AN: Hello guys, here I come with the new chapter. So much reviews, so much for me to consider for this plot. Especially in relation about addition to the song. Many of you feel it's weird and out of place and a few enjoyed the new addition. I agree that it's not the best to use in fanfiction but I used that part mainly because in the game opening, I really, REALLY LOVE that scene. The scene where they show Jude and Milla fighting together while the song says "shinjiteru, shinjirareteru" which I believe translatees to "believe in" or "trust"? I'm not sure, but that scene just... strikes me! SO I felt that i needed to somehow insert it in this story without ruining the plot!
Hehe, anyway, that was just a little rant. Time to respond to you awesome readers!

13TheAce: Yes, the 'Jude' of that dimension has gone through a lot. That's why Ludger has a hard time doing the deed. Thanks, I'm glad you liekd the humanization part. Ludger x will come soon XD

Time Heals All: Damn, brought you close to tears? I guess I'm sorry but glad as well that my writing moved you so much. I try to insert more characterization into the characters but without throwing off their personality from the game. Like I know Ludger feels guilty in destroying the dimensions, but the game did not go too deep on that aspect. I plan to delve deeper in that :)

Riku Uzumaki: Ah I see. Thanks for sharing your opinion. I guess inserting the song lyrics wasn't the best but it's only for that chapter. I jsut wanted to incorporate that scene so badly from the game opening, about Jude and Milla fighting the soldiers off :P But yes, thanks for pointing out what you felt. I took it with no hard feelings

Haseo55: Alright thanks for pointing out what you thought about inserting the song lyrics. Emotional chapter eh? I'm glad it worked for you :)

U-know Yunho: The fight was tearful and awesome? Hehe, thanks!

chronotimeguard: Yes, I really wish to explore more not just on Ludger, but all characters thoughts that the game did not fully explore. I give more emphasis on Ludger because he is the new main character and I'm sure there's a lot of areas he can be expanded on his character.
Ah yes, I've considered what you and other readers have pointed about the song insertion and why you didn't like it. THanks for pointing it out.
Yeah, the game has already done a lot for Jude x Milla but I still don't mind seeing more, hahaha. The Ludger x I will take the time to build them up. I wish to stay true to their character so they can't just become a couple easily.
huehue, the summary of this story has already, as you mentioned, created the foreshadowing.
Oh if you do write a story one day, I'll be glad to read it as well. Glad that it somehow inspired you. It's an honor :)

That Mysterious Reader: Oh... err... I guess I'll try to make the story a little more... happy in certain parts? But unfortunately, this story follows the curse of the Kresnik, which cannot be too happy. I'll see what I can do.

Nameless Knight: Hmm yes you're right. But yeah, I've wanted to incorporate that part in the opening scene in to the story so I tried making it work xD
Hmm... I see your point. But when I do use the name 'Fractured' Milla, I do it in the narrative so... it's not really anyones POV at that moment. Unless you mean I made Elle or Ludger say "fractured Milla" in one their dialogues? If not, I'll have to correct my previous chapters

BruceNadeauJr: I know how you feel. I didn't want to let her go T_T
Ah... If you have an idea of your own, do write it. So far, I don't think there are much stories where 'fractured' Milla survives and lives on with prime Milla. So it'd be nice to see another story using this

Mr. AE Hachi-Roku: Ah, you like it? Hmm... Well, we'll see if I can find a better way to incorporate a song in future chapters but for now, previous chapter was not done at its best.
Ah regarding skits, I have mentioned before. I will try to do a skit once every chapter BUT if the situation does not call for it, I won't. Last chapter, there was no such opportunity to do a skit so I refrained from doing it just for the sake of doing it. Sorry.

Well, that's it for reviews! Hope you guys will enjoy this new chapter!

CHAPTER 6: NEVER ALONE

It was done. In just under a minute, the fractured dimension was destroyed and the group had returned back to the prime dimension. The soldiers the party was fighting with were gone. They were back in Fennmont of the prime dimension.

Jude breathed a sigh of relief, "It looks like Ludger did it. We're back."

"Where is he though?" Milla questioned, looking around for him.

Then they spotted 'fractured' Milla and Elle running towards the road leading to Orda palace. A concerned look painted the features of 'fractured' Milla. She had probably seen where Ludger went while the rest were too focused on their battles. The rest followed 'fractured' Milla and Elle.

Now that the party was back in the prime dimension, there were definitely some differences with the Fennmont from that fractured dimension. For one, there was much less soldiers patrolling around the vast city. The city also had a much brighter atmosphere compared to the gloomy attitude in the fractured dimension. For Jude, he could now see how war affected the general attitude of the people. And he wanted to make sure it never happened.

The party found Ludger a short while later on his knees, as if he was cradling someone. 'Fractured' Milla and Elle were the first to reach Ludger, stopping just behind him. From their vantage point, Ludger was alone. It looked like he was holding someone but there was no one there. And it looked like he had been crying.

"Ludger…?" Elle asked softly, like a timid child approaching a stranger for help.

'Fractured' Milla kneeled next to Ludger, "Ludger… you okay?"

There was no response. It was as if Ludger had not heard anyone calling him. 'Fractured' Milla was worried and Elle even more so. Elle had never seen the man who had taken care of her look so broken. The rest of the party arrived just a moment later and Jude could already see Ludger was not normal.

"Ludger, what's wrong?" Jude asked in a concerned tone.

Ludger slowly turned towards Jude and his eyes seemed lost. He slowly shook his head, "I'm fine… it's just destroying a divergence catalyst that looks just like you… I almost lost it. I… he was like you in every way Jude."

"Ludger…"

"But… at the same time… he was not you." Ludger said, looking away. "But I'm fine… you don't have to worry about me. It's just… something I did not expect that the fight… was more emotional than I thought it would be."

Ludger got back to his feet and while he said he was okay, 'fractured' Milla did not think so. It was typical of Ludger in a way. He wanted to not trouble anyone else. Before anyone could utter another word, Ludger's GHS started ringing the familiar tone. Without even looking at who the caller might be, Ludger picked it up.

It was Vera. "This is Vera. I just wanted to confirm that you have succeeded in your mission. A reward of 30,000 gald has been forwarded into your account. Once we can confirm that travelling to the fractured dimension containing the final waymarker is safe, we will contact you again." And then the call ended.

Ludger shared the contents of the call with the others and then placed his GHS back in his pocket. Gaius crossed his arms on his chest, moving the attention to him from Ludger.

"In any case, we've destroyed the fractured dimension." Gaius said, "I must admit, fighting my own subjects… gives off a bad taste. I must grow stronger to make sure that something like that never happens." Gaius then turned to Ludger, "I have assisted you in your task. Now I must be going. There is something I need to investigate in Elympios."

Gaius then moved away from the group. "I guess I'll keep him company." Muzet said after giving some thought, "He'll be so lonely without me after all. It is much more fun to tease him when we're alone."

Milla chuckled at that, "You seem to always be with Gaius, Muzet."

"Just like how you're always with Jude." Muzet countered with a wink. Milla was startled by the response but before Milla could retort, Muzet flew towards Gaius while giggling at her minor victory.

"Honestly that sister of mine…" Milla said with a sigh, a light visible blush evident on her cheeks. She then focused to Ludger, "So, what's our next move?" However Ludger did not hear Milla. He seemed to be lost in his own little world. "Ludger?"

"Oh sorry…" Ludger scratched his head in embarrassment, "Erm… how about we spend the night at the inn? It's getting late and I'm tired from the last mission."

Elle cheered at the suggestion, "Alright! We get to eat Ludger's cooking!"

"I guess I'll make some mabo curry at the inn. The kitchen should be able to be used by guests after hours."

"And mine better be the Elle-style! Or else I'm not eating it." Elle reminded with a huff. Ludger merely chuckled and ruffled the little girl's hair.

'Fractured' Milla hummed at the thought, "Hmm… guess I'll help out. I can add in a little extra side dish to experiment. It might be better than Ludger's curry as well. Hehehe."

"That's what you always say Milla but Ludger always beats you!"

"You're just biased!"

Jude and Milla watched the three messing with one another. "It's almost like they're a little family." Jude remarked. Milla agreed with a nod. She was pleased to see that her 'other' self seemed to finally be… happy with where she was. That her 'other' self was an individual of her own, not just a 'copy' or a 'phony' of the original. The thought put a smile on the Lord of spirits.

Jude was happy for Ludger as well. The fact that he held a massive debt, his brother being labeled a 'terrorist' and having to shoulder the burden of destroying fractured dimensions, Ludger could still carry on. Ludger had a strong heart. Even after each time he destroyed a fractured dimension and carrying the weight of such a burden, Ludger continued moving.

But this time, Jude felt Ludger's battle with the 'other' Jude was different. Jude knew it was different. If Jude was forced to kill a fractured 'Ludger', he knew that it would be difficult for him. That was why Jude knew Ludger was wearing a mask. He was smiling so that others would not worry him. It was what Jude would do if he was in the same shoes as Ludger. But he did not know how to help Ludger.

At the inn at Fennmont, the party booked two rooms. One for the guys and the other for the females. The party decided that tomorrow they would travel to Sharilton to meet up with Rowen and Elize. Apparently the pair was visiting Driselle at her mansion.

Later that night, as promised, Ludger and 'fractured' Milla cooked dinner for the others. Once again, Ludger's mabo curry was top notch. Milla kept asking for refills, enjoying the dishes to the fullest. This time Elle said that 'fractured' Milla was close to beating Ludger but not quite. That merely lit a fire in 'fractured' Milla and vowed the next one would be where she'd topple Ludger in cooking.

It was late into the night when the party returned to their rooms. Jude was reading one of his research notes on a chair while Ludger sat by the bed, staring out the window. With a sigh, Ludger got up from his bed and made his way for the door.

Jude looked up from his notes, "Ludger? Where're you going?"

"I just… need some time to think a little. I'll be back in a bit." Ludger then twisted the door knob, opened the door and went out.

Jude stared at the door for a moment, contemplating what he should do. Jude decided he needed to speak with Ludger. To clarify things about what happened in the recent fractured dimension. However when Jude opened the door to follow Ludger, he found something else.

"Milla? Wha-"

Milla shoved Jude back into his room and shut the door behind her. Jude was confused. Milla stood between Jude and the door, blocking his path.

"I know what you're thinking Jude." Milla finally said, "But for now… leave him be."

Jude wanted to protest but his mouth could not utter the words. He stepped back and sat down on his bed. Milla approached Jude and then cradled his head on his chest, gently patting Jude's head. The only sound that could be heard was Jude and Milla's breathing.

XX

Ludger was outside the inn, staring up into the night sky. There was almost no one outside the inn. It was expected since it was so late already. Ludger could finally be alone to think. His memories returned to the fractured 'Jude' he had killed. He could not shake the memory out of his mind. Maybe because the incident was still fresh. The fractured 'Jude' had a connection with him. That fractured 'Jude' knew a 'Ludger' as well. And that's what made it so difficult for Ludger. He hated it! It was like he killed Jude! He killed a friend! And yet at the same time, Jude was still alive. He recalled the words that 'Jude' had said to him.

"…It was… nice to see you again… Ludger… Thank you…"

The last words of 'Jude' before everything in that dimension vanished. Ludger had shed tears on it but it only lasted a while.

"You shouldn't hold it in." A soft voice said from behind.

Ludger was startled and spun around quickly. It was fractured 'Milla'. "Oh… Milla…" Ludger looked away, "Where's Elle?"

"She's asleep." 'Fractured' Milla hesitated for a brief second. Then she said, "Ludger… I can't say that I know how you feel. I don't. None of us do. I even hate the fact that you destroy other dimensions just to preserve your own! You all say that we shouldn't exist but we do! We're alive! We have our own feelings, our own personality! But… I hate it but staying with you all… I can understand… why you have to do it."

"Milla…"

"And I know that you hate it as well…" Milla said, staring back at Ludger in the eyes. "After getting to know you… seeing how much you care for Elle… how much you value your friends… how you actually risked your life to save me… I know you're a good person Ludger. Kind-hearted. It's just who you are. And you don't want to trouble us. We know you're suffering Ludger. I know that… you saw the 'other' Jude you destroyed as a friend. Even though we only met him for a short while… just like how you see me and the 'original' Milla as two different people… you saw the Jude of this world and the fractured 'Jude' as two different people! You feel guilty for killing that 'Jude!'"

"Of course I do!" Ludger retorted. "I… I've destroyed other fractured dimensions, knowing that it's just my job but… but this time, to destroy someone that I know to complete the mission… what am I supposed to do?! I had to kill him! I didn't want to… and yet…"

"And that's why you don't have to hide it Ludger." 'Fractured' Milla said. Ludger looked confused. "Let it out Ludger… You can hide it from the rest… but not from me. I'll hold your feelings. I'll hold your regret. I'll carry your guilt. It's the least I can do for saving me."

Ludger felt his knees grow weak. His vision blurred as tears filled up his eyes. 'Fractured' Milla approached Ludger and hugged him. The bold and sudden action by 'fractured' Milla was surprising but Ludger did not register it. He hugged 'fractured' Milla back and his body shook uncontrollably. He cried for destroying the fractured 'Jude'. Everything was released.

'It's okay Ludger.' 'Fractured' Milla thought, never letting Ludger go. 'Let everything out… from here, I will help you shoulder the great weight of destroying fractured dimensions.'

Once Ludger calmed down, he whispered, "Milla… thanks…"

'Fractured' Milla merely gave a light nod.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

That night, everyone slept peacefully. Milla apparently moved all over the place as she slept. Her pillow on the floor and her blanket in tangles. 'Fractured' Milla was slightly better but still in a mess. Her long hair covered all of her face and one of her legs was dangling on the edge of the bed. Only Elle was sleeping properly.

None of them woke up when their door opened slowly. A figure entered the room and approached 'fractured' Milla. It was then that the figure noticed the peculiar sight. 'Fractured' Milla began to dissolve. Like she was disappearing. This had happened before and that was when 'fractured' Milla and Milla met for the first time. 'Fractured' Milla unconsciously groaned, as if in pain.

Before it could get any worse, the figure reached out and grabbed hold of 'fractured' Milla's hand. It somehow comforted the woman. The warmth of the unknown figure's hand. And 'fractured' Milla stopped dissolving. The mysterious figure grunted in pain in return.

The light sound woke Milla up, her eyes opening and getting up. However when her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she saw nothing. No one else was in the room.

As the Lord of Spirits, no one could have escaped without her knowing. Milla surveyed the room properly. There was no hint of anyone's presence. Neither of the four Great Spirits could detect anyone.

"…Odd…" Milla muttered before she returned to her sleep.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The next day, Jude could see that Ludger was no longer hiding beneath a mask. He was back to his genuine character. Milla could tell as well. The party had a quick breakfast before they made their way for Sharilton.

It took the group a couple of hours before they arrived at Sharilton. As usual, a large number of merchants were visible in the city streets. All of them advertising their goods, trying to attract as many customers as they could. It was then that the party spotted two familiar faces.

Alvin and Leia were speaking with one of the merchants. Alvin was probably discussing forming some sort of trade agreement to expand his business. The party approached them and Leia noticed them first, waving at them excitedly.

"Hey guys!" Leia greeted, "What are you all doing here?"

"Hey Leia." Jude returned the greeting, "We're about to pay Rowen and Elize a visit. He told us through the GHS that he was here in Sharilton with Elize, paying Driselle a visit."

"So what brings you and Alvin here?" Ludger asked.

Leia rolled her eyes and pointed at Alvin, "He dragged me along, told me I might get a 'scoop' in Sharilton… and I was dumb enough to believe it. Nothing ever happens here in SHarilton!"

Milla chuckled, "Well, that wasn't the case one year ago."

By then Alvin was done with his conversation and only now realized that the others were here. "Oh hey… didn't expect to find you guys here." After the group told them where they were going, he added in, "Mind if we tag along? I'm done over here and I haven't seen you guys since having breakfast at Ludger's place."

"Yay! The more the merrier!" Elle exclaimed with a grin.

On the way to Driselle's manor, the group brought Leia and Alvin up to date about what they did. They explained about the job Ludger had, to destroy a fractured dimension. Fortunately for Ludger, Alvin and Leia did not ask for details and they did not have to explain about who was the divergence catalyst.

'Fractured' Milla was finishing up the explanation, "After we returned to the prime dimension, we spent the night at an inn in Fennmont to rest up. Then we left Fennmont in the morning and arrived here."

Alvin nodded while rubbing his beard, "Hmm… so… the guys and girls had different rooms I assume?"

"O-of course!"

Leia gave a light blow on Alvin's arm, "How could you even ask them that! Obviously they had separate rooms!"

"Hey, hey, I'm just asking right?" Alvin returned, soothing the part he was hit.

Skit: Milla's accommodation
Present: Ludger, Jude, Milla, 'fractured' Milla, Elle, Alvin & Leia

Alvin: Hmm… they had separate rooms… but…

Leia: Will you just drop the topic already?

Alvin: But something still bugs me…

Milla: What's the matter Alvin?

Alvin: Hey Milla… I've just been wondering but you don't have a place to stay yet right? You've only arrived in our world for like… what, three days is it?

Milla: That is correct.

Alvin: So on the day we rescued Chancellor Marcia… where DID you spend the night?

Jude: *nervous* Err… I don't think we-

Milla: I stayed at Jude's place.

Ludger: What?!

'Fractured Milla & Leia: Huh?!

Alvin: *pause* Oh… you… spent the night… together…with Jude?

Milla: That is correct. *realizes the shocked looks from everyone except Elle* What's wrong?

'Fractured' Milla: Milla… you're basically saying you… you slept with Jude!

Milla: I did.

Jude: Okay, let's just stop before this gets out of control! Milla had no place to go and I just offered her a place to stay… temporarily! That's all it is!

Ludger: Yeah… we understand Jude.

Elle: …I don't get what the fuss is about.

Alvin: Ehehe… you'll understand once you're older kiddo.

Elle: *pouts*

Alvin: *pauses for a moment while thinking* Wait… isn't Ludger and Elle's 'Milla' living in Ludger's place as well?

'Fractured' Milla: THERE'S NOTHING GOING ON!

Ludger: *nervous laugh*

XXXXXXXXXXXX

On the way to Driselle's manor, the party passed by the job bulletin. With still a massive debt of moer than 19 million gald, Ludger insisted he checked out for any jobs that might offer something. The party went off ahead, stating that they would meet Ludger at the manor. Elle and Jude accompanied Ludger.

Jude and Ludger looked through the job list but nothing was worth doing or worth the pay. There was a request to eliminate a new elite monster however, located at the Sapstrath Highroad. The offer was at a staggering 100,000 gald.

"I guess we can give it a shot." Jude suggested.

Ludger nodded, "Yeah… it's nearby as well."

"Hehe we'll get this done in no time!" Elle added in for support.

"Still no word from Vera huh?" Jude said. It was more of a statement than a question.

Ludger shook his head, "There's nothing we can do but wait in the meantime."

"I guess you're right."

The trio then made their way for Driselle's manor. However Ludger suddenly began coughing, but the cough was heavy. Ludger covered his mouth as he coughed. Jude looked at Ludger with a concerned look. And then Jude saw it.

Even though Ludger had his mouth covered, with each cough, a small amount of red liquid seeped through. Some of them dripped down towards the ground. Elle thankfully did not notice although she was concerned for Ludger as well.

Jude stared at the droplets of red liquid in horror. "Is that… blood?!"

CHAPTER END