On the way to paying more of Ludger's debt, the group helped Jude resolve a fractured dimension where his father never left Elympios, where Jude was never born, before dealing with a problem when his device was used on the Celsius spirit fossil. Milla made soup for the group, but was resolved to make the best soup Elle tasted when she was rated against Elle's dad, Ludger, Genis and Regal. Leia resolved a fractured dimension where she was partners with her nemesis Agria, much to her dismay, but Leia decided to right a paper on the fractured dimensions so that the people in them will be remembered. Rowen resolved a fractured dimension, which resolves him to have a connection with Marcia. Afterwards, they hear from Raine that her fear of water comes from when she fell off a boat as a child. They also console with Scott about his relationships before meeting Ramona and Zelos about his family life. While the group was in Sharilton, David wondered something...

David Episode 2- A Warm Embrace from Cold Hands

"Ah, Ludger. What a surprise." David said. He was with Snorunt, Vespiquen and Formantis. "As you can see, Combee has evolved, as she's the only of three to reach her form naturally."

"So, any idea for a Perfect Link yet?" Elle asked.

"Not yet, but I think I'm almost there. Formantis can evolved in a specific time frame, so I just need the Dawn Stone for Snorunt." It was at that moment that Vera called. "Duty calls. You might want to get that." Ludger took out the GHS and answered.

"DODA here. We've detected a new fractured dimension. The rift is in Sharilton. I've sent the coordinates. Please head there at once." The call ends and Ludger puts away the GHS.

"How convenient. A fractured dimension might be the perfect place to look for it."

Sectonia just happens to fly by at that moment. "I think I'll come too. Those fractured dimensions are always unpredictable."

"Good call. Strength in numbers, and all that."

After Raine decides to join them for the purpose of having a healer, the four of them went through the rift and end up in Sharilton.

"Alright. We're in. Now... what could our divergence catalyst be this time?" Sectonia asked.

Ludger responds to that. "Hopefully nothing too dangerous."

"I hear that. I know we're here for the Dawn Stone, but if we don't destroy the divergence catalyst, then we're stuck here."

"This is horrible! Horrible!" says a man in the background, looking like he has passed out. David rushes over to the man.

"What's wrong, sir?"

"There was this figure...in the Sapstrath Deepwood. It looked like...some sort of jellyfish, but...it moved like a young girl."

"Do you know what it was called?"

"Name? No, sorry."

"I understand." Just then some men in armor came along. "Get this man to medical." The men comply and take the man to medical. "Did you guys hear that?"

Sectonia nodded. "I've heard about them. Partially from my archives, partially from the Dimension Mirror. Creatures from Alola studied by the Aether Foundation that pose a threat to humans and Pokemon. Ultra Beasts. The one he was describing was codenamed UB-01. Originally, it's known as Nihilego."

"Was such a creature in the prime dimension?"

"Not to my knowledge, no. Or at least it didn't come to our Elympios or Rieze Maxia."

Ludger took in all of this information and deduced a conclusion. "Then this Ultra Beast is the divergence catalyst."

David nods. "Most likely. Thankfully, we know where it is. Onwards, to the Sapstrath Deepwood!"

When the group got deep into the Sapstrath Deepwood, they came face to face with Nihilego.

"So... This is the creature?" Sectonia asked.

"Yes. It does fit the description." David said. He then looks down. "I do not feel good about this. Not at all."

Ludger senses that David doesn't want to do this to a Pokemon, but he has to remember the reason they're here. "We have no choice. It's a divergence catalyst."

"I know, but still..." Nihilego suddenly turned black, becoming a divergence catalyst, as if sensing the group's killing intent. "I guess it's too late for regrets now." The three of them got into battle stances as Nihilego charges at them. "Be careful! This thing is very dangerous!"

"You don't have to tell us twice." Sectonia says as she fires a Lightning spell.

"It's an Ultra Beast, so it's no doubt very powerful."

Sectonia charges up a powerful Light spell. "O divine spear, run my enemy through...Holy Lance!" Sectonia a spell that causes many sharp spears of light to form in a circular pattern in the air while a magical glyph is formed around Nihilego. The spears point down at an angle toward it, rapidly striking the earth in sequence to pierce it. This is followed by a small blast of light as the spears detonate. "Raine!"

Raine nods. "Understood!"

They both call their attack. "Prism Sword!" The spell itself produces seven crystalized swords that appear over the target, initially arranged like a star, before shooting into the sky, quickly dropping into the ground to deal damage to Nihilego.

"Stun Blitz!" Ludger calls as he spins in the air, shooting his guns.

"Ludger!" David calls.

They both called their attack. "Bullet Fiesta!" They both shoot their guns around them, which dealt the finishing blow to Nihilego.

David breathes heavily as the battle ends.

"David?" Sectonia asked in concern.

"I know. Don't worry about me." Elle went to grab the Dawn Stone from Nihilego before Ludger used his chromatus and stabbed it, causing the divergence catalyst to break and the group to return to the prime Sharilton. "Even though it wasn't the real one, the Ultra Beasts existing is a marvel in itself. Would've been great if it weren't for their destructive natures."

"Yes. We will have to be careful just in case we run into one here in the prime dimension."

"Anyway, time to get to work." David said as he gave the Dawn Stone Elle recovered to Snorunt, evolving her into Froslass. "What do you know? It worked!" David then saw Fomantis evolve into Lurantis. "Her too? Guess Fomantis evolves during the daytime." Vespiquen and Lurantis pushed Froslass closer to David, as if suggesting she should be his Perfect Link. "Are you two sure about this?" The two nodded as he and Froslass look at each other. "Well, I guess we're partners." Froslass chimed happily as she embraced him in a hug.

"So, what do we do about the other two?" Elle asked.

"I think I know the perfect partners for them. Not saying who yet."

"Well, I hope you let us know soon."

"I will, but first, I need to see what kind of Pokemon they'd like."

Ludger smiles at this. It seems David has a lot of work to do.

Character Episode End

After paying off another portion of the debt, Ludger gets a call that Julius escaped with the Waymarker, but also received a message from Gaius to meet in front of the Spirius Building. The group decided to see what Gaius wants.

The group reach Gaius, who seems to be drawing a crowd, and they invited him for drinks the next time they meet, which Gaius accepts by saying the first rounds are on him.

"I had a feeling that would be Gaius." Scott said. "Don't mind us. We were just showing Milla around. She wanted to learn more about Elympios."

Milla was bitter in her remark. "You people can't do anything without spyrix..."

"Needless to say, it's not a good impression."

"You have fun mingling with the locals, Gaius?" Leia asked.

"Yes. Elympions are really no different from we Rieze Maxians, once you get to know then." Gaius remarked.

"You're not paying with the taxpayers' money, are you?" Ludger asked.

"Heh. That's a very Elympion way of thinking. You really get a good sense of people when you stop to talk with them."

"Tell me about it." David says.

Gaius then looks to Milla. "Rowen brought me up to speed with what's been happening. So, you're the former Maxwell."

Milla retorts back. "And you're some sort of big shot, is that it?"

"I suggest you watch your tounge." Zelos said to Milla. "He is the king of Rieze Maxia, after all."

"So what? I'm the Lord of Spirits. Beat that."

"Former lord of spirits." David points out.

"What's that supposed to mean? My prime self is the Lord of Spirits, isn't she?"

"Yes, but last time I've checked, you're not this dimension's Milla."

Gaius chuckles to himself. "Whichever the case, I am truly fascinated. So these fractured dimensions undoubtedly do exist. But, I digress... Ludger, David... I need to know if you're truly worthy of carrying the fate of the world, and the entire universe, on your shoulders."

"More than worthy. Of course, you wouldn't just take our word for it, would you?"

"No, I would not. Though, I am willing to see how you handle such a responsibility."

"How exactly do you want them to prove it?" Leia asks Gaius.

"Bring me to a fractured dimension...so I might see their actions for myself."

It was at that moment that Ludger's GHS rang.

"Well, speak of the devil." David commented. Ludger picked up and sure enough, it was Vera.

"Vera here. We've detected a new fractured dimension. The rift is in Kanbalar. Please depart for it immediately."

"Knew it. Guess I'll come along too."

"As will I." Milla said. "I want to watch Ludger end a world."

"Milla, no need to be so harsh." Genis said. "Well, I guess I'll come, too."

"Here, here." Scott added.

"What the heck? It's not like I have anything better to do." Zelos said.

"Ludger and the others have actually done a pretty good job out there." Elle commented.

"I hope you're right." Gaius said.

(Bonus Scene: Leia)

Leia walks up to Gaius. "So!" Leia says, twirling her pen. "You probably don't know, but I'm a reporter now. Mind if I whip up a human-interest piece on you?"

"That would completely blow my cover." Gaius tells Leia.

"Oh, no problem, I won't run it until after you finish your work."

"Finishing it could take years."

"No worries. I can wait."

"In that case, do whatever you deem fit."

(Bonus scene transition to Leia and David)

Leia then turns to David. "And David, you mind if I write a report on your travels?"

David was uneasy about it. "I don't know. My group hasn't exactly gone anywhere else yet. Besides, how are you planning on traveling to different worlds?"

"I'm sure I can find a way somehow. It's my duty as a reporter to show the truth to the people."

Lurantis appears and walks up to Leia, bringing an arm to her shoulder.

"Well, well. Looks like Lurantis has taken a liking to you already. I think you'll be alright as long as you have her."

"Awesome! Thanks, you guys! This'll be the story of a lifetime!"

(Bonus Scene End)

Leia began thinking. "But hold on. If you wanted to talk to Ludger, why didn't you just call him on his GHS? I can give you his number if you don't have it."

Gaius took out his own GHS. "No thanks. Rowen was kind enough to program this, but..."

"Let me guess... Technology's not exactly your thing?"

Gaius didn't bother commenting on it and put his GHS back. "It's time to show me around one of those fractured dimensions." The group look to Leia with smirks.

"Best story ever!" Leia said excitedly as she begins writing.

The group make the necessary preparations and head for the fractured dimension. Once there, they strike a conversion with Gaius.

"So, Gaius." Scott starts. "You've manage to adjust yourself to Elympios alright?" Gaius went silent and Scott realizes his mistake. "Er... I mean Erston."

Gaius nods at this. "Yes. Posing as the scion of a wealthy family from a remote region of the country. They've taken to calling me 'the prodigal son' down at the docks."

Genis was surprised at that. "You've developed a new alias with a background and everything for yourself? That's amazing!"

Milla was irritated at this. "The world... No, the universe is in crisis, and you're playing make believe? Maybe you should take this a little more seriously."

Gaius looks to David and Froslass. "Do you two agree with that assessment?"

Froslass shakes her head no, and David adds to it. "Maybe it's because the universe is in crisis that he needs to do this."

"Indeed. Could a ruler who can't empathize with the lives of the citizenry be trusted in a time of crisis? His ignorance could lead his county to disaster."

"Sounds like something we should give Sectonia pointers on."

Leia spoke up at that. "A universe in crisis means people in crisis... So, the more you understand people, the better you can serve them." Lurantis nods at that statement.

Gaius however, chuckles at it. "So you understand."

"As a journalist, I represent the common man!"

"His Highness really is a great man!" Gaius falls silent again.

"Psst... Elle, you're not supposed to call him that." Genis whispers.

"Oh right, sorry. His Prodigal Highness really is a great man!" Gaius chuckles to himself at Elle's correction.

Scott was confused about it. "That works, I guess...?"

After a while of battling monsters, the group reach Kanabalar.

"So this is a fractured dimension." Gaius says. Ludger's GHS rings, and Vera tells them that there's a Waymarker in that dimension.

"A Waymarker already?" Zelos asks.

"Which means we should get searching for the catalyst, the thing that sticks out the most from the prime dimension." Lurantis says, speaking to the group for the first time. "Right, Leia?" Leia nods at this, her reporter instincts kicking in.

David looks to Gaius. "You live here, right? Notice anything unusual?"

Gaius speaks. "It's as if there's a pall in the air."

Leia and Lurantis get pumped up as Leia speaks. "Well, the first step in reporting is to ask around!"

Lurantis, however, being a Grass-type, can't hold her shivering.

"It's so c-c-cold." Lurantis said shivering.

"I know! It's freezing! Why does it have to be so cold here?" Milla complains.

"What are you talking about? David and I are taking it just fine." Froslass said.

"That's because you're an Ice-type and David's a cryomancer."

Gaius has a suggestion. "Perhaps you can warm yourself by conserving the energy you use flapping your tongue and use it to move your body instead."

"Must you always say such tedious things in such a tedious way?"

"Then your tedious grumbling makes us two of a kind."

"You really are a delight. I guess you don't have many friends, huh?"

"Friends?" Gaius thought. "Indeed I do not."

Leia was defensive about it. "That's not true! Weren't the Chimeriad your friends?"

"It's...been a while since I've heard that name."

"Who are the Chimeriad?" David asked Leia.

"Wingul, Agria, Jiao, Presa..." Leia starts. "They were Gaius' bodyguards, and they were all super-powerful warriors."

"So... What happened to them?" Scott asked.

"Ah, yeah... About that."

Gaius stepped in to save Leia time to explain. "What happened was that...they're all dead."

Lurantis looks down at that. "Oh no..."

Leia spoke up. "It was during the war when they opened the schism. We were involved, too. That was when I got the Universal Core key."

Gaius spoke up to reassure Leia. "There's no need for you to feel responsible. Wingul, Jiao, Presa, and Agria gave their own lives so that I can move forward with mine. The responsibility for their sacrifices rests solely with me, and I will not dishonor them by compromising my goals."

"Spoken like a true man." David said, smiling.

The group got in front of the castle gates and made short work of the guards. When they got to the throne room, they saw a man in black with light skin and black hair.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this..." The man muttered. "This is wrong... Why do you vex me so?!" The man then looked to the group. "Huh? Who are you people?"

Leia recognized the man. "Is that...Wingul?!"

"Heh. More would-be assassins vying for my head. Rest assured. No guards will come to my rescue. I'm a lonely king who deserves to die. But first, I will make you rue the moment you dared to set foot in my throne room!" At that moment, Wingul's hair turns white, and he unsheathes a katana.

"H-hold on a second. We just want to know what's going on here." David said as Gaius stepped in front.

"Agreed." Gaius said. "This world is but one outcome. Perhaps this is the bitter fruit borne from a mistake of my own making." Gaius steps forward to speak to Wingul in Auj Oule tongue. Froslass and Lurantis translate what the two are saying to each other to the group. "Peace, Li Ying."

Wingul speaks. "You dare to assume such an impudent tone?! You must have a death wish! Haven't you the slightest idea who I am?!"

"I would pose the same question to you, Li Ying."

Wingul powers down, speaking normally again. "Erston?" Wingul falls to the ground. "Erston! You came back! Please, Erston, try to forgive me."

"What happened?"

"Must you make me say it? It started when you began talking about abdicating the throne and abandoning your people."

"No way. There's no way Gaius would do that!" Scott defended.

"Karla was fading. You wanted to be with her at the end."

Gaius was thinking. "Karla... Her illness..."

"Karla?" Lurantis asked.

"Gaius' little sister." Leia whispered to her.

(Bonus Scene: Zelos)

"I can kind of understand where this dimension's version of Gaius is coming from." Zelos said. "I have a little sister as well. We used to be really good to each other when we were kids, and damn it, I would do anything for her."

"Do you really mean that?" Milla asked. She's wondering if this also applies to destroying worlds.

"Damn right. I was even willing to die myself just so she'd be happy. She's been living a tough life ever since I became Tethe'alla's Chosen of Mana all those years ago. But...thanks to the event's of Lloyd's first journey, she's living a good life now." Zelos looks down. "I don't want to jinx it, but I'd like to see a fractured dimension to see what it would look like if I had died."

"I don't think that's how fractured dimensions work, Zelos." Genis says.

(Bonus Scene End)

"Even so, Erston, once you make a decision, you never waver in it." Wingul said. "So I begged Karla to help you refocus your attention on your kingly duties. She agreed to help, but I-I never thought she would..."

Gaius decides to finish for Wingul. "To prevent me from going through with abdicating, she took her own life."

The group was shocked at this and Wingul had his head in Gaius' chest. "Erston! Forgive me! I never dreamed that would happen! You must believe me! Please!"

"Her death broke this world's Gaius, and he left the public eye forever."

"What?" Wingul took in this information and stepped back. "You're not Erston!"

"I'm not the Erston you know, that much is true. But believe me, I understand how he must've felt."

"Bite your tongue! Erston Outway was my only true friend! You could never understand him!"

Gaius closed his eyes and smiled. "So the possibility existed for us to be friends."

"Clearly, he didn't feel the same about me! Erston abandoned me along with his people! Why? Damn it, Erston! Tell me why!" He yells as his hair turned white again and the rest of his body turned black, revealing him as the divergence catalyst.

"I figured something was off about all of this. He's the catalyst!" David said.

"Ludger didn't even need to help this time." Milla commented.

David saw Gaius draws his longblade. "Are you sure about this, Gaius?"

Gaius kept his eyes on Wingul. "This brutality is what it takes to destroy a world, right? How can I presume to judge Ludger and David without first walking a mile in their shoes?" Wingul got ready for battle as the group took up battle stances. They then fought. "So this is the divergence catalyst."

"It's different from Muzet." David commented.

"He's using a booster!" Leia points out.

"If Elize has taught us anything, it's very powerful." Scott comments.

"Alright. If my deductions are on point, he's weak to sword attacks. All swordfighters, to the front!" David commanded.

However, that proved to be a bad move, as when Wingul used Infernal Torrent, which was a fiery swing that hit him, which activated his mystic arte.

Wingul enshrouds his blade in lightning and strikes David multiple times, forming chains around him before he deals a final thrust. "Lightning Nova!" David's low defense and weakness to lightning attacks had him hit really hard, but he still survived.

"He can use a mystic arte, too?!" David said.

"Zelos already told you! Everybody has one!" Milla commented as Zelos healed him.

"Everybody, huh?" Scott asked. "You know. It's not nice to keep something like this from your friends." Scott said as he got out the Power of Self-Respect. "Well, let's see if I can do it, too! Here we go!" Scott said as he charges in on Wingul. "It's time!" Scott says before lifts Wingul into the air with streams of light before slashing him repeatedly. "Arise, resound, and become the blade of destruction!" Scott fires a blast of light that blows the enemy away. "Lost Fon Drive!" Wingul got knocked out of his booster state by Scott's attack. "You okay with this, Gaius?"

"I do what must be done." Gaius commented.

"Figures you'd say that." Milla told him.

Wingul slowly got up, clutching in pain. "Erston, save me! Please!"

Gaius brought his sword ready. "To sit upon that throne means embracing the needs of the many, and forsaking the needs of the one. To rule is to accept a lonely life. A king must discard his own sense of self.

"It was too much for me."

"Indeed."

David looks to Ludger. "You know what to do, Ludger."

Ludger nods, uses the chromatus and stabs Wingul. As he fades, the Waymarker rolls to the group and Elle grabs it as the dimension breaks.

When the group got back to the prime dimension, they were back in Trigleph.

"So that was a fractured dimension." Gaius says in wonder. "It's true. I spent many sleepless nights wondering whether I should abdicate the throne for Karla's sake. But, when it was all said and done, I chose to remain king. Do you know why?"

"Is it because you like ruling?" Genis asked.

"I suppose that's true in a way. I cherish my contact with people. It's a source of great personal strength. I suppose that a king's duty to offer guidance to his people is what appealed to me about leadership in the first place." Gaius then looks to Ludger and David. "Mark my words, you two. There is a lesson for you in this. Destroying worlds requires a sense of detachment, one that will corrode the strongest of souls. If you continue to fight on your own, the isolation will consume you someday."

"So... Isolation means being alone, right?" Elle asked. "Well, they don't need to worry about that. Because they've got all of us!"

"That's big talk coming from a little girl." Genis commented.

"Talking is my speci-ELLE-ity!" Elle said with her hands on her hips.

"Now THAT is a good one." David said with a smile.

Leia addresses Gaius. "You know, they say 'the more the merrier' about a lot of things, including support."

Gaius smiles at this. "I suppose you're right. Feel free to call on me if you ever need help. Or, if you just feel like grabbing a drink." He says as he leaves the group.

"Nice work, you two! It's not everyday you become drinking buddies with a king."

"You picking up the tab?" Milla asks.

"No, we'll split the bill evenly." Gaius answers.

"Guess you're not that close of a buddy."

(Bonus Scene: Leia)

"Man, I'll be an old lady before I can finally publish this story on Gaius." Leia comments.

"And you're okay with that?" Ludger asked.

"Guess I have to be. He's not the easiest guy to read, but I know there's a lot going on in that head of his. If I put in the time and effort, I know I'll figure out what makes Gaius tick eventually. Kinda the same with you guys. But don't worry. I'm not going to write some trashy tell-all, you know."

(Bonus Scene transition to Scott)

"You know, Gaius is actually a nice guy once you get to know him." Scott commented.

"You really think so?" Ludger asks.

"Yeah. I usually cast my friends aside because of my relationship problems, but Gaius seems to have it all together, all things considered. It's like...he just knows what's going on right away. Kind of like Ramona does. I'll need to ask her for some tips."

(Bonus Scene End)

"Well in any case. We got ourselves another Waymarker, so it's back to business as usual." David comments as the group continues to pay off Ludger's debt.

A/N: In case you guys were wondering since the bonus scene in Chapter 7, Ludger's ringtone is Eternal Mind, which was originally from Tales of Eternia.

A/N: Inspired by Jexi the Hunter and Hope the Victor