah…" *Eyeyeyeah!*
'Fractured' Milla watched Ludger disappear from sight, hoping for his safety… for Elle's sake. That was all she could for Ludger at the moment.*Sora datte toberu ki ga suru. Tada hitori Kimi no tame nara*
XXXXXXXXX
Ludger found 'Jude' on the long road to Orda palace. There were no soldiers nearby this time. The lonely road was empty as well. No one could interfere in this duel.
'Jude' made no attempt to escape this time. He glared at Ludger in the eyes, his back straight. To Ludger, what he was seeing was a determined man fighting for his life. Not just for the sake of survival but because he had to live. For his friends sake. Ludger knew that's what Jude would do. He may be different, but he was still Jude in the end. His beliefs, his character, his thoughts… they were all Jude's. And this simply made it that much harder for Ludger.
"I… don't know what's going on…" 'Jude' said solemnly, "But… you're not of this… world are you?" Ludger said nothing and he continued, "You… know Milla… but it's not my 'Milla'. You know Gaius and Muzet as well but they're not the 'Gaius' and 'Muzet' that I know… and you really are Ludger… but not the 'Ludger' I know."
"…That's right…" Ludger finally answered.
'Jude' sighed with a gentle smile. "I see… your determination… it really reminds me of him… even the way you fought… that's how the 'Ludger' I know fought… it's been too long since I've seen that." 'Jude' finally moved into a battle stance, knocking his fists together. "The come… if you're after my life, you'll have to get it."
Ludger nodded and both prepared for battle. For both, it would be a difficult one. Not simply because they were both seasoned warriors. It was because they were both staring at what was a replica of their friend. No matter how much each tried to convince themselves, it was futile. This was more of a psychological battle. It was much more difficult for 'Jude'. The 'Ludger' he had known was dead… and yet there he was staring at one.
"Ludger!"
'Jude' found his resolve first. He ran towards Ludger with his fists drawn. Ludger drew out his dual pistols, blasting away his bullets. 'Jude' dodged each of them with little effort. Once he closed the distance, Ludger exchanged his dual pistols for his dual blades. Both of them met, Ludger's dual blades clashing against 'Jude's bracers. Ludger stepped forward and swung his right blade in an arc, only for 'Jude' to dodge it and counter-attack with a palm thrust. Ludger side-stepped the attack and replaced his dual blades with his hammer, smashing the ground and causing a shockwave. 'Jude' leaped backwards and then slammed his right fist into the ground, sending his own shockwave. The two shockwaves cancelled each other out and the duel was back to square one.
Ludger and 'Jude' both released a battle cry and ran towards each other. Ludger switched once more back to his dual blades and the two engaged in a fury of attacks. Neither could land a blow against each other. They were evenly matched. But Ludger found an opening soon enough. As 'Jude' threw another straight punch, Ludger ducked and quickly transformed into a level two Chromatus. With the sudden increase in speed, 'Jude' had no chance. This was Ludger's trump card. The sudden transformation caught 'Jude' by surprise.
It was done. Ludger's lance pierced through 'Jude's right chest, close enough to his left arm. On the tip of Ludger's lance was a small purple orb. It was the catalyst. 'Jude' could feel the foreign object that went through his chest. He could not move. He was leaning forward, supported by Ludger's shoulder. Everything was silent. The only sound that could be heard was the raspy breathing of a dying 'Jude'.
"…I guess… this is it…" 'Jude' whispered weakly. It was only because 'Jude' was close to Ludger's ear that Ludger could hear what 'Jude' was saying.
"Jude…" Ludger muttered. He kept telling himself this was not the Jude he knew. It was a fractured dimension. He was not real! And yet… his voice… it was hard to bear with it. He just wanted it all to end!
"…So… your job is done…?" 'Jude' questioned softly. Ludger nodded and 'Jude' chuckled weakly, "That's… that's good then…"
"…I'm sorry… that I had to do this…" Ludger replied,
'Jude' shook his head, coughing slightly. A small amount of blood dripped on Ludger's shirt. "I… know you Ludger… you… wouldn't have… done this… unless you had… no choice. That's why… you're a good… friend… to me. You're just too… kind-hearted. Just like… the 'Ludger'… I remember…" 'Jude' was numb at this point. He could not move. He could not feel anything and he knew his time was up. With his dying breath, he said, "…It was… nice to see you again… Ludger… Thank you…"
Ludger was at a breaking point. The final words of the fractured 'Jude' caused him to cry in anguish. Even if he was a Jude that never existed. Even if he was a different Jude. His screams echoed throughout the lonely road. Tears poured out of his eyes like a river. Then the catalyst on the tip of the lance broke into pieces, signifying the destruction of the dimension.
Then, the world shattered into a million pieces.
CHAPTER END
AN: Well... I hope you recognized the part of the song when Jude and Milla fought of the soldiers as similar to the one in the game's opening. I felt the game never used that scene, so I figured, why not...
Let me know what you guys think! Hope to see you all in the next chapter