Me: Here's the next Chapter of TU!

April: Yes that seems to be the case…

To Understand: Part Forty-five

Time in Exire: Outfit Troubles

By Harmony283

Reviews:

LittleLinor: Heh, yeah, I always wondered why, in ToS, they couldn't just fly to the summit of a mountain or something since it'd obviously be a lot faster. But eh, that's the game for ya. And yeah, Mithos would've been more cunning, but, like in Zelos' case, he's worried (about Genis) and knows that he'd most likely get kicked out (more like get kicked off) Exire if he did anything wrong…and yeah, here's the next chapter--enjoy!

DraNKa-Ah, sorry for worrying you (about the not updating for two weeks again)! But no I didn't/don't plan on dropping this fic (it's my only really successful one) but if you're wondering when I'm going to update next, just know that when I update my journal on deviant Art it'll have around the time when I'll update next. Also Genis'll get healed in this chapter, but he won't wake up until the next one (or at least that's what I'm hoping). Now then, here's the next chapter--enjoy!

Hiranieas-Yeah my computer is just, well, being horrible. But it shouldn't act up too much during the week since my sister went back to college on Sunday. Also Mithos' outfit, well, it's more cool than cute but I like it and I'm sure you'll like it too! Okay then, here's the next chapter--enjoy!

Alaia Skyhawk- wow…you're good. You guessed at who was the cause behind those odd markings on that nameless mans arm (and you got who the man was right as well). But yeah, Pronyma put those markings on Kloitz cuz if he died then Feral would've automatically gone to Genis--and Genis is an easier target to beat than Kloitz is (I'm really trying not to spoil anything about who Feral is…but it's so hard). Now here's the next chapter--enjoy!

Viaroua Fox-Don't worry about not noticing the update, it's hard to notice them anyway, and I'm just glad you reviewed. Also Genis will be healed in this chapter, but he won't wake up until at least the next chapter (which I seriously am planning on making him wake up since I don't like him being asleep for so long either). As always, thanks for the review and here's the next chapter—enjoy!

April: So this is the chapter most focused on what's going on in Exire?

Me: -nods head- yeah it is. Basically Maria goes to tell everyone about Mithos, and then, of course, the questions start.

April: But will Genis wake up at all during this chapter?

Me: I'm planning on making him wake up near the end, if there's time to squeeze it in. I also have to do Raine's POV about going to Exire and stuff…

April: Ah I see. Okay then, Harmony283 doesn't own ToS or any of its characters, she just uses them for a means of entertainment via this fanfic. Of course any OC's that show up, as well as the plot, rightfully belong to her so please don't steal.

Authors Note: Hah…and again, I highly doubt they'd think of stealing the OC's/Plot. Ah, well anyway, in this chapter Mithos gets asked about what happened to Genis, to which he, of course, doesn't answer. He also learns of an elven woman who went mentally insane. Later on, he gets dragged to a clothes shop, to buy a new outfit. Meanwhile, Raine, April, Yuan, Sheena, and Colette are riding to Exire. But the only thing on Raine's mind would be Genis, and if he's all right.

April: Um, Genis will get better won't he? And isn't his mother in Exire? What if he meets her when he wakes up?

Me: We'll cross that bridge when we come to it…so don't worry so much about it.

April: Okay…

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Mithos' POV

I watched as a very familiar looking magic circle appeared overtop Genis' still form. Only the occasional breath from the young boy showed me that he was actually alive. As the light ebbed away, Genis seemed to stir, mumbling something intangible before sinking his head back against the pillow--obviously falling back asleep.

I heard Belle sigh and watched as she stood up, shaking, and turned towards us. She gave us a smile, "There, I think I've gotten at least the majority of the wound healed. But…" she glanced over at him, "I don't think it…would be a good idea to move him."

"You aren't the first one to say that. But I think…I think it's safe enough to say that we'll actually agree to it this time."

"A-agree to it?"

"We?"

"I mean Genis' other friends and me --and older sister. We were told when we got him healed the first time that it'd be best if he didn't move. Of course, that was back in Heimdall and, well, stuff happened and we had to leave in a hurry…so yeah, he never got that chance to just rest. And now he'll actually get a chance to."

"I-I see. But, ah, his wounds…they practically opened back up, and there's a relatively new wound on his chest…no amount of travel could have caused that to happen."

I looked away, unable to stand the curious gaze she had placed on me.

"You know I said I couldn't tell you…but I…" I looked back over at her, "I guess I can say just this bit, but the reason why we had to leave Heimdall so quickly is because…because Genis got kidnapped again. That's how, I'm assuming, his other wound was created."

"I…see. So you were with his friends searching for him?"

I shook my head, "No, his friends had to go do something else, and they trusted me enough to go look for him. By the time I got to where he was, he had passed out. His friends arrived a little while after and they decided to let me take him here--since this is the safest place for half-elves."

Belle bowed her head, nodding it in obvious understanding. But the thing I didn't expect was when I felt the Mayors hand on my shoulder.

"Wha--?"

He smiled, "Belle, it's all right, you can leave now. I would…like to ask Mithos some questions. Besides, I believe it's time for you to visit Virginia anyway."

Belle looked from the mayor to me, and then back again, looking confused. She opened her mouth, but quickly closed it, smiling and bowing her head before walking out of the room.

"Virginia? Is she the--"

He nodded his head, "Yes, she's the elven woman I spoke of earlier. Now then," he closed his eyes, as if contemplating something, "I would like to…ask you something."

I nodded my head, "As long as it's not about what happened to Genis, then I'm fine."

"Okay then, the first thing I would like to ask is this--what is that boys last name?"

I blinked, "What--? Why do you…?" He gave me a stern look, which sorely reminded me that I was, in their eyes, just a child--meaning I couldn't contradict or question what they said, "his last name is Sage."

I watched the man's expression, wanting to see how he reacted--whether or not he had guessed right about Genis or not.

"I…see. Does he have any…older siblings?"

I nodded my head, "Yes, he has one--a sister named Raine Sage."

He flinched at this, eyes widening ever so slightly.

Now I just had to ask--I mean, with such an obvious reaction as that he must know something about them…or at least he knows something about Raine. Then again, I do remember Raine saying she and Genis were born here…and she mentioned about how her parents--more like her mother--abandoned them at the otherworldly Gate…

But…

"What's wrong? You're acting like you've heard Raine's name before."

"I-I no I haven't…"

Now it was my turn to glare, "Yes you do--stop lying. What do you know about them?"

"And why do you want to know? Yes I can understand that you're good friends with Genis, so you--"

"I don't know anything, or rather, Genis doesn't know anything. The only thing I know is that they were abandoned by their mother at the otherworldly gate when Genis was, well, a 'newborn'."

"She did not do that out of hatred for them though!" the mayor snapped back, only to realize a little too late what he had said--or let slip.

I just smirked, "So you do know something about them. Well? Aren't you going to tell me?"

"You aren't Genis."

"But Genis isn't awake now. I'd prefer to be the one who tells him anything like this--or better yet, wait till Raine gets here. But I don't know exactly when they'll get here…so go ahead, you can tell me anything you want to."

The taller man sighed, running his hands through his short-cropped brown hair, "Fine, fine. I guess I should start with their parents names…"

"And their names would be…?"

"V--"

He was cut short as a very loud squealing sound echoed in from outside the doorway only seconds before the actual door was thrown open. And there, standing in the entrance was Maria. Behind her were, what I was assuming, the entire population of girls in Exire.

Oh great

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Raines POV

I stare down at the seemingly endless expanse of water beneath me, gulping nervously as the waves crashed over each other, rather unpleasant memories flooding my mind.

This wasn't good. 12 years later and I was still afraid of water. I really had to get over this fright, if only for the fact that it's, well, embarrassing.

Flashes of memory, from the time with those, ugh, washtubs, to any time we rode a boat/were by the ocean. They always gave me strange stares, wondering why I was so afraid of the water.

I--

Nearly jumped off my Rheiard when I felt someone grip my shoulder. I turned to look to my side, only to see April giving me a concerned look.

"Are you okay Raine?" she asked, even sounding like she was worried.

I just nodded my head, "Yes I'm fine…don't worry."

"O-Okay…I was just thinking…the ocean is right below us and I know you aren't that fond of water…"

"not fond of water?" Sheena asked, pulling her Rheiard up to the other side of mine, Colette pulled hers up beside hers.

"Is that why you always avoided getting wet when we were at the beach?"

I sighed, well, there really isn't any point of hiding it any longer…

"Yes I…don't like the water. Why did you think I stayed away from the water?"

"Because, um," Colette laughed nervously, "Well, you have such pale skin that I thought you sunburned easily. Then again, Genis has pale skin too…so that doesn't really work…"

I smiled and shook my head, "Well that is true. Did everyone else think that as well?"

Sheena shook her head, "No…well, besides Lloyd and Colette here, who'll believe anything."

Colette made a pouting face, but didn't disagree with her.

"I-I see…"

"What are you three talking about? I would think that you would want to hurry to Exire…"

I jumped once more at the sound of Yuans voice, turning to face him only to see the annoyed look on his face. Well of course he would be annoyed, he had to fly to Exire, whereas we got to use Rhieards, which were much faster than his means of travel.

"Oh…right, ah, I'm sorry…it's my fault for stopping. Um, let's get going, I'm worried about Mithos and Genis now…"

"Yes…I hope they're okay…especially Genis…"

Sheena nodded her head in agreement, "Yeah, and I need to make my pact with Maxwell…" she seemed nervous as she said this though.

"Are you nervous?"

"Don't worry Sheena! I'm sure you'll do well!"

Sheena smiled, "Ah, thank you…it's just…Maxwell is supposed to be the strongest of the Summon Spirits, and not having the others here worries me."

"Hmph, I'm sure they'll meet us in Exire soon…if not I can always be of assistance. Besides, Mithos said he wanted to speak with Maxwell, but only after you make a pact with him. So it's best that, after we find out how Genis and Mithos are, we make that pact as soon as possible."

Hmm, well he was right about one thing. He would be useful in making Maxwells pact. After all he was obviously stronger than Lloyd, Zelos, and possibly even Kratos. But something told me it wouldn't be that easy.

"Let's just worry about getting there, like you said, and seeing how Genis' wounds are."

"And Mithos must've flown there, since he didn't take a Rhieard. So we need to make sure he's okay." April added in, still having the same worried look on her face.

"Yes…I have to thank him for going through so much for Genis, and I need to ask him something."

"Ask him what?" Colette and Sheena both asked at the same time, giving me curious looks, to which I just shook my head.

"Don't worry about it."

"I'll say this again, are we done talking? Exire does move, you know, so it could be getting further and further away as we speak."

That was true.

"Fine, fine, we're done. Y'know, you're starting to act a lot like Lloyd when he's impatient."

"Hmph, like I'd ever act like him." Yuan muttered, turning away and taking off once more.

"I don't think you should've said that, Sheena."

Sheena shrugged, "Does it matter? I was just stating what I thought…"

"Let's get going, like he says, after all, he is right."

Sheena, Colette and April nodded, turning back and following me as I sped off towards the direction Yuan had been going. I could hardly see him now, but then again he was wearing blue…and the sun was reflecting off the ocean, making it harder to see.

Wait, why am I worrying about this in the first place? I sighed, shaking my head before focusing on the scenery in front of me.

"Please let Genis be alright…"

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Mithos POV

I blinked, watching as the girls filed into the room, suddenly feeling very claustrophobic. I honestly hadn't thought that this room was this small…

And Genis still needed to heal…

But why were these girls here in the first place? And the looks on their faces…have me worried…

"Maria…? What's the meaning of this?" the Mayor asked, the look on his face showing me that he too didn't expect this to happen.

"Ah, um," Maria looked down, obviously blushing, "w-well I told everyone that we had v-visitors and they, um, wanted to…meet them. So…"

Suddenly a girl with blond hair and green eyes pushed her out of the way, walking over to me with a wide smile on her face.

"So you're Mithos?"

I nodded my head.

"Wow it's so nice to meet you!" She then turned to look at Genis, who was still asleep in the bed, and I was actually happy he was. He really didn't need to wake up to all this commotion.

"And that's Genis?"

I nodded my head again.

"I-I see. Hmm," she looked around the room, "This won't do…and I'm sure if you've lived all your life on the surface you'd want to look around town…and your friend needs to rest so…come on!"

She gripped my hand, quite literally pulling me out the door, past the crowd of girls.

And I had to ask myself, why didn't I do anything? She was getting annoying, and I really didn't want to leave Genis. I wanted to be the first person he saw when he got up.

"Um…"

"Don't worry! There's one place I wanna show you…and, oh! Oh! A present, I want to give you a present!"

"Present?" Now I was confused. She dragged me out to show me around Exire, and now she wanted to give me a present.

"Yes! Yes!" she giggled, "I know you're going to like it! It's also way better than what you have on now."

So she was giving me a present…and it was a new set of clothes? I glanced down at the ones I had on and, well, I had to agree with her. I really did need a new change of clothes. The white shirt I usually wore was ripped in places, and covered with either dirt or dried blood. My green pants weren't in much better condition, and neither were my shoes.

"Ah-ha! Here it is!" She stopped tugging my arm, and pointed to a stone house on the far side of one of the upper platforms, "This is the perfect place! Come on! Come on! You can choose what outfit would be best for you! And you can also choose one for Genis!"

She grabbed my arm again, or at least she tried to. But I moved aside.

"Don't worry, I can walk on my own. And I agree with you, I do need a new outfit."

She just stared at me for a few seconds, before turning around and rushing up the stairs, a plastic-like smile on her face. I guess I must've hurt her by that statement somehow.

Wow girls in Exire sure were sensitive. They certainly wouldn't last long on the surface, in Tethe'alla or Sylvarant, if they continued on like this.

I followed the blond girl up the stairs and into the small stone house. I had to admit, from the outside it didn't look like anything special, but when I went inside, it was completely different.

For one there was fabric hanging on the walls, some were brightly colored while others were plain. Also, sewing machines--there were about three of them lined up on the far side wall from what I could see--could be seen, as well as pre-made outfits littering every clear surface, or surface that would have been clear, in the room.

"Oh my…a customer?" A weak voice asked from somewhere amidst the scattered clothing. Then I realized it, there was a spinning wheel, a very old wooden spinning wheel, covered in a type of brown cloth. A woman with brown hair, held back in a ponytail, and hazel eyes sat in the stool next to it, looking rather tired.

"Mandy! Mandy! Yes a customer, I brought you a customer! Um, well, I'd like to pick out a present for him, but I…don't know what he likes so I'm going to make him choose!"

"Him?" the woman, now known as Mandy, gave me a strange look, but just smiled at me, "Ah, I see. Well, since you're going to choose then I guess you can pick whatever outfit suits you."

Well that was…odd. I looked around the room, it was so cluttered that I couldn't tell what was an outfit and what was just, well, a piece of fabric. Yegh, this girl is really messy…for a shop owner anyway.

"Oh! Oh! I'll help I'll help!" The blond quickly bounced, if that was even possible, over a pile of cloth, towards me, a grin on her face.

She suddenly dove into a pile of clothing, pulling out various shirts and pants and…even a cape. Wait, that cape would look good on Genis…

"Wait a sec."

The girl looked up, "Hmm?"

"That…" I pointed to the cape--well, it was more like a cloak than a cape--that she had just thrown. She just blinked and looked at it.

"What about it?"

"I think Genis would like that."

A huge grin formed on the girls face and she folded the cloak neatly, "Okay then!" she turned back to Mandy, "We're also looking for an outfit for a boy named Genis, who came here along with Mithos, is that okay?"

Mandy just nodded her head, "Yes that's fine. It's wonderful that we have visitors. It's really rare, actually. But…Amy…"

"Yeah?" the blond responded, looking confused.

"Please stop throwing things everywhere. I'm not trying to be mean, or rude, but that's how this place got in such a mess anyway."

Amy nodded her head, "Okay!" But she didn't listen and went back to searching in a pile of clothes. Mandy just sighed, shaking her head from side to side.

"Why did I ever hire her." She muttered, but Amy didn't hear, or didn't care, I couldn't tell.

About fifteen minutes later and another item, or rather a shirt and a pair of pants, caught my eye.

The shirt was red, which made it stick out, and quite long. It was sleeve-less and had a high collar, almost like a turtle neck. The pants were black and flared out a bit at the ends. Of course, Amy just continued to toss things aside, so I quickly grabbed them, watching as piles of clothing were made from other piles.

"Um…you can stop now. I found my outfit…"

Amy froze, glancing up at me with another goofy smile on her face.

"Okay! Why don't you go try it on? Meanwhile, I'll look for something that'll match this cape that you wanna give Genis!"

Well that didn't seem like a safe idea, but…but it wasn't like I could do anything about it. After all, Mandy seemed to own the store and she also seemed like she knew what she was doing.

But where do I…?

"The changing rooms are over there…if you can make it." Mandy said, pointing across the room, a worried smile on her face.

I nodded my head, "Thanks." Then I moved around, or through, various pairs of clothing and sewing materials.

Though I highly doubt that this was all Amy's fault.

"I'll try to help Amy, or rather stop her. I'm afraid she'll hurt herself, or tear something…" I turned around and watched as she walked over to where Amy was 'digging'. She placed a hand on her shoulder, causing the blond to stop.

"Let me help."

"Okay! More people means a better chance at finding something anyway!" Amy grinned once more before going back to searching through the fabric, this time at a slower pace. I sighed, well at least she had stopped her, and continued my walk towards the back.

After pushing aside more fabric, and nearly stepping on a stray needle caught in a piece of fabric, I made my way to the small enclosure.

I quickly opened the door, hoping that the room inside wasn't as bad as the one outside. Thankfully it wasn't, but there were still a few items of clothing hanging off hooks on the wall. There was also a mirror hanging next to me on the wall, though it looked like it had seen better days.

Now that I looked at myself in a mirror, I realized exactly how bad I must've looked. Now I was glad no one pointed it out. Then again, that's probably why they asked what happened in the first place...though people don't just come flying through the sky and landing in Exire on a daily basis so…

I shook my head again, looking down at the clothing in my hands. I might as well get changed now, after all Amy was nice enough to, well, to let me choose my own outfit. It still unnerved me that she talked so much like she knew me.

Then again, some people are like that.

I sighed, unbuttoning my shirt and letting it fall to the ground, I looked back in the mirror at my Cruxis Crystal. It seemed to be unharmed, which was good, but…but the feelings I had towards it were different now. I used to think that I couldn't live without it—which technically I couldn't, or at least I shouldn't be able to live without it. But now…now that I realized that I was missing so much, missing so much of the feelings, the warmth, and…and everything…it made me want to destroy it right here and now.

But I couldn't do that. It could possibly be the only way I could beat Mitosu. And…and it wasn't like I could just throw it away. That's like asking Lloyd, or Genis, to throw away their Exspheres. An important life…a life I couldn't forget…

I quickly slipped the red sleeveless shirt over my head, tugging it down to see how far it fell on me. That just so happened to be just beneath my waist, closer to mid-thigh. I tugged at the strands of hair that had gotten caught, and, once they were freed, ran my fingers through them.

I quickly cast aside my shoes, untying the tight belt around my waist, letting my pants fall, quickly grabbing the black ones and tugging them up shortly after. Well, everything seemed to fit okay…

I turned to look at myself in the mirror, yes it was a 'girly' thing to do, but I really couldn't care less, smiling. This outfit seemed to stretch with me, instead of just staying still and rippling like normal fabric would. It was almost like armor…except it wasn't.

A sudden loud knock, coming from the door to the shop, caused me to jump and open the door quickly, peering out over the messy floor towards where Amy and Mandy had been.

There, in the doorway, was Belle, and she seemed worried.

"Where did you take Mithos? I saw you come this way…"

"Oh! Oh! He's getting cha—ah! Mithos! Good you're done changing…Belle wants to talk to you! Come on! Come on!" Amy beckoned for me to walk forward, and I did, moving forward carefully, also noticing that, because of the slight flare of the pants I now wore made them seem longer, falling around my ankles, and making it more likely that I would trip.

"Yes? What…is it?" I asked when I reached the three women. Belle seemed tired, and a bit startled, but smiled and nodded her head in approval.

"You look nice, Mithos. I…just wanted to tell you…"

"Is Genis up?"

She shook her head, "No, but there's something…something I noticed. I'd like to speak with you in private, if you're done here."

I nodded my head, "Ah, okay…sure. Let me just get my shoes…"

"Oh! Oh! Don't worry! Here, these match your outfit better!"

Amy turned to face Mandy, who had a box in her hand, taking it from her and ripping off the top, grabbing the contents inside and shoving them in my hand.

It was one pair of black shoes, almost like hiking boots…except not.

"Um…"

"Come on! Come on! Put them on and go! It seems important anyway!" She tugged me over to, what I assumed, was a chair. She then turned back to Mandy who was shaking her head.

"What?"

"Oh—ah, I think he can put those shoe's on himself…why don't you go out shopping? I need more thread anyway…"

Yeah right. She probably had some hiding under all these clothes. But I could see her point…

"Okay!"

And at least Amy believed her. She even grabbed a basket.

"I'll buy lots and lots of thread so that we won't ever run out!"

"Yes…that would be nice…" though looking at Mandy's expression, it definitely wasn't nice.

After Amy left, running down the flight of stairs, and off to another platform, I put on the boots, lacing them up quickly before standing and walking over to where Belle was standing.

She gripped her staff even tighter, looking away from me and then back again.

"Okay, I'm ready to go now."

She nodded her head, "O-Okay…well, I guess I should tell you why I…seem so desperate. But it's about Genis."

"What about Genis? Is it about how he got hurt? I thought I said I wouldn't tell you about that."

"It's not about that." She shook her head.

"I—I'll go to the back room to get your clothes. They still might be able to be saved." Mandy murmured, bowing and rushing to the back rooms, leaving us alone at the entrance.

"Then what is it about?"

"I think it'd be better if we talked…elsewhere. I…I also want to show you something."

I nodded my head and followed the half-elven healer out of the room.

What could she want to tell me? And what did she want to know?

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Amy & Mandy: Okay then, these are the two main OC's in this chapter. They're, as you know, the two associated with the fabric store/textile store. Mandy is in charge of making the outfits, whereas Amy runs errands/gets customers. Amy's name, as well as her attitude, is based off a friend of mine. Mandy's name, well, some of you (those who've looked at my profile/know me on dA) can probably guess at who she's named after. If you can't I can tell you.

Mithos' Outfit: The outfit Mithos wears is brought to you by LittleLinor on dA--and soon to be here as well! She also owns Genis' outfit, which'll be showing up in the next chapter (hopefully). The only thing about Mithos' outfit that I do own are the boots he wears.

Me: And that's the end of TU 45. I have to say that this took longer than I thought.

April: Not to mention that you got serious writers block halfway through (at the beginning of Raine's POV).

Me: Yeah, and I actually forgot Colette was in Raine's half of the group so I had to change that. But meh, it's out now. I can't guarantee when the next chapter'll be out (with school stuff an' all) but hopefully it'll be sometime next week.

April: Yes hopefully. And hopefully this case of writers block won't last much longer.

Me: Yeah…now then, R&R please! I only have 4 more reviews left until I reach the 200 reviews mark! –does happy dance-

April: -joins in happy dance/drags Feral out from hiding place to join in as well-

Feral: L-let me go!