Me: And here's TU 48! Only two more chapters to go until TU 50!

Feral: Yes…and you're really excited about that aren't you?

Me: Yup! That and that TU has finally been put into a C2 community! –does happy dance- that makes me EXTREMELY happy!

Feral: -backs away slowly- I can tell…

To Understand: Part 48

Time in Exire: Beginning of a Decision

By Harmony283

Reviews:

Viaroura Fox: Heh, heh, heh it's good that you can picture it, cuz I might actually ask someone to draw it. Either that or, when my scanner gets fixed, I'll draw it myself. As for if Mithos is going to do that or not, well, I'm not too sure it'll actually be a collar but in the next chapter Mithos makes Genis a choker…so I guess I could call that a 'collar'. It's still a cute idea though. Now then, here's the next chapter, enjoy!

Ari-chan687: I'm glad you think that it's getting interesting (since that's always a good thing) and thanks for the review! Here's the next chapter, enjoy!

Hiranieas: Yup, I know I finally updated. I seriously didn't mean for it to take as long as it did to upload, but with computer problems and being sick 3 weeks sure fly by pretty fast. I'm also glad that you thought the last chapter was cute. I personally thought we were overdue for some fluff between Genis and Mithos, and so I put it in. Now here's the next chapter, enjoy!

LittleLinor: Yup, I used your idea, and I originally had it where Mithos said 'I'll have to put a collar on you', but for some reason it didn't sound right, so I changed it to leash. Then again, where there's a leash, there's usually a collar. And yes Genis really needs to stop stuttering so much, but Mithos will ask Genis to stop, somewhat, in this chapter. As for the monster, well, that's just another example of what happens when I'm really sleepy (and the medication I was taking then made it worse) and can't think up of anything good. And it's only relevance to the fanfic is that it's, well, there to annoy everyone by attacking their Rhieards (that's the best I can come up with right now…). Heh, and I'm sure you'll like it when Genis finally decides to 'wake up' and come out…and yes Mithos'll definitely get jealous. Though hopefully the time between each update won't reach a month, I can't exactly say (especially with my computer right now), but it's glad to know that you'll support TU still! Now here's the next chapter--enjoy!

Alaia Skyhawk: Thanks for reviewing for both chapters, and I'll answer both reviews. TU46: Yup gods and goddess's the reason I put that weird dream in there is because you'll need to be familiar with those names in TU:RooS, which, from the looks of things, may be coming out this summer (though I'm not too sure when exactly since I'm not too sure how many chapters TU is actually going to be) and I also have a transition oneshot (maybe) that goes on in between the two. TU47: Yes poor Zelos, and yes it's a furry bird (I still have no idea where my mind went the night I was writing that part). As for the G/M fluff, I hadn't added in some in a while, and I kinda promised there'd be fluff in Exire (but I was already planning to have it in the chapter anyway, so it's no big deal). But yeah, I'm glad you liked the (two) chapter(s)! And here's the next one—enjoy!

Takokinoko: Is Zerasu controlling Zelos? Hmm, well, I can't exactly say but it does have something to do with the weird tattoo's Zelos has on his hands. Come to think of it, I might have Zerasu show up, but you'd probably have to pay close attention or you'll miss him. And the leash/collar idea, well, I have something that I could use to some extent in the next chapter for that idea, but it's more of a 'choker' than a collar. Though I think it'll still work. And here's the next chapter, enjoy!

Feral: So…how many 'Time in Exire' titles are you going to have now?

Me: I thought I already said I didn't know…but yeah, I'm planning on having 'Time in Exire' start off each of the chapters having to deal with, what else, their time in Exire.

Feral: Well, whatever, it's your fanfic. Speaking of which, of course you own it, but you don't own the characters Genis, Mithos, or anything else to do with ToS, you just own the plot and the OC's.

Me: …was that supposed to be the disclaimer?

Feral: Yes it was.

Authors Note: You're so cold. -cough- anyway, in this chapter Genis is finally well enough to stand. And, while throwing away Genis' old outfit, Mithos finds a blue feather, from Genis' angel wings. Genis soon tells him that he has one of his own in the pocket of his shorts. What are they planning on doing to them? And how will Mithos react when he finds the broken picture frame and the group photo that was taken back in Meltokio (the same photo Genis broke in the beginning)? Also Raine and Co. reach Exire, and decide to make the pact with Maxwell first, but Raine can't help but worry over Genis. What will happen when they meet up with the Mayor and he says he knows things about Virginia?

Feral: I can already tell that Raine isn't going to be too happy. That and that some cute scenes are ahead…

Me: Hmm, maybe, maybe not. And as for the cute scenes, you'll just have to wait and see…

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April's POV

I blinked, rubbing my eyes and then focusing them back ahead of me. There was something…something that looked distinctly like a floating land mass, some ways ahead of us. It was covered with clouds, but it definitely was floating…and it was definitely too big to be a bird or a monster.

"I think…that's it." I murmured, turning to face Raine, who also seemed to notice it.

"There it is. That must be Exire."

"oh it is." Yuan stated, flying a bit faster so that he was now leading us, "I haven't been there in…in years…"

"How many years?" Colette asked, "Oh, wait, no, sorry I shouldn't ask that…"

Yuan shook his head, "I haven't been there in about ten years."

"O-oh…okay…um…"

"And it seems to have gotten larger. Though I wonder how that's even possible since they can't expand." Yuan paused in his flight to think, making Sheena, who was right behind him, freeze.

"H-hey! Don't stop! Do you want me to hit you?!?" she cried out, sounding extremely nervous.

"Sheena? Are you okay?"

Sheena shook her head, "Y-yes I'm fine…it's just a little nerve racking thinking about making that pact and all."

I blinked, "Haven't you done it before?"

Sheena shook her head, "Of course I have. But those times were different."

Colette flew her Rhieard up parallel to Sheena's, "How is it different?"

"Because, unlike Undine, Efreet, Sylph, Volt, Gnome, Celcius, Shadow, Luna, and even Origin, Maxwell is the creator of all things. That's why he's called the Summon Spirit of Birth. It's…extremely hard to beat him, and I doubt many have even seen him before."

"Well he does have enough power to keep Exire afloat…"

"Yes and he can do much more than that. I can understand why Mithos wishes to speak with him."

"Huh? Really? Why?"

Yuan turned to face me, his face serious, "It must have to do with a way to bring Martel's old body back. She only exists in her Cruxis Crystal as an Astrobody, Mithos must be trying to see if he can restore her normal body."

"You know an awful lot more about this than we do, why is that?" Raine asked, flying her Rhieard dangerously close to Yuan.

"I thought I told you, I ran into Mithos when he was making his way out of the Tower of Salvation. He told me that Genis had come up with a plan to revive Martel, and that he needed to speak with Maxwell. The only plausible reason I can see as to why he needs Maxwell's help is if it has something to do with Martel."

"I see. Hmm, I'm starting to wonder where Genis came across this 'other way' to revive Martel. It seems a little far-fetched that there even is a way to begin with."

Yuan shook his head, "That's what I would like to know as well. But the only way we can figure that out is if we get to Exire and make a pact with Maxwell. Surely then Mithos will tell us what he knows, and if Genis is better, he will tell us exactly where he found how to revive her."

Sheena sighed loudly, "That's good that you're interested in why Genis knows what he does, and where he found out about it, but the fact is that we still need to form the pact and…" she looked down, "I'm not even sure I'm strong enough yet."

"Sheena! Don't say that!" Colette cried out, jumping up and down on her Rhieard, "You know you are! We know you are!"

Sheena sighed again, "Yeah, yeah, I know I shouldn't talk like that," She smiled, "I know you don't like it but…there's a catch to…to, um, getting Maxwell to appear."

"Yes there is." Yuan nodded his head.

"There is…? What is it?" I asked, looking between the two.

Yuan shook his head, "It's best if we talk about it when we get there."

"Yes that would be the best solution."

I smiled, "And you're worried about Genis, right?"

Raine turned away, looking over at the figure looming behind the clouds, "Yes I'm worried. His wounds were extensive the last time I saw him…and…and I had no choice but to leave him in the care of someone who used to be our greatest enemy," her grip tightened on the handles of her Rhieard, "who wouldn't be worried?"

"oh, but I think we can trust Mithos! He seemed to be really nice the last time we saw him, and he even went to visit Genis when we were going up against Origin so he wouldn't be lonely!" Colette cried out, a smile on her face.

"And I told you in that letter that we could trust him." Sheena added in.

Raine shook her head, "Yes but he still hasn't proven he can be trusted. If he did get Genis to safety, and if Genis is better when I get there then maybe I'll start trusting him."

But she didn't look too sure about that.

And something told me I knew why.

"But that's not the only reason you don't like having Genis around him is it?" I asked, making Raine turn towards me, a look of shock on her face. But just as soon as it was there, it was gone.

"Another reason?" Both Sheena and Colette asked in unison, giving Raine and I questioning looks.

Raine turned to face forward, "Yes there is another reason, but I don't want to talk about it now."

I just smiled as they turned their gaze to me, "If Raine doesn't want to talk about it then I won't either."

Yuan coughed loudly, "Are you done talking now?"

We nodded our heads.

"Good, now let's get going."

We nodded our heads once more, turning to face in the direction of Exire, and took off.

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Mithos' POV

I smiled as Genis' face reddened even more at my…statement. I had no idea where it came from, but, ironically enough, I was serious about it. If Pronyma or Mitosu—or both of them—really were stupid enough to come here and try to take Genis away from me again...well, they wouldn't succeed, but I would make sure they wouldn't get to him again.

Or at least if they took him, they'd take me as well.

"U…um…"

"Hmm?" I tilted my head to the side, looking at the blushing boy in front of me, "What is it Genis?"

"Wh…how…how are you…going to d-do that? I-I mean…are you serious?"

I nodded my head, "Of course I'm serious. I wouldn't have said that if I wasn't serious. The only problem would be where I'd find a cute enough collar for you…" I smirked, "it would have to be blue…with a bell…and maybe I could even find a pair of cat ears for you to wear…and a cat tail. Or you could just wear your Katz outfit," I took a strand of his hair, wrapping it around my finger, "Either way, you'd look adorable."

I paused, watching to see what Genis' reaction would be.

He was blushing and looking away from me.

How predictable.

I leaned in closer to him, if that were even possible, "Not that I'm saying you aren't cute now. You're, in fact, the cutest boyfriend I've ever had."

Genis looked up at me, shocked, "You've had a boyfriend before?"

I blinked, shaking my head, "It never got serious enough…they always either died or disappeared for some unknown reason. They always said I was obsessed too."

Genis shook his head, "I wonder why…"

"What?"

"N-nothing, um…well…you're…you're the only boyfriend I've ever had."

"Naturally."

"Eh-heh-heh, y-yeah, a-and I think you're cute…um…" he looked away again and I smiled. It was endearing that he blushed so much around me, and I have to admit I did like the stuttering to some extent—it just added to his cuteness.

But it really was something I'd like him to get over.

"Genis…"

"yeah?"

"I'm going to request something."

He tilted his head to side, "O-okay…what is it?"

"If you can stop stuttering around me, at least somewhat, then I'll give you a present."

Genis blushed, "Um…but how do I do that? I-I can't just stop…I think it'd just, y'know, h-happen naturally…um…why are you asking?"

"Because I'd like to have at least one conversation with you without you stuttering, like back when we were just friends."

Genis nodded his head, "I—well, it's kinda s-sudden, but I'll try."

I smiled, "Good." I leaned in even closer, "Now as for your present," I placed a soft kiss on his lips, and then pulled away, "Well, can you stand?"

Genis looked at me, his expression one of bewilderment. He looked around the room, and then back at me, "I guess I can try…"

"Okay then. Here, you can lean on me if you need help." I then moved off the bed, holding my hand out to the silver-haired half-elf. He took my hand, sliding off the bed as well, standing on shaky legs.

"Good…now let's try walking okay?"

He nodded his head, and smiled, "Yeah, I wanna take a look around this place anyway. I mean, this is my first time coming here and I'm sure everyone here is really nice."

I smiled, "Yes really nice…but…"

"But?"

I shook my head, "The girls are a bit off."

He looked at me weird, "A 'bit off'? What do you mean by that?"

I shrugged, "You'll see when you see them. They'll know you're up in a heartbeat."

"So is that why you told the mayor to tell everyone that I was still resting?"

I nodded my head, "Yes. You don't want to have to deal with a crowd of girls when you can't even walk, much less stand, on your own."

"That's true…um…" he turned to look at my old outfit, which was lying now unfolded on the floor, "I think we should pack this up, and we don't need my old outfit, so I guess we can throw that away right?"

I nodded my head, "Yeah…" I walked over to where I had thrown his old outfit, picking up the tattered shirt and bloodied shorts. I tossed the shorts first, and was about to throw the shirt in the same trash-can-looking-thing when something blue and glittery caught my eye. I blinked and took a closer look.

And there, inside his shirt, stuck in one of the folds, was a crystal blue feather, obviously from Genis' wings.

'Which reminds me…I still need to ask him about that. But…' I turned back around to face Genis, who was folding my outfit neatly and placing it on the edge of the bed once more. He turned to face me, smiling.

I smiled back, "Hey Genis, look what I found." I held up the blue angel wing, and he gasped.

"Where'd you find that?"

"It was stuck in your clothing."

"I…it was? That…I didn't know that." He shook his head, then he turned to look where I had put his clothes. Suddenly his face lit up, as if he remembered something.

"I remember finding one of your feathers once, back in Flanoir after you left. It was on the windowsill. I wonder if I still have it."

"Where would it be?"

"In one of the pockets of my shorts. It'd be so neat if I still had it too."

I looked back at the heap of dirty clothing, "I guess it wouldn't hurt to look. But…why would it be 'neat' if you still had it? I can always give you another one."

Genis smiled, a sweet, sincere smile, "Because it was on the night that you told me you loved me again. On the night that I told you I loved you. And…wouldn't it be so neat if we had one feather for each of us?"

An idea suddenly formed in my mind, "Wait…if you do still have it…" I moved towards the trashcan, pulling out his dirty articles of clothing, "If you do still have it then maybe I can make some sort of charm for each of us."

Genis was now standing right next to me, "Really? That'd be…that'd be so cool!"

I smiled, "Yes, it would. And even if we got separated again, you would have something of mine with you."

He nodded his head, watching as I searched the pockets of his old shorts. I didn't feel anything in the first pocket, so I checked the second. My hands brushed against something odd and I pulled it out. Sure enough, just like Genis had said, it was one of my own angel feathers.

And it hadn't dulled a bit.

It still glimmered in its rainbow colors as bright as it had, presumably, the day I dropped it.

Genis gently took it from my hands, "it still…feels so warm." He smiled at me, "That's good. And I'm glad but…how are we going to make them into charms."

That was a good question.

"Maybe there's something in your bag. I know the pendant we need has a chain, but its best to keep it on there just in case."

Genis nodded his head, "Yeah. Though I think there might be a few other things in there. Raine kept some of her artifacts in there, and that's also the bag for the items we have extra of. So maybe we can use a chain from one of them?"

I nodded my head, "Yes that would be a good idea. It's not like they'll miss any of those things, right?" I looked down at Genis questioningly. He just nodded his head.

"No they won't miss them. But Raine'll probably get angry if we do use a chain, or anything else that'd ruin her artifacts."

I chuckled, "Yes I suppose she would but," I turned his face towards mine, placing a kiss on his forehead, "I think she'd worry about you more than some thousand year old piece of junk."

He smiled back, "Yeah."

We then walked back over, well, I walked back over and Genis stumbled back over, to where his bag lay, on one of the chairs by the doorway. I picked it up and placed it on the bed.

"Now let's see exactly what's in here." I dumped the contents out on the bed surface, Genis kneeling down and resting his head on the end of the bed.

The first thing out of the objects strewn across the bedsheet that I noticed was the Aqua pendant. I smiled and placed it away from the rest of the items. I turned back and immediately my eyes caught on a broken frame of a small photograph.

I recognized it almost immediately as I picked it up.

"This is…"

Genis smiled and nodded his head, "Yes, it's from when we visited Meltokio together."

"But why is it broken?" I asked, tilting my head to the side and looking at him, "Did it break on the journey? Or…"

"I'm the one who broke it."

I froze, "You what?"

He squeezed his eyes shut, "I'm sorry. I know I promised I'd take good care of it! But it's on the frame that's broken…and I was really angry…and I didn't even know it happened and…and Feral…and…!"

I removed any space between us, cutting him off with a fierce hug, "It's okay."

"B-but…you look so sad about it."

I shook my head, "Well yes, you didn't keep your promise about taking good care of it, but like you said, the photograph isn't harmed. Now lets go back to looking."

Genis nodded his head, "O-okay, I'll put this over here. And I'll…I'll try to find another frame for it as soon as possible."

I nodded my head, turning back to the contents on the bed. There were some metal-like objects that we could definitely use. And making a chain wouldn't be hard at all, especially for me.

"Hmm, but I think a choker would be better for you." I mumbled to myself, causing Genis to look over at me.

"A choker?"

I nodded my head, turning to face him, "Yes. Like a collar."

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Raine's POV

I sighed in relief as we landed on one of the outer platforms of the floating city of Exire. The first thing I wanted to do was ask the nearest person if anyone named Genis Sage had arrived.

But I knew I couldn't do that…at least I couldn't yet. I turned to look at Sheena, who seemed quite nervous. She was here to make a pact. And that was the first thing we had to accomplish.

I got off my Rhieard, gripping my oak staff in my hands, taking a deep breath. I would soon be around my own kind…and it quite honestly scared me to death. That and the possibility that Genis…

I shut my eyes tightly 'No you can't think about Genis right now, no matter how much you want to! The pact with Maxwell comes first, and I know Sheena needs our help. Besides it would be better if the pact was already made by the time Lloyd and the others got here.'

I jumped and turned when I felt a hand on my shoulder, it was April. She gave me a concerned look, "Are you okay?"

I nodded my head, "As okay as I'm going to be."

Yuan coughed, straightening his cloak, "Well if we're done talking here, then I suppose we can…go speak with the mayor."

"Um, you don't sound too happy about that…" Colette murmured from next to Sheena, eyeing Yuan with concern.

The blue haired ex-seraph sighed, "Well no I'm not too happy about it, you see, the last time I tried to have a civil talk with the man he got angry with me. He has quite the temper when he wants one. Then again, he was rather young the last time I saw him, hopefully the years have been good to him and helped him mellow out."

"Urm…and it's bad if he gets angry at us because…?"

"The last time he got angry with me, he ordered me to leave, and if I didn't he would permanently ban me from Exire."

"…that's some temper."

Yuan nodded his head, "Yes. Though I believe it was in some ways my fault as well. I wished to have more half-elves on my side then, and he said no…"

"…but shouldn't that be their own decision."

"I suppose, but that isn't what we're here for is it? You're here to make the pact, I'm here to get more information from Mithos, which he won't give unless you make the pact."

"So we make the pact." Colette stated, smiling, "I'm sure we can convince Maxwell that Sheena's good enough."

Sheena smiled, "Yeah, I hope he'll…accept me…"

I nodded my head, "Yes, hopefully. Now let's get going. I don't want to stand here all day."

Sheena nodded her head, "Yeah, you probably don't. Especially since Genis is here and all."

"We don't know if he's here or not."

"But I don't think Mithos would lie to us." Colette added in, looking at me with saddened eyes, "Or do you still not trust him?"

"I can't trust him unless I see that Genis is better. If Genis is better then I will decide on my own whether or not he's trustworthy or not." I turned and walked down the stone steps to one of the lower platforms.

For some strange reason, there was this feeling in the air. I couldn't tell what it was. But I knew I was going to be in for…something extremely unpleasant soon.

But what exactly that unpleasant something was. I didn't know. I sighed softly to myself, walking across a small walkway, noticing immediately how many…girls…were crowded around this platform.

I also saw a man with brown hair and brown eyes speaking with one of the young women in the crowd, "Yes, they're resting now. No one's permitted to see them. Now I will be in my home if anyone needs me…"

"But Mayor!" One girl cried out, "You haven't even told us about the blond boy, the boy who was awake! Who is he?"

The brown haired man smiled, "Well I suppose I can tell you his name, now don't be shocked. His name is Mithos."

The crowd gasped, and my eyes widened.

'So Mithos really is here…he really did keep his promise…'

I watched as the Mayor walked into his house and the crowd of women dissipate.

"Wow. So Mithos really is here?" Sheena asked to no one in particular, leaning on one foot, her arms crossed over her chest.

"It appears to be that way. Now, since we know where the mayor is, let us ask him where Maxwell sleeps."

"But…"

"It's fine Colette. Yuan is right. The pact comes first. I'll visit Genis afterwards," I smiled down at the blond, "Besides, he said they were resting, which is a relief to hear."

April nodded her head, smiling as well, "Yes Genis hasn't been getting that much sleep lately either."

We turned and walked over to the Mayors house. Ironically enough, no one stopped us or asked us what we were doing here…what humans were doing here. As we entered the Mayors house, I held my breath.

The first thing that happened, to my surprise, was the Mayor rising from his chair, and staring straight at me, "Virginia?" He asked, as if in shock.

'Wait…how does he know my mothers name?'

"No…you aren't Virginia…you're…"

"My name is Raine, I'm Virginia's daughter." I answered for him. His eyes widened.

"And we're here to find out where Maxwell's seal is." Yuan finished.

"I…see…"

He turned to look between us, "And I would assume that you are Genis and Mithos' friends?"

We nodded our heads, "Yes, we are. But, um, there are…a few more people coming too…"

"Humans, elves, and half-elves…as friends," the man shook his head, "If you wish to know where Maxwell's seal is, it's around back, it's also the furthest platform."

"I see, thank you, we will be leaving now." Yuan tersely replied, turning around and walking back out the doorway.

"Ah, wait Yuan!" Colette called out, following him out, followed by Sheena. April looked at me in confusion, but bowed her head and left as well.

Once the door closed behind her, I turned back to face the mayor, "You know my mother?"

He nodded his head, "Yes. Yes I do." He looked down.

'This can't be happening…he knows my mother…the woman who…'

"But I won't tell you anything about her until you're done with whatever it is you need to be doing." His eyes were serious, "After you're done with your business here I would like you to come back and speak to me alone."

I nodded my head, "Yes…I understand."

He smiled, "Good."

I turned to leave, and, just as I opened the door he spoke again, "You look so much like your mother…and Genis…looks so much like your father."

I walked out the door and followed the path behind the Mayors house, nearly bumping into April, who was waiting right behind the first corner.

She smiled at me and I smiled back.

'He knows about my mother…'

We made out way down the long pathway to were a huge stone tablet lay.

"What does it say?" Colette asked, "I can't read it."

Sheena shook her head, "Neither can I."

"I'm afraid my studies in ruins aren't as…heightened as they used to be. Raine, if you would…"

I nodded my head and walked up to the huge tablet.

'He knows about my father…and he says Genis and I look so much like our parents. But I can't think about that now…I have to focus on helping make the pact with Maxwell…'

I closed my eyes, and then opened them.

Yes, the only thing I needed to worry about now was the pact with Maxwell. Everything else would have to wait for later…no matter how much I want it now.

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Me: And there's TU Part 48! And I have to say one thing about it…nothing I wanted to happen in the chapter (except for the finding of Genis and Mithos' feathers) that I wanted to happen.

Feral: Which means, you guessed it, the Exire-centered chapters are going to be extended by at least one chapter. Not that anyone minds…

Me: That's true. Now then, R&R please! More reviews equal a faster update! So yeah, review!