A/N: Hey guys! I bring to you all the new chapter! I'm currently going into revision week and a week later, exams! So updates on this story might not happen for a while and even my other story's update might be delayed. Sorry about that. Be patient guys!
Anyway time to respond to you guys awesome reviews!

U-Know Yunho: Huhu, lover spat
-Yeah Jura, that's what you get for being an ass! Muahahaha

Dark side Idea: Lolol, glad you liked the little lover's spat xD
-There have been already some intimate moments. I can't put them in every chapter or it'll break their character.

GroundZeroFirework: Yeah but it's kinda difficult to even wonder what happened at the Kijara seafalls between Jude and Milla. I mean Milla said it's nothing scandalous and I dont know what else would make Jude so embarrassed about it. That's why I didn't put down my own interpretation cause I have no idea what could have happened xD
-Thanks mate! Appreciate your support and I'll do what I can

TheAnime4Fan: Yup, you definitely weren't late this time with reviewing xD
-Ah yeah I know... but I felt that them having fight Celsius just to test their vow was kinda... unnecessary so there was no fight, so no Jude saving Milla :(
-Haha, well unfortunately I also can't imagine what happened at the Kijara seafalls so I didn't write it. No idea what could have happened that would make Jude so embarassed but Milla say is not a scandal _
-Hahaha it's good you liked the skit XD wasn't planning on inserting a skit but it just happened
-Well in this story I feel Ivar is just trying to do what he needs to do as a Spirius agent, that's why he's conflicted because it's against Milla
-Haha, thanks for the wish. I don't celebrate easter but still, thanks for the kind wishes! Hope you had a good easter :D

Riku Uzumaki: Yup! Since in the original game Bisley got Elle because Elle thought she was not 'real' since she's from a fractured dimension. Here, ELle has come to terms with it and hence, Bisley cannot act since she wouldn't willingly go with him. Thus this is the result!

RKF22: Thanks for your words of support!

Ace101Mega: Glad you liked it. Also the waterfall moment wasn't really written in detail here but you liekd it, so that's cool, hehe

SHIP: Yeah actually this happens in this chapter, lol... not exactly as you mentioned but it will happen that sort-of resembles what you mentioned

That Mysterious Reader: Ah I see... well I've only played ToA and ToX/2 so I don't really know. I had to stop ToL as I'm seriously busy but I'm planning to complete some Tales games during the summer.
-Haha, unfortunately the Golems won't be appearing in this story. Reason being, I felt that part of the story was done only for them to have an answer to Jude's spyrite research

Project AE Hachi-Roku: Ah I see... I guess I can understand what you mean but since I wanted to cover the Celsius arc but I was mostly following what the game covered, so I didn't want to bore you guys with what you already knew what happened lol
-bahaha, glad you liked the skit. It's getting harder to write them now xD
-Oh of course. In the end, Bisley will always have his own agenda
-Well I wouldn't call them plotholes but yeah... considering what happens, I had to make certain changes in order to fit the order of events. Some of them just... happened in a weird way :S
-Thanks mate! Hope you'll like this chapter

Aldehar: True, you all can wait but honestly, it's me who can't xD I just want to release all my ideas, although that's hard to do when I write out a chapter and more ideas come up for the NEXT chapter :S ah well... but thanks for your concern!
-Ah, glad to see that you have less workload now... but erm... I always assumed you're French? Or were you just mocking your own people for fun xD although I've not heard too much of the stereotype of French being lazy, more to them just surrendering :P
-Yup! It was never explained when the group took the time to take a group photo so I could easily explain that by inserting it in. However, explaining about what happened between Jude and Milla at the Kijara seafalls... that still boggles my mind :S
-True this game has no proper "good" ending. I prefwer to call it as a "bittersweet ending" as the characters are happy but many sacrifices were made. It's good... and bad... which honestly speaking, is the worst for me... because of the feels I had (ToX2 ending is seriously one that I keep thinking about, even now).
But whether my story follows the same path or not... well... like I said... only I know of it :D
-Haha well I wanted to cover the Celsius arc as it's still important in the ToX2 storyline but I skipped most of them as I'm just following the game events. And yeah, why not? xD I mean... if I'm not mistaken, when the Celsius arc was done, Elle was gone already right? It kinda sucks without having Elle around
-Hahaha, well why not? Milla is beautiful and if fractured Milla is now human, defiinitely the boys will approach her xD
-Indeed. Celsius and Professor Howe is basically almost an image of Jude and Milla (although Celsius remained cold while Milla changed). And as to who gave Celsius spirit fossil, it was some shady dude in the first chapter of Jude's character quest. I'm not sure if he was with Exodus... can't recall... he was unimportant mostly
-Hahaha, I'm glad you liked the skit. It's honestly one of the key moments in Tales series to add some comedic moments and most importantly, character development. I mean seriously... most RPG character development takes time to develop but with skits, the Tales series can develop the character without tkaing too much time. It's great XD
-Ah yes Celsius was a Great Spirit (although I'm not sure about the elemental thing, but it makes sense, considering she controls ice). But if you recall, the Celsius spirit fossil... becomes dark in the game? I assume it means Celsius's life comes to an end? So I applied it here so Jude couldn't use her again... (ok, saying "use her" sounds mean but you get what I mean xD)
-No, in this story Ivar didn't know it was a Maxwell spirit fossil as the critters only told him they "found something". In the game, I think he personally checked what the item was about but in this story, he sends Jude and friends instead.
And yeah, no secret golem weapon. I mean, that part of the game happens after the soul bridge was created and Ivar quit Spirius, so I had to make revisions in order to make the story work (since my story, Elle isn't even with Bisley at this point).
-THanks for your support as always! And yeah, I've got to make certain revisions to make the plot in this chapter work. Honestly the game was weird how we got the Soul Bridge but there was still a bonus quest to defeat Golems. I doubt Bisley would actually go "Oh Ludger's gonna stop some golems? I guess I'll wait for him to enter Canaan before I make my move as well" XD so yeah, needed lots of work!
-I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!

Alright guys, that's it for reviews! I hope you guys will enjoy this chapter and let me know what you guys think!

CHAPTER 29: THE FUTURE OF SPYRITE

Jude and his friends finally arrived at the Helioborg research facility and immediately made their move for the research wing. That was where the spyrite research was being conducted after all. When they turned a corner, Jude nearly bumped into a fellow colleague.

"Oh Doctor Mathis!" The researcher yelped in surprise, "We weren't expecting you to show up today."

"Do you know where Balan is?" Jude asked, ignoring the researcher's remark.

"Director Balan?" The researcher thought for a moment before answering, "I think he's still on the eleventh floor of the research wing. He said he-"

"Alright, thanks!" Jude said and gestured to his friends, "Come on guys!"

Jude led the way, increasing his pace the closer they got to the research wing. His heart was beating within his chest, excited to share his news with Balan. With the possible answer of spyrite research so close, how could he not? This was his goal, something he wanted to achieve with all his heart.

The party entered the research wing and got into the elevator, climbing up to the eleventh floor. This was where the spyrite research was being conducted. Jude entered the first room on the right from the elevator and there he found Balan, staring at the wall with a blank stare, completely absorbed in his own thoughts and unaware of Jude's presence.

"Balan, I've got good news!" Jude cried out.

"Wah!" Balan screamed and turned around in shock, clutching at his heart, "Jude! Don't scare me like that!"

"S-sorry..." Jude apologized.

Balan saw Ludger, the two Millas and Elle behind Jude, "I see you brought your friends with you. What's this about? I doubt it's for a social call." Jude grinned and took out the spirit fossil, handing it to Balan. Balan's eyes widened when he saw what was in the palm of his hand, "Wait… is that… a Great Spirit fossil? Jude, where'd you get this?"

"It's not just any Great Spirit fossil." Jude remarked, "It's the spirit fossil of Maxwell."

Balan's reaction was priceless when he heard that, "M-M-Maxwell?! Jude! How… how'd you even find this?!"

Jude shook his head, "Never mind that. Balan, have you managed to interpret the spirit signals? Or the spirit language?"

"Just barely." Balan answered honestly, "I didn't expect you to return with a Great Spirit fossil so soon. The Lord of Spirits spirit fossil no less! But don't worry, I think I should be able to translate with what little I've learned."

Without a second thought, Balan went to a nearby lab table and placed the spirit fossil in a device. Once inside, Balan switched on the device and the spirit fossil was covered with green light. After several seconds, the device stopped and printed out a small piece of paper. Balan pulled the paper from the machine and started jotting down notes on a small notepad. Jude and his friends waited patiently, letting Balan work in silence. After a minute or so, Balan stopped writing and got up from his seat at the lab table, approaching Jude.

"Well, this is the best I could manage." Balan said while staring at what he wrote on the notepad, "Not sure what it means though. The message doesn't make any sense to me."

"What's it say?" Jude asked.

Balan held up the notepad and read the message to Jude, "It says… 'Muster thy will and prove thyself, for it shall serve as the contract that binds us.' There's more to it, but unfortunately I can't interpret the rest. This is all I managed."

Jude nodded and walked towards the lab table, grabbing the spirit fossil from the device. He stared at the spirit fossil, "I'm not sure what it means too. It said 'prove yourself'. I'm not sure what we're supposed to do with that."

Everyone took a moment to think, trying to find meaning behind the message. But after a while, 'fractured' Milla sighed in frustration, "Just try and use the Maxwell spyrite. Maybe you can learn more about the meaning then."

Jude glanced at 'fractured' Milla and then at Milla. The current Lord of Spirits gave a nod and Jude understood. She trusted him and to Jude, that was all he need. He grabbed a nearby extractor and fixed the Maxwell spyrite into the extractor. With a nervous breath, Jude held up the extractor and activated the device.

A flash of white light filled the room for a split second before an array of seals appeared in front of Jude. Then from the center of the seal, the form of Maxwell appeared before them. Jude and Milla could not believe their eyes since the Great Spirit that they fought a year ago was before them again. Balan was mesmerized at the sight, to actually see a Great Spirit with his own eyes. Ludger, Elle and 'fractured' Milla stared at Maxwell with little reaction.

"It really is Maxwell." Balan said in awe.

"Are you okay Jude?" Milla asked with concern.

Jude nodded, the extractor still in his hands, "Yeah… I'm fine… but the spyrite… is still unstable."

Jude needed to communicate with the spyrite of Maxwell in order to fully gain his cooperation but until then, the spyrite would be unstable. While lesser spirits were much easier to gain their cooperation without even communicating with them due to their weaker power, Great Spirits were different. They possess their own thoughts, power and understanding of human nature. And that was why Jude was struggling at the moment.

"I… can't…! Agh!" Jude finally cried out in anguish, dropping to one knee.

Jude was surrounded by small amounts of electric current, a clear sign that the spyrite was rejecting the user. "The spyrite is just too much for him!" Balan exclaimed.

"Jude!" Milla cried, running to his side.

"Jude, stop what you're doing!" Ludger said quickly, "You can't control the spyrite!"

However despite his friends' pleas, Jude refused and shook his head, "No… it's not… a matter of controlling …" With sheer determination, Jude got back on his feet and held the extractor with both hands, "We need… to get… in sync! We need… to find a way… to communicate!"

Both of Jude's arms were shaking, all of this just to hold onto the extractor. The spyrite rejecting Jude but he was not going to give up. Not yet. He had come too far for this and there was no way he was going to quit now.

The spirit Maxwell finally spoke, clearly amused at Jude's struggles, "So you do understand what you need to do. Very well then… prove yourself to me!"

Milla faced Maxwell, "What do you mean by 'prove yourself'? What do you mean by that?"

"Muster thy will and prove thyself, for it shall serve as the contract that binds us." Maxwell responded, repeating the message that Balan interpreted earlier.

Balan did not understand that, "I don't get it… it's the same message I got from translating the spirit code. But what does it mean?"

"This is getting us nowhere." 'Fractured' Milla pointed out. Jude's cry of anguish echoed through the room but he refused to give up.

Ludger seeing Jude trying so hard made him feel powerless. He wanted to help but there was nothing he could do. Then in just a second, Ludger suddenly came to a realization. It was like the puzzle suddenly solved itself as he remembered the words of his brother.

"It's an old family tune." Julius told Ludger as he sat on the edge of the short cliff, "A real blast from the past. It's called the 'hymn of proof' and it's supposed to mean about longing to see someone."

Then Ludger recalled another event that would help the current situation.

'Fractured' Milla told the group at Ludger's apartment, "It's said that she had a beautiful singing voice, and she sang with such passion that even Maxwell himself had fallen under her spell."

Now equipped with this knowledge, Ludger knew what Maxwell was looking for. In the end, it was related to the Kresnik family after all. There was no time to tell Jude what he knew so Ludger made his move.

Maxwell's ears twitched when he heard an old, familiar tune, "Hm? That melody…"

Everyone turned to Ludger as he continued humming his family tune. Elle of course recognized the melody as well, "That's the same song my daddy used to sing to me…"

Elle started to hum the old, familiar tune as well, smiling as she did so. The harmonious melody danced through the room and despite the situation, brought a sense of calm to everyone. Jude realized that the spyrite was no longer rejecting him. Maxwell also looked calm and Jude had his answer.

"Wait… so the song is the proof?" Jude asked in realization.

Ludger stopped humming and nodded, "Yes. It's the hymn of proof."

Milla crossed her arms on her chest, "I guess having a song to be the proof is entirely possible." Milla then asked the former Lord of Spirits, "Maxwell, did you seek for 'proof' the very first time you were summoned by a human?"

Maxwell answered with a nod, "I did."

Now 'fractured' Milla realized another fact, "If I'm not mistaken, I remember that Milla Kresnik was also known as the singing handmaid."

"If that's so…" Milla spoke to everyone now, "Then perhaps we should sing the hymn of proof that was passed down to her descendants."

Jude nodded in agreement and outstretched his arm that was holding the extractor. Milla placed the palm of her hand on top of Jude's and the two began humming the hymn of proof: the very song that was sung by Milla Kresnik that charmed even the Lord of Spirits himself.

Ludger followed suit as well, humming his family tune along with Elle. 'Fractured' Milla smiled and decided to join in, humming the melody with everyone now, standing alongside Ludger and Elle. With this the whole room was filled with the sweet and calming melody, a song that had been passed down for two thousand years of the Kresnik line.

"So… the melody still persists in the human realm." Maxwell remarked as he listened to the melody with bliss. It had been two millennia since he last heard the tune.

Balan gathered his courage and asked the Great Spirit, "So… is this the 'proof' that you were looking for?"

Unfortunately, Maxwell shook his head, "No… in the end, this is all just a song. A song that was composed on the spot by a young girl named Milla Kresnik."

Maxwell's eyes studied the people that were humming the tune. Jude and Milla were the ones he remembered, the one who had overcome all odds and defeated him in battle one year ago and carved a path for their destiny. These two together could achieve almost anything when they put their hearts into it. Maxwell then turned to the other person and only then he realized the peculiar sight. There were two Millas in this room! Of course he noticed the difference with 'fractured' Milla and Milla. But he could not fathom the thought of two of the same existing at the same time.

"Two Millas?" Maxwell wondered aloud, "How is this possible? Unless…"

Maxwell finally turned to the last person, which was Ludger. Listening to Ludger hum peacefully the hymn of proof, it dawned on him that Ludger shared a very distant resemblance to Milla Kresnik. It was barely visible but Maxwell could detect some characteristics in Ludger that resembled Milla Kresnik. And even the way he hummed the calming melody was the same. There was no mistaking it.

'So this is her descendant.' Maxwell thought as he eyed Ludger, 'so this is why a Milla from a different dimension can exist with the prime Milla. It must be this Kresnik's power.'

Maxwell continued to examine Ludger as he continued humming the peaceful tune. And seeing 'fractured' Milla next to Ludger, humming the same tune, Maxwell could not help but see an image of the past. Ludger, a representative of the Kresnik humans and 'fractured' Milla, a representative of Maxwell. It was two thousand years ago and Maxwell wondered if fate allowed him to see this. Even if the 'Milla' he was looking at was from a different dimension, it still felt… right.

'Maybe this is the Kresnik human that will surpass Origin's trial.' Maxwell thought, 'To think this human would use his own power to preserve one from a fractured dimension… many Kresniks have failed because of their selfishness but if its this young Kresnik human… he may be the one.'

Finally satisfied with what he could see with Milla Kresnik's descendant, Maxwell asked Ludger, "Tell me, descendant of Kresnik." Ludger stopped his humming and opened his eyes, "Do you have words for that song?" Ludger shook his head and Maxwell looked disappointed, "I see… I suppose you could attribute the loss to humanity's hubris. But at the same time, the melody has persisted through the ages. I take that as a measure of sincerity."

By then everyone had stopped humming. 'Fractured' Milla wondered why Maxwell made no mention of there being two Millas, completely unaware that Maxwell had already made that observation.

Jude looked at Maxwell and asked, "What's the song about?"

"I ask you the same question." Maxwell countered back, "Tell me Jude Mathis. What words would you choose for this song?"

Jude thought about this for a moment. Once he came up with an answer, he said, "Lyrics fit for both humans and spirits."

'Fractured' Milla rolled her eyes, "Typical Jude."

Maxwell chuckled in agreement, "How modest… unlike you, Milla Kresnik was far more forceful. Her song was all about how she wanted to see me, talk to me, and how she'd yank out my beard if she didn't show up." Maxwell smiled as he recalled those fond memories, "It was like a little ditty for children. There was nothing fancy or elegant about it at all. But it did contain a line about how she'd give me all her mana if I came out to see her. In that sense, I guess you could say it was like a love song as well."

"Ew, someone actually wrote a love song for this old guy?" Elle remarked.

Maxwell turned to Elle and had a light laugh, "Love is more than outward appearance, young human."

Elle looked away, "I guess… but whatever."

Maxwell laughed once more before returning his gaze towards Jude. The young spyrite researcher held the glass ball that was tied around his neck, "I assure you… I will make my version of the song come true. Dreams of people that passed on where spirit and humans can live together… I will make it happen!"

"And I shall aid him in whatever way I can." Milla added in, glaring at Maxwell at Jude's side. Both she and Jude continued to glare at Maxwell, their eyes determined to prove their words.

Maxwell listened to the both of them, then he addressed towards Jude, "It seems that unusual human beings such as yourself appear every few hundred years or so." Maxwell then turned towards Milla, "And to make things interesting, a spirit who believes in him or her appears as well. Maybe… you two will be able to…" but Maxwell did not finish his words and started to disappear, returning back to the spirit fossil.

"Maxwell, wait!" Milla called out, "In the end, what is the 'proof'?"

Maxwell flashed brightly, blinding Milla. But before he disappeared, he answered, "You should know the answer than anyone else… Maxwell." Maxwell paused and then said, "It is… the hearts of men."

"The… hearts of men?" Milla repeated softly.

Maxwell nodded and then looked at everyone, "With all of you… maybe you can all… change what many have tried… I entrust the future… to you all."

With those words as his last, Maxwell returned to the spirit fossil which was still inside the extractor, disappearing from the research room. Maxwell's words echoed in Milla's mind and somehow, she found the answer comforting.

Jude removed the spirit fossil from the extractor and stared at Maxwell's spirit fossil in the palm of his hand. Then he closed his hand, clutching the spirit fossil tightly. To Jude, it was not just a spirit fossil he was holding. He was holding onto the hopes and dreams of the former Lord of Spirits and one of the three primordial spirits. He was entrusted to carry on Maxwell's vision.

"You did it Jude!" Balan exclaimed excitedly, delivering a wild pat on Jude's back, "You actually managed to gain the cooperation of a Great Spirit! You controlled a Great Spirit spyrite! Good job!"

Jude blushed lightly, "Thanks Balan but I didn't do this alone." Jude then turned to Ludger, "This is all thanks to you Ludger. If not for you, we wouldn't have been able to figure out how to gain Maxwell's cooperation."

Ludger nodded and grinned brightly, "Don't worry about it. I'm just glad I was able to help you. But it's not just me, everyone here helped you with this."

"That's right!" Elle affirmed, "Don't forget about us! We all helped too!" Elle then looked up at 'fractured' Milla, "Isn't that right Milla?"

'Fractured' Milla chuckled and nodded, "Yes that's right. We all helped."

"Thanks everyone." Jude said gratefully, "But I… no, we aren't done yet. We have only taken the first step."

Everyone grew a smile and agreed. For Jude, this was just the beginning in advancing spyrite research but at least now, they got an idea of how to advance the research. It would still take time, maybe even years, but Jude knew that the answer was finally within reach.

Balan released a sigh of relief, "Who would have guessed that a song would be the key to spyrites?"

Jude shook his head, "It worked for Maxwell because the song was his proof. I don't think it'd work for every spirit."

"What do you mean?" Balan inquired.

"Spirits are more like humans than we think." Jude started explaining, "I think it's safe to assume that each spirit requires its own 'proof' to gain its trust and cooperation. For Maxwell, it was the hymn of proof."

Balan stroked his chin and nodded in agreement to Jude's explanation, "Yes I see what you mean. It looks like we still have a lot to work on for spyrite."

"Ugh, spyrites are such a hassle." Elle complained.

"Indeed… just like us humans." 'Fractured' Milla replied, which Elle stuck out her tongue at in retaliation.

Everyone shared a small laugh. Jude then got serious, "At least we now know where to take spyrite research. To use spyrite, humans must gain a spirit's trust and cooperation. To do that, I think we first need to find a way to communicate directly with them."

"I'll work right on it!" Balan offered, running off to start his work.

Jude turned to Ludger, "Ludger, I'm hoping you can help me for a while. There's something I'd like to try."

Ludger nodded, happy to help out a friend. However Elle was not pleased and pouted, "Aww… I thought we were done. I'm hungry… I wanna go home!"

Jude and Ludger both looked guilty, not considering the feelings of others. However 'fractured' Milla, seeing how important spyrite research was to Jude, decided to help. She grabbed Elle's hand and told Ludger, "I'll head back home with Elle and get her something to eat. Ludger, you stay here and help with whatever Jude needs."

"A-are you sure?" Ludger questioned, looking at 'fractured' Milla and then at Elle.

'Fractured' Milla gave a nod, "Of course I am! I'll see you later Ludger."

Balan sighed from the corner of the research room, "Ah that must be nice… to have someone wait for you at home and prepare a home-cooked meal. I want a wife like that one – GAH!"

'Fractured' Milla had tossed some device at Balan's head, blushing bright red, "WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT BEING A WIFE?!" As Balan cried in the corner, 'fractured' Milla composed herself, "I'm going back first!"

Milla watched in amusement as her twin self walked out of the research room with Elle in tow. She followed out of the research room and asked her twin-self, "Would you like me to accompany you?" Milla asked.

'Fractured' Milla shook her head, a blush still evident on her cheeks, "No it's okay. I'm sure Jude will appreciate any help he can get."

With that 'fractured' Milla walked off and Milla re-entered the research room. Inside, Jude and Ludger were already busy with what they were doing. To Milla, it was amazing how the two interacted like old friends, even though they had become friends in a short span of time. And now seeing Jude taking the next steps in his spyrite research, she felt Jude was moving ahead.

"You are definitely walking ahead of me Jude." Milla said to herself, "All I can do… is support you in your journey."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

President Bisley Bakur was in his personal office, staring out the window and enjoying the view of Elympios. Everything was coming to a head now. He was just waiting for the final report. Once he received the final report, the journey to end the two thousand year old trial would finally begin.

The door to his office opened and his personal assistant, Vera, entered. "Sir, we have two new reports for you."

Bisley turned around and Vera handed to him two files. Bisley eyed two of the files before placing one of them on his desk and reading the one in his hand. When he was done, he looked at Vera, "Is the information accurate?"

Vera nodded, "Yes sir. According to our agents, former director Kresnik was last recorded to be in a fractured dimension chasing Chronos. With the intel we have gathered, former director Kresnik has no means of defeating the Great Spirit."

"Interesting…" Bisley responded, "Julius may be desperate but I know him. He wouldn't do something without something planned. Continue to monitor his movements."

Vera nodded, "Yes sir."

Bisley then took the second file and opened its contents, reading them. When he was done, Bisley looked up with a smile on his face, "Good. Commence the operation. We only have a short golden opportunity before he returns. 'She' must be in our hands before then."

"Understood sir." Vera responded and started making her way for the door, "I'll inform the agents to begin the operation."

Bisley gave the go and Vera made her exit from the office. Bisley was once more alone in his office but this time he took a seat on his leather chair, staring at the two reports on his desk. He clasped his hands and continued to stare at the documents.

"This will be the last time I'll be in this office." Bisley said to himself, "Finally… Origin's trial will come to an end! The way to the Land of Canaan… begins!"

CHAPTER END