A Strange New Place

[Deleted]

As The Sun began to Rise, activity began to rise anew. A young couple walked across the roads, a joyous Man selling his wares. And even a small group of children were playing with each other. It was a beautiful scene, with the vibrant colors colliding with the sunlight, and the activity defining this mix of lights.

And Tun was still confused. He had no clue of who these people were, or where he even was? It was strange, and he wanted answers. The night was tough with the only safe place being a roof top. Deciding that he should get answers, he slid down and landed safely behind the building.

Who should I ask? So many people, but only some will have he answers I'm looking for. He began to question. He saw the couple come nearby, but they seemed to only think of each other. What would they say to a bruised kid they've never even seen? The merchant seemed like a better option, but He already was busy with several customers scrambling over each other.

He glanced around for several minutes , staying out of peoples way, and keeping himself silent and avoiding eye contact. He wanted answers, but he was too worried of what people will say. Why should they pay attention to him when he didn't even sem important. He took some quick steps over to a ledge and looked over, hoping for something to grant him enough courage to speak to someone.

[theshark]

The sunrise in Radiant Garden could be a pretty pleasant biew. It was a peaceful, charming place full of happiness. Beautiful gardens and laggons shined with the morning light.

The night's end also meant Rufus' night of "work" ended, but it wasn't enough. The ex-millionaire looked to his hand. Fifty munny, maybe not even that much. That was a quiet, peaceful night - what isn't good when you are a robber. A robber... dammed be whatever god ou being that put him in that situation. From having everything handed to him, Rufus was now doing petty crimes to survive on a cheap room in a cheap hotel. Fity munny... that wasn't enough! He needed something more!

So, he saw that boy. A little brat lost in the middle of the crowd, obviously confused. What was wrong with him? He was from another world, maybe? Rufus remembered the first night he awoke outside of Gaia. It was terryfying - even to a man of his might. If there was one thing Rufus hated, was not knowing something - and, in that moment, he didn't knew ANYTHING.

However, instead of taking pity on the boy, his tought was that he should be and easy prey. Maybe a infrutiferous one - Rufus himself came to Radiant Garden with just a few Gil on the pockets, and then discovered that even that was worth absolutely nothing. That took him in the miserable life he was having so far.

So, he approached the boy. Rufus walked casually, not even looking at the boy. When they crossed ways, however, Rufus murmured:

"I have the answers you want, Boy From Another World. Follow me." This wasd a bit of a bet. Maybe he was confused by some other reason, but Rufus doubted. He looked like somebody from other world. Everything was a bet here, but, you know what they say, desperate solutions for desperate situations. After saying that, Rufus just kept walking until a nearby alley, nearby but far enough for nothing to be heard by the Radiant Garden population. Then, he would wait for the boy to follow him.

Rufus would probabbly leave an impression on the boy. His stomach might be empty, but Rufus still cared for his appearence above everything else - being a businessman, he learned that a powerful, intimidating look could something be better than a sharp sword. His business suit and hair were imaculated, and he looked and posed as a gentleman. That was easy for him - after all, a gentleman IS a gentleman, no matter how poor.

So, he waited.

[Deleted]

Tun was confused by the sudden strangers offer, and was conflicted. He wanted information, but there's the risk of something in mind of this helper. The man was beginning to dissapear through the thick of the crowd. After some time thinking, Tun finally came to the decision to follow. If he hs to, A Quick bit of knife work should get him out of there.

But he had now almost lost this figure. He saw where he turned, but not the location. Tun dashed through the crowd, aroun the corner, and took a look around. A Short glance caught sight of this man. Tun took a deep breath and walked slowly to him.

What if this is a mistake? What if I'm just doing something stupid? Thoughts like this and more began filling his mind. And with each thought, he slowed down, until he finally met a stop. The temptation to flee in fear was high, but curiousity was on the other hand.

Through several minutes, Tun finally made the conclusion to take the risk. He walked until he was a mere two meters from this man. Soon he shall find out what is going on.

"How d-did you know I'm from s-somewhere else?" Tun asked calmly, but with fear somewhat noticeable.

[theshark]

Rufus waited, and waited; Where was the damm boy? Could it be that he suspected something? Rufus was getting impatient, but decided to use the extra time to prepare. He casted Barrier on himself. A losangular white energy appeared in front of him for a second, before vanishing. Now he was protected if things went the worst way, and the boy wouldn't even suspect.

Some second later, he finally appeared.

Then, the boy appeared. Rufus took a better time to look at him, to analyze him. His arms and legs were marked by tons of bruises. What was that? What kind of life that boy had? Well, it didn't matter. Maybe that would only make everything easier. Maybe - tough Rufus couldn't say that with certanity, some people could fight hurt as well as they could healed. Anyways, Rufus noticed the boy approaching. That was dangerous. Rufus was a long-ranged fighter, not a melee one. The boy went as close as two meters, and Rufus took two steps back, while facing him, leaving a gap of 4 meters between them.

He was ready to strike, when the boy spoke. He was more afraid than what Rufus expected. That was good... but that also remembered him of himself. How he was confused and... scared... Rufus never got scared... no, he needed to get those toughts of his head. He needed to do what he needed. But he took a second to answer.

"Because so am I. My world fell to those dark creatures that are apparently called "Heartless" You remind me of myself when I came to this place. Anyways... none of this matter.[/b] Then, Rufus got his Shotgun out, and pointed it to the boy. "Hand me all your money, and no one needs to get hurt."[/b] Rufus voice was calm and cold. He wasn't making this out of anger or despair. It was a calculistic move, and he showed it without shame. HE then waited for the boy's reaction, ready for anything.

[Deleted]

Tun was caught off gaurd by this man apparently having gone throuh a similar situation. But what was this about "Heartless"? Was that what the creatures he fought earlier were called? Unfortunately, not much time could be taken to take this info in, considering this man drawing a firearm on him. Tun, took a step back, scared by this mans sudden action.

Tun reached carefully for his knife, and prepared to strike. "I don't have any money or items of importance," Tun said, drawing his knife and adopting a defensive pose. The obvious victor seemed to be this man, but Tun hadn't seen him fight. He could be facing someone who was a man of less fighting, and more diplomatic.

Tun kept his gaurd, but lowered it to show a wanting to try to keep this peaceful. The moment that the man made a move, Tun would be ready for it, agressive or passive.

"Can we settle this more peacefully? I understand you have money, and I'm in need of information. Perhaps we can strike a deal?" Tun thought this move carefully, taking in both of their needs, and displayed his wishes for diplomacy.

[theshark]

Rufus kept his cold expression, with no feelings whatsoever, positive or negative. He listened to the boys' plead while standing still, pointing the shotgun at him. After the boy finished, he took a while to answer.

"You don't have anything of value, you say? Humpf... I should have suspected."[/color] Rufus lowered his shotgun, returning it to the holster. "You talk about diplomacy. What would you have to offer me since you already stated you don't have anything? You're just a lost soul, as I am. I don't even doubt you'll fall into petty thievery like myself pretty soon. Rufus sighed, and looked to the sky for one moment, before focusing his attention back to the boy. "Fine, speak. What do you want to know? Tough I'm not a powerful source of information, I'll probabbly be able to help you out a bit."

It was strange, a man as cold as Rufus showing compassion or sollidarity. Could that be just an altruistic act out of pity, or The Tyrant had something on his sleeve?

"By the way you didn't told me your name yet, boy." Rufus finished, then waiting for the boy's questions and ansers.

[Deleted]

A wave of releif washed over Tun at the moment This figure pointed the firearm down. But what could he offer him? No money, and his only item is his knife. But this man mentioned theivery. Perhaps an asnwer sat there. but he needs to be careful.

"Well, perhaps I could help you collect a small collection of money, and you tell me everything yu know in return," Tun said. This had to work, it was Tuns only card that wouldn't leave him on the ground in a bloody heap. But there was something he felt would sweeten the deal. But it would have to wait.

"Oh, m-my name? It's Tun. Tun Jefireso," He said, hearing the question. Now he showed a form of opennes to this man through this statement, allowing himself some more trust...hopefully.

[theshark]

The relief on the boy's expression was pretty clear. He waited, looking at the boy with the same disturbing expression of pure coldness. When the boy answered, however, Rufus smiled for the first time. It was a quick, weak smile, but a smile nonethless.

"You're smarter than you look. I was going to suggest exactly that. Since you don't have my money, you will help me gather it." Rufus looked at the sky. "But not now. Robbing at daylight is mostly fruitless. Too much people, too much guarda and too much wannabe-heroes. Come.[/b] Then, he gave Tun his back again, and started walking, signaling him to follow. "By the way, my name is Rufus. Rufus... Shinra.[/b] He hesitated for a moment about the surname but, hell, why no? It was just a boy.

Rufus guided Tun trough the streets and alleys of Radiant Garden until, finally, arriving at a different place. It was a inn of sorts. There was a sign on the building, where one could read: "Keyblade's Chosen". It was the name of the Inn.

Rufus walked inside, and stopped at the counter. There, he picked the coins he had gathered, some others he already had before, and paid for his pitful room. Then, he took the boy to the commom dining room of the inn. There were a few people there. Rufus grabed a piece of bread and passed it to the boy.

"Eat."[/b] He said, simply, then picked another one for himself and sat on the table. "What do you want to know, Tun? ask away." Said Rufus and, after he finished speaking, he started to eat, while listening to Tun's questions.

[Deleted]

While skeptical about following him, Tun had really no choice. He began to follow him. Rufus Shinra. Fitting for him. Upon entering the establishment, Tun looked around to see the place. Not much time was to be taken, as he was led to a place to quench his hunger. Odd, he only felt this hunger upon the mere sight of food.

Tun took the peice of bread, and replied with a simple "Thank you" . It only felt right to say those two words. He took two small bites, gulped them down and then looked at Rufus.

"If there is anything on my mind, it's what is this place? Any other questions I have only seem to fit after that question is answered," Tun then explained. It was some what a false answer, but it seemed to fit. Tun was wondering what these "Heartless" were, but felt that he should wait for Rufus to answer this question first.

[theshark]

Rufus really didn't cared for the Boy's gratitude. He kept chewing his bread, seemingly paying no attention to the boy. But he actually was. Rufus was listening everything he had to say - the newcomer simply wasn't worthy enough of a face-to-face conversation yet. So, Rufus kept listening, while the boy voiced it's questions.

And, finally, it spoke. Rufus sighed. Of all things he could ask, his first worry is "where they are". Calmly, Rufus swallowed the piece he was chewing.

"This is Radiant Garden. I think you can guess why. It's full of Gardens everywhere. It's pretty much a hub world in the universe. It's big, and have tons of habitants. I'm not a master of this place's lore, since I'm leaving here for little time, but from what I could gather, it was once called "Hollow Bastion" and was the fortress of a powerful witch. Today, however, this world was pretty much restored and lives in peace." . Rufus ate another piece of bread before asking back: "What about you? From where are you from?.

Rufu s didn't kept looking at him, however. He focused back at the bread, while listeniong to the boy. This "wathever" style of Rufus was a bit annoying... but it was his style.

[Deleted]

(Sorry about the delay man)

"Radiant Garden. makes sense," Tun replied. Okay, now to get another question out.

"Well, I'm not sure where I'm from. After a bit of a bad situation- that ended with these bruises- I ran until I saw a small town and a dark portal. I then collapsed and found myself here. I doubt it was any creature or anything. By the way, you mentioned heartless." Tun took a bite of bread again, " What ARE Heartless?" He then questioned.

[Deleted]

That afternoon's take had been pretty good. Mimi was even able to buy some new boots, and had plenty left over for rent and sea salt ice cream too. But now, all she really cared about was having a drink and getting to bed after a long day of performing in the market square, and almost being mugged three times on her way home. Hopefully they weren't too crowded at the inn.

Upon entering, she tossed her owed rent to the older woman at the sign-in counter and headed for the common room for a drink. It was a bit crowded there, as she feared, so there wouldn't be a table where she could drink alone. She was too tired to care about that at the moment though, and just grabbed a drink from the bar, and slinked over to the nearest table with a free seat--where it so happened that Rufus and Tun were sitting.

"Mind if I join you, boys?" she said, winking at them, though she was already taking a seat and setting her stuff beside her. She tossed her long hair over the arm of the chair, so she didn't sit on it.

[Deleted]

OOC: I'm sorry but, can someone please close this. I just need to finally get a fresh start with Tun.