AN: Alright guys, here is the new chapter. I've only got one last essay up for submission before I head into the exams. For now, enjoy this chapter! But before that, time to respond to you awesome readers!

GroundZeroFirework: Hahaha, well, this arc will have some differences in dialogue and battle so I needed to divide it into parts. I hope I won't disappoint you in this chapter

ydshahid: Yeah, I knew about that too. I read it on one of the forums about how he got the name Victor. Hmmm I get what you mean. It was a personal fight but you know, games can't do too much about that and have to include the whole party

Haseo55: Hahaha, is it? I've not really noticed. I know I've seen some yaoi stories but I also realize Ludger isn't used much in stories :O

Riku Uzumaki: Bahaha, no, Ludger definitely did not want to answer that. Hmm... an interesting theory you have there, but you'll have to see what happens in this chapter or the next to see if your theory works :P

BruceNadeauJr : Hehe, well, the Victor arc is not too short and with the inclusion of fractured Milla, I needed to emphasize the difference. So yes, split chapters

U-know Yunho: Yes... the battle with himself! But there will be differences since fractured Milla is present this time

That Mysterious Reader: Bahahaha, I don't know if he will go down like that, but i get what you're saying ;)

Time Heals All: Well, this chapter will definitely answer one of the core questions! Yes, you guessed right and this chapter will explore further on that. Thanks for your kind words, it really motivates me to try and write each chapter while expressing each character's emotions into a deeper level since the game, although they did a great job, sometimes did not explore too deep into character. Anyhow, thanks for the kind words!

asSweetAsSwirlix: Thanks mate! I'm glad I caught your attention! Ah... damn, well I had a feeling I had grammatical errors but I hope to try and improve them :(

Alright, on with the chapter!

CHAPTER 10: DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

Victor entered his villa, leaving the party to follow him. 'Fractured' Milla heard what Victor had said but she could not understand them. Ludger's expression was unchanged but for a second, she saw that Ludger was stunned by it. 'Health? Ludger is sick? But... what's that got to do with me being in the prime dimension? Ludger seems fine. What is he talking about?' 'Fractured' Milla thought in her mind.

Milla was confused as well. She knew Ludger's Chromatus form was harmful to his own body but she could not understand why Victor needed to mention about her 'other' self existence. Jude was the only one who knew the gravity of Victor's words. Ludger told him that time in Sharilton. Milla only knew about the harmful effects of the Chromatus form but that was only partly true.

"Ludger? What's he talking about?" 'Fractured' Milla asked, "To keep 'that' Milla alive… he means me, right?" Ludger refused to look at her and this merely aggravated her, "Ludger… look at me! Wh-what is he talking about? What did he mean?"

For a while, Ludger said nothing. But before 'fractured' Milla could ask once more, Ludger turned towards her with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry Milla. I don't know everything as well and we'll find out more after dinner. That's all I can promise. Let's go."

Ludger began walking towards the house. Jude was troubled on what he should do and looked at 'fractured' Milla. 'Fractured' Milla was clearly aggravated. Jude then glanced at Milla and the Lord of Spirits gave a nod and Jude returned the nod before he followed Ludger. However 'fractured' Milla was not done, "Ludger! Wait-"

"Milla, stop it." Milla interrupted, stopping her 'other' self, "It's like Ludger said… he doesn't know everything as well."

"But… Victor… he said something about… Ludger's health…? What does he mean?!"

"Milla!" Milla snapped, breaking 'fractured' Milla's panic, "Calm down, alright?" 'Fractured' Milla eyes were shaky but she managed a nod. "I can understand why you feel that way. Ludger is important to you. And Victor's words definitely frightened you. But don't forget, he could be the divergence catalyst. He knows he is a fractured being. He could be just playing mind games. We have to be careful Milla."

'Fractured' Milla listened to the wise words of Milla and found that it made sense. 'Fractured' Milla took a deep breath and regained her composure. "You're right." 'Fractured' Milla admitted, "I'm sorry I lost it. I just…"

"I understand." Milla said with a smile, "Ludger… is really precious to you. I can understand that feeling."

'Fractured' Milla blushed and quickly walked towards the villa, "It's not like that! He… he s-saved me, so of course I want to repay him. That's all it is!"

Milla shut her eyes and smiled at 'fractured' Milla's words. Milla could see it in her eyes and also from the tone of her voice. Her 'other' self cared deeply for Ludger, almost as much as how Milla cared for Jude. However whether or not 'fractured' Milla realized this, Milla did not know. Milla followed and entered the villa, finding the party at the dining table.

XXXXXXXX

The dinner was delicious and the conversation was pleasant. For a moment 'fractured' Milla had forgotten everything about what Victor had said. Ludger was relieved about that. Although the food was excellent, Milla composed herself. She did not fall to her desire and did not ask for refills. Milla only had one thing in her mind and that was the mission. To obtain the final Waymarker.

The whole way through the meal, Elle was lively and talking about what she and Victor would do in the past. Rowen would drop a comment here and there just to keep the conversation going. Jude was anxious about what would happen after dinner so he said very little. Ludger as well was quiet.

"So what do you think Ludger?" Elle asked Ludger, "Daddy's cooking's good right? It's tasty, right? Right?"

This caught 'fractured' Milla's interest as well, turning to Ludger with a smirk on her face. Victor released a hearty laugh and everyone turned to Ludger.

Ludger scratched his head and then nodded, "Well… I guess… you're right Elle. Your daddy's cooking is slightly better than mine."

Elle beamed in excitement, "Right? I told you! Oh but don't worry Ludger, I'm sure you'll get to daddy's level one day! Your cooking is still good!"

"Indeed, I have to say your father's cooking definitely beats Ludger's." Rowen said, taking another spoon of the meal, "The flavor just melts into the tongue and yet at the same time, you can-"

"We get it Rowen." Milla interrupted with a laugh, "We don't need you to be a food critic right now."

"What do you think Milla?" Elle asked towards 'fractured' Milla.

'Fractured' Milla could feel everyone's gaze on her. Her plate was empty so she simply grinned, "Well, I feel it's a close one. Both Ludger and Victor's cooking is just so similar that I can't pick."

"You're no fun…" Elle said with a pout. Elle then yawned and her eyes grew heavy, "…I'm feeling tired… I think… I ate too much…"

Victor laughed as he ruffled his daughter's hair, "Well Ludger, give it a few years or so and you'll probably reach my level." Victor glared directly at Ludger in the eyes, "As a matter of fact… precisely eight years from now." Ludger saw it but did not understand what it meant. Victor then turned to Elle, "I think it's about time you get to bed."

Elle nodded tiredly and brought out her arms. Victor got up from his seat and then carried Elle in his arms like she was the most important thing to him. As Victor moved away from the dining table, Rollo the cat followed Victor as well. This bothered Ludger. As far as he knew, Rollo hated strangers. Even now, Rollo only stuck to Elle, himself and Julius.

Victor laid Elle by a leather couch, gently placing her head on the arm rest and making sure she did not wake up. Jude and Milla watched Victor closely and had to admit, he was a loving father. A parent's love was a love so strong that one would gladly give his or her life away, just to protect their child. Jude could see it in Victor's actions. Milla wanted to think nothing of it. Because she knew it would simply make it harder for them if Victor was truly the divergence catalyst and has the final Waymarker.

"Victor, there's something I'd like to ask you." Milla said.

Victor continued watching Elle as he answered, "Patience… All your questions will be answered in a bit. I'd like… to look at her for a while… before we move on."

'Fractured' Milla stared at Victor's back, "You make it sound like this will be the last time you'll see her."

"It might…" Victor whispered so no one else heard it. Victor turned towards the dining table, "Now then… as to your question, is it about why I am wearing a mask? Well, my face was scarred from a battle long ago."

"That's not what I meant." Milla replied.

"Then what do you wish to know?"

At this, 'fractured' Milla immediately jumped at the opportunity, "Tell me what you meant! What did you mean about Ludger's powers keeping me alive?!"

Elle shuffled around in her sleep, turning to her side. Victor turned towards Elle to make sure she had heard nothing. Elle's breathing was rhythmic, signifying she was still asleep. Victor laid a gentle kiss on her forehead before he returned his attention back to the party.

"We'll continue this conversation outside." Victor suggested, "I do not wish for my daughter to wake up to hear any of this. Come."

Victor made his way back towards the entrance of the villa. The party followed suit, getting up from the dining table. Finally the answers to their question would come. Rollo stayed with Elle, curling next to the couch as it slept, purring softly.

Outside in the villa, the sun was nearly all set. Victor waited for them all, his eyes analyzing each of them. However his eyes were mainly fixed on Ludger. Jude did not understand why but he could feel an immense hatred radiating from Victor towards Ludger. Ludger could feel Victor's gaze as well.

Victor began, "Before I answer that 'fake' Milla's question, I'll clear all doubts first." 'Fractured' Milla flinched when Victor used the word 'fake', "I really am Elle's father. She is not mistaking me for it."

"Surely that is not possible." Rowen argued, "You're from a fractured dimension after all."

Victor smirked at Rowen's words, "…And? What makes you think Elle is of the prime dimension?"

The whole party was blasted in shock from Victor's words. "Wh-what?" Ludger sputtered in shock.

"As I'm sure you're familiar, two beings cannot exist in the prime dimension. However that is not a problem for Elle since in the prime dimension, Elle does not exist yet. So yes, this Elle really is my daughter and I'm her real father. This dimension is several years ahead of the prime dimension after all."

"So how did she get to the prime dimension? Why would you even send her there?!" Jude questioned in anger.

"I won't give the answer to that question… not yet anyway." Victor replied and then turned to 'fractured' Milla, "By the way… do you still wish to know the answer to your question? 'Fake' Milla?"

'Fractured' Milla clenched her teeth in anger but before she could reply, Milla drew her sword and pointed the weapon at Victor, "Call her a 'fake' again and I'll end your life in an instant."

Victor smirked, "I apologize." Victor paused for a moment and then cleared his throat, "Well then… do any of you know where the Chromatus power originated from?" No one answered so Victor continued, "The Kresnik clan was chosen by Origin to represent humankind in passing Origin's trial. To pass the trial, Chronos granted the Kresnik family with the power to use the Chromatus. Of course, only a few Kresniks throughout the years have this power. With the Chromatus form, one is given enhanced strength, speed, agility, focus… and of course the ability to travel to different dimensions and detects divergence catalysts."

'Fractured' Milla listened to every word and took a quick glance at Ludger. This was related to him. And it might relate to her as well.

Victor continued, "However… the Chromatus power… is a double-edged sword."

"A double-edged sword?" Rowen and 'fractured' Milla repeated.

"The Chromatus form is a powerful ability only a few Kresniks can use. However, it comes with a cost." Victor explained and then turned to Ludger with a menacing grin, "It damages the body. It causes a huge strain on the inner organs and use up the life source of the body. Basically the more one use the Chromatus form, the more he's killing himself."

"It… is killing the user?" 'Fractured' Milla said in disbelief and turned to Ludger. Ludger could not return the gaze.

"But of course, I'm just getting ahead of myself." Victor said, "It is true the Chromatus form harms the user's body but normally, one can last through a lifetime and the user will die in his old age. Assuming you use the power wisely. But of course certain Kresniks that have the mission to destroy fractured dimensions have a naturally… lower lifespan."

Milla narrowed her eyes, "You mean the Spirius Agents that can use the Chromatus…"

"That is correct. Their lifespan is naturally… shorter, because they have to use the Chromatus to enter a fractured dimension and destroy a divergence catalyst. Of course, their life can still run for a long time but… In any case, the idea is that the Chromatus form harms the user in exchange of its power."

Jude clenched his fist as he suppressed his anger. The idea of power in exchange of one's life disgusted him. And a friend of his was paying the price in order to save the world. There was nothing Jude could do to help.

"But Ludger here is different." Victor remarked, "With what he has been doing, he has been overusing the Chromatus power."

"But that's preposterous!" Rowen argued, "Ludger has only used this power for a short time! Not even close to a month!"

Victor chuckled, "Say what you want, but I know. And Ludger knows as well. His usage of the Chromatus might have been short, but he has spent a lot of power on… a certain act."

Ludger grunted in anger but he could do nothing. Because Victor was right. He knew what he was doing.

"What do you mean?" 'Fractured' Milla asked.

"I already said it once. Two same beings cannot co-exist in the prime dimension." Victor repeated then turned to 'fractured' Milla, "However… the Chromatus is a power given by Chronos himself. The power can bend certain rules… but at a cost."

'Fractured' Milla eyes widened when she was starting to see the picture. She took a step back in horror, not wanting to believe what her brain was telling the obvious. Victor could see the realization dawn upon her as well.

Milla however was confused. She thought Ludger's sickness came from the use of the Chromatus. But Jude and Ludger did not tell her everything. The reason why Ludger was suffering greatly was because he was using his powers on…

"Don't say it Victor!" Ludger cried out.

Victor laughed, "That's right Milla. The reason why you still exist is because of Ludger! He was and still is using his Chromatus power to keep you in existence! You should be gone! Disappear! The only way to keep you in existence… is to transfer his powers into your life source. That is what is keeping you in existence! But in return, Ludger's body is expanding his energy on the Chromatus at five times the rate. His life… won't last long. After all, he is bending a dimensional law just to keep you alive!"

Everyone except Jude and Ludger gasped in shock. 'Fractured' Milla turned to Ludger, "Ludger… is what he said… true?" Ludger reluctantly nodded, "But… but… when?! I don't remember you asking you to do this! Why?!" At this point, 'fractured' Milla broke down in tears. She hated relying on others. Especially when she could not return the favor. The feeling of guilt crushed her.

Ludger looked down at the ground, unable to look at Milla's tears, "Because I saw it on the first night. I thought everything was solved after we rescued Chancellor Marcia… but after the dinner with everyone, I saw… you were… dissolving. I knew then that I only saved you temporarily. So when you were asleep… I… I used my powers to make sure you remained in the prime dimension."

As Milla heard Ludger explain, she now realized who the person was that snuck into their room at Fennmont. It was Ludger. That was why Milla could not detect anyone when she woke up. Ludger was in Chromatus form. Even the Lord of Spirits could not match the speed and agility of a Kresnik in that form.

'Fractured' Milla was visibly stunned by the revelation. She continued to stare at Ludger, her hands trembling and her knees weakening. "You… you did that…? But… why…? No… I don't want this…"

"That's why you don't belong here." Victor taunted, "You're not supposed to exist any longer. After all… you're just a fake!"

The words of Victor broke 'fractured' Milla. She had been insecure on that fact for a long time. Ever since prime Milla returned. She knew Milla does not see it that way but for 'fractured' Milla, it would never change. She was from a fractured dimension, a being that was not supposed to exist. Wasn't that how the group always justified destroying the other worlds? 'Fractured' Milla could no longer stand as she dropped on her knees, her resolution and will dead.

"I told you not to call her that!" Milla growled in anger, charging towards Victor with her sword drawn.

Victor smirked as he drew out two pair of blades, the exact copy like Ludger's. Milla swung her blade but Victor parried it with his right blade and used his left blade to thrust forward. Milla moved to her left quickly and Victor delivered a kick on Milla's gut, sending her several meters away. Jude engaged Victor as well at this point.

While the two fought, 'fractured' Milla was still on her knees and unable to react to her surroundings. In her mind, she kept telling herself she was 'worthless'. She was a 'substitute'. Victor's words breached her core. She could not stop the words in her mind. Her tears flowed freely and could feel the darkness overwhelming her.

Despite the use of the Four Great spirits, Milla could barely keep up with Victor. None of Jude's fists could connect. Victor was moving at an unbelievable speed. Victor delivered a roundhouse kick on Jude, taking Jude out of the fight temporarily. Milla and Victor exchanged blades for a moment before Victor disappeared and appeared behind Milla, smacking the back of her head with the blade's handle. Milla fell on her front, still conscious but injured.

"Now let me solve your little 'fake' problem." Victor said, charging towards 'fractured' Milla.

"Milla!" Milla called out to her 'other' self but 'fractured' Milla was not reacting.

'Fractured' Milla saw Victor coming towards her. She could see her own reflection on Victor's dual blades. Soon her life would come to an end. 'Just like how it should have been.' 'Fractured' Milla thought. She welcomed it. Now that she knew her existence caused Ludger to harm himself, she refused to live. However it never came.

"You…!" Victor spat in fury.

Ludger stood between Victor and 'fractured' Milla. Ludger's dual blades was locked against Victor's dual blades. 'Fractured' Milla stared at Ludger's back and had once again saved her.

"Why…?" 'Fractured' Milla asked weakly, "Why… do you keep saving me…? I'm not supposed to exist! Just… just let me be gone already… I'm a fake. I don't belong here…"

"Shut up!" Ludger shouted, shocking everyone. "Stop calling yourself a fake! You're not… you're still the Milla I know! The Milla Elle know! The Milla that knows how to cook! You're not a fake!"

'Fractured' Milla said nothing but Ludger's words… she wanted to believe them. But at the same time, Victor's words rang as well. She has not found her resolve yet.

"Heh, I wasn't done explaining everything you know." Victor said to Ludger as their blades tugged at one another.

"What do you mean?" Ludger responded.

"The Chromatus form does kill the user slowly but… it's not a one-way street." Victor delivered a head butt, Ludger backing away in pain. Ludger could feel a minor bruise on his forehead. Victor stood straight and said, "There is a way… to reverse the process."

"What?"

Ludger wanted to ask for more information but Victor disappeared from sight. In an instant, Victor was just an inch away in front of Ludger. Ludger drew his blades into a defensive stance but Victor was just too quick. There was no way to avoid it. Milla and Jude watched in horror as Victor's blade moved towards Ludger's exposed body. It was inevitable.

The sound of metal piercing through skin filled the air. 'Fractured' Milla's eyes widened in horror at the sight in front of her. Jude and Milla could not move a muscle. And Ludger was on the ground as well after someone else had shoved him to the side. Victor remained nonchalant at the person he had stabbed.

"This brings back memories of when I killed you eight years ago," Victor commented, "…Rowen."

Rowen coughed blood, but he still had the usual smile on his face, "W-well then… it is a gentleman's duty… to see that the… young ones… live on."

No one else said anything. Ludger's jaw was wide open. He thought he would die but someone else took it in his stead. 'Fractured' Milla saw the blade protruding out of Rowen's back. Jude screamed in anguish and ran towards Victor. Milla refused to allow her emotion to control her, but she could still feel a tear escaping and rolling down her cheek.

And then, the whole party cried out. "ROWEN!"

CHAPTER END

AN: SO! Is Rowen dead?! Or will he live on?! Give me your thoughts! As well as if you understand the new condition of the Chromatus form. I know, I changed it from game canon but I feel it adds some drama and I prefer it this way. I can thus justify how fractured Milla survives :P
And of course, the explanation is not done. The next chapter will cover more on the changes I have made! Well, see you next chapter!