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year 5, quarter 3
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Although the night stayed calm, the Emperor of Palamecia's mind was in turmoil. Conjectures, theories, and speculation whirled about like the fierce winds he had been pulled from. Every step paired with a new thought on his current predicament. With no magic and a sudden onset of amnesia, Mateus was having a hard time organizing his thoughts and more importantly a plan together. The harder he tried to remember particulars the worse his sudden headache seemed to grow. He felt as though he had been on the verge of something of some significance, but then again everything he did was of importance. He sighed. Just as there was no point in trying to keep water in his hands, the Emperor decided that overthinking his situation would only lead to more irritation which only led to shortsighted goals. There was one thing he knew with certainty though, there was always time.
Mateus cast his focus off his mind and onto the field he found himself walking through. The night sky was clear of clouds so the moonlight cast everything in stark clarity. The blue-green grass swayed softly in the light breeze as far as the eye could see. He felt like he had been walking for a good hour, but it felt like the scenery was on a loop. He knew he hadn't been walking in circles, or at least he thought he hadn't. Then again he hadn't been paying much attention the the physical path ahead as much as the mental one. Mateus scanned his horizon slowly taking in the vast sea of grass. Just as he had almost decided to continue heading in the direction he had been going, a light caught the corner of his eye. Quickly he spun to face the source of the illumination. Just on the line of his vision, a noticeably green light flickered in and out of his view. Some would call it a sign, but Mateus just thought of it as a destination as he began trekking towards this new location.
After what felt like another hour, the light was closer but nowhere near being reached. Mateus was not deterred by this though; he knew he would arrive where he needed to be sooner or later, so need to fret about the time taken to get there. As he walked, he began noticing rock piles forming every few feet as well as the ground slowly beginning to tilt downwards. Looking ahead he noticed the field slowly dipping into a valley with arches of stone littering the sight line. "Odd," he thought as walked up to one of the figure. Upon closer inspection he noticed etchings running across the entire surface of the stone. Using the moonlight, the Emperor tried reading the inscriptions, but they were in a language he did not understand. "What nonsense is this? I've made a point to learn all the languages of the world." he mused to himself. How could he subjugate his empire if he didn't know the language of rebels? Mateus thought it not worth pouring time over something he could not understand at the moment, so he continued towards the green light which seemed closer than it had moments prior.
The Emperor knew this was important before even getting close. As he had been approaching he noticed that he was much further down into the valley than he had realized, and the the arches seemed to be more concentrated and circular around this bottom of the valley. In the depth the largest gate Mateus had ever seen stood. In the middle stood a glowing gate which now was the apparent source of the green light he had been following. Even if he couldn't use his magic, he understood immediately this was something of immense might and magic. Mateus stayed his distance though for he knew not whether this energy was harnessed or ready to strike at any who dared approach. Once again he glanced at the stone arches about him that now numbered in the hundreds, each one still indecipherable to him. He decided that he would stay here for a while to observe this mysterious gate and strange inscriptions. He didn't feel an imminent danger and perhaps there was something he was simply overlooking here.
Sorry that Kuja didn't notice him! He's, uh...A little distracted...
Why should the world exist without me?
Kuja had missed the sensation of flight.
Despite his nearly futile goals, despite the wounds he still hadn't recovered from, he found it impossible to brood when gliding through the air nestled between a dragon's wings. It was freedom that he felt in the slick of wind through his hair and power that exhilarated him as he glanced idly towards the earth-bound mortals below. In the skies, he was untouchable, and with that came a rush as potent as wine and as satisfying as blood beneath his nails. Kuja slid his fingers through the dragon's feathers, stroking her neck fondly. All of his schemes, all of the destruction, had been worth it for this.
After so long of skulking in the shadows, Kuja had taken his place center stage, and he had done so on the back of a silver dragon.
Kuja sighed and reached up to scratch the point between the dragon's neck and bone plate. Two weeks had passed since his infiltration of Torensten. Two weeks since the city's ruins had burst apart and the skies had darkened with dragons' wings. He hadn't lingered to watch the devastation nor had he bothered to listen for news of the aftermath. Instead, he had fled with his victory in one hand and his wounds clutched in the other. The Warrior of Light had not lost quietly, and while Kuja's magic had easily stitched together the muscle, sinew, and skin, the blood loss took far more time. Days passed before Kuja had recovered the strength he needed for this journey. Terrible, trembling days aided only by the whims of a dragon.
And yet still, she had aided him. Silver dragons were as intelligent as they were beautiful, and twice as deadly as either. They were kindred spirits, really. Both he and the dragon carried about them a kind of otherworldly grace, and neither knew the meaning of mercy.
"It's here." The Terran words slid from Kuja's tongue like silk. The dragon needed only psychic instruction, but Kuja had always found it easier to project his thoughts in a language built for telepathy. The dragon gave a quiet huff of approval before angling for a slow descent. Kuja watched the ruins rise up to meet them. They dotted the landscape with rolling arches, half-crumbling from age. There was something prickling on the wind that had not been there before. His breath caught at the acrid taste of it.
Magic.
Kuja sat forward, back straight, eyes gleaming. He scanned the horizon, searching for the telltale signs of that gate -- the Crystallus Divider. It took him only minutes to spot it, rising form the horizon. It was almost impossible to miss when it glowed a faint green light.
Kuja laughed as they descended. It let loose from him in waves -- triumphant and exhilarated. His heart raced as the dragon circled the arch and then landed gracefully at its base. He slid off its back with practiced ease and approached the gate, eyes gleaming. There was no mistaking the magic before him, flickering emerald just as the Dragon's Gate had burst to life in a blinding blue. His theories were correct. His work had come to fruition.
He'd done it.
Kuja passed a hand over his eyes, head tilting back as he once again erupted into laughter. Just as he'd surmised, this strange world was a meeting point between dimensions, and this arch served as its portal. With only one of its gates activated, it already shimmered with power. Kuja lowered his hand as his laughter faded, eyes caught on the strange and powerful ruins before him.
"The winds have shifted. The breath of gods lies still. On the earth, a presence lifted. In the heavens, fate to kill." Kuja slid a hand through his hair, tossing it over his shoulder carelessly. A smile pricked at his lips, fickle and self-indulgent.
"If I must defy the Warrior's gods, then so be it," he mused. "I have never been one to abide by a higher will."
Kuja let his hand fall. Before him was a path of infinite mystery and yet also of salvation. Soon, his plans would come to fruition, the world's defenses would fall, and each of the gates would be wrenched to life. On that day, this path would open, and this world's secrets would come to light. Perhaps then he could return to Gaia and to the revenge that awaited him there. To the fruition of his work and to the murder that had lurked in his heart since the day Garland had spurned him.
Soon, he would return to that story and to the bloodshed so long denied him. If this world had to pay the price for his vengeance, then that was a sacrifice that Kuja was willing to make.
Laughter touched once again at his lips. His blood heated with longing.
The stillness of the night and lack of action had Mateus watching the strange ebbing and flowing with a quiet intensity. If not for the strangeness and curiousness of it all, he would have almost felt calm as though there were no reason to leave this place. Still the lack of activity began to wear on Mateus' patience. If nothing was to be seen here, it was time to move along again in search of something more worth an emperor's time. Still it would be unwise to awaken or provoke a power he did not understand. Scooping up a crumbled rock fallen from one of the arches, Mateus gently tossed the rock at the gate to see if the energy consumed it or violently reacted. Nothing.He wished there had been something living to sacrifice to his test, but he resolved that this was the best he could do for now. Slowly, Mateus began to walk towards the arch...
A shadow passed over him.
Swiftly Mateus was back by the arch looking up to determine what was coming. A dragon. On the one hand, he was relieved to know he was not the only life form nearby, but on the other he did his best to stay out of view in case the creature had an appetite. It had been some time since Mateus had seen one so up close and personal, as the beast began to descend into the valley. He reminisced about raising dragons from the pits of Hell before setting them loose upon the world, and putting one in his new constructed flying fortress. What a pity he hadn't been able to see their might pitted against rebellious fools yet. The Emperor kept his sight closely on the dragon circling the arch making sure to not be seen as it finally landed. Mateus knew it was best to leave now and perhaps come again when such a fearsome and powerful monster was not here to contend with. However, before he turned to depart, he noticed a figure dismount and begin approaching the gate which caused Mateus to pause.
Carefully moving in a semicircle away from the dragon and closer to this new person, Mateus watched the person walk towards the gate and noted that they were not instantly slain. "Perhaps, a test subject has come along after all," he mused smirking to himself. Letting the smirk drop from his face, Mateus moved in closer to an arch just a few feet away from the person and listened as the figure began laughing to itself. Intrigued at this, he listened closer for anything to indicate where this mirth was inspired from. He didn't catch much besides some rambling about some gods. The Emperor had never given much thought towards any god or gods seeing them as scapegoats for men to blame either their fortunes or misery on. He himself believed in taking both in tow and anything else his eyes set upon.
Figuring that by making himself known, this person would recognize him as being the Emperor of the land and willingly, either through loyalty or fear, point him back towards Castle Palamecia. Still without being able to use his powers, he was going to have to be a little more diplomatic going about this seeing as he couldn't just smite a would be rebel down. Also, the dragon was of some worry too. Projecting his voice so as to be heard before seen by the figure Mateus started speaking, "What purpose do the gods' powers have if not to be taken by man for their use?"As he finished the question, he found himself about arm's length from the person.
Mateus stood with a half smirk on his face as he surveyed this man. The other was a bit shorter than he and his silver feather infused hair gleamed in the moonlight. The Emperor could also feel a strength resonating from the person to his side. He thought it best not to trifle with him since he had bee capable of riding a dragon. Still wouldn't word of someone with this power have made its way back to his ears much sooner than this? He made a mental note to chastise his scouts or perhaps just dispose of his current ones and find better ones. Still he knew not whether this was a threat or ally. Turning away from the man and towards the pulsating gate he began to speak the words he had been meticulously putting together, "Pardon the musings, but in the presence of such astonishing sights, one begins to wonder." He turned back to the man. Although he thought it should be obvious who he was he thought a cordial introduction may assuage any fears they had for one another. "Mateus, Emperor of Palamecia. A pleasure." Mateus offered out his hand to the stranger, an unfamiliar and more irreverent welcome than he was used to. Still this was the way of the peasants, but one would usually give his life for the honor of touching the Emperor's hand. What a lucky day for this man indeed.
"What purpose do the gods' powers have if not to be taken by man for their use?"
Kuja froze as a voice sounded far too close behind him. Careless. He hadn't thought to check the ruins for occupation. Still, he couldn't help but smirk at the words themselves. It was the kind of retort he would have given had he misunderstood his own satirical musings. It was the kind of question that immediately endeared itself to him, and so he kept his fingers free of magic. There was no need to attack one so like-minded, was there?
One look was all it took to bury that sentiment.
Kuja turned to find the speaker not three feet away from him. A flash of purple, gold, and glinting sunlight. He flinched before his eyes could take in every gaudy detail. Hair strung with beads and fashioned into horns. Gold crafted over torso, midrift, and every limb. Lips painted an unnatural purple. It took several seconds for Kuja to take it all in, eyes flicking from hair to face to body in uncertain succession. Then he noticed the man's codpiece. Crafted in gold and strapped below the navel was a lovingly crafted, sharp-toothed skull.
Kuja opened his mouth, but he had no words for mockery. He could only stand there, dumbstruck by the disastrous spectacle before him. It was as though someone had taken every symbol of power, tossed it in a box, and then hurled the man through it headfirst and covered in glue. Compared to this man, Kuja's own attire was positively modest. At least his codpiece didn't have a face.
The man must have mistaken Kuja's silence for awe because he kept smirking in that self-assured way of his as he turned his attention towards the Crystalus Divider. "Pardon the musings, but in the presence of such astonishing sights, one begins to wonder." He glanced back to him coolly. "Mateus, Emperor of Palamecia. A pleasure."
Emperor. The word touched Kuja's memory like a glint of gold in the fog. An unpleasant something stirred within him at that word, and yet, he couldn't place it. It was the same infuriating deja vu he'd felt with the Warrior of Light or the name "Chaos." Which meant it was almost certainly related to the Warrior's insane ramblings of gods.
The emperor stuck out his hand in a friendly gesture that didn't quite suit him. Kuja glanced from it to the man's garish, over-confident face. For a second, he had the inexplicable urge to strike that hand with a spark of magic and the tips of his nails. Instead, he merely smiled and tilted his head, eyes wide in mock reverence. "An Emperor, you say? Deigning to grace me with his presence? I suppose I should feel honored." He glanced once more at the emperor's outstretched hand before turning a shoulder to it and wandering past him, smiling as mischievously as ever. "But unfortunately, I've never heard of Palamecia."
He stopped only a few feet away, eyes turned upwards as he touched carefully at his bottom lip. "To answer your question," he said. "They have none. Gods are mortal constructions to explain that which is incomprehensible to the feeble-minded. They have no use except for deception, legends, and poetry." Kuja paused in thought before glancing back at the gold-clad monarch. The more he dared look at him, the more his stomach twisted with disdain. He fought the urge to scowl.
"My name is Kuja. A sorcerer, among other things." Among many other things like an arms-dealer, royal adviser, inventor, dragon-tamer, and harbinger of genocide. He sent the emperor another mocking smile. "And what brings you here, your highness? Lost outside your castle walls?" He glanced away, laughing delicately behind the back of his hand.
"It must be hard for your subjects to find you. You are so subtle, after all."
The Emperor's arm began to tingle as it lingered in the air. What was taking so long? His eyes darted between his outstretched hospitality and the ingrate refusing it. Had he never been taught manners befitting the introduction of royalty? Perhaps not, Mateus mused, the so called rulers of the kingdoms he had invaded seemed to dismiss regality and formality in favor of a more friendly reign. Look at them now though. He had executed for grievances against him far more trivial than this if only to prove a lesson of humility and subjugation. Sadly he was at the disadvantage here.
Mateus dropped his arm to his side as the other began to talk and walk past him, the outstretched palm clenching into a fist for a mere second before lying limply at his side. His insolence was astounding. Never had he been talked to in such a way. His smirk slid into a grimace as the boy mocked him. An offense like this was under normal circumstances inexcusable. That waggling tongue of his should have been cut out and nailed to the entrance of his town as a warning to those who would use theirs so crassly.
"I suppose I should feel honored," the other ended his mockery with. Mateus retorted, "If i have to tell you, you must not be accustomed to the feeling." Mateus smirked to himself before turning round to face his insulter. He much prefer to keep this tongue waggler in his sights. He scowled as this person told him that he never heard of Palamecia. With Castle Palamecia perched upon the highest mountain in the land and with his claim to kingdoms growing every day, he found it hard to believe this man's claim. Still his lack of magic nagged at him to consider the fact. Perhaps he was in a foreign nation where powerful mage's had sealed his own power. The land of Mysidia came to his mind. This was troubling on multiple fronts. If this man was lying, then he had a rebel on his hands. If this was truth, he was far from protection and home.
The Emperor stood observantly as the stranger gave his opinion of the gods. Mateus had simply brought this point up to have a conversation starter. Still he indulged his tormentor, "I must say I agree. People revere these tales more so than they do those who actually let them live their lives. It would almost seem pertinent to make oneself into the likeness of a god if it would strike fear into the disobedient." He had rambled a bit more than he had planned but the idea stuck in the back of his mind as something to look into. Fear was always more powerful than adoration.
A sorcerer?! Finally something this piqued Mateus' interest rather than his anger. Also he also introduced himself which was an unexpected nicety. Mateus longed to know why the warm power was not coursing through his veins as they spoke and wished to ask, but he was not going to let on that he was defenseless. Still he had a name and that was worth something if he needed to go poking around about this character. "Your prowess proceeds you when a dragon is your mount. I'm impressed. Also this place is teeming with magic so no wonder a like minded wielder would be here," Mateus tried to compliment the man maybe in order to win any information that he might garner from the individual.
However almost as soon as the interest and curiosity had come, it had been lost in another wave of frustration with this Kuja's mockery. Mateus decided that he must truly not know who he was for him to be speaking to him in such an appalling manner. Still he saw a glimmer of potential help in this man so he kept an even tone. "One is not lost if they can find a purpose any place they go. But in your terms it seems I am. Can you enlighten me on our location?" Mateus smirked before continuing, "Also it's a rare thing to see an Emperor out and about. Perhaps you'll come to feel honored after all."
After talking Mateus gave Kuja a quick false smile before continuing to study him with intrigue. If the man proved of any use, perhaps Mateus would find a way to show his gratitude; if not well at least he had a name and a stating point and he'd be on his way.
"Your prowess proceeds you when a dragon is your mount. I'm impressed."
Kuja paused. Of all the responses the emperor could have given, that was not what he'd expected. Like-minded mockery? Likely. Self-satisfied dismissals? Certainly. Compliments? Absolutely not.
And yet, there was no mistaking the man's even demeanor and flattery. He had taken every one of Kuja's insults unflinchingly, and the emperor did not seem the type to have missed them. Kuja's eyes flicked over the man, eyeing him cautiously. Something about this felt wrong, but he could see nothing here beyond a man who was either thick-skinned or desperate.
He supposed that having a dragon didn't hurt either. She watched the man with predatory curiosity. Kuja glanced at her and projected words that his mouth didn't say: 'Be still. This one's not for you.'
The emperor admitted to being lost. Though he tried to spin it with regal dignity, there weren't many ways to dress up helplessness, and Kuja hardly missed the subtext. The emperor was new to the world: lost, uncertain, and almost certainly lacking memories. Informing new victims of their condition had become so routine that Kuja almost found it a waste of time. Or at least, he would have if desperate amnesiacs were not so easily manipulated. At least the emperor seemed prepared to flatter him.
"Also it's a rare thing to see an Emperor out and about. Perhaps you'll come to feel honored after all."
Or maybe not. Kuja laughed again, glancing playfully at the man with a touch at his bottom lip. "Perhaps," he mused before tossing his hair over his shoulder. It seemed he had miscalculated. If the man wished to play at respect, then Kuja would do the same in turn.
"My apologies," he said, turning to face him. "It seems I'd mistaken you for someone else. A certain gaudy, scheming someone I met in a dream." Kuja tilted his head, raising his eyes to the sky. Emperor Mateus had not acted in the way Kuja had expected of him, and yet, he still couldn't shake that infuriating sense of familiarity. If the Warrior was to be believed (and Kuja had little doubts about that), then Kuja had almost certainly met this man before. Still, it hardly mattered when the man suffered amnesia. Kuja was more than willing to forgive any half-remembered past if it meant another puppet in his schemes.
He offered the emperor a regal wave of his hand. "Please forgive my sharp tongue. You had done nothing to deserve it." In emphasis, he even gave the man a graceful bow deserving of any noble court in Alexandria or Treno. When he rose, his expression had cleared. He took several thoughtful steps forward.
"As for your location, I'm afraid I have no simple answers." Kuja stopped and glanced at the Crystallus Divider. He gave it a somber frown. "I came to study this ruins' magical properties. You see, I am lost myself, and believe this place to be a gateway of sorts. A gateway back home."Wherever that was. Kuja's stomach twisted at that hated word, but he hardly had time to brood.
Kuja turned his attention back to the emperor. For once, his smile had faded. "As unbelievable as it might be, this place is a gathering point for lost souls. Many a traveler has woken here as though simply dropped from the sky, each claiming to hail from somewhere more fantastic than the last. Some experience memory loss. Others arrive fully intact. None can remember how it was they came to this place. That is what I seek to discover."
He turned to consider the Divider, arms crossed and head tilted. "So I'm afraid I haven't heard of Palamecia, just as I'm certain you've heard nothing of Alexandria. It's the way of the world, at least until my work is complete."
He paused, smirked faintly, and then cleared his expression. "It seems your title is useless here without an empire behind it." He glanced at the man, eyes lit with amusement. "Shall I simply call you Mateus then? The honorific feels a tad forced."
Mateus let a small smile creep upon his face as he listened to Kuja's apology. Finally some decorum befitting an Emperor was being displayed however mockingly it appeared. He gave a small wave of his hand towards Kuja as he bowed as if to say not to worry about the grievous and erroneous welcome he had just received. Still he did not like the way the man talked about this dream figure. For some reason it just made the dark cloud of forgetfulness rolling in his head crackle with thunderous anger without the illuminating flash of clarity. Still he let the feelings slide away as he continued to listen to Kuja's words.
His attention turned back to the glowing green gate as the conversation turned from fake formalities to the answers he needed. Yet the words he heard did not bring the comfort and security he had hoped for. It made sense for him not be in Palamecia anymore, and it did conveniently explain why his powers of Hell had vanished. He began to ponder as to what this all meant. At first he took this all to mean that he had died and this was the afterlife, but he felt the same as he always had and that which gave Mateus his hellish powers would have most definitely been ready to reap its payment. He would face that ordeal when the time came but was this alternative much better? He did like the idea that Kuja was just as lost as he was in this land, but something about him knowing so much was off putting. The Emperor did not like being the least learned in any situation.
"Most peculiar. Current circumstances and my own ignorance of this Alexandria seem to lead credence to your words," was his reply to these revelations. "I take it that you've been here quite some time then?" he asked turning to the sorcerer. He noticed that the slight breeze that had been present most of the conversation begin to dissipate. It made the encounter much more stark as the only thing to listen to was the breath of the dragon and Kuja's words. Mateus was impressed that this individual had taken it upon himself to learn the true goings on. Someone like this could prove quite useful. "Have you stopped to think as to why all these souls have poured here? Or do you think we've all fallen to the whim and folly of existence?" He asked himself the same question and pondered this on top of the idea Kuja was working towards answers as well
The Emperor was not amused by the next thing that he heard. If not for the need of this man's aid, Mateus would have slapped the impudent cross the face. Still although he stung the Emperor's pride, the stranger was correct; he had no empire here and therefore no fools to carry out his bidding. Maybe that's why he had been called here. Maybe this place needed a competent ruler. Men were the same everywhere, and most likely needed tamed here too. Pulling himself out of his thoughts for a moment he retorted, "Call me what you will, but even though a rose may be severed from its bush, a rose it still is."
Mateus then began to formulate a plan on the spot. "Your aid thus far has been invaluable," he began his pitch, "If aid I can lend you in your pursuit here, let me be of service. If not I have one simple request. Would you be so kind as to point a lost soul towards the nearest populated area." He finished offering himself with a bow of his own. It killed him to show such formality to a man of such disrespect, but he knew the man before him was powerful and knew of powerful things. Maybe if he was asked to stay he could claim or tap whatever magic this place had to offer alongside the man. He would prefer to seize whatever they found if he was needed for his own, but felt as though the betrayal would lead him on a trip to the dragon's digestive track. However, if he was turned away he would not be deterred. He would just follow Kuja's ,hopefully truthful, directions and find what he needed elsewhere.
The emperor tensed at his mockery. Something stirred in the man's eyes before his lips tightened and his expression cooled. "Call me what you will," he said, "But even though a rose may be severed from its bush, a rose it still is."
Kuja blinked at the metaphor, and then laughed quietly. "A rose..." he echoed. The emperor had a way of consistently surprising him, though perhaps expecting less of him had been Kuja's mistake. Anyone who would introduce himself with a musing on the gods was someone worthy of respect -- gaudy fashion and all. Kuja stifled his laughter and shook his head. Perhaps he would humor this man after all.
"So it is," he said, tilting his head as he touched thoughtfully at his cheek. "It seems that nobility courses through you like lifeblood. Perhaps you'll take an empire again..." The words were familiar. Sickening, almost, in the way they touched his tongue. He'd said them before -- so many times before -- though to a far less pleasant recipient. Kuja's neck prickled at the thought of the Queen's mottled skin and piggy eyes. He'd hated her eyes as much as he'd hated her touch, and he'd hated her presumptions of him most of all. But that was then, and this was now.
The emperor would prove a far more pleasant puppet.
"Your aid thus far has been invaluable. If aid I can lend you in your pursuit here, let me be of service."
Kuja raised an eyebrow. He certainly hadn't expected an offer so quickly, and yet, he was hardly surprised. He knew the emperor's type just as he'd known to play the Queen like a harp. Mateus was one who valued dignity, nobility, and power, and one who was not above sacrifice to achieve them. He'd prickled at knowing insults, even as forgiveness had slid from his tongue. His title seemed of greater important than his own name, and he carried it with him regardless of position. The emperor was a man of greed, just as the Queen had been, and Kuja could play those strings almost as skillfully as he could lust.
And at first introductions, there was no saying that lust would not play its part either.
Kuja touched lightly at his cheek and gave a wistful sigh. "Your service? But I should hardly accept the aid from someone of your position. If anything, I should be helping you." He shook his head. "Regardless, there is little that I could ask. I'm to leave shortly for the desert and won't return for some time. At least, not until I discover another lead on the portal."
He refolded his arms and glanced at the emperor, frowning. "As for your questions, I'm afraid I can't answer them with certainty. If you're curious as to the length my experience, I'd suggest asking the natives when our kind first fell from their skies. My time here would have begun shortly after that. And as for your second question..." Kuja glanced to the skies thoughtfully. "Yes, I've thought very much on it. I believe that the ruins before us act as the portal, and that should several relics be activated, the portal might be of some use. I've already dealt with the first, and the result stands before you. When I last came to this place, this arch was as lifeless as all the others. Now it burns with magic."
Kuja turned from the portal, gesturing to it almost dismissively. He gave another longing sigh. "Others seem to think it an act of random chance or even the will of gods. But those are cowards' answers for those unable or unwilling to seek truth. I search for something more. You're welcome to join me if you'd like." He gave the emperor an almost sultry glance. His lips echoed with the ghost of a smile. "There's no telling what ancient powers my search could stumble upon. Dragons, for instance, though it came at a price. The people here resisted what was in their best interest." Or at least, what was in his best interest. He let his words fall as delicate as raindrops. "To tell the truth, I find this world horribly unstructured. Perhaps..." His eyes lifted to meet the emperor's. "It needs a ruler."
Kuja smiled as the words settled between them. He let his eyes speak the implications he wouldn't dare touch his lips.
After a moment, he broke the spell with a shake of his head. "As it stands, I will be unavailable for some time, though I can at least offer you transport back to the nearest town. Perhaps you could benefit from learning of this world first hand. And should you wish to find me..." Kuja offered him a mischievous smile. "You need only search the desert. I'm certain that one of your caliber should have little trouble with the task."
At least, if he was worth anything, he wouldn't. Kuja gestured towards the dragon. "Well then, shall we?" he asked with a tilt of his head. His mouth twisted into a smirk. "Don't worry," he said. "She only bites on my command."
Damn. The man had no use for Mateus here, and as such his grab for power was snubbed. He made a note to come back to this place once he had accrued some power of his own. It wouldn't be right to let someone of lower stature to take what could be his. Still he let this minor inconvenience slide as he already had his other plan ready. He figured he had time to learn of this world while Kuja did his research in the desert. "Your service? But I should hardly accept the aid from someone of your position. If anything, I should be helping you."He clenched his jaw as the mockery once again resumed. Although the words themselves were true, going off the other things Kuja had said, the Emperor knew not to take this at face value.
Mateus continued to listen to Kuja's ramblings with silent intrigue. Through his time as ruler, he had to come to find the most inquisitive minds were the ones who yielded the most results, results that then Mateus then took for his own before discarding of the person unless they had more to give. Mateus once again viewed the glowing arch as Kuja proclaimed its pulsating energy was because of his work elsewhere. He gave the dragon a curious glance before redirecting his attention back to Kuja. What a feat that must have been gaining and subsequently taming such a fearsome beast. Mateus had only used their kind for their battle prowess but keeping one as a pet was an interesting idea to him. He could just imagine the look of reverent fear those rebellious fools would have had if he had swooped into their cities amount a dragon. Yes, Kuja was definitely one Mateus was going to be keeping tabs on for quite some time.
"Perhaps it does," Mateus responded to Kuja's claim this restless world needed a ruler. Every person and every land needed a ruler and although he knew himself fit enough to lead all men, he wouldn't say such at this time. It'd be foolish to claim such intentions in front such a powerful companion for what if he thought this proclamation was self intended. No need to make enemies out of potential allies this early in the game. For that's all domination was, a game. Everyone was dispensable but some pieces held more value than others. Still at the time being, Mateus would play by another's rules.
"The pursuit for knowledge is what puts man above monster and beast. Therefore, I too will help in finding out the secrets and nature of this world," Mateus stated in response to Kuja's invitation to research the world. Whether he shared what he found out with Kuja was a different story. "And what is it you hope to find in the restless sand of a desert?" Mateus hoped that his agreement to help delve into this world would let this answer slip out. Was there something more powerful than even dragons perhaps out there?
An invitation to ride the dragon to the nearest town was a much more hospitable than the Emperor had expected from Kuja. He had thought a few points and directions and off Mateus would walk towards his new goal. He fought his weariness that once airborne that he would be plummeted to his demise. "She only bites on my command." Mateus smiled before saying, "As should any pet under a competent master." Was he to be impressed that he had control of his stead no matter the majesty of the stead? Slowly he approached the dragon and gave it a most courteous bow to let it know he was about to mount before rounding to its side. Mateus studied where to sit before climbing onto the dragons back. He left enough room for Kuja to slide in front of him but not enough that if trouble should ensue that he couldn't be grabbed. "My thanks once again," Mateus called to Kuja as he waited.
The emperor approached his dragon, lowered his head, and bowed. Kuja raised a hand to his mouth, twisted in the ghost of laughter. A silver dragon would understand the formalities of normal courts about as well as it would understand the complete works of Avon -- that was to say not at all. Still, there was something almost charming to the man's eager simplicity. At least it was well-mannered if nothing else. And Kuja had missed the rituals of royalty. He let his hand fall to his hip and gave an almost longing sigh.
What he wouldn't give for his home back in Treno -- before he'd murdered the queen and branded himself a traitor to Alexandria. Those days had been marked by opulence and grace. It was a life he had built for himself -- a scandalous life that could have only belonged to him. It would have continued forever had it not been for his plotting. Or rather, for Garland's plotting.
But no. He wouldn't think of that now. He had appearances to keep up, after all.
Mateus slid onto the dragon's back with only a slight hesitance, pulling at her feathers in a way that made her eyes wrinkle with displeasure. Kuja slid his fingers down her snout, muttering comfortingly in his native tongue. 'Not this one,' he said again, and she shot him a look that could only be called annoyed. 'I need him alive.'
Kuja shot her a mysterious smile before slipping his hand behind her crested bone plate and drifting to his place behind her wings. He launched himself over her side in one practiced movement unhindered by the bulk of his armor. In a second, he'd settled confidently between her shoulder blades, and sat stroking her feathers thoughtfully. Why did he need this mysterious emperor? He wasn't entirely sure if he was being honest, but he knew that it was better than killing him. Men like Mateus needed power like most needed air. He would serve as a distraction at worst and a pawn at best. That nagging sense of familiarity told him that he needn't wait long.
This man would make his move sooner rather than later. It was best that Kuja orient himself as an ally and quickly.
Kuja glanced over his shoulder and gave the man a knowing smile. "You'll want to hold onto something," he said. "I'd hardly wish you to fall to your death." As funny as that would be. His mind lingered on the image -- that gaudy, self-assured gold falling helpless through the clouds -- but he wouldn't indulge it. Later, perhaps, once he'd gotten what he wanted. Yes, maybe then.
Kuja stroked his dragon's neck and leaned in to whisper in her ear. 'It's time to go now.' The dragon stirred at his words, giving a soft screech before spreading her wings and flapping them until she'd gained a few feet of height. Kuja turned to the emperor and offered him a delicate hand. A new rider was liable to lose balance and either fall or lurch towards him in desperate self-preservation.
Kuja hardly wished to suffer the whole flight with the emperor's arms around his waist. If he wished the man to touch him, he would make the offer himself, and it would hardly involve his dragon.
Kuja's lips set as he turned to consider the sky before them. Soon, they would arrive in the town of Provo and the people would gawk at the spectacle before them -- a dragon and its rider as mysterious as they were dangerous. His innocent facade would end, but then, he had ended it himself only weeks ago. He turned his attention towards new horizons now. Darker horizons. Soon, he would throw himself to his work, plotting and inventing until his eyes could scarcely focus. Soon, he would become the villain this world so desired.
But that time was not yet. As he steadied the man behind him, Kuja could only wonder what would become of him. Would the world turn on him in a way his own had not? Would he forge a new empire to feed his growing ego? Or would he simply fade into obscurity like so many others in this world before him? Kuja could hardly say, and yet, he found himself hoping for the man's success. It would be interesting at least. An ally in arms, a pawn to his schemes, or perhaps even a rival to keep him occupied. That is what Kuja saw as he glanced behind him at the pretty face with eyes lit in hunger and mouth set in determination. 'Entertain me, won't you?' he thought with a thinly veiled smile. 'This world is too uneventful for my taste.'
The skies expanded before him in seas of blue, pink, and yellow. Kuja considered its infinite horizons, even as the sun set and the day came to an end. Soon, this world would become the stage for a conflict never seen before -- a tragedy, it seemed, of clashing wills. Heroes would surface from the shadows as righteous as that pathetic Warrior and far more furious. When that time came, Kuja would need an alliance of the unscrupulous or easily mislead to defend him, but that was already underway. His first machinations had come to fruition. Now he only needed assemble his pawns in a place that no hero would pay him mind.
Kuja twisted his fingers between his dragon's feathers, stroking her fondly. The wind touched at his cheeks and the wisps of his hair. As the sun disappeared over the horizon, he hardly cared about his lacking resources or his sore wounds or even for the man seated behind. He kept his eyes forward towards the shadows emerging beneath them.
