Me: And here's Part 46! This is about mid-way through Genis and Mithos' stay in Exire, I think.
Feral: Yes, it seems to be that way…or at least if you reach a certain point in this chapter then it'll be considered half-way done. But then you'll have half-way to go.
Me: Yeah that's true, though I'm still not too sure. I don't want to make any predictions but as things are looking now, this is the halfway point. Also, just as a little side note, this fic has 6820 hits! When it gets to 7000 then I'll have a present for the reviewers, or at least a LINK to the present for the reviewers (those on dA can probably already guess what it is, since it's the only original story of mine that I have up).
To Understand Part Forty-six
Time in Exire: The Past
By Harmony283
Reviews: (over 200--yay!)
Hiranieas-Yup I updated, I had a bit of a writers block, which is why Raine's POV was cut short, and I kinda-sorta slacked off a bit. But also, if you wanna see a version of Mithos' and Genis' new outfits, I have it in my scraps section on dA (just check my homepage and go to the scraps section, you should see it immediately). But that's just a rough draft, I'm planning on inking it soon…when I have the time. Now then, here's the next chapter, enjoy!
LittleLinor-Huzzah, you're now an official member of FF! congrats! I was actually thinking of making Mithos run, just like you said…but then I couldn't think up a plausible way for him to get his new outfit. As for his belt, no I didn't forget it, he'll get it later (around the time he gets his necklace), so don't worry. Yeah I felt sorry for making Mandy have to work with Amy…but, well, my friend wanted to be mentioned and when I told her what characters (OC wise) were going to be in the next chapter, she immediately agreed. Though she is a lot better than she sounds, and she's really sweet (guys don't like her though, since she's really talkative). Also can you guess who Mandy is named after (I'll give you a hint, look at what's written under my name on dA and then you'll be able to guess right). Now then, here's the next chapter!
Takokinoko-Ah don't worry about being busy, it happens to everyone. Heh and you have LittleLinor to thank for the outfit designs, and yes, from the picture I drew of Mithos in the outfit (it's him and every other OC in TU—though it's in the scraps section now cuz it's not inked or edited in any way) he does look hot. And you're right about him wearing white and it making him look like a girl…as for the color scheme for Genis' outfit it's Black (pants), white (shirt/tunic) blue (ribbon on tunic, buttons on cloak) and grey (cloak). Here's the next chapter—enjoy!
DraNKa-Ah, yeah, last chapter was long, in regards to the whole me having the thing called writers block…and I'm glad it saves me, but kinda…? Hopefully since this update was early it should help with you not deciding to release your 'fangirl powers' on me, right? I hope so... Also yes, Genis will wake up in this chapter, and yes Mithos will be the first person to see him (the Mayor will be collectively absent). Also you're the 200th reviewer! (and thanks for the fanart)
Alaia Skyhawk-A group of fangirls at the door? That…would've been bad (for Mithos anyway). But then again, it would've been funny all the same. And you're interested in who Amy and Mandy are? Or did you mean you think you know who Mandy's named after (that kinda confused me on how you worded it)? Well, anyway, here's the next chapter—enjoy!
Feral: Chapter 46…now only 4 chapters to TU 50…
Me: Yeah, that's right. Heh, that makes me excited. And with over 200 reviews…that makes me twice as happy!
Feral: I'm sure it does. But of course, you don't own ToS or any of its characters. Though fortunately enough you do own me, April, and any other OC's that appear in this fanfic--and you even own the plot.
Authors Note: You don't have to sound so sarcastic about it. But anyway, during the last chapter Mithos got a new outfit, and shortly after left with Belle to talk about something regarding Genis. What is it and what does it have to do with that insane elven woman? And will Genis ever wake up?
Feral: He'd better, or else I'll be in big trouble.
Me: I know, I know…
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I followed Belle farther and farther away from the center of the floating city, wondering exactly what she had to tell me. Or rather, what it had to do with Genis. But she also wanted to know something about Genis…so we both wanted to know something.
I guess the only way to solve that is to answer whatever questions we have until we get the desired answers. Besides, Belle looked a little too worried for this to be something small.
I turned to look at the nearby surroundings, watching as people walked by, some carrying bags, others toting small children along the stone pathways. I even noticed the market place a few platforms away. It hadn't moved since the last time I had been here, but it had, well, 'grown up' to say the least. It made me wonder how they built some of these things…or did they do trade with some humans?
I mean, I knew now that not all humans hated half-elves…and not all half-elves hated humans. If that was the case, then it would explain how they were able to expand even with the limited amount of space these platforms gave them.
I turned back to face in front, noticing that Belle seemed to be slowing down. I also noticed that we were coming to yet another stone stair case. This one led up farther than the previous ones, and no one seemed to be going up them, or coming down them.
If I remembered correctly, from back when Exire was actually located on the ground, there was a small graveyard/church on the outskirts of the town. But…but back then it was on the east side of the village, so that it could watch the sunrise, not on the North side.
So where were we--
"We're here." Belle whispered, turning back to face me as we reached the end of the stairs. I looked around, noticing that hardly anything, except for a broken house and a few trees and a well, were located on this platform. There was also another small staircase leading to a platform down below. Which had a single stone house on it, with what seemed to be a running well, a picnic table, and a small garden next to it.
"Where is this?" I asked, turning to face the healer again.
"This is…this is the far side of Exire. It's technically not in Exire anymore…or at least we don't consider it to be." Belle turned to look down at the stone house, "That is where the elven woman Virginia lives. I'm sure the Mayor has told you about her…condition?"
I nodded my head, "Yeah, he said she…was mentally ill." I don't know why, but I didn't want to say crazy, or insane. Call it a gut feeling but I felt like I would get to know this 'Virginia' person very soon.
"Yes that's correct. She…she became ill due to the loss of her husband."
"Her husband…? He was murdered?"
Belle shook her head, "No. Or at least, he wasn't directly."
"Then he was killed by a spell?"
She shook her head again, "Someone placed a curse on him some time when he was younger…or at least that's what I could tell from when they brought the body here. There were purple markings on his left arm. It was almost like…a tattoo. I didn't understand it at the time, but it was a curse. A curse that caused the wearer to die slowly."
That was a sickening thought, "so he was murdered indirectly…and because of that Virginia…?"
"Yes, she went insane, to put it bluntly. That and she…no. I wanted to ask you a few things before I go any farther."
That right there made me even more suspicious, but I guess I could tell her what she wanted to know…
"Okay then, what is it that you want to know? I mean, you seemed to act like this was important, or at least something about Genis was important."
Belle nodded her head once more, gripping her staff tightly, "Yes…I wanted to know, and this may seem a bit strange, but trust me please and answer as honestly as you can."
I blinked, "O-okay…well, ask away."
"What is your relation to Genis?"
"M-my relation…? " That took me by surprise. What did…what did that have to do with…?
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"You mean you won't tell me?"
I shook my head, "No, that's not it. I just wanted to know…it just came out of the blue an' all…"
"I just do. A-and…it's vital to what I'm going to tell you. So if you don't want to know anything else then don't tell me. If you do, tell me."
"I…fine. He's…he's a dear friend to me. That's why his sister and his friends entrusted me with his care."
"I see. Okay then, it seems that I can tell you."
"You can?"
"Yes, because, since you were entrusted with his care, you wouldn't tell him something that would hurt him."
I nodded my head, "Well you're right about that. But what part of this information would…cause him to react…that way?"
Now I had a sick feeling in my stomach. And I felt dizzy, which I'm sure isn't due to fatigue from flying all the way here from the Tower of Salvation, or rather, it's remains.
"It's who Virginia is in regards to him…and about his childhood. I'm sure you already know that Genis was…abandoned, didn't you?"
I nodded my head, "His sister mentioned it a while ago. But…how do you know?"
"I know because that was one of the first things Virginia said after her husband died. Her exact words were 'First I abandon my own children, and now Kloitz, my last hope, dies?'"
I froze.
That…that meant…that meant that Virginia was--
"That means…Virginia…Virginia is Genis' m-mother…?" So he did have someone alive after all. Not that their only living family member was suited to take care of him.
"Yes. She is. I--there is more, she had a diary, but the Mayor still has it. I think it would be best if Raine picked it up and was told about this instead."
I nodded my head, "So he's going to be left in the dark."
"What?"
"N-nothing. It's just…surprising. Genis doesn't know that his mother is still alive, and Raine doesn't either. So I guess when Raine gets here you'll tell her?"
"Yes, that's the plan…upon hearing that he did indeed have an older sister. Genis' last name is Sage, correct?"
I nodded my head once more.
"Then I think this…" she moved over to a nearby tree, walking behind it before beckoning over towards me. I followed her behind the rather old looking tree, and gasped when I saw what was behind it.
It was a…a grave stone. It was like a sun dial, except for it had words inscribed in it in ancient elven.
"Many people here are illiterate in the ancient language. But I'm sure Raine could read it."
So Raine was the only one who mattered here? What, did Kloitz and Virginia think that Genis wouldn't live? Or was Raine just the favorite? Heh, who was I kidding? That was obvious. Especially since, for the first eleven years of her life she was considered the favorite and treated as an only child would.
Not that that had been easy, by any means.
I guess they also assumed Genis wouldn't be as smart as Raine. And I have to agree, Raine seems to know a great deal more about the world than Genis, but that came from age and her love of knowledge. Genis loved to study and read, especially read, but he didn't so much like archeology as he did other things.
Like he loved learning how to play the flute, and he loved to cook, something Raine probably would never achieve.
It…it hurt to hear of him placed so low, called inferior to someone else, even though it was painstakingly true.
And I had just promised I'd keep this secret…the secret that someone in his family besides Raine was still alive. Yes it would probably cause him to break down, and it'd do some damage for sure, since Virginia probably didn't remember them, but he had every right to know…
"Mithos? Is everything…is everything okay? You've been staring at the grave stone for a while now…"
I snapped away from my thoughts, looking over at Belle, who had a concerned look on her face. I merely shook my head, "No, no, it's fine. I just…feel like I've seen these types of letters before."
"I…see. Ah--the sun's getting lower in the sky! The Mayor's probably worried about you! Why don't we go back now?"
I nodded my head, following behind her numbly.
It looks like our trip to Exire wasn't going to be as peaceful as I thought.
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Genis' POV
I blinked a few times, looking around at my surroundings, knowing almost immediately that I was in a dream…or a dream of sorts. Well, the main thing that gave this all away was where I was standing. I knew for a fact that I was, most likely, in a bed in Exire getting some rest.
So where…?
I looked to my left, which had a stone platform, much like the one in Asgard, but with three stone pillars in the center. In those pillars was etched some sort of language and then three holes.
A sudden 'crack' sound made me whirl around, staring behind me.
Which I now wish I hadn't.
A girl, no older than eighteen with light blue hair, blue eyes and pointed elven ears, flew across the dirt road, landing against a tree. But she wasn't the only one here. Another figure, this one was a woman also, stood on the edge of the stone platform with a smirk on her face.
Why did that remind me of Feral?
I shook my head, watching as yet another figure, this one a boy with red-brown hair, and red eyes wearing a red shirt and white pants with some sort of badge pinned to the left side of his shirt.
"Fae! Fae are you--"
"D-don't come near me…" the blue haired girl whimpered, shaking her head as the older boy made his way toward her.
"No! What did…what did you do to her?!? Y-you monster!" Another girl shouted, this one had pale green hair up in thin pigtails and brown eyes cried out, running to join the red-head.
"I am not a monster. I merely show you that Fae can be defeated. If she dies her soul will be cast into the heavens, saving this land while the nine of you take your places as the Gods and Goddesses of the elements, forever to be enshrined in the temples of this world!"
"B-but…"
"You should have known that from the beginning, when you were first chosen for this part, Prince Alexander Yuari Sakura." Now the mysterious woman, who I still couldn't see well, sounded sarcastic.
"Wait…what? So Alex…you really are the prince of--"
"No I'm not. You're lying. How could you know who I am anyway…" Alex muttered, looking away.
Yup he definitely was lying. He was the prince of, well, whatever he was the prince of.
"P-Please…Alex…continue with the ritual. A-and carry me there…I still want to do something…for this place."
"You're an idiot. You heard this lady right? You'll die and we'll…we'll live on forever, or at least until someone else like you arrives."
"But I would have…died anyway…"
Alex made a face, "Fine, if this is what you really want…I'll help you." But he didn't look the least bit happy about it.
He turned to face the seven other people present, "Okay…you heard her. Get to your stations." He then looked back down at Fae, "I'll help you read the transcripts…okay?"
Fae nodded her head, smiling, "Tha-thank…you."
…
The sound of a door opening was the first sound I heard as I slowly regained consciousness. I didn't…I didn't hurt as much as I had before. But I could tell I still needed to be healed fully.
Then I heard voices. The one I recognized the most was Mithos', which made me smile. I wanted to sit up, to show them that I was awake, but I felt too…too tired and weak to do that.
Thankfully Mithos noticed.
"Wha…? Genis? Genis' awake!" He sounded so happy, like this was the best news in the world to him. I felt pressure at the lower end of the bed, meaning Mithos probably sat down.
I slowly opened my eyes, trying to adjust them to the sunshine filtering through the windows. After all, Exire was closer to the sun, meaning it was closer to the sun.
I heard another door close, and suddenly felt alone, well, not alone, since Mithos was here, but alone as in it was just the two of us.
I blinked, and tried to look around, the sunlight in the windows still making it hard to see.
"I…I'm so glad. I was so worried about you." Mithos sounded breathless, like he had been running.
But why?
"M-Mithos…?"
"Yes, I'm right here." He grips my hand, and suddenly his face comes into view. He's smiling but…something seems different about him.
It…he was wearing something red…
"W-what are…y-you wearing…?"
Mithos blinked, then his smile widened, "Oh this? It's a new outfit that I received as a gift. I picked it out myself though, so it's more like half a gift."
"I-I see…"
"I'm glad you're okay though." Now he was at eye level with me, a smile still plastered on his face, though there seemed to be…something else…
"Did you have a good sleep? You look worried."
"M-me? Worried? I should be a-asking you."
He shook his head, "of course I'd be worried. I was worried about you."
This made me blush, which made Mithos laugh, well not laugh, it was more like a chuckle than a laugh.
"You're blushing…"
I looked away, "S-so…? Um, but who gave you that outfit?"
"a girl named Amy dragged me to a shop that had an assortment of clothes. Which reminds me, Mandy, the woman who owns the shop, said that you could have an outfit too…and she's probably going to bring it over soon."
"I-o-okay…that sounds great! I can't wait to see it!" I propped myself up on my elbows, smiling at Mithos, who smiled back, squeezing my hand a bit more.
Suddenly the image from my dream, of that girl Fae, popped into my mind, making me flinch.
"Genis? A-are you okay?"
I shook my head.
"Should I call Belle…?"
"Ah—no, I don't mean no as in I'm hurt or anything…I mean, well, um, y-you…you know about Feral right?"
Mithos nodded his head, "Yes…she's that girl that almost took over your body in Heimdall, and yet she isn't. She's also the one who apparently gave me back my Cruxis Crystal when we…were caught in that weird dream-like place."
"That wasn't a dream."
"What?"
"That was the past, or rather, someone's past."
"But how can that be possible?"
"Feral told me it was, for me. And you've already broken some boundaries, because of the whole splitting the worlds an' stuff, so you apparently qualify for that sort of thing as well."
"I…that's disturbing, but why did we…why were we thrown into that persons past anyway? And whose past was it?"
I shook my head, "I'm not really sure. The farther away we got from Feral, the farther our connection got, and I couldn't contact her anymore."
"So Feral's still in Venheim?"
"Yes."
"Then I guess we have no choice but to go back there. I mean, she's important isn't she? She's the reason why Mitosu and Pronyma want you, right?"
Wow, he's good.
"Yeah, that's right."
"I knew it. But that doesn't matter now. What does me having to know about Feral? Did you have another dream of the past again?"
"Sorta. It was more like a fragment of one."
"and…?"
I sighed, "I didn't really understand it, and the place it took place in didn't look familiar, just like last time. Which makes me think it took place in that place they call Reti'thera, not that that's important."
"Not in particular. So what was this dream about?"
"Well…it had a girl named Fae in it, she looked about Sheena's age, or a little younger. She was fighting this woman, but she lost. She then asked this other guy, he was called Alex, and was obviously someone important, to carry her to this weird stone monument thing. There was also something about them turning into the Gods/Goddesses of the elements…and something about temples. Or them being held inside temples until another person like Fae came. Oh, and then Fae had to have Alex help her read something…I think…I think she died though. The woman she fought up against said she would."
Mithos seemed to just be staring off into space. He would've continued staring, or thinking, if the door hadn't suddenly burst open…revealing a girl with yellow hair and blue eyes.
"Mithos! Mithos! I brought Genis'…! Oh! You're awake! Thank goodness! Everyone was sooo worried!"
Wow, she was…loud.
"Oh, Amy. Ah, why are you here?" mithos asked, also sounding…annoyed. He dropped my hand quickly, turning to face the blond.
Why did he do that? Normally he didn't mind holding my hand in front of people…then again, it'd probably be safest if he didn't here. After all, these people were complete strangers.
"Oh, um, I brought Genis' outfit! Mandy picked out the rest of it! She also cleaned your outfit for you, and she even sewed it up so it looks brand new!"
Okay, yeah, this girl was really loud. I was starting to get a headache
"Th-thank you, Amy." Mithos muttered grabbing the articles of clothing, which were stuck in a basket, and placing it at the foot of the large bed I now slept in.
"Is there anything else you want? I'm really fast at delivering stuff, or, or getting stuff so—"
"I think that's enough, Amy. Why don't you go back to your store now? I'm sure Mandy needs the help."
"Oh! Right! Right! I'll see you later mister Mayor!"
M-mister…Mayor? O-okay…this was…even weirder.
The mayor, a tall man with brown hair and brown eyes, wearing plan brown britches and a white shirt with an orange overcoat, stood in the doorway, smiling at me.
"I'm sure you two have a lot to catch up on. When you're ready, I'll allow you to look around town. But make sure you're fully recovered first."
"O-okay, um, th-thank you…"
"You're welcome, Genis."
Then the man walked away. Creepy. Why did I feel this sense of…unease? It felt like something was here that wasn't supposed to be here.
And that something was me.
I shivered at the thought, causing Mithos to look at me with worry clear in his eyes.
"Are you cold?"
I looked down at my tattered outfit, "Um, what do you think?"
"That yes, you are. Here, I'm sure Mandy picked out something nice for you to wear…" He turned and started rummaging through the basket, casting aside his old outfit before pulling out my new one.
First he pulled out the black pants, which looked similar to his own, but smaller, which made sense, since Mithos was taller than me.
The next article of clothing was my shirt, which looked similar to the one I had been wearing. The only difference was it wasn't as big, and it had a blue ribbon-like lacing down the front.
The last piece of the outfit was a grey cloak with a hood and silver-blue clasps to hold the two sides together.
"Do you like it?"
I nodded my head, "Yeah! I like it a lot!"
"Okay then, let's get you changed…
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Me: That's it, the end of TU 46! And I have to say, I got this done in record time!
Feral: True, true. Though the end…seems…ah…
Me: Yesh, now your mind is in the gutter?
Feral: How do you know that if yours isn't already there?
Me: Because, I just came back from the dentist, and they gave me a shot to numb my mouth and it made me sleepy!
Feral: Some excuse that is…
Me: Be quiet…
Feral: But it's the truth!
Me: -cough- well whatever, anyway R&R please! I love reviews, and they make wanna update! So review, review, review!