A/N: I know I have two other ongoing fanfics right now, and I am in my university's final semester. But I accidentally got inspired to do this story by lucid dreaming, as always, and a Twitter tweet. This will be the first of my KH X FFVII series to follow the Kingdom Hearts games (I'll try to think of the series's name soon). The other chapters will be published alongside the other stories once I'm done with uni.

I will also draw fan art of this story on my DeviantArt, because I love this idea so much. (DeviantArt link (go to the website first and copy/ past the link): redkhii/art/1184481483)

Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy series pre and post-VII belong to Tetsuya Nomura and Square Enix. Disney worlds and elements belong to Walt Disney.

The thought of other worlds besides the one that one lives in would be normal to the hearts and minds of those familiar with other worlds, but must be kept secret from those unfamiliar and live with their contented lives, or face unknown circumstances. Regardless of whether one's heart is born in their original world or resides in another, it doesn't matter as long as one understands the rules of the World Order… until one can change by dangerous actions…

CHAPTER 1: RADIANT GARDEN

[Ten years ago…]

Radiant Garden, known as the city of light due to its illuminating beauty and as it implies, resides in the Realm of Light, which this knowledge is only for a select number of people chosen by the sage-king, Ansem the Wise. One of them, unusual for his age if not for his connection, is walking along the city's castle town from his home while accompanied by his unusual but dangerous-looking animal for a pet, something that will aggravate the animal in question.

The human owner is young, as a teenager, with blonde hair, icy blue eyes that look cold steel or empty with a soft scowl, fair skin, and dressed in a white, buttoned suit jacket and matching pants with a black, long-sleeved buttoned shirt underneath and black loafers. His 'pet', a large and muscular canine that resembles a panther with a short tail, unmatching the large, whip-like appendage sticking from the back of its neck, where its spiked collar adorned its neck with chains, and hovering over its back and rear follows its master while occasionally look around the empty surroundings for anyone who could harm its beloved owner seemingly glowering his disappointment for something.

"Father's at the castle, trying his 'best' to impress Ansem the Wise as usual, right, D?" The boy mused and crossed his arms in displeasure, speaking not to himself but to his canine companion who, surprisingly to those who don't know except to Radiant Garden's citizens, nodded its understanding despite its frightening appearance.

The young man is Rufus Shinra, the only son of the one who called himself 'President' of the Radiant Garden Electric Power Company under Ansem the Wise's guidance in providing electrical power for their world. However, everyone in Radiant Garden knows that between the two, Ansem is the beloved ruler compared to the man who believed that he could rule their world with methods and manipulation that could instil fear in people's hearts. To no one's surprise, but also their concerns, everyone knows that 'President' Shinra would be greedy and fixated on replacing Ansem the Wise despite the latter's positive influence and care that they would vouch for Ansem. And noticing the obvious difference between father and son, everyone hopes that Rufus will NOT be like his father, which he knows of it due to the child's growing arts of combat and magic, that he trained himself and his Guard Hound, Dark or D for short.

"Indeed, Master Rufus. I'm as angry as you are when he spoke of what he said this morning." As others would hear deep growls and barks from the hound, Rufus understood a deeply gruff male voice responding in his ears from Dark, further proving the human boy and his Guard Hound's surprising bond to all who know the former. The mention of his father would normally irritate Rufus, which he tries not to show, but what he said earlier, that is repeating in his brain, failed his attempts to grit his teeth with quiet grunts, clutching his crossed arms and hands gripping his forearms.

'Rufus. When the time comes for you and your Guard Hound to meet the 'wise man' at the castle, behave. The fool will understand that he will soon be replaced, and I will take his place as leader of Radiant Garden…'

"Despite his goals to rule here and other worlds, it's a wonder that he didn't see how everyone knows how obsessed he is." Rufus openly goaded in annoyance, trying to think of what he was supposed to be doing, realising he and Dark were now walking in the Central Square. "…According to the citizens, a new wizard moved in here, named 'Merlin'…"

But no sooner were the two at the centre, Rufus and Dark sensed multiple odd presences that stopped their walk in time to witness a group of dark-looking monsters with different colours, glowing red marking-like eyes that each bore a different emotion, and aggressive stances swarming around Rufus and Dark.

'What the?' Rufus looked around in surprise, confusion, and tints of anger, ready to use his and Dark's magic to fend these monsters off. "D, get ready!" Rufus commanded, hearing Dark release a brief roar towards the creatures alongside its true voice responding in Rufus's mind. 'Yes, master!'

"Hey, kid!" Rufus heard someone calling him from behind, noticing an incoming arrival of an older and taller brunette man running towards Rufus's other side, his right hand glowed and materialised a key-shaped weapon for combat. He has blue eyes, muscular and dressed in a short-sleeved and skin-tight shirt with two red straps marked in an X on his chest, an armoured gauntlet and a fingerless glove for his left hand, while his right wrist has a black wristband, brown pants and armoured-looking boots. "Leave them to me. Go get to safety." The man instructed, ready to fight the monsters, now focusing on the two humans and one Guard Hound.

At first, confused by the man's sudden appearance and curiosity about his weapon, Rufus immediately shook his head to return to the current situation, trying not to show hesitation. "Hmph, don't worry. D and I will deal with them." Rufus confidently assured.

"D, sic im, boy!" With the first command, Rufus and the key swordsman watched Dark swiftly sprint towards the incoming monsters, who tried to make the first attack but ended up disappearing into darkness from Dark's claws, slashing them with each swing. Rufus, followed by the key swordsman who was initially surprised by the first strike but quickly got himself together, ran towards the battlefield when more of these dark monsters appeared in different shapes and sizes, with one even resembling an hourglass, alarming the three to split up with Dark joining and protecting Rufus both giving his Guard Hound commands and throwing their magic farther from the key swordsman fighting the other monsters away from them.

It only took a few minutes of key-shaped sword slashing and magic throwing until the last creatures were slain and disappeared, leaving nothing in their traces at the now monster-free Central Square. Temporarily ignoring the key swordsman for a brief rest, Rufus and Dark looked around but sensed nothing, finding it safe, although the former raised his right hand and looked at his palm.

"So far, so good. I hope Mog's done synthesising my weapon." Rufus nodded his satisfaction with his magic progress and Dark's commands. However, something he thought of immediately soured his mood, clenching his hand in a fist. 'Even if I feel D and I grow stronger in combat and magic, HE still believes that we're weaker without his influence…he doesn't even fight.'

It was when Rufus heard Dark whimpering beside him that stopped him from thinking the worst, noticing Dark standing closer to his master with eyes drooping in concern for him, immediately making Rufus feel guilty that he gently patted Dark's forehead with the same hand, releasing a soft whine as a response. "Don't worry, D. We'll show the old man what we're capable of," Rufus reassured with a soft smile.

"What's Master Xehanort doing here? Maybe he found something out." Rufus stopped petting Dark as the two heard the almost forgotten man looking at the path leading to the Castle Town until he turned to see Rufus and Dark walking towards him. "Thanks for the help. You seemed like a good fighter despite your age." The brunette swordsman acknowledged.

"Thank you. The name's Rufus. I take it, you're someone from another world." Rufus wondered, noting the man's surprise at his words.

"Yes. Yes, I am—my name's Terra. Tell me, where does this path lead?" The man, Terra, confirmed, as his attention shifted from Rufus to the Castle Town's path.

"That road goes straight to the castle. If you like, D and I will go with you." Rufus affirmed as Dark gave Terra a nod for the proposition.

"Thank you. But please stay close to me. It will be dangerous with those monsters." Terra accepted with a faint smile, which slightly faltered into confusion when Rufus smirked his confidence once he and Dark almost walked past him, ready to lead him to the Castle Town.

"Didn't you see D and me fight those creatures? We'll be fine." Rufus reassured, not seeing the brief surprise on Terra's face at his certainty. Unaware of Rufus and Dark, Terra's initial wariness slowly cracked from curiosity into sorrow or worry after spotting a glimpse of Rufus's icy blue eyes.

'This boy looks like he could be the same age as Ven. But I sensed something strong, but also cold and lonely in his heart…. Could something terrible happen to him?'

With Terra following them on his left, Rufus and Dark led him to Castle Town, luckily free from those monsters. However, the three stopped advancing to the castle grounds when something appeared in a puff of smoke and was replaced with the sight of an old man dressed like a wizard with a long white beard and moustache, black glasses, and dressed in blue robes, matching hat, and a brown cane in hand.

"Oh, why can't I ever seem to remember this address exactly?" The old man huffed as Rufus, Dark, and Terra watched him casually walk to what could be his house, although the three also noticed the old man unknowingly drop something on the ground. With Rufus's silent command, Dark nonchalantly head closer and picks it up with his canines, showing Rufus and Terra that it is a brown-framed book that is locked with a strap, a beige front cover showing the title 'Winnie The Pooh' and the illustration of a yellow bear wearing a red T-shirt, a piglet, and a tiger around and inside a tree.

"It could be his book. We should return it." Terra suggested. Curious, Rufus and Dark followed Terra, who kindly opened the door for all three to enter, where the old man was doing something before noticing their arrival. "Excuse me, Your Elderness. I believe you dropped this book." Terra informed, showing Dark ready to hand the book to the owner.

"Did I?" The old man wondered in confusion, unafraid of Dark, who carefully released the book in his hands, and the three visitors joined him when he placed it on the table next to the single bed. "Ohh, I'm very sad to say this isn't one of mine, but what a remarkable book it is. This unassuming volume seems to have the unusual effect of awakening one's innermost abilities." The old man informed.

Rufus raised an eyebrow in cold bemusement, and D tilted its head to the side with a soft whine. A children's book that makes people stronger? That sounds ridiculous and too good to be true. But he did see Terra musing over it until he got an idea. "If it's all right, Your Elderness, might I have a closer look?" Terra requested.

"The name is Merlin! I'm a powerful wizard, and I'll have you all know that wisdom comes with age." The old man briefly introduced himself with mild offence, immediately remembering Rufus's initial thought to look for him before Merlin calmed down. "Anyway, as I said, this book is not mine, but I'd be happy to keep it here for you."

"Thank you, Merlin." Terra warmly accepted with a smile. As Terra directed his attention to the book, Rufus noticed Merlin was now looking at him with a sternly warm smile.

"I say, young man. I've heard about you and your canine companion, and would like to speak with you. Please take a seat." Merlin enquired. Curious, Rufus and Dark moved from the book's table to the bed, only distracted for a second to not witness the glow of white light that surprisingly took Terra out and away from the house once Rufus sat with Dark sitting in front of its owner's feet until the latter two noticed his disappearance. Briefly startled and wanting to ask, Rufus decided not to from Merlin's face, presuming a serious conversation.

"Now, I was foretold of a young man in this world, who not only has a father obsessed with ruling other worlds outside your own, but you and your friend here have a strong bond that helps you two fight. I witnessed you two fighting those dastardly monsters at the Central Square, and bravo for your victory." Merlin started with a proud tone in his smile, slowly pleasing Rufus and Dark with the former smirking in confidence and the latter wagging its short tail. "Why, I love for Archimedes to meet your Hound if not for his terrifying figure and inability to speak."

'I can speak to my master, who understands me, old man.' Dark immediately stopped wagging its tail, complaining with a huff at Merlin's innocent comment, amusing Rufus with a chuckle while giving Dark another reassuring pat on its head.

"Thank you. I'm glad my abilities and D can convince you that we are strong, as my old man believes we need more 'training and discipline'." Rufus appreciated.

"Oh, oh, yes, yes. I know. I'm sorry you have such an absent-minded father who refuses to acknowledge your growth for his so-called failproof goals." Merlin realised with a soft but saddened glower on Rufus's empty sneer when his father was mentioned, immediately prompting Merlin to get back on topic with a cough. "I want to tell you that, from my magic, you and your friend Dark will undergo drastically dangerous trials and tribulations in the future, not just here but in other worlds. I know you will soon overcome them, especially since you are more capable than your father, but you will meet new companions you will hold dear, as they would do the same with you. And these companions will protect you, as I know you will protect them."

Rufus listened, his anger and hatred of his father dimmed into curiosity about his and Dark's future, but he noted one of the sentences. Companions who will care about him...That does sound nice. Hopefully, they will care for him as much as 'Father' never did. "Thank you, Merlin. I appreciated it." Rufus understood.

"You are welcome, young man." Merlin chuckled in serene happiness. Seeing the end of the conversation, Rufus and Dark bowed their farewells and were just about to head to the door when Merlin stopped them, astonishing them. "Oh, yes! I almost forgot - There will be a time when you two will receive a summons from Ansem the Wise regarding my warning. I suggest you both listen and accept it, and then prove that pig-headed parent of yours that you are more than a loyal son." Rufus can hear the mischievous glee in Merlin's voice and couldn't help but snicker and grin at the bold insult to his father, slowly cheering Rufus up for the encouragement and support.

"We will." Right after Rufus opened the door, he and Dark were surprised by the sight of a giant floating monster heading down the path to the castle grounds. It was red and black with glowing red eyes, exactly like those monsters from earlier, but with a U-shaped piece colored blue around its neck. The creature did not notice Rufus and Dark running out of Merlin's house as the two bumped into a young man, around Rufus's age, about to chase it.

"Hang it all! Can't I get a moment's peace!?" Merlin complained after exiting his house, stopping Rufus and the boy from going after the monster, who had disappeared.

"Mister, get inside! It's not safe out here." The boy urged. Like Rufus, he has blue eyes and blonde hair, but spikier and dressed slightly like Terra but with a white and black, zipped jacket over his shirt, baggy-like pants, black and white checkered wristbands on his wrists, an armour piece on his left shoulder and arm, and armoured-like sneakers.

"Oh, ordering me about? Now that's unsafe. After all: I'm Merlin, the wizard!" Like earlier with Terra, Merlin introduced himself, although he looked at the boy's confusion and stance and calmed down with amusement. "Oh ho…Another scamp looking to wake the powers inside him, is that it?" Merlin sensed.

"What? How did you know?" The boy asked in surprise.

"We wizards have a knack for knowing such things. The book is inside, on the table. You may have a gander, if you like." Merlin offered, about to head back inside, when he stopped to look at Rufus and Dark. "I hope you and your Guard Hound do as I told you, young man," Merlin instructed Rufus with a nod before the latter, Dark, and the other boy joining Rufus's side watched the wizard go inside.

"What book?" The boy asked Rufus in perplexity.

"Just some children's book he said, to wake up someone's abilities and be stronger. Terra tried it first, and I think it also sent him somewhere from the house." Rufus answered with a shrug of his shoulders. However, something he said attracted the boy's surprise.

"Terra? You know Terra?" The boy enquired.

"Yes. I helped him fight off some monsters before we met with Merlin. I believe I pointed him to the castle, where that giant monster is also heading. Or it could also be heading to the Reactor." Rufus affirmed, pointing at the same path the monster headed.

"Reactor…got it, thanks!" The boy beamed in happiness and relief when he glanced from the path to Rufus and D before introducing himself. "I'm Ventus, call me Ven." Rufus faintly smiled in appreciation for Ventus's immediate kindness to strangers.

"I'm Rufus, and this is D. If I were you, Ven. I would look at that book first before following that monster. I heard some rumours that Merlin's not to be messed with his magic." Rufus advised after introducing himself and Dark, who nodded their understanding, prompting a nod and a cheerful "Kay!" from Ventus before the two parted ways with the former heading inside Merlin's house and Rufus and Dark going straight to the Moogle's Shop just across.

"Thanks for the materials and instructions, kupo! Let me know if it works or if you need more adjustments after testing." Rufus listened to the Moogle in charge, Mog, happily notifying him after checking and paying for the custom-made black gun, double-barrelled and double-held by putting two guns together in case of extra firepower, all with Rufus's original design and instructions for combat and magic. Rufus and Dark did see Ventus leaving Merlin's house and heading straight to the castle or Reactor, possibly to chase after that monster, although the two spot each other for Ventus to happily and thoughtfully wave at Rufus, who waved back with a smile, giving the other a silent good luck before he received his new gun by the kind Moogle.

'What do you think, Master?' Dark enquired as the two headed back to the Central Square, watching Rufus lightly wave his right arm and gun above his head and side to side, inspecting his weapon with interest.

"The compartments and barrel are strong and sturdy, I promised that the gun will work well with shooting our magic as projectiles. We'll make a few tests, but maybe I should also make some normal bullets in case I cannot use magic." Rufus noted once he finished, looking at Dark listening with a nod for the proposition…

"…Not one of the Keyblade wielders, but I know you helped one of them earlier." An emotionless boy's voice that spoke out of nowhere attracted Rufus and Dark's surprise when they stopped at the centre of the Square, strangely the same spot where they helped Terra fought the swarm of dark creatures earlier, and looked up to see an unfamiliar but mysterious man, who could be a teenage boy by his build despite wearing a skin-tight black and red bodysuit suit all over him and a glass mask obscuring his head and face, walking past the path leading to the Entryway.

"Who are you?" Rufus demanded, holding his gun while Dark swiftly pounced in front of his master as a shield and snarled its rage at the masked man. Both the boy and his dog are ready for combat.

"Someone you don't need to know…no. Your heart…is suited for the darkness. Why bother fighting for the light when you can achieve everything with darkness?" The masked boy spoke with an eerily interested tone. Rufus doesn't understand what the other was saying, but luckily, another voice calling out to him managed to break this weird standoff from behind.

"Don't listen to him!" Rufus and Dark followed the source of the newcomer now running towards them to stand beside the former, showing herself to be a young woman slightly older than Rufus, with short blue hair and eyes, dressed in a sleeveless, skintight, turtleneck shirt with a black corset, two pink straps intersecting her chest and back as an X, detactable, bell sleeves and fingerless gloves, black shorts under the two long blue strips and white cloth around her waist as a skirt, long black stockings and armored, high-heeled like boots. "A mask! You're the boy that Ventus mentioned." The woman recognised the masked boy.

"Ah, yes, Ventus." The masked boy chimed in with a strangely pleased but also unamused tone. "Tell me something, has he learned to put up a decent fight yet?"

"What do you mean?" The woman demanded.

"I'll be asking the questions. And why shouldn't I? After all, between the two of us, maybe three or four…" The masked boy taunted, seemingly looking at Rufus and Dark when mentioning 'three or four' before he raised his right arm when his suit-covered hand glowed and summon a large key-shaped weapon he held beside his mask, different from Terra's by its cog-like shapes, black, red, grey, and brown-colored, and has two blue eye-like gems on the blade's head and another at the hilt. "…I'm the only one who will walk away from here alive."

"Guess again!" The woman sneered in anger as her right hand glowed with a burst of light and conjured a key-shaped sword, colored in a metallic blue with a black handle and white guard. "You two need to run where it's safe." The woman softly but urgently warned Rufus and Dark, not keeping her eyes off the masked boy, who was also ready to fight.

Rufus first looked at her for her offer before Dark, seeing it looking back at him. However, Dark shook its head with a growl, urging Rufus to refuse and help her fight, immediately prompting Rufus to nod his agreement. "No. I helped Terra fight some of the monsters, so D and I will help fight whoever this one is with you." Rufus decided.

But as Rufus and Dark glared at the masked boy, the two did not see the woman slightly look at the former from her shoulder, her face cracked from shock at Rufus's words into sadness when seeing his anger-flared eyes, right before she hurriedly focus her attention for the fight with a boy and his dangerous pet joining her.

Fight: Aqua (LV 12) and Rufus Shinra and Dark (Allies) vs. Vanitas

Information: Team up with Rufus to defeat Vanitas! (Music: Enter the Darkness (BBS OST))

"See ya!" Vanitas raised his Keyblade and shot a dark-colored Firaga spell [Vanitas's Attack: Dark Firaga] at either Aqua and Rufus, only to miss and be broken by the former blocking it with her Keyblade in time to raise it over her head and summon eight mines of fire magic on the ground around and under her feet. "Take that!" [Aqua's Command: Mine Square]

"D, ready!" Seeing Vanitas managed to avoid stepping on Aqua's Mine Square magic, Rufus, who stood farther and behind Vanitas, commanded Dark glowing its body slightly red and charged at Vanitas's back while spinning its body like a corkscrew, sending Vanitas flying straight to Aqua's Mine Square and take damage, releasing a few anguish gasps from the masked opponent's mouth as he was higher off the ground. [Dark's Attack: Corkscrew] (Vanitas: 550 HP to 427 HP)

"Too slow!" However, Vanitas teleported above Rufus, showing the afterimage initially remaining from the last spot he took from the fire field before it disappeared. Without a break, Vanitas fell onto Rufus with a violent slam of his Keyblade at him, releasing a painful groan from the gunner. (Rufus: 100 HP to 89 HP).

"D, Jump!" With Rufus's command, Dark came to his rescue by whipping its back tentacle at Vanitas, stunning him in time to help Rufus slide to the side and escape. [Dark's Attack: Tentacle Whip]. (Vanitas: 427 HP to 408 HP)

"Fire! Thunder!" Aqua raised her Keyblade and conjured a Fire spell, which first hit Vanitas's body before dodging the following Thunder spell (Vanitas: 408 HP to 391 HP). Like Rufus, Vanitas teleported and slammed his Keyblade onto Aqua, with additional harsh and agile swinging movements, hitting Aqua multiple times. (Aqua: 100 HP to 72 HP).

Unfortunately, Vanitas was too late to see Rufus aiming two pistols, from breaking his gun, in his hands and firing ten bullets from each gun at Vanitas without stopping until the tenth bullet, alerting Rufus to back away for reloading his gun now placed in a single hold [Rufus's Attack: Guns Akimbo, Dark howling in the air while glowing green to cast Curaga at itself, Rufus, and Aqua, and Aqua immediately glowed a bright white light on herself and her Keyblade after managing to unleash another Fire, Thunder, and Mine Square magic on Vanitas. [Aqua's Command Style: Spellweaver] (Rufus and Aqua: 89 and 72 HP to 100 HP, Vanitas: 391 HP to 330 HP)

"Suffer!" Vanitas leapt into the air and unleashed dark thunder magic [Dark Thundaga, which missed Terra but hit Dark, prompting Vanitas to teleport towards the Guard Hound and slash his weapon at the vulnerable dog. (Dark: 100 HP to 86 HP)

"Hey!" Rufus fired six magic-enhanced bullets at Vanitas, stopping him from fighting Dark [Rufus's Attack: Shotgun, allowing Aqua to dash and swing her light-enveloped Keyblade at Vanitas multiple times. Whenever Vanitas again teleported to repeat another slam onto Aqua, she easily dodges and resumes striking her Keyblade and casts magic as many times as she could until Rufus and Dark witness Aqua twirling around the battlefield and hit Vanitas off the ground, even when he teleports to end up getting damaged, until Aqua stops her magic attack, extinguishing the light that once shrouded her, and knock Vanitas farther from her. (Vanitas: 330 HP to 245 HP)

"Pathetic!" Vanitas teleported and was about to strike at Rufus and Dark, who were closest to him. However, they dodged the Keyblade with Rufus throwing a coin, which he then shot at the coin, unleashing a large smoke bomb surrounding the battlefield and stunning Vanitas like a Sleep spell [Rufus's Magic: Up in Smoke, allowing Dark to howl and cast a Thunder spell on Rufus aiming his shotgun over his head and point at Vanitas once the smoke cleared, unleashing a massive ray blast of thunder at the opponent. [Rufus and Dark's Magic: Thunderclap] (Vanitas: 245 HP to 183 HP)

"Too slow!" Recovering from Rufus and Dark's attack, Vanitas again teleported but started striking his Keyblade against Rufus multiple times, separating him from his dog at a fair distance. (Rufus: 100 HP to 73 HP). Aqua dashed towards Vanitas and Rufus and broke it off by swinging her Keyblade side to side, staggering him enough to release Rufus as Aqua again summoned eight Mine Squares around herself and Vanitas, which detonated all Fire Squares onto Vanitas in the air…and received Aqua's Thunder magic and an immediate rocket-fast corkscrew attack from Dark to send him flying almost out of the battlefield. (Vanitas: 183 HP to 139 HP)

Like earlier, Aqua's body again glowed a bright blue or white light over herself [Spellweaver] and started attacking, counterattacking, and dodging every one of Vanitas's attacks and evasions. (Vanitas: 139 HP to 117 HP). But unlike before, Aqua's body again glows brighter into a pure white light, and the light enveloping her Keyblade extends into a blade of bright pink, purple and white light. [Aqua's Command Style: Bladecharge]

Making sure Vanitas will not teleport, Aqua immediately swings her now elongated blade with slow but powerful sword attacks multiple times, sending him off the ground until she almost stops… (Vanitas: 117 HP to 64 HP)

"Take that/ Think fast!" Aqua twirled her Keyblade over her head five times, with Vanitas remaining in the air, as Rufus tossed five coins, he then shot his bullets at them when they reached Vanitas's direction and created massive explosions from the detonation. Rufus's explosions, Aqua slashing her Keyblade downward, and Dark rocketing itself for another corkscrew attack, all towards Vanitas, unleashed a blinding burst of white light emitted from Rufus and Aqua's attacks and received a strangled scream from the now defeated enemy. * Victory *

Unlike the first fight with Terra, Rufus could tell that this was a painful battle but also a painful victory when he, Dark, and the key swordswoman stared at their opponent, now lying outstretched and motionless on the ground, possibly unconscious or dead, as the woman carefully crept closer and kneeled over his body. "Who are you?" Right when the woman pressed her hand on the boy's mask, the immediately eccentric and cruel laugh that came out of the mask alarmed the three, with the woman jumping away from the now moving body before landed in front of Rufus and Dark to protect them, summoning her weapon in case the boy effortlessly climbing on his feet will fight back.

"Not bad at all. Congratulations." The boy heartlessly acknowledged, as a large portal of dark blue, violet and black smoke resembling darkness materialised behind him. "I'll keep you around, with or without that kid and his mutt. Never hurts to have a backup." He taunted once he turned around to walk through the dark portal as an exit before the darkness enveloping him disappeared, leaving nothing in front of the woman, Rufus, and Dark's eyes.

'Master…I should've bit his head and mask off before he could insult us.' Rufus listened to Dark grumble its irritation within its true voice, glaring at the last spot the fighter was seen.

"When we see him again, D, we can fight him before you do that," Rufus reassured with a chuckle, comforting his Guard Hound with his hands and luckily intact gun. Although he also agrees with his Hound, he will not let anyone insult them, not even his father.

"Please don't. I can see he's dangerous, even when you both fought." Rufus and Dark listened to the woman warning them when the former two see her looking down in sadness, "I have to stop him before anything else happens to Terra and Ven." With a brief sigh, the woman looked up and sadly smiled her appreciation at Rufus and Dark. "Thank you for your help and for letting me know you helped Terra earlier. My name is Aqua."

"You're welcome, miss. I'm Rufus, and this is my Guard Hound, Dark." Rufus acknowledged, introducing himself and Dark, who gave Aqua a proud nod whenever its owner introduced both of them to other people.

"Aqua!" Rufus, Dark, and Aqua heard a familiar voice calling for the latter. The former two looked up, and the latter turned to her left, all seeing Ventus running towards them with an anxious smile only towards Aqua until he stopped to their side.

"Ven. Were you able to find him?" Aqua asked, although Rufus and Dark don't need to guess when Ventus looked down in sadness.

"Yeah, but…He's gone." Aqua also looked away in sadness.

"Right…then I can't stay here." Aqua decided after a brief silence.

"Let me go with you, Aqua," Ventus begged with a hopeful smile, but Aqua gave him a stern frown.

"No, Ven. Do as I say and go home." Aqua instructed as a mother would scold her child, startling Rufus with a shudder, while Ventus was initially horrified before looking down again in sorrow.

"Why won't you let me?" Ventus asked, almost on the verge of tears with his voice, as Aqua frowned in guilt and tenderly grasped Ventus's shoulder with her right hand, smiling despite her sadness.

"I don't want to put you in harm's way. You understand?" Aqua exclaimed, moving her hand from Ventus's shoulder to tap on something above her sleeve. Her body glowed a bright white light that brought Rufus and Dark to shield their eyes for a few seconds before they hurriedly blinked their eyes and saw Aqua already walking away from Ventus, still in the dumps, and now dressed in a full dull blue and purple armor with a mask shielding her face but different from their opponent earlier.

"…Sorry, Rufus. Were you with Aqua earlier?" Once Rufus and Dark see Aqua leave, they face Ventus when he asks his question. Rufus was tempted to answer him the truth, but a part of him in his mind and heart stopped him from witnessing their little spat… Maybe it's best for Rufus to NOT tell Ventus about the fight against the masked boy earlier.

"Yeah, we just bumped into each other…I'm sorry." Rufus answered with the only bit of truth he could think of. Ventus sluggishly nodded his acceptance, but was still melancholy for earlier when Rufus and Dark watched Ventus walking away from them to sit against the wall of one of the town's top floors and continue moping.

'Poor boy.' Rufus heard Dark remarking in rare sadness, initially looking at his Guard Hound to Ventus now holding and twirling a wooden toy resembling another kind of key-shaped sword with his hand. 'Can we at least comfort him until we head back, Master?' Rufus mused for a bit, wondering between going home to be greeted by his father demanding about his absence or checking on Ventus to hopefully cheer him up…

…Rufus immediately decided to do the latter. But he and Dark noticed that someone beat him to it, from seeing two young men around Rufus and Ventus's ages with one of them, who resembles the boy that Rufus is acquainted by his spiky flaming red hair and green eyes different than Reno's ponytail and blue eyes, now holding Ventus's wooden toy sword that he must've dropped. "This yours?" The boy asked Ventus, and even Rufus noticed that the boy's voice was exactly like Reno's.

"Lea, we don't have time for this." The blue-haired young man with aquamarine eyes reprimanded his friend, Lea, who appears carefree.

"Lighten up, Isa. It'll only take a sec." Lea reassured his friend, walking towards Ventus to hand over his wooden key sword. "You still play with toy swords? That's cute." Ventus looked away in possible offence at the light tease as Lea lightly dropped the sword to pull out and hold a pair of matching red and black disc toys with the design of a fire creature with angry eyes and a mad smile. "Now this right here – Tada! Whaddaya think?"

"Not a whole lot." Ventus reacted, not giving satisfaction to the grinning boy.

"You're just jealous. I'm Lea. Got it memorised?" Lea chuckled, tapping a temple with a finger. "What's your name?"

"Ventus." Ventus sadly introduced himself.

"Okay, Ventus. Let's fight!" Lea proposed, immediately surprising Ventus from his depression.

"Fight? Why would I want to do that?"

"You scared of losing? Come on. Hope you're ready." Lea urged, leaping a few feet back and twirling his discs for a light fight. Standing beside Isa, who was watching in bored amusement, Rufus and Dark watched Ventus first look away to ponder the offer before grinning in anticipation, cheering up by standing on his feet while holding his wooden toy key sword oddly in a reverse grip. "Yeah! Now we're talkin'!" Lea cheered.

"You're gonna be sorry!" Ventus happily taunted. Not seeing Isa's reaction beside him, Rufus faintly smiles in relief as the three, including Dark, watch Ventus and Lea dash at each other and start their fight…it didn't take long for Ventus to win as he sent Lea falling and landing on his butt, his toy discs fallen closer to him on the ground.

"You…had enough? 'Cause I'm willing to…call it a draw if you are." Lea panted with a confident grin, showing no hard feelings for his loss.

'It lasted for less than a minute.' Dark notified Rufus once the two joined Ventus's side, with Ventus and Lea looking at the terrifying canine in amazement, for seeing it talk with growls and roars and noticing how Rufus somehow understood everything his pet was saying. "What is your crazy-looking dog saying?" Lea asked Rufus, who only responded with a playful shrug of his shoulders and a grin.

"From where I stood, the only thing you drew was a big L on your forehead for 'Loser', 'Lame', 'Laughable'…" Isa taunted with amusement when he joined Lea's side, seeing him looking at his friend in surprise and offence.

"Wha – Isn't this the part where you cheer me up or somethin'?" Lea complained with a brief cross of his arms and a pout. "Like 'You're just having a bad day' or 'That's what you get for pullin' your punches!' Some friend…"

"Oh, you mean I was supposed to lie." Isa further teased, bringing Lea to lower his head and lean back to lie on the ground with crossed arms under his head.

"Ya see what I'm gotta put up with? Sure hope you both don't have friends like him." Ventus and Rufus weren't expecting Lea to promise him, although they found it amusing that they, Lea, and Isa shared a brief laugh until the latter was the first to stop.

"Lea, we have to go." Isa reminded Lea once he climbed to his feet, picking up his toy discs. "Kay."

"Already?" Ventus asked as Lea was about to leave.

"I'll see ya when I see ya. After all, we're friends now." Lea promised while looking over his shoulder, giving Ventus a proud and reassuring grin. "Get it memorized."

"Okay, Lea," Ventus replied with a nod and smile. Rufus and Dark first watched Lea walking back to Isa to see them have a brief conversation before noticing Ventus about to walk away, possibly to leave Radiant Garden. Still, Rufus caught the only thing he heard from Lea informing Isa with such confidence that it attracted Rufus's surprise.

"I want everyone I meet to remember me. Inside people's minds, I can live forever."

Rufus looked back to see Lea and Isa heading the other side of the Castle Town before he and Dark casually walked to Ventus, thinking of something until he looked up to the sky with a happy smile, cheering up from earlier. "Must be nice…knowing who your friends are," Ventus told himself.

"Ven?" Rufus called, catching Ventus's attention to turn around and face Rufus and Dark. "I know it's not my place, but…I think you should keep going your way. If your friends, whether you meet them or know them for a long time, are ever in trouble wherever you go, don't hesitate to save them at the first move." To Rufus's relief and happiness, Ventus smiled his gratitude and acceptance.

"Yeah. That's what I do best. Thanks, Rufus. Hope to see you and D around." Ventus thanked, seeing Dark closing its eyes to squirm in possible delight, amusing Rufus to pet his dog's head and back over its spiked collar.

"We hope we can…and good luck."

[Sometime later…]

Rufus and Dark were happening to be outside the castle and resting next to one of the flower beds at the Outer Gardens, a lotus-shaped platform filled with different colored flowers and the fountain that is the secret entrance to the Purification Factory. When they arrived, they noticed that someone else had also shown up. But Rufus isn't complaining about meeting someone he could talk to, especially since Rufus knows the drastically young and little girl with red hair and blue eyes, Kairi.

So, Rufus joined Kairi's side to do one of his pastimes, his father is never interested in knowing about his son, which is drawing from his sketchbook, while Dark perched behind its owner to use itself as a chair cushion for Rufus's back as Kairi busy picking some flowers beside them until the three waits for Kairi's grandmother.

Suddenly, Rufus and Kairi immediately stopped what they were doing, unsure of what… but it felt like they had sensed something unusual when they first looked at each other, confusing Dark now awakened from its nap. Kairi stood on her feet and the three looked up at the sky…unaware that Kairi's necklace emits a glow of white light.

JOURNAL

Radiant Garden

Rufus Shinra

Final Fantasy VII (1997)

A young man who strives to surpass his 'powerful' father, who believes his son and everything dear to him is nothing without his influence. He may not look like it, but don't be fooled by Rufus's dangerous fighting and magic capabilities, with his Guard Hound, Dark or D for short, whose bond enables them to talk and understand with each other.

Dark

Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Rufus's personal Guard Hound and only friend who follows its master to the end, never betrays him for anyone, not even his father, who created it for his son. Its everlasting loyalty to its master will also extend to those who see and believe in Rufus. Fond of its master's nickname of being D, and its real name can be 'Dark Nation' or 'Darkstar'.

A/N: I know Rufus is a more physical gunner, and Dark Nation/ Darkstar is a magic caster-type Guard Hound in FFVII Remake trilogy, but I got inspired by a FFVII Rufus mod in Remake called 'Male Shiva' (Look it up) to make Rufus both a gunner and a mage.