Path to the Dawn [ Rufus - Closed]

[Deleted]

Riku's calm blue eyes gazed upon the entrance of the Pranksters Paradise with some interest.
The Keyblade Master had been here once before, but it was in the dream world. Is it possible
since he unlocked this sleeping world that it can now be traversed by anyone? During his last
adventure here he had to help with the rescue of Pinocchio inside Monstro of all creatures.
This time he can actually explore the full area without having to be inside a giant whale.
This is his first adventure since he was last with Sora, Mickey, Yen Sid, and the others.

For now he is on his own journey to travel to the other worlds and see how they are doing.
Not to mention the new Organization 13 could appear at any time. This is something that he
needs to be cautious of as a Keyblade Master. Besides helping others are what he needs to do
in order to establish a good relation. Not to mention he wants to give all of the innocent
people hope for the future.

As he took his first few steps into the 'amusement park' like world, Riku noticed something
was missing. It appeared as though absolutely no one is here. By the looks of it only the rides,
tents, and other structures are just sitting about. Could this be a trap set up by the Organization?
Or could it be possible that the Heartless had already arrived at this world and devoured the people's
hearts? "I need to get to the bottom of this," He whispered underneath his breath.

[Deleted]

R u f u s S h i n r a

firemasterofcheyenne

Draped in white as he was, Rufus gave off the air of an auspicious being, which had luck following him around at his beck and call. Rufus did not believe in luck, or destiny. He was stable in his belief that nothing could come to be if it was nor given purpose, and by all accounts this world was a vision of what Gold Saucer could have become if Dio had not fought to make it what it was today. Even with the energy crisis on Planet the amusement park ran, even if only at half capacity. Rufus admires him for what it was worth. With so much 'free time' to be spent in Costa del Sol, Gold Saucer's patron was a frequent enough patron at the bars where all the sweaty beach bums gathered after tanning. He spent time talking to Dio and learning of his ambitions.

Though their meetings short and far in between, Rufus found meaning in his inquiries. To live for the entertainment value: this what he had come to learn was what the narcissistic entrepreneur lived by. It was an admirable state of being, but such a state required a means to provide that entertainment and perpetuate it. Perhaps to each they had their own, but Rufus saw an opportunity imposed on him this day. He had been testing a few devices when he found himself among the solemn remnants of am amusement park, but one of greater age and clearly out of use. Gold Saucer was open year round, 24/7, so the vision if not only an empty park, but an unmanned and dark enterprise was something of a shock to the executive. There was no power here, not even the soft him of remnant electrical wiring that sometimes run through wires beneath the city streets.

Beside him marched Dark Nation, the snarling Tentacle Hound moving beside the man in sweeping motions. He looked a dangerous sort. His gaze and entourage was, alone, enough to deter most from approaching. Settling his hand on his hip, the executive would then his head up to the unlit Ferris Wheel. Why was the power out? There did not appear to be anyone around that was in charge, let alone a single body to be seen or heard. Once again it was viewed as an opportunity. Researching other worlds was imperative in learning how they worked and the resources they could provide, or at the very least resources he could take advantage of. No one needed things from an abandoned place as such.

Little were either individuals aware of what skulked about the Paradise in Sheep's clothing…

[Deleted]

As the Keyblade master continued to wander around this desolate amusement park nothing
seemed to pop up. If no wordily being was behind the people's disappearance why is it
abandoned? Soon Riku began making his way towards the Ferris wheel and stopped at what he
was soon looking at it. Before, him was a man wearing nothing but white clothing and some
sort of black dog with a really long tail?

The teenager didn't really know what to do in this situation. However, Riku knew he had to
be tough since he has seen and fought far worse of enemies. "Hey! Do you know anything about
what's happening around here?" He said with a friendly tone. Riku knew that he needs to
appear to be a friendly person not to scare whatever was with the man in white. Not like it
mattered anyway's there was heartless scarier than whatever that thing is.

"Names Riku." If the Keyblade Master had learned anything on his
previous adventures it was always good to get someones name even if they were a bad guy. That
way he could remember their name in the future. There is always that chance they could come back
with a vengence like Pete with Sora. Nonetheless, Riku held his held his composure and waited
for the mysterious man in white to say or do something.

[Deleted]

R u f u s S h i n r a

firemasterofcheyenne

The executive could not say he was impressed. The structures were simply constructions at best. For a little place by the sea it was quaint, but it still lacked the allure that was held by Gold Saucer's glittering attractions. As he stared up at the unlit wheel he pondered the implications. Worlds varied in their technology and it seems this one was closer to Planet's. If he could find where they powered the faire grounds he could obtain some new information. As tedious as this task was it was necessary. Planet's revival required the utmost haste in action and to be dealt with without prejudice. If he had to gut this place, so be it.

As he thought to himself Dark Nation stayed alert to his surroundings. It was a strange place. The hound did not take to it well so it made him more alert, focused. The hound's cropped ears twitched when movement shuffles in the distance. Someone else was here. The hound curled back his lips, a thick snarl bubbling from his throat. The black hound let out a deep woof, pulling Rufus from his thoughts. Looking back over his shoulder he would spot a young man approaching him. Shifting to turn to fully face the young man Rufus now offered his attention. When asked of his knowledge of the park's state, Rufus could only surmise was that this was not normal. So there was power here, just a matter of finding out what happened to it.

"Perhaps a fuse has blown, but it seems such a waste. Such a parade of architecture… what are you doing here-- Riku?" The man questioned.

He did not offer his name, it was not yet a necessity. He had questions first. A young man like this could not possibly cause so much trouble, but youth could prove to be difficult to handle. He was not sure if this lad was knowledgeable of the Shinra name, but it was best to avoid it til he was sure. He was not his father, but many sought to make things difficult for home under these assumptions. Rufus decided to air on the side of caution until he knew otherwise. While he had interest in this world, he would not risk missing out on important information.

"You see I have recently come into trouble and am looking for a way to solve it." His voice was calm, smooth.

The man had a poise, elegant way about him. He was not a being with Darkness or Chaos within him. He was a child of Planet, even if he was still growing into that role. As a Shinra he was a survivor, an innovator, a businessman. His intentions were built around sustaining his company and the job if millions. With such responsibility came great power. Not he still had to prove his worth and not fall behind on his business rivals.

[Deleted]

Riku didn't like the current situation he was in already. Not only does
this man have a snarling and vicious looking dog, but he didn't even mention
his name. Why is that? The Keyblade Master figured he needed to stay on guard
the entire time just to be safe. "Yeah, it could be a fuse," He said while
not answering why he is here.

You could say that Riku wasn't going to trust a guy who couldn't even give
him a name when they first meet. It is called manners, yet the guy could have
a good reason. Nonetheless, Riku didn't have to share his own reasons for being
here if they were to play that game. "Come in to trouble? What kind of trouble?"

Even though Riku didn't trust this guy it was his job as a Keyblade Master to
help anyone who needs it. That is part of the reason that he is here in the first
place. One thing he is certain of is this place reeked of darkness. Sure the darkness
can be used for good, but the creatures of the dark only wanted to kill and destroy
everything.

[Deleted]

R u f u s S h i n r a

firemasterofcheyenne

This world was certainly a paradise for those who found some allure with the bright, glittering lights that came with the infamous amusement park. The park had Rollercoasters that carried a thrillseeker to new heights along and haunted mansions was it? It brought the heart to skip a beat, pushing the mind into a state of clarity. Yes it was a world built to thrill and amuse patrons, bring life back to those listless lives they lived in repetitive monotony. The park tricked them into letting go the precious hours of their lives, whittling them away in a ceremony of raucous laughter. Hard earned gil was flagrantly spent on the transient feeling of being free. Rufus believed that freedom was an illusion. A man could never truly be free because if left to the inhibitions of his primal desires he would make a jackass out of himself.

A human could not act, think or even speak freeling the constraints of society. Their very beliefs were driven by a concrete set of rituals they, themselves, had created. They were bound by these rituals and were confronted with the paradoxical presence of their reality. Such as was the case with money. The executive was sure their ancestors likely got along without the pressed hunks of shiny metal. But it has come to pass that they gave money presence and value, thus they hold an idea they could not live without it, denying themselves the freedom of living without credit debt and a capitalistic dependence on places such as Gold Saucer, and this. But his company survived because of this servitude toward electricity. The need for power was an lie built on the idea of living more easily. Humans gave up a freedom, so they needn’t work as hard for another. It was why Rufus did not believe there was such a thing as freedom, merely choices that led to better situations controlled by another person. Be it the pressing of money, or the supplying of energy.

Dark Nation looked more a fiend than animal. Its fur was short and velvety while the skin beneath was thick and tough. The beast had a high intelligence that allowed it to use magic, holding it far above animals like Fang or Chocobos, but still beneath Moogles. Tentacle Hounds were fiends tamed by the Shinra company to use as Military hounds. They were not true canines, but had many similar aspects. They hunted in packs, communicated through howls and had a complicated hierarchy based on strength. But they had aspects similar to cats as well: they purred and their bodies were flexible with spring-like spines that allowed them to sprint for miles to chase down prey. Their cropped ears gave their the visual appearance of a high-bred hound and their paws, having claws that could not retract, were much like larger hunting felines that resembled the unnamed native species of Cosmo Canyon.

The Hound had no collar, nor had he any sort of armor that other Tentacle Hounds were often given for battle. Even the end of his long, waving tentacle was free of the deadly metal spearhead equipped to make it even harder for an enemy to escape the already barbed lengths of muscle. The curled tail seemed to shine, reflecting the moonlight. All Tentacle Hounds had a natural bladed tail, hardened bone and flesh making a deadly, metal-like weapon. The beast let out a low woofing sound and stood straighter. Rufus’ attention was drawn back to the present. He let out a soft laugh. Reaching his right hand up he would move to adjust his bangs, keeping covered the hidden injury while his left moved down to pat the beast’s head as one would do a loyal dog.

“You see I was separated from my traveling company when a murade of creatures…” He would not offer much more information.

He provided just enough to leave a bit to wonder. Explaining the entire situation, after all, was unnecessary. He was alone and seemed of no dangerous presence. This boy, had he decided he wanted to be a brave fellow and mug Rufus or some such, Dark Nation was enough a deterrent without having to draw his shotgun which lay hidden beneath his white jacket.

“But this fellow showed his mettle against them.” The hound seated himself, chest out and looking quite proud of itself. “I came here to find a bit of a refuge, but I haven’t the foggiest where I have come about.” The fastest way to gain information was to play the role of the helpless traveler.

Though Rufus was anything but helpless. Had the kid not shown up the executive was sure he would have already began snooping around to find what he wanted of this place.

[Deleted]

Riku had to admit he was beginning to find this man rather interesting.
The Keyblade Master simply listened to the short story about the man being
attacked and then being protected by whatever it was next to him. From the
looks of things, he is a stranded civilian who had recently been attacked
and possibly injured? Riku couldn't assume he was, but of course this is all
under speculation.

Well a part of his job is to help other people in need so while he is here he
might as well lend a hand to the man in white before him. "Well if you want
you can come with me while I take a look around." Riku wasn't going to explain
why he himself is here yet. He didn't want to alarm the man before him that
there might be an infestation of Heartless here after all.

"I'm certain you would like to take a look around too." With that Riku held a rather
stern stance and waited for the man before him to answer. The only thing that the
Keyblade Master is really worried about is that dog looking creature that seemed to
be his companion. Something just seemed really off about it.

[Deleted]

R u f u s S h i n r a

firemasterofcheyenne

Rufus was a class A manipulator. He may not have been the sort to openly lie or even make strict threats to those he found displeasing. He preferred to let others fall into his well laid traps. Humans loved to communicate, bit communication was a participatory action. One could only respond to the clues provided by the other party. If both sides failed to respond or react there would be no information shared. Rufus was a man who greatly appreciated the power of communication. He spoke and carefully observed his partners. Their reactions would allow him to leas the verbal ballet along the surface of the dimly lit stage without staggering.

Rufus has already learned enough about the boy to relinquish any distasteful considerations of sicing Dark Nation on him. The boy was not a threat, but cautious. Riku provided his name. One only have up such a personal piece of themselves when they felt one of two things: it gave them power or it put them in an equal standing with their partner. A name that had power could instill fear into his enemies and deterred and foolish actions, though it could also instill a sense of challenge to a thrill seeker, which this boy did not appear to be one. Giving up your name could make others feel comfortable as they now knew something personal about you.

The boy was cautious though. He did not part with too much information, and boys his age could be quite reckless, he knew: he was one, and still was in a sense. He always seemed to tempt others, poking the proverbial sleeping Behemoth. He wanted them to respond, react. He did what was necessary with minimal consideration for the safety of those involved. It was not saying he was without some sense, but nothing ventured nothing gained.

The boy offered to lead. It seemed there were now two possibilities. Seeing as he showed more courageous behavior than fear up to this point, it could easily be determined he was wither knowledgeable of this place or had no fear of the unknown. Either way Rufus could use this to his advantage. Dark Nation stood as his master turned, the executive motioning his hand in an accepting manner.

"By all means." He smiled. "Do you come here often?" Who knew, maybe the boy played here often.

Maybe Riku was here to vandalize it, but found Rufus in the stead of an abandoned park? The boy did seem as if he was wholly surprised by. Rufus being here. Maybe he was not expecting anyone, or just as surprised to see a soul. As was the sad, twisted life of an amusement park. Rufus pressed his fingers to his chin thoughtfully.

"I haven't such machinery where I am from and I am rather curious as to how it worked." Which was the truth, of the matter.

The electrical wires were a mystery to him and he was intrigued by its mechanisms. The man was ill aware of the Heartless danger, but neither was the Keyblade Master. It lay on wait, the cause of the blackout.

[Deleted]

"Right." Before, Riku could say much else the man had asked him if he
came here often and said that he was curious of how the machinery worked.
"I've been here once," Riku paused. The Keyblade Master remembered his
entire adventure on this world, but it was in the Dream state. Even then
this place was a forgotten wasteland.

However, he is still surprised that no one would be around. This place
should be full of life and filled with excitement, but only emptiness is
here. "Alright let's head over there to check things out," he pointed to
the opening which had tracks on it. It was one of those rides which showed
displays on both sides of you.

With that Riku began to walk over to the opening and made sure to keep
all of his senses alert. One of the reasons why he used a blind fold was
to make his hearing much better instead of relying on what he could see.
By training his senses in the past only made him stronger for his future
endevours. So as a Keyblade Master he is going to be the best that he could be.

[Deleted]

R u f u s S h i n r a

firemasterofcheyenne

Rufus was not an adventurer by choice. Nor was he one by accidental occupation. It was a far too reckless lifestyle that did not suit the careful man. He would have rather not die tomorrow when he has so much to do today. Though he did not believe in possibility of immortality supposedly offered by the Lifestream, no matter how eerily young S Class SOLDIERs seemed capable of portraying eternal youth, one had to recall how much of their humanity the associated individuals had lost for such a prize. Rufus was rather fond of his humanity, one could even say he was proud of it. Adventuring was a quick path to death. One could not meet their goals, if dead and buried in a ditch.

With careful dedication and the calculated risk here and there, Rufus tested his boundaries and limitations with the worlds around him. Whereas as his father held no claim to understanding what limitation was and when it was a good time to stop and count one's losses, Rufus knew. He had watched that man foolishly lured to his death like a Chocobo following the allure of a Wrangler's Chocobo Lure Materia. All that Rufus did was done in measured action. He never did more than was necessary, but neither was he so passive that he may as well not be in a participatory position. Rufus did enough to allow, lure others if one was so inclined, into making the decisions that were best for him. Of course if that individual or group got in his way and became an uncontrollable obstacle, he would do well to be rid of them in a heartbeat.

As they explored there seemed to be no one about, not even beasts. That in itself was a more terrifying prospect than the possibility of a few hungry wolves of greedy brigands. Something had drained the life of this area. Be it through fear or outright consumption of the local human or animal population. Rufus had not anticipated another soul to present itself so casually, but the boy was not without his caution and Rufus was not with his own. To trust without proof of one's dedication and valor was another means to advertise one's early step into the grave.

Dark Nation padded along the cobblestone streets, claws scraping against the stone with enough quickness that it threatened to spark and light something ablaze. Rufus' motions were smoother and with a patient stride. The boy must have had contacts or experiences to hold him at length, dictated from the fact that Riku's behavior mirrored his own. Everything here brought him intrigue, but not as Mich as the boy himself. By his features Riku looked to be on his mid-teens. He thumb and index finger came to rest under his chin and the thoughts twisting in his strategic mind. How would he get the boy to speak and bend to his machinations? It was not easy to get humans to reveal that which they held close in order to protect, but humans were predictable.

A deep woof escaped the muzzle of the fiendish hound. Turning his blue eyes toward his night sleek companion he would be struck by the beast's body stance. Following, with his eye, the monstrous pet his eyes would catch sight of a power box. It was what protected electrical components from the rain. Approaching it the man could hear what caught the attention of his beast. There was the familiar, soft him of electricity rippling thought the cables. Opening the metal box Rufus would be most confounded by the strange insides of the box, not at all expecting it to resemble a clock's internal workings.

Even though Rufus could hear the running electricity, there was no power, nor was the main power shut off. Was something causing the energy to not complete its circle? Rufus stood examining the machine, his lips parting to speak.

"You are rather young to be traveling." The man initiates conversation and began his game. "Are you searching for your place in life already?" He mused at the idea.

Was this not what all young men did at this age? It seemed a generically appropriate place to begin his observations on the boy.