A/N: Hello guys! I bring to you all the new chapter! Story has reached over 200 reviews and I have to thank all of you for your support! It's what keeps me going! So with that said, I shall now respond to all of you!

GraveBreaker: Haha, well I'm happy that you've enjoyed this story thus far. And yes, the only reason why it's still an ongoing issue is because I don't know how to permanently solve that issue without making it seem too 'convenient'. So this is what I came up with, lol
Ah yes thanks for pointing that out. I forgot to mention, one of the major changes in this story is that Ludger still holds the pocket watch.
That is a valid point about Julius might want to kill 'fracture' Milla to save Ludger from harming himself. However as shown in chapter... 17 (I think), he knows Ludger is happy with her, even at a huge cost. He at least wants to respect that, even though it might kill him.
I hope you'll enjoy this new chapter!

MysteriousOwl: Hmm... well, I think certain dimensions have different results, so that's why some dimensions know some things the prime doesn't. That's what I think

Riku Uzumaki: Oh definitely. Even I find it funny how the bridge was opened to the Land of Canaan but you could still do side quests. So I'm going to finish up everything before approaching the final arc, so that they can just... go with it without side-tracking, lol. Thanks for reminding though.

U-Know Yunho: Yes another intimate moment, woooo!
Yeah you wanna-be Deadpool! Shut up D:

Aldehar: Well ToX2 depends really. I enjoyed it while there are some who don't. The game has some plotholes, but it didn't bother me too much. I just enjoyed the characters too much to really care, and you only find the plotholes if you really want to find them. If you just focus on the main quest (getting to Land of canaan and the Trial), it's fine, haha. But yes, I agree with you. The game sometimes is too short in certain areas, like how Elle was upset about Victor's death for so short. It should have been longer. And many more. The game was short in that part :/
Hehe, I really like the bromance between Jude and Ludger though. I wish the game covered more on that :( And yes, this arc will cover the Milla Kresnik arc. And this arc is not just focusing on developing Milla Maxwell but 'fractured' Milla as well, so look forward to that :) Ah yes, I know what you mean. That's one of the 'plotholes' I feel ToX2 had. How can Maxwell be a fractured being when he's one of the three Primordial spirits. I covered a little bit of that in this chapter, so look foward to that :P Haha thanks. I can diverge from the original story by imagining what would the characters do if 'this happened' instead of the game and improvise based on their character :D
Haha yeah, I remember that battle quote how they said Milla's skirt was shorter XD Hmm... now that you mentioned it, romance getting interrupted IS like a recurring gag in this story! :O
Yeah, the game didn't cover too much on 'fractured' Milla's past, that's why I'm trying to create more of her past in this story and develop her character. I just hope I'm doing a good job. I mean, I can't do too much because I need to keep the plot moving, but I try to do what I can.
Ah yeah, Muzet is a pretty tough character for me (even when trying to make her dialogue). And yes, I get what you mean. She is strong in terms of 'power' but she's weak in her state of mind. She wants to be needed apparently and when Maxwell tossed her, well... she turned to Gaius. She is a pretty tough character to write for me, but I have to try and keep her in character when I can.
Haha, thanks! I hope this story will continue to be better and not disappoint!

Nameless Knight: hahaha! Two pieces of music? For me, I liked Song 4 u, the Final boss theme (which is basically Song 4 u) and the hymn of proof, hehe. Ah, yeah I liked the transformation. Yes, I can agree that the plot is bad and all, but overall, I still like the game. But again, this is all an individual opinion.
Ah yes, this chapter is just a set-up. Hopefully this chapter will be enjoyable.

TheAnime4Fan: Lol, yes I've noticed you have not been on for a while but I'm just glad that you're still reading this story. At least I know it's still entertaining enough for u :D
Yes, chapter 19 was sad and yeah, I know Driselle is too sweet for revenge. But that dimension, she never met Jude, Milla or Elize and was emotionally weaker. So she turned to vengeance in that dimension :(
haha, happy you liked chapter 20. Yes seeing them as a happy family is very sweet! I wish the game ended with them all :
Hohoho, refresh the experinece of human warmth ;) You want that with Jude and Milla? :P
Hahaha, you missed chapter 21? Glad you found it then, lol.
Yeah, Elle, Jude and Milla had such bad timing .
Lol the skit was not my idea and I have already given my credits. I'm glad you liked it though, hehe. Yes, you shall find out who the catalyst is soon enough and I hope you'll like this chapter!

Mr. AE Hachi-Roku: Yeah Jude confess your love already! Although the reason why in my story he hasn't done that is because they already know they love each other. They just never 'officially' declared it, haha.
LOL! That's a good point, Efreet (Being the artist he is) should be ranting about how he wants Milla's outfit to be xD
Lol, Aska being possessive of Jude was weird for me O_O
haha, yeah apparently this story tends to have romance almost having sudden interruptions, lol. I should maybe stop doing that :P
Woohoo! So much ships sailing! that's right baby!
Lol, Maxwell's reaction to the two Millas will be seen here and I tried to do it well enough with whta I can. I hope it went well.
Thanks for your support, I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!

That Mysterious Reader: Hohoho! The rematch with Maxwell! It is about to begin! Hohoho, but with changes this time because of 'fractured' Milla's appearence

Dark Side Idea: Lol, well everyone has their own tastes. I like the Ludger x Fractured Milla couple although whether that could have happened in game, we don;'t know. But anyway as to your idea, I've already planned everything so I don't think I can use your idea :( but thanks for suggesting it! It was a good idea if I can tweak it up a bit, hehe
I hope you'll still enjoy this story, even if you don't ship the couple

Anyway that's it with responding to reviews! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Let me know what you think!

CHAPTER 22: THE TEMPORAL CROSSROADS

The Temporal Crossroads… it had been a year since Jude and his friends entered this realm. There were many memories they had carved in their adventures, but the Temporal Crossroad was special. It was here that Jude mustered the courage to stand up against the Lord of Spirits, Maxwell. It was here that Milla returned from her demise. It was here that Jude and his friends battled for their beliefs against Gaius and Muzet, who fought for their own viewpoints. A lot had transpired here, and visiting the Temporal Crossroads in this fractured dimension immediately brought back the feelings of nostalgia.

Gaius crossed his arms on his chest and turned to Milla, getting straight to the point, "So the divergence catalyst in the Temporal Crossroads… you believe it to be…?"

Milla nodded, finishing Gaius's guess, "Indeed. Maxwell should be at the lowest level of the Crossroads. The perfect being to ask him about what I want to know."

"Milla Kresnik…" Jude whispered. He had to admit, who else would know of Milla Kresnik but the Great Spirit summoned by the first human.

"Ludger and Jude told me you wished to learn on why the relationship between Maxwell and the 'Genesis Sage' known as Kresnik failed, is that correct?" Gaius asked Milla. When Milla nodded, he asked again, "Why? How will finding the answer to that benefit you?"

Milla shut her eyes to come up with her answer. When she did, she opened them again, "If anything, I just wish to earn a form of closure. I want to know what happened to my predecessor, to know why Aska claimed that Milla Kresnik betrayed him, to see if that resulted in the creation of the schism and… to find out if he named me after her."

Gaius now understood the purpose of this quest, "I see… so in a sense, it is to find out your origin… the reason for your name."

"Yes, but there is also more than that." Milla said, "We can now find out directly from this fractured Maxwell why he created the schism. We can find out the true history of Rieze Maxia and Elympios."

"Then let us go." Gaius had got the answer he wanted.

Milla nodded and both she and Jude led the party. They were the ones that had been in this place before. While Gaius and Muzet also had been here, Milla was the leader of this expedition. This fractured dimension was directly linked to her. All she needed was her friends' strength and support.

Throughout the passage in the Temporal Crossroads, Elle was sidetracked by the funny cubes and translucent green 'bridge'. The monsters in this realm were different too, although they posed little threat to the party. Even then, Ludger and 'fractured' Milla both had a difficult time adapting to this realm's surrounding. On some areas, they had to leap down into the darkness, only to find there was actually ground to land on. Fortunately Jude and Milla were there to guide them.

"We're getting closer." Jude noted when they landed another level lower.

At the mention of that, 'fractured' Milla stiffened up. The idea of actually facing Maxwell frightened her. She had never actually met Maxwell in the flesh. She just knew of him through her 'sister' Muzet and how he no longer needed her when Exodus was destroyed. She then gradually lost control over the Great Four.

Elle noticed that 'fractured' Milla seemed down and tugged her arm, "Milla? What's wrong?"

The whole party took notice of this and turned to 'fractured' Milla. She did seem a little worried or upset. "No, it's just…" 'Fractured' Milla looked at her twin self and then down at the ground, "I've… never met Maxwell directly. And… I don't know what he'll think… if he sees two of us. Will he know… that one of us is 'real'? Or…"

Milla moved and stood directly in front of 'fractured' Milla, "I've already told you before, you're Milla Maxwell as much as I am Milla Maxwell. There is no 'real' or 'fake' between us. You are you… just as much as I am me."

"I know you've told me that countless of times but…" 'Fractured' Milla looked away, "But in the end… I'll always experience this sense of… fear. Of being a 'fake'. I cannot let it go."

Milla said nothing first before she turned around, "Then we'll face Maxwell together. Prove to him… and to all of us… that you're 'real'. That you're Milla Maxwell of your own right."

"Milla Maxwell… of my own right?" 'Fractured' Milla repeated, "What do you mean?"

"Only you can answer that." Milla advised, "Once you have the answer, you'll understand what I have been trying to tell you."

And with that Milla ended the conversation, leading the party again with Jude. 'Fractured' Milla stood motionless for a bit, trying to comprehend what Milla told her. She admired Milla, the way she held such confidence in her words and actions. That was the clear distinction between them.

"Come on Milla." Elle said, pulling 'fractured' Milla's arm, bringing her back to reality, "We need to catch up!"

'Fractured' Milla nodded, "R-right… let's go."

'Fractured' Milla and Elle caught up with the rest of the party, following Jude and Milla's lead through the strange and confusing realm. As the group continued moving to the lower levels, Ludger had been quiet. He could feel his Chromatus affects appearing. The pain was coursing through his body but he acted normal, hiding the pain. He did not want to worry his friends and so, focused his mind on the mission ahead. It was the only way to prevent him from coughing out blood. He had to bear with it.

"We're here." Milla announced, "This is the last level. After we jump through this last level, we'll confront Maxwell." Milla turned to the group, "Is everyone prepared?"

Muzet giggled, "So we're going to see Lord Maxwell? I don't know what to feel, although it will be nice to see him again."

"He's a different Maxwell Muzet." Gaius reminded, "He's not the same one you know."

"You're no fun." Muzet retorted with a pout.

"Come on let's go!" Elle urged, "I wanna see this Maxwell guy."

Jude chuckled at Elle's comment. It was nice to see the innocence of a child, and he then looked at Milla "Alright Milla. Let's go find the answers we're looking for."

Jude and Milla both looked at one another before they jumped together. Gaius and Muzet were next, although Muzet really just flew down rather than jump. Ludger, 'fractured' Milla and Elle were the last ones to enter Maxwell's domain.

Once they all landed, the party took in to their surroundings. Unlike the previous levels, here on the lowest level, the place was bright. The ground was no longer cube-shaped objects but rather crystal, clear water and throughout the wide, open space were several odd sphere-like objects. There was nothing they could see for miles away, only vast open space. Then in front of them, just a short distance away, the fractured Maxwell was seen, seated on a mechanical-like device with a throne on top of it that stood three meters into the air.

Maxwell was not surprised by their intrusion. He had already sensed them after all. His eyes were shut, not even bothering to look upon them, as if they were not worthy for his eyes. However to confirm his suspicions, he finally opened his eyes and laid eyes on Milla. Now he had his answer.

"More uninvited guests enter my domain?" Maxwell began, his eyes fixed on Milla, "I do not know how… or why you have come for a second time Milla, but I shall ask you… what are you doing here?"

"It has been a while Maxwell. Although perhaps not from your perspective." Milla responded coolly.

'Fractured' Milla stepped forward, standing next to Milla. "So… you're Maxwell." 'Fractured' Milla remarked.

Maxwell narrowed his eyes, ignoring Milla's statement. His attention was on the fact that there were two Millas in front of him. "What is this? Two Millas? How is this possible?" Maxwell was now at a loss. He thought he was delusional or perhaps it was some trick. But deep down, he knew what he was seeing was true. "How can there be two of you? No… including the one I 'unmade', that makes a total of three. How is this possible?"

Jude heard that and quickly spoke, "Unmade? So in this world… Milla was eliminated in this world?"

"In this world…? What are you talking about human?" Maxwell was now beginning to piece the puzzle together, "Wait… no… this can't be… you… you're all from another dimension, aren't you?"

Milla was surprised Maxwell came to that conclusion and confirmed this, "Yes we are."

"So then…" Maxwell laid his eyes on 'fractured' Milla, "That means… you're a 'fake' as well. A fractured Milla from another dimension."

'Fractured' Milla ignored the remark. She did not need anyone else to tell her that. Milla decided to change the subject, "So you are actually aware of the existence of other dimensions."

Maxwell was suddenly furious, "Of course I am! I am one among the three primordial spirits! But… I never thought that I could become a fractured being. I, the Lord of Spirits, one of the three Primordial spirits… a fractured being?! I have always thought that I am of the prime dimension, the prime Maxwell! But…I see now that I was wrong. This is not the prime dimension." Maxwell then glared at the two Millas, "However, even if it has been two thousand years, I still recall certain facts about the dimensional rules. No two same beings can exist in the prime dimension and yet, I see two Millas have appeared. The Milla of this dimension is gone. So that means you two Millas came together from the same dimension. How is that possible?"

"That is all thanks to the power of the Kresnik Clan." Milla answered, "As a matter of fact, I come to ask you a question Maxwell."

"And why should I answer you? In the end, if you have come to a different dimension… a fractured dimension… that means you will destroy this world! As the Lord of Spirits, even as a fractured one, I shall protect it with my life!"

"He's in a very uncooperative mood." Milla observed.

"It matters not if you're from the prime dimension!" Maxwell bellowed, "In the end, you were still created by me! I can unmake you just like how I unmade the Milla of this world!"

Jude stepped in, trying to ease the situation, "Please, we didn't come here to fight. Milla just wants to know about-"

"Silence! I shall eradicate you all from this world!" Maxwell's voice boomed, "I shall do the same to the previous Milla that came here and remove your souls from the cycle of life forever!"

Gaius drew his katana from his blade, preparing for battle, "It looks like the time for talk is over."

Muzet giggled, "I hope you won't take this personally Lord Maxwell."

Only now did Maxwell take notice of Muzet, "I see Muzet is with you. So… in the prime dimension, Muzet has changed sides? How interesting… how interesting indeed." Maxwell finally prepared for battle, "I shall eradicate every last one of you!"

Milla also finally drew her weapons, prompting Jude and Ludger to do the same. "I hate to do this, but you leave us no choice. We will destroy you again, Maxwell!"

However it was Gaius and Muzet who led the charge, the pair charging in first. However Maxwell made any attempt to engage either of them. Just as Gaius was about to deal a fatal blow, several dark spheres came crashing down. Taken by surprise, it was only thanks to Muzet's intervention of throwing several artes to dispel the dark spheres that saved Gaius.

Gaius quickly stepped back to Muzet's side, "Thank you."

Muzet smiled happily, "My pleasure."

The party all saw the newcomer appearing by Maxwell's side, floating in the end. They all recognized her as she was the mirror image of Muzet, wearing the exact same outfit that Muzet wore a year ago. This was the 'Muzet' of this dimension.

"I won't let any of you harm Lord Maxwell!" 'Muzet' claimed, channeling another spirit arte.

Gaius got into one of his attacking stance and called out to his friends, "Everyone! I and Muzet will handle her! The rest of you, take care of Maxwell!"

"Leave it to us!" Jude exclaimed and then turned to the rest of the party, "Let's go!"

The rest of the party moved towards Maxwell, leaving Elle behind. As they got closer however, Maxwell made no action to counter them. Once they finally reached the mechanical throne, all of them struck together and that was when Maxwell made his move. He raised his right arm suddenly, sending a shocking shockwave, throwing all his attackers backwards. Jude and Milla barely landed on their feet while Ludger and 'fractured' Milla tumbled across the clear water before getting back on their feet.

Milla summoned both the Great Four physically and each Great Spirit began channeling an arte of their respective element. Jude went in to buy Milla some time and Maxwell released several elemental artes towards Jude. The young spyrite researcher threw a projectile that moved across the ground. "Demon Fang!" However Maxwell dodged the arte, his mechanical throne moving quickly before the device's body moved like a snake, smacking Jude on the chest. Jude cried in pain but it was all that was needed. Milla and the Great Four Spirits had finished their respective artes.

"Fireball!" Efreet threw a ball of fire towards Maxwell.

"Wind Lance!" Sylph threw a wind in the shape of a lance aimed at Maxwell.

"Splash!" Undine released her arte on Maxwell.

"Rock Trine" Gnome lazily summoned several bits of rocks towards the Lord of Spirits, Maxwell.

As each of the elemental artes neared him, Maxwell dispelled each of the artes. Milla had expected that however since Maxwell was a Lord of Spirits, but that was her plan. The Great Spirits attacks were just a diversion. Now with Maxwell occupied, Milla and Jude flanked Maxwell's sides, Jude with his fist drawn and Milla with her sword.

"I know your every move." Maxwell said calmly, "I have already destroyed this dimension's Milla as well as her human friends. Your entire moves… are exactly the same!"

Maxwell swung both his arms and instantly, both Milla and Jude were pushed by an invisible force. It was nothing too powerful, but enough to stop their attacks. Jude and Milla backed away, regrouping with Ludger and 'fractured' Milla.

"He knows how we attack." Jude stated, "If that's the case, then Ludger will be our trump card."

Milla nodded and turned to Ludger, "We believe in you."

Ludger understood and prepared himself. However, while the four of them were preparing their next attack, Maxwell was already a step ahead of them. While four of them were a threat to him, Maxwell also took note of the little girl with them. An innocent child, clinging to the man with the dual blades and the 'fake' Milla. Maxwell began channeling a water arte, a large ball of water forming, his sights fixed on Elle.

Jude, taking notice of Maxwell as well as whom he was aiming, quickly leaped to action, "Elle! Watch out!"

Jude got in the way just as Maxwell released the large glob of water, standing in between Elle and the glob of water. The next instant was a blur. The glob of water absorbed Jude, trapping the young spyrite researcher in it like a cage. It was just like when Milla trapped Jude in a sphere of water when they first met in Fennmont.

"Jude!" Elle and Milla cried out at the same time. Ludger and 'fractured' Milla smashed their weapons against the blob of water, only for their weapons to bounce off it like striking a jelly.

Jude was floating in the body of water, holding his breath. Since he could not talk, he communicated to his friends through hand signs, telling that the only way to dispel the sphere of water was to force Maxwell to break the arte. Milla understood, since she knew of this arte as well. There was no way to destroy the sphere of water other than to force the user to cancel the arte.

"Ludger, we must hurry!" Milla said with urgency, "Jude cannot hold his breath forever. We must force Maxwell to break that arte! Maxwell has never battled you before, he won't know what to expect from you."

Ludger nodded, "Got it. I'll…"

And at the worst moments, Ludger could feel his Chromatus affects striking him now. 'No! Not now!' Ludger thought, but the pain was too much. Ludger collapsed on all fours, coughing out blood. He held it in for too long and the affects were now attacking him at the worst possible time. He tried to force himself up, but the effort was too great and he coughed out more blood.

"Ludger!" Elle cried out, her eyes in shock and holding onto him. Now their trump card, Ludger, was also temporarily out of the fight. "Ludger hang in there! You need to help Jude!" Elle exclaimed.

Ludger knew that. He knew that he needed to fight to save Jude but, he could not. He could not even stand up. He struggled to do so, but every time he did, he was instead coughing out more blood. Never in his life have he felt so angry at himself, at his weakness!

Milla looked at Jude, whose life was now on a time limit. And then she turned to Ludger, the one man who she needed to help her defeat Maxwell was temporarily unfit for combat. She cursed her weakness. Maxwell sat atop his throne, watching the whole scene with a soft grin. In his mind, he had won.

Throughout this whole ordeal, 'fractured' Milla watched in silence. She saw Jude was in trouble and that Ludger could not help. She saw Milla was alone in this fight but now, she finally found her resolve. Not just that, she also found an answer to her predicament, the one that Milla told her about earlier.

'Fractured' Milla drew her sword, standing next to her other self, "Milla… I've found my answer."

Milla blinked twice, not understanding at first what 'fractured' Milla meant. It hit her a second later, "Have you? Good… now is the perfect time to show me."

'Fractured' Milla nodded, "I'll show you… and everyone here… that I'm a Milla Maxwell of my own!"

Maxwell, who was listening to the whole thing found it amusing, "What can a 'fake' Milla like you do? In the end, you're still Milla! Even if you are from another dimension, you're one and the same!"

'Fractured' Milla shook her head, her eyes hard as steel, "No Maxwell. I'll show you how different I am compared to the Milla you know!" She then turned to her twin self, "Milla, let's go!"

Milla nodded, summoning the Four Great Spirits to her side, "Prepare yourself Maxwell! We'll show you the strength of two different set of Millas!"

With Jude's life still ticking on a timer along with Ludger and Elle watching their backs, both Milla and 'fractured' Milla charged in for their combined assault. They will reveal to Maxwell and their friends how terrifying the two Millas can be!

CHAPTER END