Chapter 2: Kuja's Awakening

As the brilliant flash of light faded, the sealed branches slowly opened. The figure walked inside, only to be confronted by a Zombie dragon. Quickly casting Firaga upon the creature, the person moved on, allowing the monster to drop dead onto the ground, never to rise again.

Descending deeper into the dark, inner recesses of the tree, the feeling of a familiar essence grew stronger. Stopping at a strange, large glowing sphere, the figure gazed up, allowing the light to strike her face. Her eyes widened as she recognized the figure within the orb. She stepped forward and placed her hands on the outside of the sphere and chanted a few words of a forgotten language. The orb flashed a bright blue-green for a moment, then it faded into nothingness, leaving a slowly descending form, gently floating down from its place of magical suspension. As the figure landed, the woman stepped forward and reached out, placing a hand on the man's face. Gently kneeling next to him, she whispered, "Awaken.your rest has been long and your dreams wearisome. Awaken and see the light of day once more."

The man opened his eyes, the spell of sleep broken, and gazed up at the woman.

"My lady…I thought that I would never see you again."

"You left me on Terra...to fulfill some mission here on Gaia. Do you know how long I have been searching for you since?"

The man closed his eyes. "No...I'm sorry...I apologize for not contacting you or even visiting. However, I have missed you so." He stood up and gazed into her eyes, honest apologies reflecting in them.

"And I have missed you too."

He walked over to the woman, his white/purple robes swaying as he walked. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

"My dear canary… Lady Rose."

Nuzzling him gently, she smiled. "Lord Kuja…"

"Come, we have much to discuss."