This tale is far from over...

[hipsdolie.livejournal.com]

Characters: Kuja, open to all
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: Kuja suddenly finds himself in Treno, not knowing how he got there as the last thing he remembers is leaving for Terra from Mount Gulug.
Location: Treno
Date: January 17th, afternoon.
Warnings: To be added? Nothing so far, but it’s Kuja. Spoilers for IX presumably?



After Kuja had found himself in Treno all of the sudden - it was impossible not to notice the changes - he had wondered just how he got from Mount Gulug to this eternal city of night. It was infuriating, not knowing who to blame for his confusion and apparent loss of time, although all signs pointed to Garland, as usual. Had the disgrace of a being muddled with his existence once more? Was it not enough that Kuja was his pawn to control?

Kuja scoffed, shaking his head. If sending him to Treno was Garland’s idea of showing he still wielded a power over him, it was an amusing fantasy. Being sent to a city where he held many connections was no hindrance to him. “Garland, you pitiful fool…” he muttered, looking over at the auction house in the distance fondly. Flashes of dark hair and orange came to his mind unbidden; yes, he remembered the princess well, and the power that drew him to her.

Casting his eyes on the city, he noticed that Treno never really changed; filled to the brim with the thieves, bounty hunters and bargainers of Gaia, masterfully hiding in the shadows Treno was so known for. He noticed some of them looking at his wardrobe, but ignored them, deeming them insignificant as just more insects to be destroyed. A small sacrifice towards Garland’s greedy hands. Looking over their shrouded faces, he felt no compassion or remorse. The only one interesting to him were those who could grant him power. Eidolons…

Walking calmly through the small alleys and turns in the city, his feet familiar with the path to the auction house, he couldn’t help but overhear some measly thieves in a corner discussing the recent events in Treno. Kuja paid it no heed until they discussed the recent disappearance of princess Garnet and how the Mist had reappeared. Curious, Kuja now listened to the details as he had been fairly sure that his dear brother and his ragtag group of rats had caused the Mist to fade by destroying SoulCage.

“I think I’ll have to hear this entire tale from another little bird,” he mused to himself as he approached the auction house, wondering what had happened to Zidane and friends during all this, and what had caused the Mist to return.

Comments

[hipsdolie.livejournal.com]

Even before Zidane finished talking, Kuja began to grow more and more annoyed at how fearless and almost desperate he was to get through to him. Obnoxious little pest; the thought ran through his brain, making Kuja smile despite Zidane's in-your-face nature.

As soon as Zidane finished, Kuja felt an uncertain and unfamiliar feeling race through his body. It was different from the anger and annoyance he felt towards his Zidane, although it was definitely part frustration. It angered him that Zidane - Zidane, of all people - knew something he didn't. This entire situation was off from the moment he'd found himself in Treno of all places.

And now Zidane knew of the heritage they regretfully shared without even having taken a step in that other world, Terra.

Kuja didn't even want to acknowledge the possibility of Garland and Zidane teaming up against him, so he ignored the feeling and pushed on, staring defiantly at the blond Genome. "The noble warrior who took it upon himself to save the world has nothing left to fight for? My, my, but once again the mist contradicts your gullible words! On the contrary, Zidane, there's everything to fight for! Don't tell me you're waving a white flag in my face, Zidane!" Kuja started laughing, putting one hand on his side.

"It isn't over until the curtain falls... For one of us. The Final Act: The End of an Endless War! If you truly know where you're from, even you should be able to understand this."

[thespian-thief.livejournal.com]

"Terra's gone, Kuja," Zidane's words were blunt, but his voice was soft as he held out his hand in offering. It didn't matter so much whether Kuja took it or not. Zidane just felt as though he had to offer. There was a moment's pause as Zidane made a decision, rather rashly as he tended to do. But he did it with conviction, posture straightening and expression growing grave. It made him look older still, made the years which had passed more apparent on the features of Zidane's face.

"We-- I destroyed it. We made it through Shimmering Island, and when I found out... When Garland told me everything and tried to make me like them, I burned it to the ground," he lied, unflinchingly fabricating the events as he went along. He didn't do it to deceive Kuja as much as he did it to protect him, and there was only one wish in Zidane's heart as he spoke.

'Let me bear the burden of your sins with you. I'm not alone, and you're not either. Never. Never.'

"Terra's gone. The Genomes live here now, on Gaia. Garland's dead," he went on to say. "The Mist doesn't mean anything. We'll find a way to stop it again. You don't have to be like this anymore, Kuja. Forget the past. You can live your life the way you want to."

[hipsdolie.livejournal.com]

Kuja looked at the outstretched hand for a while, disgusted at the apparent friendly gesture. Why don't you fear my power?! Kuja wanted to shout, but listened silently at the impossible words that were falling from Zidane's lips, his first instinct was to deny all of it, claim it was all a presumptuous lie from the mouth of a boy too powerless to make him fold his cards in any other way.

Then he slapped the hand aside, insulted by the mere offer. To Kuja, the extended hand stood for nothing but his weakness, his failure, his defeat before the final battle had even commenced. Whatever it was that Zidane was offering (absolution? Forgiveness? Absolutely ridiculous.), Kuja would never take anything from Zidane... Apart from his life.

Laughter bubbled up from his throat, though those familiar with his laugh could probably detect some hesitation and nervousness in the sound. "Ha...haha... what are you saying, Zidane? Terra still exists, and Garland can't be dead. I didn't deal with him yet! How silly of you to try and trick me with such false words of absolution! Did you honestly think I'll be that easy to beat?"

Kuja wondered why Zidane didn't understand that these words didn't help his case and only made him feel like he was being coddled like he was nothing more but a petulant child.

He avoided thinking about how logical Zidane's words sounded, and how he even mentioned the Shimmering Island. He turned sideways from Zidane, clearly getting ready to leave. Spreading his arms, he cast his gaze to the dark sky of Treno, smiling as he practically felt some of the familiar mist in the distance, calling it to him. "Come forth and show him his place, spawn of mist!"

And with that, a huge Mistodon appeared, blocking Zidane's view of Kuja by its sheer size. This allowed Kuja plenty of room to retreat from the scene without having to face Zidane himself.

[thespian-thief.livejournal.com]

"WHOA--"

Zidane jumped back just in time to avoid being clipped in the head by one of the Mistodon's many insect legs as it reared up at him, emitting that horrible screech which always made Zidane's ears ring for hours afterward. Even as he drew his daggers and fell into a defensive stance, he gritted his teeth and called out to Kuja. He knew this play all too well. Kuja had always done this in the past, summoning some sort of creature on them before vanishing to carry on with his plans. Without anyone here to back him up, by the time Zidane took care of the Mistodon, Kuja would be long gone and Zidane knew it.

"Kuja! KUJA! Dammit, don't do this!"

But then Zidane was out of time, and the Mistodon threw its first attack.