Glen
*Dado exits the Mysterious Tower, "Utility Magic and You, 5th Edition" In hand. After previously setting a rug on fire, he's resolved to only practice magic outdoors.*

*He flips to the Table of Contents. Blizzard? Ice magic? That seems like it could be useful.*

*He flips to the Blizzard page, then starts reading.*
Frederick
*A Keyblade portal opens in the air off the floating island, close to ground level as Xion emerges in... Can that actually be called Keyblade armor? It exposes so much... Well her own magic is run through the armor to cover what isn't covered by clothing. As soon as she's out, she dispels the armor and returns to her standard black and grey jacket, three quarter length pants and a white t shirt to avoid triggering any potential intruder defenses that may or may not be in place. She didn't exactly KNOW if they would target her being signature or her lack of face or what but she wasn't risking it. She slowly, almost cautiously floats up to the tower and then over to Dado* "Oh... You're here too... Guess I should've figured you'd be here. It did seem to be your favorite place... It feels so... Empty... So... Still... Without Master Mod around... I guess I'm mostly surprised this place didn't exist solely because of her..."
Glen
"Xion? What-" *He frowns. She knowingly worked with an evil organization. Which, he might add, just attacked Sir Icidro and his friends.*

*He sets the book down, then stands up.* "Any progress on the scientist lady?"
Frederick
*Xion shakes her head* "No. It feels like I should know something about her but the information just... *Isn't there.* I've been trying to go over what I know and it feels like I'm missing a chunk of information I should know. Things you think I would know. Their base of operations. Their leader. How at least *One of them* Fights. But no. Nothing... I don't get why though. As I already stated, I *Should* Know this stuff."
Glen
*Dado doesn't believe her. He'd have to be gullible as all hell to fall for an excuse like that. She's probably withholding information.*

"Why are you here, then? Master Aria doesn't trust you. I don't think Master Mod would either, if she knew. Wait. *Did* She know? Was she hiding that, too?" *He looks wary.*
Frederick
"I don't know what Master Mod knew. She may have known or she may not have. I'm here to borrow the library. I realized during the fight with Maleficent that I couldn't do much when she shut down my magical options. I felt useless. I came to study support magic. I figured that if anywhere would have a library comtaining vast stores of magical books, it would be here."
Glen
*Dado stares at her. Isn't she supposed to be an experienced mage? How does she not know this stuff?*

*When he thinks harder, however, he fails to recall a single time she's used any sort of support magic. She's only ever hit things really, really hard.*

*If she is indeed a traitor, helping her will only make beating her harder later...*

*But...*

"Knowledge should be free." *Dado picks up the book, then holds it out to Xion.* "This book has healing magic and other support magic in it. I can't let you in, but I can at least help you with this."

*He considers handing over Mod's letter as well, but... If she is still working with Organization XIII, the information in there would be too valuable. It exposes a critical, exploitable weakness. He can't divulge that.*
Frederick
"Dado, they literally tried to *Kill me* And called me a traitor. I'm pretty sure I'm not exactly allowed back with them even if I wanted to go back, which mind you, I don't. They're like... Totes sus AF for one." *I'm sorry... Did she just UNIRONICALLY use the term "Sus"?*
 "For two, going back would be a disrespect to Ika. I know it was a disrespect lying to him when he asked if I was one of them but I intend to fix that." *There's a clear sadness in her eyes. Ika meant a lot to her. Betraying his trust hurt her now that she could actually feel things again*
"For three, they're boring. Do you have *Any* Idea how boring it is around a bunch of mental zombies?" *She says in a half joking manner but this is Xion. She doesn't DO boring*
"For four... If I was still with them, would I have freely and openly offered my weapons to Master Aria to prove I didn't want to cause harm? Sure it *Could* Be a ploy but in the time you've known me, have I ever shown signs of being a schemer?" *No no. She has a point. On both things in fact. What kind of enemy would intentionally nerf themselves to someone who is far above their weight class? And when did she ever actually show any semblance of strategy besides "Hit it really hard"? If she was a schemer, she would have been the one coming up with elaborate battle plans on the fly"*
"I just... Want to use the library. I don't want to fight. I want to help. And as nice as it is of you to offer the book, I've checked it out before at school. I'm not much for rune magic." *She retorts with a slight note of amusement in her voice* "They're a great spell casting focus and are usually more accurate and are easier to put on time delays but they're also slower than having a direct spell casting focus like a Keyblade or a staff."
Glen
*Dado sighs.* "Wait here."

*He turns and enters the tower.*
Frederick
*Xion nods and sits on the ground to wait. Dado was on her level and Master Aria was ABOVE her level by a significant margin. Not listening would likely lead to a fight she could not win.*
Jessica
*Aria walked out of the tower, a lot more rested now than at Hollow Bastion. Her smile went away upon seeing Xion, only seeing a soon to be Kiki.*

"Dado tells me you want access to the library."
Glen
*Dado silently follows, a book in hand. He avoids meeting Xion's gaze.*
Frederick
"I'd like to borrow the library so I can study support magic. Maleficent shut down my offensive magic with Shellza and I felt useless. I'd like to be able to do something next time that happens without having to resort to a thing that isn't made to be good. I'm not exactly allowed back with the Organization. Couldn't join back even if I wanted to. While I wasn't exactly given a formal 'You're fired', the implication is there when an attempt is made on your life and you're called a traitor despite having not actually done anything to be a traitor. Either way, I wasn't going back after that regardless of the attempt on my life. Having my Heart back cleared out the encroaching insanity of having no emotions and made me go 'Wait why did I join them in the first place?'"

"Basically I want to not be completely useless next time my offensive magic gets shut down and learning support magic from books or even a trained Master such as yourself would help with that." *She once again summons all three of her weapons, letting them all fall into the ground, points first within grabbing distance of Aria but not close enough to be interpreted as an attempt on her life* "Would someone who wants to cause harm to you, willingly offer up their weapons to you, not once but twice?"

"Oh also if you *Really* Don't trust me, here's a little tip not many people know. Take the charm off my Keyblade and you have a fully functional magical conduit I refer to as the Mini Hakerro. Would an enemy divulge information that could be used to their advantage even if they wanted to deceive you by offering their weapons?" *She's really trying to convince them both she means no harm*
Jessica
*Aria listened to all of Xion's words and sighed, some anger coming through for the first time anyone has seen.*

"You sound exactly like her. Instead of an apology you attempt to persuade your way back into our good graces. I would have accepted that before, but now you need to go prove it. Simply dropping your weapons and telling me about a weakness doesn't mean anything to me."
Glen
*Her...? Who's she talking about? Was there another traitor back when Master Aria was around?*

*Dado listens in silence.*
Frederick
*Xion seems just a little annoyed that they both seem to be BLATANTLY IGNORING THE ATTEMPT ON HER LIFE but nods* "I'm not sure how the attempt on my life and branding of 'traitor' from them isn't proof enough but deal. What do I need to do? I have no ill intentions and I'm not sure what exactly I need to do to prove it to you that I want to help so please enlighten me."
Glen
"You keep bringing it up, but..." *[Dado looks dead ahead, an idea churning.](

"Something about that bothers me. How did you survive? You never explained that part."
Frederick
"Kupo Coin. Happened to find one lying around a while back and never expected to have a use for it. How did *You* Survive the cave collapsing on you back in Agrabah?"
Glen
"Kingdom Key saved me, plus a local and a dude in a white cloak."

"What I'm wondering is... Why wouldn't they account for that? Kupo Coins are sold in pretty much every Moogle shop. I never go outside without one."

"If they were able to trigger your Kupo Coin, they clearly could've gone all the way. The fact that they didn't..."

"[They have something to gain from keeping you alive!](
Frederick
"Y'know... You make an excellent point. Why *Didn't* They account for Kupo Coins? I have zero idea. Maybe it was a simple order of 'Deal with Xion' and they didn't care if I survived or not? Maybe it was to send a message that they're not to be messed with? Establish their dominance by killing someone who their enemies rely on for massive amounts of damage or something? 'Oh no they one shot our black mage!' or something? I'd probably be able to answer better if I didn't seem to be missing obvious information on them from my memories. Also not one of them had a Heart. I don't think I'm welcome back even if we disregard the attempt on my life. Seems to be a 'No Hearts Club.'"
Glen
"I'm pretty sure Sir Icidro was investigating Organization 13. When he brought up a league of assassins at the last meeting, it seems like he meant them."

"I texted him in my Gummi Ship. Immediately after they attacked you, they attacked his group, too. I think..."

*Dado clenches his fist.*

"What if he came too close to figuring them out? What if he came too close to figuring *You* Out?"

"What if that 'attempt on your life' was to exhonorate you? It would explain why they attacked him next!"
Frederick
"Wait... They actually attacked people?!" *She asks with genuine surprise* "Holy shit... I didn't know they actually attacked anyone... I was never informed of anything..." *She sort of half mutters loud enough to definitely be heard clearly but also seemingly half talking to herself at the same time*

"Dado. I have lied about exactly one thing since meeting everyone and that was to Ika about being one of them. You have my absolute word that to the best of my knowledge, they want nothing to do with me beyond maybe my death. If I'm lying or betray you, I want you to kill me. *I* Don't want anything to do with them anymore even if they want me back for whatever reason if that counts for anything."
Glen
*Dado blinks in disbelief at Xion's shock, then shakes his head, falling silent once more.*
Richard
*Xion would suddenly get a painful headache as a piece of her memory would return to her.*

**Scientist... Experiments..**
Frederick
*Xion winces and brings a hand to her head as she lets out a small, pained hiss of pain* "Ah- I... I just remembered something suddenly... Like I'm remembering something that was blocked off- Nothing major but I remember there was in fact a French scientist woman in the Organization... And there were experiments... I... I don't know what though..." *She informs Dado before once again half muttering to herself*
"I've been known for my amazing memory before... Why am I having memory issues suddenly? Is it connected to why my phone is a minute behind the clocktower now?"
Glen
*Minute behind the clock tower. All technology in the area was set back by a minute without...*
Avis
*"Yes, Xion's was set back too. I checked."*
Glen
"Suddenly remembering a detail you think you can tell us. Convenient." *Still, that does verify that the French scientist lady was working with them.*

*Despite Dado's snark, something feels... Off. How did Thina not notice her own clock being changed? And why was it set back?*

*Dado walks forward, then holds out the book: "Utility Magic and You, 2nd Edition".*

"According to one of the forewords, they decided Runes were best for teaching students when making Third Edition, and made it the new standard. If you don't like runes, this should be good enough."

*His face bears an expression torn between pain and suspicion. He doesn't wanna get betrayed again. He doesn't wanna help an enemy. But... Knowledge should still be free.*
Frederick
*Xion just looks... Honestly kind of terrified... Like this is something new for her and not in a good way... Like something was actually wrong...* "Dado... Please believe me when I say that... I'm *Scared...* My memory is near perfect... I promise you that what I told you back in Hollow Bastion was everything I could remember... Why am I now remembering this detail? I *Should* Have known this already! I- I don't feel so good..." *She shakily takes the book with a forced smile*
"Can... Can I please rest inside? I... I don't trust myself to... I... I honestly don't know... I don't trust myself to do anything right now... I'm afraid that if I try leaving, I won't be seen again... So may I please rest inside?" *Even for her, this overwhelming fear is unusual for her. It's not that fear was anything new to her. Hell, fear is technically what drove her everything. But this overwhelming fear... This raw primal fear that something was horribly wrong and she couldn't place what it was was something new entirely... Knowledge... That's what it was... Knowledge was a key facet of her character and losing knowledge was absolutely horrifying to her... What if she lost the knowledge of magic? The knowledge of Dado? Of Ika? Of ALL of this? She would rather die than have that happen. She felt like Ika and Dado were her two closest bonds and losing them in any way would break her*
Glen
*Dado's eyes clench shut as he tries steeling his empathy. He turns around and walks back to where he was standing, then takes deep breaths.*
Jessica
*Aria sighed while looking at Xion. She didn't want to risk a traitor getting knowledge they weren't supposed to have, but even she couldn't let someone in need of help be thrown under the bus.*

".....Fine. Dado, you should go see if you can find any allies in traverse town. Maybe even find Fiora. I'll supervise Xion."
Glen
"I'll try." *He nods to Aria.*

"Thina?" *As soon as he calls her name, he disappears in a column of light.*
Frederick
*After a moment, Xion just... Collapses, having passed out, completely overwhelmed by uer own fear, worry and anxiety. Seems like she was trying to at least keep herself together in front of Dado*
Jessica
*Aria would ~~stab~~ pick up Xion and carry her inside the tower. Something strange was going on and she wanted to get to the bottom of it. Dado likely wouldn't approve of what she was about to do...*
Frederick
*Too bad Aria wouldn't come train her. Xion could use some help with these support skills. Using them solo was just the worst. Nothing to REALLY do it properly on. Regardless... She sighs and creates her magical sheet music again and then casts Silence on it as it begins to play. Perfect! It's quickly silenced entirely! Blegh. Now onto Raise. Should hopefully have something around to cast it on... She looks around and sees a nearly dead tree, casting Raise on it, the tree immediately returning to full bloom, causing Xion to give an approving nod. Now what next...?*

*What next, indeed. Poison and Arise, maybe? Poison and Soft? Oooh Soft actually sounds good... Dropping defenses would come in really handy... Poison and Soft it was! Not wanting to poison the tree she JUST brought back to life, Xion decides she'd be the best target. Sure she *Could* Give Aria a mild case of food poisoning but that sounded like a really bad idea... Xion envisions green and purple blobs coalescing around her for poison damage and... That's about all that comes of it. Slightly foul smelling globs of purple and green surround her but that's it. Well that's dull. Either way, onto Soft! Even for her, it sounds dirty... *She concentrates an orb of energy in her Mini Hakerro and fires it at... Her clothes. She should really start using fabric softener... And well... They're at least a little softer now*

*And so Xion decides to repeat her process. The blobs of purple and green "Poison" Surround her again, this time making her a bit queasy. Ugh- This spell was seriously cruel- On to Soft! Firing up her magic, she fires a white orb at her clothes again! Oooh very soft~ Xion likey~ She'll need to do some... Experimentation with this one in private~*

*And with a mighty boom and the sight of smoke coming from a window in the library, Xion is yeeted out of it to the ground. Thankfully nothing inside is actually on fire... This time... Just Xion's attempts at making a new magic backfiring on her* "Ow- Why is making new magic always blows up in my face? Is my own mana really *That* Unstable and volatile?"
Gary
Gursht's head perked up at the sound of a curiously familiar voice. His tail wagged a little at the sight of the little-worse-for-wear human he had battled alongside recently. Though he had not known her for long, her prowess against the strange-birds left a good impression on the dinosaur.

"Hello there friend! It is good to see you again!"
James
Furo stood outside as he let the cockpit of the ship close. He looked down at the woman laying there with neither amusement nor disapproval. He sent a momentary glace to the old man's way as he stepped around the prone individual.

"This is one of four."

He scanned the small group and pointed out what he could.

"And I've never seen muscles or the talking dinosaur before."

Despite the incredulousness of the latter individual, he glowered at that fact that there were even new faces. 

"Replacements so soon, huh? They must have done another recruitment drive. Hope the rest of you have been told what you're dealing with at least."

He spat it out with way more venom than he himself expected., but otherwise did not feel bad for doing so.
Richard
*The second gummi ship landed next to the one Furo got out of.*

*An old man emerged from the cockpit and looked the others over as he got out. He surveyed the area too, reminiscing on the past.*

"Looks like things haven't really changed around here..."

*He walked ahead of Furo and up to the door of the tower.*

"I'll go speak with Aria. She has some questions to answer before I get settled. Would be a shame to come all this way just to go back home."
Aura
Nilus recognised the witch that had been blasted out of the window. She was there at Hollow Bastion and from what Nilus remembered she was quite helpful, until the end when she was shot and she quickly disappeared. It seemed Gursht knew her too? Perhaps the Dinosaur had more experience with Heartless than he claimed. 

Two more Teeny Ships arrived and another face that Nilus recognised exited the cockpit. Unlike Furo, Nilus recognised his face, he was also there at Hollow Bastion, he helped create the hole that allowed Nilus to return back to the Maleficent fight but Nilus wasn't sure he even saw Nilus. 

"We are here to seal mine own Worlds keyhole. More information shouldst be arriving once Dado retrieveth someone named Aria. What art thou here for?"
Frederick
*Xion looks up to see Gursht, Nilus, and Furo, grinning like an idiot* "Oh hey... It's uh... You three! I never got your names! I have uh... Dinosaur... Guy who ran away from Maleficent... And uh..." *She looks at Furo* "Don't you usually have two other guys with you? A bigger guy and then uh... A knight guy, right?"
Gary
Gursht lifted his head up to actually look at Furo, ignoring the older gentleman that made his way inside the tower.

What the younger man just said struck the dinosaur in a very particular way... Gursht was beginning to get the feeling that this herd of humans was facing some issues. He himself had witnessed internal struggles within his home-herd very consistently... All the way until the brutal, bloody end.

Gursht didn't say anything, but he watched the following interaction very closely.
James
Furo, still running hot at how quickly these people could gather new volunteers, scowled as he chewed on the question asked. Honestly, why was he here? He did not need to check in for a job well done. He could leave and move on.

"Just dropping off the Old Man. I'll leave soon enough."

A noncommittal statement that failed to mask the hostility underneath. His blue eyes shifting from muscleman to crazy sythe, as he addressed their next *Concern*.

"Its Furo; and do you really not know!? Or have they just not told you why they are refilling their ranks?"

Something in the back of his mind was poking and prodding away, giving him a sense that this situation was familiar, yet he could not see why.
Frederick
"For the record... I've just been here studying in the library the entire time The 'recruitment drive', as you put it, is all Dado. I'm just trying to pick up support magic. When Maleficent threw up Shellza, I was useless to the point of having to rely on something genuinely terrible to do anything. So I'm aiming to rectify that." *Xion explains as she finally decides to sit up and face the group properly rather than upside down on her back*
Gary
Gursht decided to add his own two-cents "I am here because I am with my friend, Nilus." Which he then gave Nilus a quick glance... Then turned his attention to Xion for a second... Before turning his attention back to Furo.

"...Gursht thinks snowhair-friend is doing very well. I met her quite a lot earlier, when my ship needed to be fixed. Some strange-bird creatures caused a ruckus and I joined the fight. I don't think she was in the tower the whole time, but I would believe that she's been training."
Glen
*Dado walks outside, noodling around on his Gummiphone. He deleted his Kingslist post, then made a to-do list regarding current objectives.*

* *Seal the Door to Darkness*
* *Defeat Pira*
* *Go to Agrabah with Aria and meet up with Aladdin and Princess Jasmine*
* *Find Brad and Sir Icidro in Realm of Darkness*
* *Save Ika*
* *Find Fiora*
* *Throw Fiora a birthday party*
* *Defeat Xigellivr (ty Thina) (you're welcome)*
* *Save Master Mod*

*He looks up from his Gummiphone, seeing Xion, Nilus, Gursht, and Furo, then sighs.*

"Masters Aria and Otoka will be down shortly. I need to go grab one more person: Cavall, the dog-knight from from Hollow Bastion."

*He turns to Xion, then nods.* "Master Aria told me about your memories." *He leaves it at that, not feeling a need to elaborate further. Not yet, at least. It can wait until the meeting.*

*Finally... He turns to Furo. He slowly walks up to him, unable to make eye contact.*

"I'm... I'm sorry. After all this bullshit with Pira's done, I'll bring a team with me to the Realm of Darkness to find Brad and Sir Icidro. I should've never dragged you three into this mess."
James
Furo was... Put-off to having a dinosaur of all things speak to him. It was enough to make him question his own response, though he did not really care enough to point out Xion's claim being doubted by another. She was not what he was focused on to begin with.

No, his real issue came back after the appearance of another. That guy in glasses coming our of the tower put the scowl back on Furo's face.

"Tch..."

A scoff soon followed after at the thought of another team being put together; Likely after something occurred to this current one. He was gearing up to verbalize that exact thought, but he noted a discrepancy in Dado's statement.

"Pu-" He stopped himself as he had already grown comfortable with the other name of the possessed heartless they encountered in Hollow Bastion's tunnels. "Pira's dead. Don't tell me this is about hunting down the remnants of your hitlist."

He did not think he could be more exasperated in the moment, but if he just needed to inform them of what happened back then, hopefully he could save the lot of them from wasting their time and get after his friends.
Frederick
*Xion looks at him confused for a moment at his statement and then gets an amused smirk on her face* "So I go and get myself back to normal and something happens to *You?* I swear I'm some sorta bad luck magnet... Stuff happens to the people around me for the world's dumbest reasons... I'll take *Your* Story when you get the chance. Also what about the hot blonde in the black leather with the crystals? Not gonna get her?"
Glen
*Dado purses his lips, but doesn't acknowledge Furo's comment. He has every right to be pissed.*

"Master Aria sensed Pira escape, and figures she's going for the Door to Darkness. If she gets there..." *He takes a deep breath.* "You know what? She can explain it. Either way, Pira's our biggest priority right now."

*He inclines his head towards Xion, then rolls his eyes.* "I just texted Eve. If she wants to come, she'll come."

*He begins walking towards his Gummi Ship.*
Aura
Nilus stepped forward as Dado turned to leave. What was the meaning of this? 

"Halt there. Pira is thy priority now? What happened to saving Olympus? We are just postponing saving my world?" 

Nilus was not sure what was going on between Dado and the other boy but that should not be put in the way of his own mission and what happened whilst Dado was in the tower. Is the situation more dire than what was perhaps assumed meaning Nilus' quest was thrown on the back burner? Had he even intended to save Nilus' world? It wasn't like Nilus needed him, if Nilus wanted to save Olympus, he could do it his damn self.
Glen
*Dado pauses. Based on what Master Aria said, Pira's a much bigger threat.*

"I think I explained Keyholes to you poorly. While a Keyhole is unsealed, it means the world's *At risk* Of falling to darkness if a Heartless gets into the Keyhole. Sealing it while it's not actively being attacked by Heartless is a long-term preventative action."

"I wanted us to help you find and/or seal it before fighting Pira to gauge your readiness while also making sure your world is safe. However, Pira's a bigger threat than I was initially told. If she succeeds, all worlds get plunged into darkness, including Olympus."

"We'll find the Keyhole after dealing with Pira. In the meantime, Masters Aria and Otoka can give you proper education and training, so that whenever we go back to your world and find its Keyhole, you'll be prepared."
Aura
Nilus seemed to accept this answer. He assumed everything he was being told was true and if that was the case, then it looked like he had a lot of work on his hands. First, fighting this "Pira" Character, then he could focus on Olympus. In fact, in a way, both of these missions helped Olympus and if that was true then of course he had no choice but to accept. 

"Very well Dado. I shalt help wherever I can if it means saving Olympus." 

..Proper training was interesting. Nilus had only been trained by the Hero's back home, and of course he had trained himself all this time but self teaching rarely produced great technique. He wondered what training was like from Teachers with *Actual* Experience against these "Heartless". What more could he possibly learn?
Glen
*Dado nods at Nilus, then gets in his ship and leaves the world.*
Gary
Gursht, of course, didn't say much as he watched Dado leave. But all this talk of darkness and keyholes had him wondering... "What... Is a Heartless anyways? Humans have so many weird words for the same thing... Now Gursht is unsure if he has seen one before. If they are like Black-Tooth or the Crag-Dwellers then Gursht thinks he can fight them just fine."
James
Furo watched Dado leave in relative silence. The man seemingly passed the buck of the concerns being held to Aria and Otoka, with Furo's confusion with Pira and Mr. Muscles's education and training. The blond was fine with getting a straight answer from someone willing to give it. He had been fairly confident Pira was gone and Icidro had not been possessed, but now he was stuck questioning everything he witnessed that day.

Trapped in the pit that was his own dark musings, it was the dinosaur of all individuals that snapped him from his thoughts.

It was a simple question about heartless; the most basic one at that. He had done his best not to be caught up in this Ghurt's(?) sheer existence, but that one definitely felt like the push to acknowledge the dinosaur.

He looked between the other two individuals outside hoping they would say something, but when an explanation seemed to not be forthcoming, he simply let out a breath.

"Not sure what those creatures are that you listed, but Heartless come in many forms. If you have concerns and questions, it appears that Aria is the one that's expected to answer them; I barely comprehend any of it myself."
Jessica
*Aria would open the door to the tower and walk outside, seeing Xion, Gursht, Nilus, and Furo.*

"Uh, so Dado mentioned a talking dinosaur and an... Olympian. My name is Master Aria. I asked Dado to look for allies who fought Maleficent because we need help. Before I continue, please tell me your names and everything you know about what is going on. What did Dado tell you? It is important you know everything we can tell you if you want to help."

*Looking over at Furo.*

"Furo, did you want to use that spell Mod used to send a message to your friends?"
Richard
*Otoka stepped out of the tower and closed the door behind him. He stepped off to the side and allowed for Aria to speak and the others to respond before he said anything.*
James
"He didn't tell them enough if the Dino hasn't even been told what a heartless is. Seriously, are y'all digging up time capsules or something for some of your recruits? And how is Pira apparently alive!? I may not have mentioned it, but my friends and I took her and the heartless she was piggybacking off of out!"

A possible reviving enemy is somewhere out there; with a Dinosaur, an Olympian, and who knew what else meeting here. Next thing he knew would be Dado coming back with a clown car of circus animals.

...Or a robot. A robot would be pretty cool actually.

Focus already disrupted by his imagination, Furo nearly missed the question directed specifically at him. At the thought of actually getting some sort of communication to anyone in his group, he eased up considerably. There was a longing there, but he had not parted with every—anyone on a good note. His issues with Brad to the side, he vaguely remembered shutting a door in both Sapphire's and Fiora's faces.

*Was that really the last time he saw anyone from his ship?*

"Y-Yeah... I would like to relay anything I can to them."
Frederick
"Dado went off to collect more people. I dunno who he went to get since he seems deadset on keeping me in the dark. Also who is the older gentleman behind you? I assume he's an... Associate of yourself and Master Mod since he went straight into the tower like he'd been here many times before or even owned the place." *She asks Aria as she points at Otoka. Her deductions weren't too bad. Otoka carried himself with a confidence one could only attribute to someone who had seen more horrors than most people and come out on top.*
Gary
When Aria posited her question towards the group, Gursht thumped his tail once on the ground with a snort. He seemed to be thinking... While someone more polite would wait until Xion was answered before barging into the conversation - Gursht was asked a question, and he was going to answer as such.

"Gursht - I am Gursht. I am what humans call... A dinosaur... Or... A Styracosaurus? Which one? It seems to change... They call Gursht 'Triceratops' too. Gursht has been traveling alone for a very long time now. When I fought the Black-Tooth and the Crag-Dwellers, I got this funny thing that people have been calling a keyblade. Gursht doesn't use it very much, I am not naturally fit to use these strange tools that humans wield... But Gursht has been practicing, so I can use the keyblade just fine - Gursht thinks."

Gursht rocked his head back and forth; almost literally rolling his thoughts around his thick, shield-like skull. His wail swayed to-and-fro until he found his words again.

"Dado said something about different heartless... But he was so fast that I couldn't really think. He spoke of the kinds there were, but not really *What* They were... Gursht thinks it might not matter though, nobody seems to know anything."

Gursht hadn't meant for the last line to sound as harsh as it did, but it certainly could be interpreted that way.
Aura
Nilus stepped forward to greet Aria and introduce himself. It was difficult to explain what you knew and what you did not know so Nilus opted to explain everything he had learned since Hollow Bastion. 

"Nilus, of Olympus. I was part of the group defending Traverse Town from these "Heartless" Before stepping into a portal leading to Hollow Bastion."

"Dado contacted me about both Pira and ensuring Olympus' safety through sealing some sort of "Keyhole". Olympus' safety of course came first however I hath been informed there are more concerns surrounding this Pira. He stated that all worlds will be plunged into Darkness, including my homeworld if she is not stopped. To save Olympus, I wouldst gladly accomplish both of these duties.

Nilus nodded to Gursht's explanation at what he knew, Nilus was in a spot not too dissimilar from Gursht's not too long ago but Hollow Bastion changed his view on these new worlds. He understood the Heartless were some sort of monsters. From where? He did not know but they seemed to be commanded by Maleficent and now Pira. That is where Nilus could fill in the missing pieces, armies of monsters organised and commanded by someone? He did not have to be told just how dangerous that could be. 

"I agree with Gursht. Just what are these Heartless? What depths did they rise from? How long hath Olympus been at risk of this "Plunging into Darkness" Dado spoke of?
Richard
*The woman must be the 'Xion' that Dado referred to. Crude, assertive. Quite troublesome.*

"At one point I was Aria's teacher. You may call me Otoka."

*He would then nod to Gursht and Nilus.* 

"The heartless are beings that manifest from the darkness in people's hearts. It is in their nature to attack those with hearts in an attempt to steal them. They typically act on instinct alone, driven to consume more hearts, and often target wielders of the Keyblade."
Jessica
*Aria nodded to Furo and walked over to him, handing him some papers with instructions on how to cast the spell.*

"It will work better if you do it, since you have a better connection with them. You can use the tower if you need a space to do it. As for Pira, from what I know they only used the person you fought as a vessel and used it to take the fall instead of dying themself..."

*She walked back over to Otoka, thinking over the information.*

"It is as Master Otoka says, Heartless are dangerous and of they find and enter a world's heart, they destroy it forever... The only way to stop them is to find it first and lock the keyholes, the entrance to a world's heart, before a heartless can enter it. It will not only stop the world from falling, but it will make the heartless not as interested in that world and it will be a little safer. The Guardians of Light, my group, are responsible with going around and making sure the balance between light and darkness aren't disturbed. The Heartless threaten that but there are stronger beings that lead the Heartless. If you will allow me, I'll go over the current threat, the past... Issues, and possible future concerns. I don't want to overload you both, so I will exclude some things not as important and will explain them as needed. If there is anything more you want to know, I will gladly answer to the best of my ability."

*Aria took a deep breath.*

"First, the past issues we've had. I was not around for most of it, as I had been injured by a former ally named Kiki. As of now, she is dead, however one of my mentors, Master Mod-Gnik, believes she may be recovering in the shadows. But we have no confirmation of that and it is just speculation. Even so, be careful if you hear anything about her. But outside of that, a witch named Maleficent, who we thought had been running everything, caused multiple worlds to fall to darkness and was our main adversary. Her plan was to collect 7 people who had hearts of pure light and use the

M to control all the worlds. Which isn't how that works, but the reason she believed that is because of Pira. Pira used to be a researcher who researched the Heart and eventually created special Heartless called 'Emblem Heartless'."

*Taking a moment to make sure she took a breath, she continued.*

"Maleficent is dead. As I heard, Nilus, you helped defeat her with a group of others, Dado, and Xion. But that victory did not come without losses... Ikazuchi, a pupil of mine, sacrificed himself to help us win. Not only that, but Furo's friends are currently missing due to events that happened from the conflict. But lastly, Maleficent was barely defeated. It was a close battle and we almost lost. The coming battle and any future ones will be far from easy, so if you do choose to help, please make sure you understand that your life, as well as anyone you may care about, will be in danger. Do know, however, I will not allow any of you to perish or be lost so easily. In fact I am planning on trying to find Furo's lost friends as soon as I possibly can. I will provide as much support as possible to ensure your survival."

*Another pause as she now shifts topics.*

"I already explained Pira, as they are our current threat. Pira is i credibly powerful and knowledgable. Currently we don't know their exact location, but we do know they are somewhere deep within darkness. I have a plan to reach them without the darkness bothering us, but I am still waiting for stuff to finish it. Once Pira is defeated, for good this time, the Heartless should be a little easier to manage and the worlds not be in as much danger. That is why they are the top priority."

*She mentally checked another box, now getting to the future problems coming.*

"And... Future issues. We have been getting reports about a group, walking around in black coats, called 'Organization XIII'. From what we know, they are a group of assassins who's goals are currently unknown. They have caused some issues in the past, however they don't seem to be aligned with Maleficent or Pira. As such..."

*She glanced at Xion.*

"It is important I tell you about Xion and her *Involvement* With them. Unknown to us, Xion was apart of this group until Maleficent was defeated. She says she is no longer associated with them, and even her memories of them have been locked away. I tell you this because you all deserve to know who you would be working with, if you want to join us. I will be keeping a close eye on her, but if she does show any bad signs, do not hesitate to consider her an enemy or report it to me. Once Pira is dealt with, I will try to look more into Organization XIII and their motives. A big detail is that Organization XIII is a group of beings called 'Nobodies', beings without a Heart. An empty husk that cannot feel emotion. And with that... Any questions for me? Any concerns? Do not hold back, please."
Frederick
*Xion sighs* "Admittedly I was part of them, yes. I recognize it was a huge mistake but in my defense, I don't believe I was ever informed of what they were actually doing. As far as my current memories allow, I can tell I was just sent to do what I was already doing in killing Heartless with my Keyblade. If I had more information, I would happily divulge it to help however I could."
Gary
The gears in the dinosaur's thick skull were turning as he listened to Aria and Otaka talk. Some things were starting to fall in place...

Gursht thumped his tail on the ground with another snort, he had an epiphany - Crag-Dwellers *Were* Heartless, he realized.

It made sense... They were a mysterious force that only knew hunger; they were an aberration in his world, a monster that was the defining fauna in the crags - badlands of darkened stone that lay far beyond the lush, rolling landscapes that were once plentiful in the world of Sauria.

But the Black-Tooth and the rest of the Crag-Dwellers were always there... They were there since his own father was a hatchling, and since his grandfather was a hatchling. If the Emblem Heartless were as recent as they sounded, then the heartless that attacked the Nesting Grounds were not Emblem Heartless. This means that Gursht didn't have any experience with fighting Emblem Heartless as far as he knew.

He heard Xion speak as he was thinking. He would let her finish before he spoke up himself.

"If what humans say about Heartless is true... Then Gursht thinks he has fought Heartless before."

Gursht snorted again, before testing his throat to say the next words - "...But... Em-blem Heartless sounds really new. I don't think I have fought those yet. The ones that attacked the Nesting Grounds were really scary; Their chest split open like an earthquake, and the bones were like really big teeth. Like a really big mouth that walked around..." Gursht let out the weirdest-sounding whine; like a giant lizard-cow remembering a bad dream.

"...I fought a really big Crag-Dweller - the one we called Black Tooth. That's when I got this..."

That's when Gursht summoned Endling's Endurement, "...I suddenly had it in my mouth when I charged the Black-Tooth. But Gursht doesn't remember much after that. Gursht doesn't even know if the Nesting Grounds are destroyed or not... Gusht doesn't know what makes a keyblade so special, or why I had one and the others d

Idn't... And Gursht doesn't know how scary Emblem Heartless are compared to the Crag-Dwellers, they could be way scarier! I can still try, though... Gursht is used to death. We can always be eaten, even right now..."

The dinosaur looked around after he said that, now seeming to check for any signs of predators lurking about.
Aura
Nilus was slightly stunned at the mention of the losses that occurred at Hollow Bastion. He was not there as part of their strike force plan and only helped out with defeating Maleficent so was unaware of the sacrifice of Ikazuchi and the loss of Furo's friends, Nilus had assumed it was a successful quest. This must be why Dado was so on edge over sending Nilus or Gursht to help. 

Nilus listened along to the rest of the explanation and laughed upon the mention of Gursht actually having fought some heartless before! 

"Ha! Gursht! I knew thou had more experience than thou claimeth. Perhaps, our strength is not so far apart." 

When Nilus had regaled the story of Hollow Bastion to Gursht not too long ago, he had assumed that this real world experience in fighting the Heartless was what seperated Gursht and Nilus' strength, but this was clearly not the case! Gursht is much stronger than he gives himself credit for, Nilus came to realise. 

Upon the description of the Black Coats and Xion's involvement in the Organisation. A lightbulb lit up within Nilus' mind. He had met someone who fit that description! Now, Nilus had not interacted enough with him to properly gauge if he has no emotions but he had certainly witnessed him wearing that Black Coat. 

"There was a young man, at Traverse Town during the attack that followed me and several others to Hollow Bastion, he didn't speak a word and I forgot about him until he recently interrupted mine and Gursht's sparring session down on Olympus before we met up with Dado. He introduced himself as Xanaro and he was wearing one of those black coats... He didn't come across as an assassin, but he did claim to be confident in his abilities with a bladed weapon. Doth Xion remembereth a skinny male with silver hair?"

Nilus made no comment on Xion's involvement in this Organisation but he struggled to believe someone worked with an Organisation without knowing what they were doing. Her memories of her involvement and the motives of this group must be locked away or she was hiding the truth.
Richard
"A shame that your pupil had to pass, Aria. Ikazuchi sounds like he could have turned the tides."

*Otoka stopped to think for a moment.*

"Before all of this, I had never heard of such an organization. To exist without a heart, huh?"
James
He and his had done what they could about Pira before, and at this point her still being around was out of his hands.

"Thanks. Sorry, we did not get the job done on our side."

Furo received the papers and skimmed a bit of it. Besides space to learn the spell, he needed time to organize his own thoughts on the matter. Even if he got the spell together, what would he even say. Icidro, Brad, Sapphire, and even Fiora. He had no idea what any of them were actually doing at the moment, what grand purpose or leisurely activity they could be seeing to. There was a lot he wanted to say to people he could not reach; All of them different and he was not sure how many chances he would get to say what was right.

The young man rolled the papers in his hand as he was preparing to take Aria up on her offer. He sat through the explanation on heartless and found himself rooted in place by further curiosity of what she had to get off her chest. His hand not holding the papers found itself rubbing the back of his neck. He recalled being told something happened to Mod, but he did not know about that individual named Ika perishing as well. His situation was frustrating with his friends, but at least he could hold out hope they were still okay. Even knowing that things could have turned out like this must not have eased the pain of those involved.

It probably would not mean much, but he determined to himself to find a moment and pay his respects after this talk of theirs. He could stick around that long, as with the things he wanted to attend to should not be going anywhere anytime soon.

Which was not without merit, as it seemed Ghurst did have dealings with the heartless. Though the idea that keyblades were not picky about the species of their hosts continued to make these weapons unsettling to deal with.
** **

He perked up again when Aria began warning the newcomers about those assassins that put his friends lives in jeopardy one too many times. It was a scary thought, but the chance that anyone from his crew could be dealing with them at this very moment began to enflame the rage that had been stocked since the trouble in the desert four days ago. While he wanted to track them down and give what they gave, he currently had no leads. It was on his list of things to do since he was staying out of this "Realm of Darkness" In case someone turned back up where their phone had a connection.

*"Unknown to us, Xion was a part of this group until Maleficent was defeated."*

Furo could hear his heart beat slow as his breath caught, and his sight refocused until the only thing not in the background of his vision was the woman currently in question. Each thump in his chest were followed with moments these assassins, this Organization Thirteen, held a heavy presence in his life.

His time here in the tower last. His separation from his team in Hallow bastion. *Hell*, one of these black coats showed themselves in the desert; in front of this woman no less!

His heart beat picked up until the only thing his ears could not drown out were the screams of building electricity and his own words of scorn that soon flowed from his mouth.

"You. Fucking. SNAKE! *BITCH!!*"
** **

Hand tightly clutching the rolled up spell handed to him, the sound of it crinkling in his grasp was lost as bolts of pure plasma began to arc off of Furo's form and singe whole patches of grass.

"You knew?! When one appeared in the desert to taunt those so called allies of yours, you were with them!"

He recalled the three people said to die at the end of Agrabah. A part of him was beginning to question how often this group needed to replace the new help; thinking back to the three that he was told died after he left and his group of three taking their place. He did not have anything against Nilus and Ghurst, but he was having a poor time wrangling his own feelings that Icidro and Brad should be standing here instead.

"You knew when Icidro brought it up the last time and you got on your fucking high horse to tell the old lady about withholding information. My family was attacked by yours again at the castle!"

Furo lifted off the ground as the wind carried him higher. Illuminated he generated more power as electric blue eyes were only on Xion.

"Call me crazy, but you're not fucking intelligent choosing to parade in front of me!"

The large orbs of condensed energy were produced and began to orbit around the potential sole member of the Storm Riders. He did not care to consider what happened next. Not his actions, nor the feelings of outsiders. All that mattered was that in the next few seconds the witch in front of him was nothing more than ash. The silver-haired woman may not have been the sole cause of the worst four days of his life, but she was a big one.

And she was within his reach.
** **

"If any of them are forever lost, then at least your death is by my hands," That final statement was the last bit of calm Furo had before he loosed the fury of three giant sparks of lightning at his target; one for each missing rider. Rather than shoot out normally, the three orbs channeled their payloads to tear along the grass and dirt burning a trail as they made the attempt to fry one Xion Kirisame.

 X 3 #
Jessica
*Aria listened to Nilus and Gursht, feeling a little relieved to hear they have more experience than Dado first said. She still needed to make sure they were ready, but this was still a good start. But Nilus mentioning an Org member who was there when they were at Hollow Bastion made her worry a little more. How many people do they think are allies but are actually enemies? Who can they trust?*

"A skinny male with skinny hair, you say? Be careful, if you see him again. We don't know why they are doing anything. Nor how strong they are."

*She turned her head to Otoka to speak, however got distracted when Furo had begun to yell at Xion about her being a traitor. Looking to Furo, she attempted to speak to get him to calm down but nothing seemed to work as her words fell on deaf ears. She tried a few more times, before attempting to walk over once she saw him charging up an attack. She couldn't let him lose it here and hurt anybody, no matter how much they deserved it. Her plans quickly changed as she watched the magic electricity traveling from Furo to Xion. Without even thinking, on impulse, Aria jumped as fast as she could and landed in-front of Xion, holding her arms out to take the full blast from Furo.*

*She screamed in pain as she was unable to brace herself, and her body seemingly got a little charred. When the dust cleared, she tried to speak.*

"I-I'm sorry, F-Fur-...O..."

*She said as she collapsed to the ground, passing out from her injuries.*

**Took the attacks for Xion**
Richard
*Otoka was listening along as the others spoke among themselves, him having little input otherwise as he was not being directly addressed. He figuured he would let his student take the stage, and see how many of her lessons she actually took to heart. Unfortunately, after his previous comment, he turned away for a moment to think about the Organization without hearts. However, as he should have expected by now, when he turns away from a situation... It always ends up getting worse.*

"Damn it, you fool!"

*A scowl ran across his face as he shouted. Otoka then rushed to Aria's side and knelt by her. He fished around in his pocket before he produced a potion. He popped the cork and gently lifted Aria, before pouring the potion into her mouth. He pinched her nose to force her to swallow it. Not again, not on his watch.*

`Potion used on Aria`

*It made sense, really. From everything Furo had told him. If these puzzle pieces were put together in this fashion, of course everything would boil over into a situation like this. This is exactly why he no longer approved of teaching magic to children.*

"This will only help her for so long. If any of you know a cure spell, please use it."
Gary
Gursht's current alertness made him somewhat aware of Furo's coming fury... Not that he was able to properly communicate this, as the others were too busy with each other.

—
*"You. Fucking. SNAKE! BITCH!!"*
—

That was spoken with such vitriol as to put Gursht on-ready for whatever was about to happen. He could smell the static in the air before it even began to spark, as he's become well-acquainted with the scent of plasma by now. Gursht has seen plenty of adrenaline-fueled fights where males gored each other to near-death, the musk of adrenaline caused by anger was unmistakable - as it smelled identical across many species.

As such, Gursht would put himself between Nilus and Xion - making sure both he himself and the Olympian were not right next to whatever Furo was about to do to the former Org member.

One of the most important rules Gursht learned as a small hatchling was to not put yourself in the middle of two enraged animals... So he hadn't expected anyone to jump in front of that on-coming thundaga...

...And Gursht watched with some mix of shocked emotions when Aria did exactly that.

It happened so fast that she was already on the ground when Gursht blinked. He didn't register much else as his attention was now locked onto the woman laying in a heap. Otaka's request for a Cure almost went unnoticed by him.

But like some prehistoric Saint Bernard; Gursht was quick to trumble over to the fallen Aria. He had exactly what the doctor ordered, and he would do what he could to make sure the job was done.

Gursht, having no hands, didn't exactly cast spells as one would normally do. He sniffed Aria's poor smoked form once to get a good idea of the damage, before letting out a huff of air.

**Curaga.**

To those who were more magically inclined; you could almost see the small astral images of leaves and flowers that dance across her wounded form - and soon tiny images of oviraptors would start sweeping away fresh injuries with their tiny little wings; like a littl

E cleaning crew here to mend a dinged-up warehouse.

Of course, depending on the severity of her injuries, Gursht may need to apply more magic - but he seemed willing to do that.
Frederick
"I'm sorry! I don't think I knew that they attacked people!As far as I can remember, I was never informed of anything properly! I was assigned to kill heartless, I think!" *Xion tries to explain as she sees the three Thundaga come here way, fully willing to accept that she honestly kinda deserved it untill Aria jumped in the way. Xion stands there in shock for a moment before Otoka snaps her out of her daze by mentioning Cure so decides to quickly cast it on Aria as she leans over the older woman* "Master Aria! Why? I thought... You didn't trust me... Dammit... I always seem to screw up in the worst way possible..."
*She then looks up at Furo* "I know my words likely don't mean much to you but I'm sorry. I'll help get your friends back. My memories of the organization may be mostly gone but that doesn't change that they hurt you and your friends... Your friends clearly mean more to you than anything else... Please allow me to fix my mistakes however I can." *She requests him as she bows her head*
James
Tunnel vision was the story of Furo's life at that moment. Never before had he had such clarity and focus on any one particular thing. All he wanted in the next moment was for Xion to fall prone under the weight of the perceived misdeeds Furo had stacked against her; Her pathetic claims of amnesia did nothing to absolve her of any misconduct in his eyes. He could even chalk this moment up as removing a potential sleeper agent from these supposed heroes if he had been in a state to think more rationally.

*Of course if he had been in a more rational state, he possibly could have planned around Aria's interference.*

The sight of the blunette throwing herself in front of Xion shattered his expectations with the stark reality of the results of his actions. He fell from the air, landing on his rear and hands as he was faced with the the wrong person being burned in this situation. Otoka's words of desperation were the only things that got to him before the weight of the situation fully pressed upon the confused blonde. 

From confusion to anger at the silver witch being protected, Furo could only feel betrayal by Aria's actions and he reached a hand forward for a follow-up shot. Guilt, however, wormed its way to the forefront of his emotions as his fingers sparked and sputtered out. Lightning that had before bent to his will, now fizzled out at his call as the remorse set in for his own wrongdoings. As everyone seemed to crowed around Aria's unconscious form, he did not wait to see if she pulled through or not.
** **

He pulled his offending fingers back as they clutched at his chest and wrinkled his undershirt, Furo rolled to his side as to get his feet underneath him before darting away. The papers given to him were dangerously close to ruin within his tight grip, but the integrity of their form was secondary to his escape from this place. Only one could aid him in this moment, and the boy made the call for them.

"M-Mamu!"

No order given; No extrapolation on his part as to what he needed or why. Perhaps it was the sheer distress in his voice, but the telltale beam to recall him to the main ship hid Furo's form in its cylindrical illumination. It came and went, spiriting away the boy with it. The only reminders that he had even been there were his teeny-ships departing on their own accord. Though, they too were soon out of view leaving yet another mess to be attended to during this hellish week.
Jessica
*Aria, after being given the potion and having cure applied to her a few times, would wake up and weakly begin to try and move. She noticed Furo leaving and attempted to call out to him, but it was too late. Instead she looked up at Otoka, and everyone else.*

"I'm... Sorry..."
Frederick
*Xion slips an arm under Aria's and helps her to her feet as they both stand up* "I'm not sure why you're apologizing. You just spoke the truth. If anything, *I* Should be apologizing to *You.* You didn't need to take those for me. You *Shouldn't* Have taken them for me. I kinda deserved it... I'm sorry you got hurt because of me... Now would you like me to escort you to an open bed for you to rest or would you rather Master Otoka do so?" *She asks as she... Admittedly struggles a bit to prop Aria up as a support. She's fantastic at magic... Her physical strength on the other hand... Was honestly pretty terrible*
Richard
*Otoka watched as Furo ran for the hills and beamed himself up with the ship. He didn't exactly expect that reaction, but also wasn't exactly not expecting it. He'd have to find the boy again after everything is said and done.*

"We both know you aren't built to take a hit like that. You really haven't changed in all these years, still letting your emotions guide your decisions when it matters most."

*He then shook his head as he scooped Aria up from Xion.*

"I'll take her inside. We'll continue this once she's recovered a bit more. Besides, we still need to wait for that Dado lad to return."
Gary
Gursht snorted, swaying his tail. "If Aria-Friend needs more help, Gursht is happy to try."

Suddenly there was a ding on his phone.

Gursht lifted his paw to look at the device strapped to his forelimb. "Ah! Gursht's new helmet is finished. Gursht must go pick that up." He put his paw down again. "Gursht will be back soon!" Gursht turned to leave, before stopping...

"Uh..." He turned back around "...Should Gursht get your numbers?" He asked, looking over everyone but Nilus, as he could already contact the Olympian.
Frederick
"Thank you, Master Otoka." *Xion thanks the older man with a polite bow* "Oh! Um... I actually forgot for a while but Master Mod once mentioned that someone managed to replicate the effects of a Keyblade in the past but wouldn't really tell me or Dado back then, saying it was a 'story for another time.' Do either of you know what she was talking about? I was just saying to her that a skilled enough mage could probably replicate the Heartless purifying effect of them and she disagreed, mentioning that." *She's very curious about this. Maybe it was Kiki? Or that scientist Dado was after? Or was it Pira? Someone yet unknown?*

*Xion absentmindedly hands her phone to Gursht* "Not sure how you use these without fingers but uh... Insert your number to my contacts, I guess."
Richard
"Thank you.. Gursht. Aria should be fine for now. I will tend to the rest of her wounds and make sure she gets some rest. I, however, do not own a device in which you could contact."

*He then turned to respond to Xion.*

"First I'm hearing of it."

*He said, bluntly. He was unsure at the time if he even did know what the girl was talking about.*

"Also, just Otoka is fine. I no longer carry the title of master."
Aura
Nilus had been stunned when the blonde boy had unleashed such a rage it would make Ares proud. He simply stood and watched when Furo had launched his Thundaga at Xion, he stood and watched again when Aria put herself in dangers way and protection Xion and when Aria required medical aid, Nilus stood and watched again. For all his boasting about Heroism, Nilus seemed to struggle when it mattered most. 

"Apologies.. I know no magic. I'm useless in that regard." 

Nilus couldn't help but have a tone of jealously every time magic is ever mentioned. Every instance of its use further provides evidence that Nilus' life would be far easier if he could utilise the magical abilities that everyone else he has encountered seemed to be able to do flawlessly. 

Nilus nodded at Otaka's suggestion to continue once Aria has recovered.

"We should discuss what transpired once Dado returns. Furo will certainly attack Xion next time they meet and I do not wish to be within the vicinity, lest we all end up like Aria."
Gary
Gursht used his beak to pull out a little touch-pen, tapping Xion's information into his Gummiphone.

"Gursht does not need fingers when humans were smart enough to make these. Otherwise, Gursht just uses giant buttons on this ship..."

That's when he realized...

"Oh - my ship! I left it in Olympus! How is Gursht going to leave?!"
Frederick
*Xion takes back her phone and hands it to Nilus* "You have a Keyblade, right? Use the Lanes Between. Visualize your destination or sorta just... *Want* To go somewhere and your Keyblade can open a portal. You'll want to manifest armor from your Keyblade too to avoid being corrupted by the Darkness in them." *She sorta lazily explains... Probably poorly* "I don't really get it myself. Everything is so complicated."
*She turns back to Otoka and gives a small shake of her head with a smile* "Sorry, sir. Referring to you by just your name feels wrong. You may no longer be a Keyblade Master but you were at one point. Also as Master Aria can attest to, I want to train under Keyblade Masters to eventually become one better than Kiki when it comes to both Light and Dark. I want to show that both Light and Dark can corrupt in too large of quantity or quality. I want to help people strike a harmonious balance between the two like I do." *As she says this, she creates a simple basic Yin Yang Orb above the palm of her hand* 
*She then turns to Aria* "Do you know what Master Mod was talking about? I'm genuinely curious to know who it was she was referring to and what they did to replicate a Keyblade. I don't want to make one myself since I'm satisfied with the one I already have but I enjoy knowledge."
Aura
Nilus had spent the better half of thirty minutes or so attempting to help Gursht use the Lanes Between with his keyblade, but just like Xion, Nilus was also a terrible teacher who was incredibly new to this whole thing and had mostly learned his keyblades capabilities by mistake. 

"Thou must envision where thou wisheth to go... Then.. Go.." 

Terrible teaching but at least he was trying. Nilus had been repeating these same words for around fifteen minutes or so and had made no attempt to change up his teaching style. 

"Make sure to point it in the sky.. And think really hard."
Gary
Gursht, as smart as he was, was still a simple creature, and just couldn't be taught the same way it seemed others had to. Eventually though, he did grow tired and frustrated - and stomped his foot once.

"Enough! Gursht understands Nilus-friend trying to help... But Gursht will now try this himself." It wasn't meant to sound as harsh as it might have been, but perhaps it was something that Gursht needed to do in his own way.

Right... Just think about where he wanted to go? Keyblade's have acted weird thus far, almost seeming to act as the same logic as dreams.

...

...!

Dream-logic!

With that sudden conclusion, the Amber Keycharm that normally hung around his neck would vibrate, before dispersing around his body in a swarm of marching ants. It would be unsettling to look at for anyone who may have been squeamish about bugs... But Gursht seemed unbothered.

The swarm of ants would mold and melt into a suit of armor; one that resembled some kind of prehistoric Rhino-beetle, but it was still easy to tell that Gursht was wearing it.

"Ah! Now Gursht shall walk there... *Now* Gursht shall be back soon!"

And just like that, he managed to open a pathway through The Lanes Between and just... Walked right in.

Just simple as that.

``**Gursht will return in roughly 10 minutes.**``
Aura
Excellent! Through Nilus' teachings it was clear that he had efficiently and effectively taught Gursht how to use the Lanes Between. 

Mission Successful! 

Although, Nilus felt like there may have been a crucial detail he had forgotten to mention to Gursht but he was struggling to remember... 

Oh well, Gursht was quite adaptable. Nilus was certain that if a problem did arise that Gursht could solve it without issue. He'll just ignore that feeling like he forgot something incredibly important.
Richard
*Two hours or so later, Dado and Cavall arrive via Dado's Gummi Ship. A Teeny Ship carrying Eve is right behind them.*
Glen
*The helm of Dado's ship pops open, and he leaps out and onto the ground.*
Mark
The sound of a slide whistle calls out as a single leg rises and falls onto the ground behind Daedalus, before the lanky figure of Cavall slinkies to catch up. Briefly adorned in a Hawaiian shirt and visor, the tourist glances about the new world with Polaroid camera in hand— The moment the first, obnoxious flash fades after having flooded the scene, Cavall stands in his armor as if the gag had never happened.

Gaze turning to the dinosaur, the faintest hint of confusion rests on Cavall's face. Slowly, he lowers himself to a bow of hesitant recognition.
Frederick
*Xion had escaped the Realm of Darkness and is now casually sitting outside the tower reading a random book* "So... I *May* Have lost my cool a bit." *She says upon seeing Dado*
Charles
*Eve hops out of the Teeny ship and stretches a bit* "Those things are so cramped. Can't stand traveling in them. Why can't this place be accessible by Obsidian Chocobo too?" *She complains*
Glen
*Dado, tragically, doesn't see Cav's shenanigans, as the guardian landed behind him. He only sees a flash of light, turns around, and sees the armored knight.*

*He thinks nothing of it, turning and addressing Xion.* "Yeah, you and me both... Where did that portal even send you, anyways?"
Frederick
*Xion's look turns sad* "My first serious failure... Your fallen home... It was... Admittedly not the best feeling to be reminded of my failure. We were so close to saving it is what makes it so much worse..."
Glen
*Wow. His darkness is even more of an asshole than he is. He was right not to rejoin with him.*

"I'm sorry." *He isn't able to offer much else in the way of comfort.*
Frederick
*She shakes her head* "I should be apologizing to you. Your home fell because of our incompetence. We were so close to saving it. Honestly it amazes me you chose to join us after that-"
Glen
*He sighs. He already went through this song and dance with Ika.*

"The only thing we can do is use our experience to make sure as few people as possible go through it again."

*He decides to change the subject.* "Based on the way that Organization XIII lady was talking, I'm pretty sure she *Wanted* To stoke our distrust of you." *He's not sure what to make of that yet.*
Frederick
"Rule one: Don't think too hard about her words and distrust everything she says. Even with my memories of my time as a... Colleague of hers MIA, I have at least one experience prior to that. In short? She's cryptic, tricksy and all around not to be trusted. Let's see... Who would be a good comparison...? Hopefully references make sense across similar worlds... Think of her like a Mephiles type of character. Do not trust under any circumstances."
Glen
*He tilts his head. The reference is foreign to him.*

"Either she wanted us to distrust you, or she wanted us to overthink it and trust you out of spite."

"I... Treating you like an enemy isn't gonna get us anywhere. Especially not when you can't even remember being one. If the time comes, and you do end up being a sleeper agent... Hopefully you'll have second thoughts."

*He holds an arm out.*
Gary
Gursht, having returned hours ago had decided to nap on the grass... And was startled by the flash of the camera light, but he quickly calmed down when he realized that there wasn't any present danger.

He got to his feet and stretched; his shoulders popping once, along with his spine and tail, before he shook himself and tumbled on over to the rest of the group.

He too noticed the dog-knight... Where has he seen *Him* Before? The dog actually looked familiar(With Gursht's comparatively poor eyesight that said a lot), and the dinosaur returned the look of confused-recognition.

"....? Has... Has Gursht seen Dog-Man before?" He asked more-so himself than anyone else... Then he just shrugged "Guess it doesn't matter anyways."

Gursht thumped his tail once on the ground. "Gursht sees Dado-friend brought more friends back..." He started just as Dado held his arm out to Xion. "...Gursht hopes they don't explode in lightning, too."
Aura
Nilus raised his arm as a greeting to Dado and those that followed him. He recognised both Eve and Cavall from the Hollow Bastion mission, and greeted them both as they arrived. 
"Finally, thy hast arrived." 
Whilst Dado and Xion conversed, Nilus introduced himself to Cavall. 
"It is good to see thou again. Mine name is Nilus, thou saved my life during the fight against the evil Witch." 
Nilus was slightly surprised that Gursht had supposedly met the Knight before but he was beginning to understand he needed to stop underestimating Gursht's experience with the various worlds. 
"Gursht, this knight helped to releaseth me from a prison of Darkness during the battle, of course I hath to returneth the favour moments later so we are even." 

Nilus nodded along at Gursht's mention of wishing these friends don't explode into lightning either. 
"Yes, there was an incident whilst thou was gone. The blonde boy that was here earlier attacked Xion with lightning magic and Aria put herself in the way. We hath been waiting thy arrival whilst she recovers... Shalt we retrieve her?"
Glen
"Yeah, Xion mentioned that." *Dado grimaces.* "Let's check up on her, then bring Master Otoka back down."

*He walks over to the doors, inclines his head to beckon over anyone who wishes to follow, then proceeds through them.*
Aura
Finally, the real adventure awaits. No more sitting and waiting around. It was time to begin the Quest of a lifetime. 
"Come on Gursht, let's go." 
And Nilus would continue to follow Dado not even checking if his 4 legged friend could fit inside the tower.
Gary
The front door was a tight fit, but Gursht could wriggle his way in. No-no; the door wasn't the problem.

**It was the staircase.**

Gursht watched everyone else go up... While he was left behind.

"Gursht is too fat for this place. Gursht is going back outside, Gursht can wait." And, ever-so-careful as to not knock anything over, Gursht carefully turned around, and squeezed himself out the door again.
Aura
Nilus returned from his expedition upstairs. The vast staircase conquered and defeated and Otoka was retrieved. He immediately made his presence known. 
"I hath returned."
Gary
Gursht, while everyone was mucking about in the tower, was attempting to munch down on some of the tower's shrubbery.
Mark
The hound remains quiet as they take in the surroundings, almost as if searching for something that wasn't there, before realizing that they had, in fact, been spoken to— Minutes ago, if the people claiming to have returned was anything to go by.

Placing a hand upon his chest plate, they bow to the group with a light smile, "Well met. 'Tis a pleasure to meet you in the flesh— And you outside of warfare."

"We answer to the name Cavall Legion, but you may refer to us as Cavall, or Cav, if you desire— It is what friends should do."
Gary
Gursht thumped his tail on the ground once, his beak-full of once-trimmed greenery as he turned his attention to Cavall again. "Meet me in the flesh?" He replied, his voice a little muffled by the leaves. He seemed to rock his head to-and-fro as he rolled his memories around.

"Hrm... OH! I did see you in a dream. There's lots of weird magic-stuff lately, Gursht has learned - did we have the same dream?" He finally asked the dog-knight.
Mark
"It would appear so— It does make one wonder, why we dreamt the same dream. Perhaps..." Cavall trails off as they bring a hand to his face, contemplative, "When all is said and done with the present issues at hand, perhaps someone should pay a visit to Atlantica?"

"... But that is neither here nor there. After all, it was but a dream, was it not? Our enemy then may not be our enemy in waking life, and certainly not our current enemy."

"We were told that a meeting was to be had. Is it not being held out here?"
Aura
Nilus remembered the same dream as Gursht and Cavall did. He was surprised to hear they all shared that dream. What sort of magic could do that? There was so much he did not know about magic and he was certain he will never learn. 

"Yes, the meeting shalt be held out here. I believe Dado and Otoka will be coming shortly."
Glen
*As if on cue, Dado walks outside, an uncertain look on his face.*

*They can likely count on him, Xion, Eve, Cavall, and Nilus in the battle ahead. He hopes Pira is somehow weaker than Maleficent.*
Gary
"There's Dado-Friend! How is Aria-Friend doing?" Gursht asked, thumping his tail once on the ground with a snort.
Glen
"Master Aria's still asleep." *He sighs, then takes a seat a few paces outside of the Tower.*

"Everyone, take a seat. The meeting will begin shortly."
Aura
Nilus says nothing as he takes a seat, ready for the meeting to begin.
Gary
Gursht nodded, before doing that four-legged animal stretch... Then laying on the ground with a huff.

His tail thumped every so often as his back limbs laid to the side, while his front limbs were splayed to keep him upright.
Frederick
*Xion's already sitting, back against the tower, head still buried in her book. Though she figures he means within immediate view of the door so she very lazily creates a magic platform underneath herself and ferries herself to sit next to Dado*
Charles
*Eve is already sitting nearby, not really seeing the need to just stand around when she could just sit instead*
Mark
With Dado arriving with such an order, Cavall glances about the area— Upon finding no chairs and everyone else sitting upon the ground, the hound reaches a hand down his breastplate to pull out a long, long cloth to snap into the air and let flutter to the ground. A plaid picnic blanket, perfect to sit upon.

Making themselves comfortable, Cavall sits cross legged and steeples his fingers together with keen interest.
Richard
*Eventually, Otoka would join the others outside.*

*He looked over the group, seeing those who were here before and the few new faces.*

*He nodded to himself before he spoke up.*

"Since a few of you weren't here before, I'll go over it again. My name is Otoka. I was once a keyblade master who taught Master Aria and her peers. I would prefer if you kept it at Otoka, but will not stop you if you still wish to address me as master; however just know I no longer carry the title."

*He cleared his throat and popped his knuckles.*

"Aria asked me to help where I could, so, here I am. If you have any burning questions, ask away. I'll answer to the best of my abilities, but Ive been out of the loop for an odd amount of years so my information on current day events is second-hand alone."

*He then shook his head.*

"However, If there are no questions, we can move on to the evaluations... And hopefully Aria will be awake by the end of them to discuss strategy."
Glen
*Just Otoka, no title. His teacher's pet instincts gnash their teeth at this request.*

"Xion, Cavall and I can debrief you and Master Aria on what happened when I went to grab him later." *He has no further questions.*
Frederick
*Xion raises a hand* "I know this probably isn't relevant to the upcoming battle but I'd like to know more about Former Master Kiki before she went all coocoo psycho Darkness possessed."
Glen
*A shiver runs down Dado's spine while Xion's talking. What was that...?*

*He's filled with dread.*
Mark
Cavall remains silent as Otoka speaks, quietly regarding the man with an odd look in his eyes. Ah, the passage of time marches ever onward. Closing his eyes, the hound breathes softly as Xion poses such an irreverent question. 

In a light, serene voice, they offer Otoka an out, should the old man wish to move on from such a topic quickly, "We would like to know the particulars of these 'evaluations.' Just what are we to be evaluated on?"
Gary
Gursht yawned, still just a little sleepy "...Gursht has no questions, no questions I can think of. But Gursht is also curious... About... Uh... E-val-u-a-tion... Yes, evaluation! Yes... Gursht can speak."

The dinosaur said the last part mostly to himself as he nodded his head.

"Gursht would like to know what these evaluations are."
Richard
*Otoka shook his head.*

"I concur; Kiki is not of the current issue. However, return successfully from the battle with Pira and I will tell you anything you want about Kiki that I know."

*He then nodded.*

"As for the evaluations, it is rather informal. You have two options... You can go on a rant and tell me a bit about your strengths and role in a combat scenario..."

*He then put his left hand on his right shoulder and rolled his arm to stretch.*

"Or you can ditch your words and show me what you've got by throwing your best at me. As much prep time as you need, no holding back."

*He tried this on Furo previously. And although the boy refused then, this was a quick way to test what this lot was capable of.*
Ernest
*If you plan to oblige Otoka's request, you may use as many turns as necessary to flex your build to its maximum. 

The only requirements being you include how many turns it takes you to get to that point, and how much AP or MP it costs to get there.

- For the builds it matters for: Otoka is a Whole being of the Light Path.

- For builds that use combos or other skills/abilities that require successful hits, "False hits" Are allowed in this sense; where you can gain the typical combo boost (or similar ability) stack each turn that passes without actually hitting anything, as if in a real combat scenario.

- Finally, you can use limit breaks if desired without first reaching the HP threshold.

To save on time, this will not be an actual spar. You've got one "Post" To throw your best shot at Otoka.*
Glen
*Dado gets up, then materializes Kingdom Key.*

"My name is Dado, Guardian of Light. My darkness was extracted just recently. I'm probably weaker than most of the people here."

"That said, this Keyblade right here is supposed to be capable of sealing the Door to Darkness alongside its dark counterpart. Essentially, it's our win condition."

"I'll do my best to hold my own, but at the end of the day, my main job is to seal the Door to Darkness."

*He bows his head, then walks out of the way of anyone planning to attack the old Master.*
Mark
How could one rant on their power? Or, to attack a master keyblade wielder, retired as he may be? That seemed a hassle, and the worst way to show off where their true worth shined.

Eyes closed, Cavall remains silent as they condense, coalesce their feelings to the deepest core. Simmered, refined, extracted— Rendered absolute in authority and in truth. In essence, where Dado wimped out and sold himself short, Cavall had to supply the man with what he wanted, simple, and to the point.

The hound opens his eyes, making eye-contact with Otoka.

"We are a shield."
Richard
*He nodded at Dado. Unfortunate it may be to not actually see for himself what the kingdom keyblade's chosen was capable of. However, he would not dare doubt Mod's choice in making him a guardian.*

*Then came Cavall. Over the years of exile, he had met many strange creatures and beings that piqued his interest. A dog-man was never one of them he had the pleasure of meeting.*

*His answer was short and to the point. He liked it. With a grin, he kept eye contact with Cavall and spoke.*

"A fellow brother. Good, they need you."
Gary
Gursht watched the others... He wasn't really sure whether to comply with the request or not. The last time an Old Bull asked him something like that Gursht got shoved and thrown into a mud hole.

Considering how strong these humans actually were... He didn't want to test the old man. He seemed far too confident here. Bulls who charged first got eaten first, that's how so many members of his kind died before the age of 10.

The earliest and most brutal lessons in a young ceratopsid's life was watching your siblings get eaten first.

Getting older, he and his surviving nest mates finally met up with the rest of the herd. There he would learn defense techniques that they would use frequently against Carnotaurs. While this worked well, there was always somebody that got eaten because they were sick, injured, or weakened in some way.

"..."

Gursht would come and lay more forward than the others; ready to get up if anything had gone wrong.

"Gursht is not good with words, but Gursht has to try or everything dies again. Gursht can't do anything if he grows weary fighting when he doesn't need to."
Richard
*Otoka crossed his arms. He wasn't unhappy with these results, but he expected at least one person by now to take him up on the challenge.*

*He nodded to acknowledge Gursht.*

"Words will hardly matter when it comes time to act. Nevertheless, a respectable decline."
Aura
It was Nilus' turn to take the stage now. Unlike everyone before him, he was more than happy to provide an example of his strength. He could easily have ranted about his strength to Otoka, regaled him with many tales of his victories but truthfully, words could not do Nilus' strength justice and instead it was action that will provide the proof that shall prove Nilus' combat capabilities. 

"I am Nilus, of Olympus. I hath no magic to speak of but there is strength within me yet... Now former Keyblade Master. Prepare thyself, for I need no prep time." 

```Bonus Action - Valor Form LVL5```
Nilus would then summon two keyblades to his side, gripping them both tightly as he made a running charge to Otoka before following through with a Cross-Slash that would horizontally strike across Otoka's chest unless he protected himself. 

```Turn 1 - 
Cross-Slash - 2315dmg
HP=6300
AP=420-50=370


Attack Haste 1/5
Attack Upgrade 1/5```
Richard
*Otoka flexed his biceps and formed an X in front of himself with his arms to guard his chest. He took Nilus's attack head-on and was barely pushed back by the attack.*

"Bold and powerful, with the readiness to attack under a moment's notice. "

*The cross slash across his arms hardly left a scratch. It was almost as if the man in front of him were wearing a full suit of armor whilst unarmed.*

"Good. That'll do nicely."

*Otoka relaxed his stance and dusted off his arms.*
Frederick
"Hmm... While I *Do* Enjoy showing off, I'd rather not attack you. While I don't expect you to be unable to take it, I kinda tend to bring the heat... Literally... Light, Dark and Fire are my primary elements. I don't think you'd appreciate your beard being singed. I know guys can be weird about their beards.
I can throw out a nuke at the horizon though. Also don't mind my usage of darkness. I usually balance it out by using light more often. Though my likely greatest output won't be used against Pira. I feel like using Darkness against someone who is basically Darkness itself would be a terrible idea. Would you like to see my three separate outputs depending on my form?"
Richard
"In that case, use what you would against Pira. I don't need to see what isn't relevant."
Frederick
"Then do you mind if I pull a random Heartless from the Realm of Darkness to demonstrate properly? Doesn't really work without a dark heart to go against."
Richard
*Otoka raised an eyebrow.*

"If its that much trouble, your explanation will simply do."
Glen
"Xion, *What?*" *Did she just contemplate summoning a Heartless?*

"I... Come on. Summoning Heartless? *Really?*" *How stupid is she?*
Frederick
"I wasn't going to *Summon* One. I don't even think it's possible to do that without being super aligned with Darkness. I was just going to go in, grab the first weakling Shadow I could find, drag it out and then immediately proceed to blow it up."
Glen
*Wow. She really is that stupid. He does his best to maintain composure.*

"That seems like something that could very easily horribly backfire."
Frederick
*Xion blinks for a moment then playfully knocks on her own head like she's an idiot* "I guess it probably could, yeah. I sorta just wanted to show off what I would be doing for Master Otoka and I couldn't do that properly without something Dark around."
Gary
The dinosaur suddenly spoke up.

"...What if Xion-friend hit Gursht instead? Gursht is not a heartless... But Gursht does better when he is hit first - and Gursht would also like to try his new helmet." He offered, standing up from his spot.
Glen
*Dado eyes the styracosaurus. He's inexperienced. Xion's stupidly powerful. She could potentially kill him.*

*She could also potentially not put a dent in him. And these are evaluations.*

*He glances at Otoka, waiting for his opinion.*
Richard
"No. We won't be bringing any heartless here. Your desire to "Show off", as you put it, with what you've stated prior, has already told me enough."

*He crossed his arms again. A reckless showboat mage... Who is also the suspect of being a traitor or sleeper agent. Yeah. He didn't need to know anything else.*

"Also, using yourself won't be necessary Gursht. Likely, Xion here has a magic that is effective against the darkness. Using it against you would be just as effective as using it against myself."
Aura
Nilus steps forward in aid of Gursht who wished to have a partner to test his might against. 

"If Gursht wishes for someone to practice against, I'd be willing to help. We've sparred before and I know he is capable of defending himself against my strikes." 

Of course, if this was not necessary then all was well and good but Nilus wished to help out one of his friends with proving his might if he could. Proving your strength was an important task in team building.
Richard
"An excellent suggestion Nilus. If any of you wished to spar amongst yourselves, feel free. Although..."

*He glanced at Dado, having noticed him shiver earlier.*

"I fear time may be running short. The worlds themselves are starting to fight back against the coalescing darkness. A few back and forths would likely suffice."

*He looked to Eve, the last present who has not gone...*
Frederick
*Xion nods at Otoka's response* "Admittedly the Heartless idea was pretty stupid. Very well then." *She says as she lazily creates two different magics in her hands. One of Light and Fire, her Starfall, and another of Light and Dark, her Orb and then sorta seems to be attempting to create a third one of Fire and Dark... This could be ugly if she's not careful... Her experimental magic tends to be rather... Volatile...*
Charles
*Eve gets up and cracks her neck* "That all, old timer? Just show off my full power? Well you fuckin got it!" *And so she immediately straps on her newly revamped shotgun gauntlets and then proceeds to take some false attacks against Otoka, pulling her punches at the last second until she hits max stax on Combo Boost and STTB until finally... FINALLY! She gets to use her Limit Break... Just before doing so, she enters her Valor Form. The 100-Type Guanyin Bodhitsattva... A giant fucking golden buddha emerges from absolutely fucking nowhere before it proceeds to punch Otoka innumerable times in the span of a second. What the hell, Eve!?*
`Turns... 4... I think?
AP: 25%
Limit Break: 100-Type Guanyin Bodhitsattva: 1445 Str`
Richard
*Otoka stood steady and simply crossed his arms. Each punch sounded as though it collided with solid steel. When the golden buddah subsided, Otoka was left standing in the same spot in the same pose, without a single scratch.*

"A bit of build up time, to get a strike with a bit of oomph. However, I assure you, miss, the vulgarity is not required."

*He flicked a speck off his shoulder before he continued.*

"You should lean into your strengths. Its obvious to see that you aren't exactly fighting at full potential. However, that just means you have room to grow."
Brian
If anyone has anything to comment on from his responses, before he moves on.
Charles
"Yeah well, I work with what I got. And what I got doesn't work for jack with speedy types such as myself." *She says bluntly, more annoyed by the lack of speed support ~~also my inability to think of something for her as a custom~~ than him*
Glen
*Dado walks back over, sits back where he was sitting before evaluations.*
Frederick
*Xion just cracks open her book again and continues reading right from where she left off*
Gary
Gursht lagged a little behind the others... It was hard to tell what he was thinking, but maybe that was more to do with him being a dinosaur than anything else.
Mark
Cavall hadn't moved; When it had looked like the others had all gotten up to do their own things, they had simply closed his eyes. Now that it seems people are returning, however, Cavall looks to everyone else before glancing toward Gursht— And then Dado.

This strangle silence was saying a lot.
Richard
*Otoka returned with the rest. He stepped up to the front of the tower and turned around to look at everyone. He crossed his arms before he spoke out.*

"It's going to be rough. And we are certainly running out of time. However, I have faith in each of your individual strengths."

*The old man put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a small bag that had some weight to it. Otoka reached into the bag and pulled out what looked like a few shining stones, before tossing one to each person, in which it would float in front of them, waiting for them to each interact with it individually.*

"These special stones will grant each and every one of you a special power that is granted to the Guardians of Light. During the battle with Pira, you may call on this power once and only once. On a successful return, those of you whom do not hold the title of Guardian... We will see about making it official."

*From all he had heard, Mod was severely lacking in the Guardian of Light recruitment department. Two, Dado and the now deceased "Ikazuchi", leaving one.*

"I will go check on Aria now so that you all may speak strategy. Dado, if you would accompany me up the tower."

*He turned and opened the door to the tower, before heading in.*
Ernest
*Everyone who is a part of this meeting, who is not already a Guardian of Light, gets a one-time use of the Guardian's Light Phase 2 variant during the End of The World event.

Special note: If it goes unused, it will disappear after the event ends.*
Glen
*Dado takes the stone in the palm of his hand. It doesn't feel particularly special, but hopefully he can find some use for it.*

*He nods, then walks behind Otoka into the tower.*
Frederick
*Xion plucks the stone out of the air before snapping her book shut and going into the tower behind Dado and Otoka. Not to bother them but moreso just to peruse the library for history books. She rather enjoys history. Hell, maybe there's something in there about Pira. She seems old enough to be considered history*
Gary
Gursht sniffed the stone; thumping his tail, twice... Then grabbing it with his beak. It disappeared somewhere in his inventory, though he didn't say anything else on the matter.
Mark
"Strange, is it not?" Cavall's voice pierces through the silence hanging about the open field, their gaze turning up toward the tower, "That they come and go like that. Just what do you think they're talking about behind those closed doors?"
Gary
Gursht snorted, laying down on the grass. "Whatever they want. A lot of Humans seem to think they know everything, whatever they think is right - so it must be so."
Mark
"Did they ever... Explain what a Guardian of Light is?" Cavall chimes with some interest, turning the gemstone about in his hand, "We fear we weren't here for the start of this discussion." 

"We know that we are gathering able bodies to strike back against an agent of darkness, this Pira, but beyond," The Hound's voice hitches as his ears rise in alertness, but they continue smoothly with a look far away, into the starry distance, "That, we are most unfortunately unaware."

The stars were shifting. A connection was being made.

"Hm. What forces must be in play, to so easily rouse the cosmos."
Gary
The dinosaur shook his head, "No, they did not tell Gursht what that was. Only what Heartless were, abd thst too many cause endings... Gursht has seen the end before, Gursht does not want others to see it. All Gursht knows is that he must try to help."

Gursht looked to look at the sky after Cavall's last comment. "Gursht does not like they way the stars move, they moved like that before the fire rained and forests burned."
Aura
Nilus had spent the time whilst Otoka and Dado were away practicing his movements with the keyblade by himself. It was almost time for their battle and he wanted to ensure he had got all the practice necessary with this keyblade of his. 

That did not mean however, he was not listening to the conversation between Gursht and Cavall. When the Hound mentioned the Guardians of Light, Nilus halted his movements with the keyblade, flipping the weapon to face downwards and began to lean on it before facing Gursht and Cavall. 

"Master Aria claimed the Guardians of Light ensured a balance between Light and Darkness... And Dado mentioned one of his duties was sealing World Keyholes to keep them safe." 

Nilus would return to his practicing, trying to figure out these movements that Dado had tried to teach him. 

"Stability and safety across worlds is a worthy goal."
Gary
Gursht suddenly roared before quickly getting to his feet - his instincts were telling him that something was very wrong. Animals felt anxious when disaster was about to strike, regardless if they could comprehend exactly what was coming... And the dinosaur certainly was no exception.
Aura
Nilus immediately notices his friend roaring! Who wouldn't? It was incredibly loud. Just what was up with Gursht? Nilus had only really known Gursht to roar during combat, he gave the occasional grunt or thump with his tail but roaring like that was a rare occasion. 

"Something the matter Gursht? Thou didnst eat the wrong leaf, didst thy?"
Mark
Silent as Gursht roars out, Cavall moves to stand, a hand held to the hilt of his sword as he looks around. What was this? They understood _what_ was happening, to a degree, but the magnitude was unheard of.

"We feel it too. The stars are falling— All of them." Sobered, the hound shakes his head. Gaze drifting over to Nilus, Cavall seems momentarily displeased. 

A slight nod of the head, and they answer, "It is time for war."
Glen
*Dado runs outside, eyes wide.*

"Everyone packed? Everyone ready?" *He runs to each person and hands an Elixir to them.*

"We need to go. Master Aria and Otoka have decided all of you are well-enough prepared to come with. Let's go, let's go!"
Aura
Unlike the other two, Nilus could not "Feel" The end happening. He could not sense this darkness that was seeping itself into every world. What he could feel however, was dread, fear and an uneasiness in his stomach as the Hound said the word, War. 

The hound said the "Stars are falling". Did that mean what Nilus thought it might mean? He thinks to Olympus, his home. He didn't have the knowledge or skills necessary to save it and as a result... Well, he didn't want to think about what was happening there right now. 

His thoughts of sorrow were interrupted by Dado returning once again, snapping Nilus out of it. He gripped Fenrir in his hand until his knuckles went white. 

"Ready."
Gary
Gursht didn't reply in human words; instead, stomping his foot once, swinging his head twice, and his tail thrice.

Oh, yeah - he's ready.
Aura
Nilus stepped to his close friend and ally, Gursht. If he was to join them in this battle then Nilus wished him to have some protection. 

"Gursht. Here. I picked these up in my last fighting with these "Heartless". It should provide thy some protection against the Darkness." 

Nilus would then offer Gursht a Dark Ring as a gift. He had a lot of faith in Gursht's combat effectiveness but he still wanted his friend to remain safe.
Gary
Gursht looked at the offering... Before gently hooking it onto his horn; he appreciated the help.
Mark
"We had hoped for the strategy meeting that had been promised, but we shan't be afforded the time." Cavall says lightly, before stepping in time with the rest of the group, "We cannot say we are entirely prepared, but we will go wherever we are needed."
Glen
"I'm sorry, Cavall. Here, uhhh..."

*Dado takes a deep breath, then begins speaking at max speed.* "I'm a mixed mage, I run heals, defense, and light. When it's necessary, I'll fill any role in a fight."

*He begins pacing in-time.* "Xion's just a nuke. That's it; that's her gimmick. If she says get out the way, then you better not stay in it."

*Ethereal bongos begin playing a polyrhythm behind his head.* "Eve's close range. She gets in and goes hard. Keep her healed, 'cause she hasn't got any magic in her Heart."

"You're our shining shield; in Xion's words: you're a beast. If you see a strong attack, it's up to you to make it cease."

"Nilus, holy crap. You hit like a freaking truck. If you can use your strength to clash, our opponents'll be fucked."

"Gursht's our last ally, he says he headbutts things. With his size, he can make even Behemoths lose their swing."

"Pira is the enemy, master of the heartless. Xion, I swear to Mod, don't use any darkness."

"'Possessed our friend, Suke, once. Cavall, I hope you're ready. If someone gets like Sapphire, we'll try and hold 'em steady. You'll go in their Heart with those wings and knock 'em dead; we'll keep you safe until you're up out of their head."

*He summons Kingdom Key.* "Our goal's to seal the Door to Darkness using Kingdom Key. If we come across the door, try to clear a path for me."

*The bongos stop playing.*

"Any questions?"
Mark
"That is not, quite, the definition of a strategy meeting, boy, but we are not afforded the time to strategize nor discuss much. Thank you for the compliments, but we really should be on our way."

Cavall pauses at the foot of the pathway out of the garden, and looks back, "Are we all taking your ship, or are we to use our own means to get there? It would be cramped, we think."
Richard
*Just as Cavall asks the question, a dark portal appears over the Tower.*
Glen
"I'd assume that's our way in." *He throws Kingdom Key into the air. It boomerangs back, formchanged into his trick scooter glider.*

*Just as it's about to hit his leg, he steps sideways and grabs the handle, silver cat-eared armor forming around him as he does. He spins horizontally with his mount in a combined raid for a moment, stalls, then accelerates upwards into the portal.*
Aura
Nilus was quite stunned. He had no idea Dado had such lyricism and rhythm. Had he trained before? It was amazing! 

"Bravo Dado, Bravo! Thou must perform for us during the victory ceremony, once we return from battle." 

Just as Nilus was complimenting Dado's exceptional work, the dark portal over the tower appears, signaling the beginning of their battle. Nilus follows suit after Dado and formchanges his own Keyblade into a Glider that looks very similar to the Chariots back home. He steps onto his new Glider and follows suit upwards into the Unknown...
Gary
Gursht huffed, a swarm of ants marching across his body; forming into chitinous plates until it resembled insectoid armor plating.

The back plates opened up into wings, and they buzzed and lifted Gursht up off the ground... At first gently, then suddenly as he rocketed upwards with a loud boom of wind and noise. Gursht followed suit in a fashion that was somehow - both as bumbly and as gracefully - as the beetle his armor was modeled after.
Mark
Cavall holds up a finger as their question goes unanswered before the elastic in his body visibly sags with a disappointed, 'womp.' Looking around the scene, Cavall can only look Xion's way before sighing.

"Keyblade wielders... Always leaving us behind, to figure things out on our lonesome." He murmurs as if it didn't truly bother him, and more to just put that thought out there as the others speed off through the portal.

"Apologies, Boko can only seat one." Cavall says with a polite bow to whoever remained before putting a pair of fingers to his mouth and whistles— A long, shrill note.

A shadow slowly forms over the toon's head; Pausing to look up, Cavall takes a step backward to get out of the way. Unfortunately, the massive, crushing figure still lands on the bullseye that is the hound, disconnected from its shadow.

*'Kweh!'* From beneath the fat chocobo, a dinner-plate-shaped, cockroach-like Cavall rattles and skitters free atop his fingertips.

Brushing himself off not a moment later, the hound sits astride their noble steed, striking a gallant figure as they take up the reins. The pair share a look, as the hound murmurs and feeds the chocobo a Green for its trouble.

A moment later and they're off, the bird panting and chirping in pathetic exertion as it flaps its wings, slowly but surely inching toward the portal at a snail's pace.
Jeraldine
Ranoa stands on some grass a little ways away from the tower in a clearing. He holds his keyblade in a tight grip, staring straight ahead as to only focus this very moment and not anything else that had been attacking his mind recently. He'd been able to sleep, but a full night wont cut it. He needs to get stronger. The atmosphere isnt great, especially after the devastating loss added onto the list of failures he already carries. No thoughts should be allowed to pass through, beyond enough required to cast spells.

He raises his keyblade, pointing it to the sky as a moderately sized fireball swirls at the tip.

"Burn."

And with that, the ball of flame is shot into the sky. As to avoid any damage to the area, he quickly swings the key to ward off any remaining heat. Following this would be a ball of water around the same size, swirling at a violent speed.

"Extinguish it!"

Soon following, the ball of water is shot into the sky. It clashes against the now-dropping fireball, before being extinguished fully. The remaining water rains back onto the grass, giving each blade effected an uncomfortably warm drink.

```
Fira, 1/3
Watera, 1/3```

Once more, he swings the keyblade to steady himself and repeat the process. Raising the blade, he allows agitation to get the better of him. The sphere of flame wont grow as powerful as he wants it to. This time, he takes a twohanded grip- Near Painfully squeezing the hilt of the blade. The ball of flame grows a little more, before being fired off like the one before.

Followed by another quick flourish, he points the tip of the key at the fireball again as another mass of water swirls into existance. Soon being fired off at the heated sphere. It results in another clash, showering the vegetation even further.

```
Fira, 2/3
Watera, 2/3```

More. *More!* It's not enough. It's still too weak to do anything meaningful! *He's* Still too weak! This much just will not cut it.

Planting his feet into the ground, he raises his key a little higher into the sky. A mass of flame even larger than the ones before would form, using his insecurity and anger as fuel. It's almost too strong to handle, some of the heat moving into the key itself as opposed to the outside. 

"Ow!"

His focus is broken, firing the unstable ball of flame into the sky as his hand is met with a sizzling hot handle of the key. He drops it, almost forgetting that he had just casted a spell into the sky. If it were to land, it would damage the surroundings. Clutching his hand, he looks back into the sky to see a sizable fireball coming back down- the size being a little bigger than a large beach ball.

Ranoa forces himself to remove his uninjured hand from the newly burnt one, a ball of water forming around it. This, too, uses undesirable emotions for fuel. It's stronger, but less pure.

The matching ball of water is thrown at the fireball, meeting and raining even hotter water onto the grass. It's not burnt, but it would definitely taste bitter to the greenery.

```
Fira, 3/3
Watera, 3/3```

The moment the issue is dealt with, he finds himself clutching his hand again. It hurts. He walks over to one of the larger trees, leaving his keyblade out in the grass to cool off on its own as he nurses the wound.

He breaths in sharply, before breathing back out. "Why can't anything ever go right?"

A question that not only applies to the recent spells, but to everything so far. Ever since leaving Twilight town, almost everything for him has gone poorly.

".. I'm sick of it." He mutters under his breath, moving his uninjured hand to hover over the other as a green glow emits from it. A small dose of ``Cure`` is administered, before he drops down to the ground. He leans on a tree afterward, looking into the sky. The agitiation is still there, but slowly calming at his own pace.
Deborah
*After reading for a good while, he goes outside to take a breath of fresh air, apparently master otoka and cavall havent ended their reunion yet, which is kinda worrying...*

*Outside he finds ranoa clearly being agitated, so he gets closer to check on him*

"Hey ranoa, is everything okay?"
Jeraldine
He glances over to lirio, still holding the mildly burnt hand. The pain is mostly subsided, just aching a little at this point.

His expression softens a little as he forces himself to calm down. Its not right to be angry at others for his own problems.

"Yeah, Lirio. I'm fine. Just tired from everything going on lately."

He continues to sit against the tree, his head having turned to face lirio. The keyblade continues to rest in the grass a few feet away from ranoa, having not bothered to pick it back up.
Deborah
"Need some healing? You like a bit in pain..."

*He sits aside him, facing the tower*

"What do you think of this whole situation..?"
Jeraldine
He watches lirio sit next to him, before leaning back further onto the tree and looking into the sky with a small frown.

"Im fine. I dont want to use magic for every little thing."

Then, to the bigger question.

"..I think things are bad. Awful, even. If the worlds are under attack, then it means a lot of people are dying. We're just sitting on our hands while Master Otoka and Sir Cavall form up a strategy."

He sounds exasperated with being unable to take any action, his eyes narrowing in frustration.

"And i know its not their fault that we're stuck here for the time being. Its not safe to leave, and they arent *Forcing* Us to stay. I just wish there were more i could do."
Deborah
"I dont think you should get stressed right now, none of us should.. Yeah things are bad, but we can still fix this mess, we just need time to regroup and come up with a plan"

*He said with an strangely determined voice tone*

"I dont know how many worlds you sealed and so how many of them are safe to go to, but at least this one is safe, you knew most of the people that went there to fight... Pira was the name? Do you have a gummiphone? Maybe you can contact them and tell them to come here... And that made me think... Remember that ship that just leaved the place a while ago? Do you know whose ship was that?"
Jeraldine
He raises an eyebrow at the suggestion to avoid being stressed. If it were that easy, he'd have done so already- but it's nice to see that someone is being more optimistic here instead of just using bravado to *Seem* Optimistic.

"I hope so. I really do hope we can fix this situation."

Then, he tilts his head at the suggestion to use the gummi-phone.

"Funnily enough, most of the people on my contact list are here already. There's sapphire, too, but i havent really seen her in a while. Ikazuchi and dado are... Yeah."

Regardless of the down-sounding statement, he does reach into his coat-pocket and pull out a phone. Beginning to swipe through it, he responds to lirio's other question.

"And no- I dont know who's ship it was. It took off too fast for me to be able to tell."
Deborah
"Think about it this way, if you're stressed or not, you cant save the worlds right now, so why being stressed if that wont change the situation? Of course we have to get ready and help making a plan if possible, but we have to keep our head cold, you never think correctly when you're on an emotional rush.."

"And about that sapphire you mentioned, if you think she's trustworthy and could help i suggest you call her anyway, currently we will need as much hands as we could possibly have..."

*He then notices ranoas key just laying on the ground and points at it

"Why is it there?"
Jeraldine
With a few more taps to the phone's screen, he rests his arm to look back at lirio.

"Maybe. It's just difficult to stay calm."

Then, he notices lirio pointing at the keyblade.

"I'm giving it some time to cool off. The handle got too hot earlier when i was practicing some fire spells."
Deborah
"Its temperature doesnt change when its unsummoned? Ill note that... And wait, the spells tendnto come out from the hit of the key, how did it hit the handle?"

*He said to then grab ranoas keyblade*

"Hey if something, its cool enough to grab it now"
Jeraldine
He seems a little embarrassed at the first question, responding while staring at the key.

"Usually, it doesnt hit the handle. I was just being sloppy."

"And yeah, it's been laying there for a little while. Magic usually runs out by now when it's cast."
Deborah
"Hm... Wanna have a little spar then? I still need to practice fighting, i dont wanna risk much after what happened today, i thank you and the others for protecting me but, i dont wanna be a burden in the future"

*He said then putting ranoa's key next to him*
Jeraldine
He seems a little suprised at the offer, but soon nods.

"Thats ine with me. Im pretty interested in seeing what you can do."

He sends one last text to sapphire, before putting the phone back in his coat and picking up the key. Its followed by walking across the area, to give lirio some space to prepare.

"Do you want to use our actual weapons, or something else? Theres plenty of sticks around here."

He chuckles at the idea of fighting with a stick, but its an option.
Deborah
"I could try with a stick if you want, tho i broke one trying to learn something a few hours ago..."

"I trust this blades but im scared we could go over the top and damage the other too much so, maybe sticks?"
Jeraldine
He shrugs, tossing his keyblade into the air as it dissolves into sunset-orange sparks. Following this, he takes a very short stroll to one of the tree's. Conveniently placed sticks can be seen underneath, before ranoa picks up two of the most sturdy looking ones. They arent the perfect sticks, but they work.

He places his in his left hand, before taking some steps back to his prior position and tossing the other one to lirio. Both are of similar shape and size.
Ernest
___***Stick***___
*Practice Weapon*
*Tier 0*
*STR, 1.5x
DEF, 1.5x
MAG, 1.5x
SPD, 1.5x*
Deborah
*He grabs the stick and does a little reverence to ranoa*

"Always show respect to your oponents before a spar... You go first?"
Jeraldine
He nods, Flourishing the stick as though it were a blade with a quick flick of the wrist.

"If you're sure you dont want to go first, then i'll oblige."
Ernest
***Information! The first one to forfeit, or reach 1 HP, will lose. You cannot drop below 1 in this battle, so you may use any ability or form you wish.***
[Now playing](
Jeraldine
Ranoa quickly takes his Make-shift weapon into a twohanded grip, holding it forward and closing his eyes as light begins to surround his body and empower his abilities. A thin veil of light surrounds his body, before he abrubtly breaks the stance, sprinting after liriro and leaping into the air. He swings his weapon, firing off a small ball of fire at lirio- Before landing onto the ground and taking a low stance before pointing upward and firing off a small chunk of ice at him. He then takes a quick step back, pointing the stick at him as a thin beam of lightning falls down from above. 

"You did pretty well back when we were fighting the heartless in that weird place. But can you beat me?"

Once the combo is complete, he quickly hops back a few feet in order to give himself space.
```HP: 6071
AP: 230 -260 -235
MP: 160 -190 -145
Phase 0 
Defenders Light LV4, -25 AP per turn
Light's Radiance: Your light aura increases your Magic stat by 5% as long as the form is active.
Isshin: Sonic Blade Uses left [2/2]


Action 1: Fire, 204
Action 2: Blizzard, 204
Action 3: Thunder, 204

[1/3 to unlock Kasumi]

Bonus Action: Phase 0 Activated!
Bonus Action: Defenders Light Activated!```
Deborah
*He quickly notices the attacks and gets to action, activaying defenders light and applying protect to himself to mitigate the fire, decides to take the bluzzard and then parry the thunder with a blast, then attacking him wirh a spinning attack*

``` HP: 3462 —3808 —>3528
AP: 180 —190 —165
MP: 160 —170 —140

Protect: 144 + 10% = 158 mitigation, 46 dmg taken, -15 MP

Air Flair: 111 dmg to ranoa, -10 AP

Radial Blaster: 159 + 10% = 174 mitigation, 30 dmg taken, -15AP/-15MP```
Jeraldine
Quickly repeating the motions, ranoa once more raises his stick defensively- This time, surrounding himself in a wall of fire to ward off the physical attack.

"That's pretty good, Lirio!" His mood seems to be improving a little bit, impressed by the quick reactions- Even if they dont fully stop his attacks.

Soon following, he fires off multiple chunks of ice, soon accompanied by yet another blast of lightning. It's taking his mind off of the apocalypse, at least.

```HP: 6071
AP: 235 -210
MP: 145 -95
Phase 0 
Defenders Light LV4, -25 AP per turn
Light's Radiance: Your light aura increases your Magic stat by 5% as long as the form is active.
Isshin: Sonic Blade Uses left [2/2]


Action 1: Fire, 204 [Parry vs Air Flair, 93 sent back]
Action 2: Blizzard, 204
Action 3: Thunder, 204

[2/3 to unlock Kasumi]

Bonus Action:
Bonus Action: ```
Deborah
*Lirio once decides to go on the offense this time, using a dash to get closer with a slide and hit him with a charhed light attack, to then parry the thunder with a blast again*

```HP: 3528 —3231
AP: 165 —>105
MP: 170 —145

Sliding Dash: 116 + 10% = 127 dmg, -10 AP

Wishing Edge: 149 + 20% = 179 dmg, -20AP/-25MP

Radial Blaster: 164 + 25 % = 205 mitigation, 1 dmg sent back to ranoa, -30 AP```
Jeraldine
He continues to weave fire and ice, forming repetitive motions until something just clicks inside of his brain. Why not apply this to other chained abilities, too? It's functionally the same- Just better.

He's too caught up in thought of skillls to notice lirio closing in, being smacked by the wishing edge from the stick.
"Ow!"
It's not *That* Bad, but it caught him off guard more than anything else.

The attack of lirio's is reciprocated by a cast of thunder, raining down sparks above the two.


```HP: 6071 -5764
AP: 210 -185
MP: 95 -50
Phase 0 
Defenders Light LV4, -25 AP per turn
Light's Radiance: Your light aura increases your Magic stat by 5% as long as the form is active.
Isshin: Sonic Blade Uses left [2/2]
Kasumi: Reduces the cost of "Shotlock" Commands by 15.

Action 1: Fire, 204 
Action 2: Blizzard, 204
Action 3: Thunder, 204

[3/3 to unlock Kasumi, Kasumi unlocked]

Bonus Action:
Bonus Action: ```
Deborah
*Lirio can feel a rush of energy in his body again, but this one was different than the previous ones.. He lets it flow again, and something diferent happens, he has a weird aura in his body and his magic feels significantly stronger... And he wanted to use that to his advantage*

*He uses Aero to mitigate the fireball, then a blast to parry the thunder and Aero for the blizzard*

´´´Spell Weaver activated!
HP: 3231 —3228
AP: 105 —75
MP: 145 —100

Aero: 149 + 25% (SttB) + 5% (light´s radiance) +5% (spell weaver) = 201, 3 dmg taken, -15MP

Radial Blaster: 169 + 30% (SttB) + 5% (light´s radiance) +5% (spell weaver) = 236, 32dmg sent back, -15AP/-15MP

Aero: 149 + 35% (SttB) + 5% (light´s radiance) +5% (spell weaver) = 216, fully mitigated,- 15 AP´´´
Jeraldine
Raising a brow at the sudden aura enveloping lirio, ranoa finds it to be time to start putting more effort into things. The dim aura surrounding his body suddenly flares up, a blinding light bursting out for a fleeting moment. It soon returns to form, compacting into just surrounding him.

"Getting into the flow of things? Good!"

With each passing moment, the accumulated stress from the apocalypse melts away. If only for a little while. It feels good to just fight someone- Not with any risks, or stakes, but just for fun. It hadn't felt this way since before he left home.

"I wish i had some struggle gear here! It'd be a whole lot more fun if we could score points."

He soon backs away after being grazed, before leaping off the grass and spinning mid-air, with each swing of the stick firing off blasts of light at Lirio. Once he lands back onto the ground, he raises the stick overhead, rushing forward in a two-part slash in an attempt to knock his opponent off his feet.


```HP: 5764 -5732
AP: 185 -160 -140
MP: 50
Defenders Light LV4, -25 AP per turn
Light's Radiance: Your light aura increases your Magic stat by 5% as long as the form is active.
Isshin: Sonic Blade Uses left [0/2]
Kasumi: Reduces the cost of "Shotlock" Commands by 15.

Action 1: Light Bloom, 347
Action 2: Sonic Blade, 308
Action 3: Sonic Blade, 308

Bonus Action:
Bonus Action: ```
Deborah
*... Yeah this was not looking good, but he still had to act, he could feel another round of energy, so he activates it, now with his aura glowing a bit brighter and his magic feeling even stronger, this was usefull, but he still had to block the attacks*

*He uses 2 more aeros to block the sonic blades and a blast to block the bloom, tho still taking some damage from that*

´´´Blade Charge activated!
HP: 3228 —3136
AP: 75 —65
MP: 100 —65


Aero: 159 + 40% (SttB) + 5% (light´s radiance) + 15% (Blade Charge) =269, 39 dmg taken, -15 MP

Aero: 164 +45% (SttB) +5% (light´s radiance) + 15% (Blade Charge) = 287, 21 dmg taken, -15MP

Radial Blaster: 174 + 50% (SttB) +5% (light´s radiance) + 15% (blade charge) = 315, 32 dmg taken, -10AP/-15MP´´´
Jeraldine
Using a magical barrier to smack away the aeros, ranoa is grazed by the radial blaster as he steps back away from the fight and raises his arms.

"Alright, alright. Thats enough of that."

He had to admit, lirio was definitely getting better than the last time he had saw him back at the.. Situation.

Nevertheless, that was enough.

"I haven't just fought for fun since... Hm. Probably before i left twilight town." He raises an arm, before hurling a stick in the oppisite direction against a tree. It hits, and loudly clatters to the grass below.

"Have you ever been, lirio?"
Deborah
*He leaves the stick on the ground and sits down to rest a bit*

"Nope... I hadn't fought anything untill those things before, all what i knew about my keyblade was by pure trial and error at home, i gotta train and learn a lot here if i wanna actually be able to help out there.."

"I didnt knew you were from twillight town, been there a few times, i met cavall there, i also met a... Really weird boy a few hours before the portals opened.."
Jeraldine
He raises an eyebrow, looking up for a moment as he idly rests an arm on his hip... *Thinking*. Not usually the ranoa way.

Then a quiet "Hm."

"A red haired boy? Could you tell me a bit more? Like a name?"

Theres no way lirio would have just coincidentally found ikazuchi while he was off with the purple haired girl. Right?
Deborah
"Yeah he had red hair but, he didnt told me a name cause... Okay ill just tell the whole thing cause this is weird"

*He says to then stand up again*

"A few hours before the portals opened i was at twillight town buying some supplies, when i saw this weird boy on the train station, he had red hair and was seemingly staring at nothing"

"I ask them if everything was okay and if he was waiting for someone, he said he was fine, even tho he clearly had a severe case of amnesia... And he said a friend of his told him to just stay there and wait for her.." 

"I offered to look after her but before i went to look for said friend, but before that i asked about her appereance, he said she had purple hair and her name was... Suzuke i think? Or something similar to that.."

*He said to then take a small pause to breathe after all that*

"Long story short, i asked him about his name, but before he could have told me, a big armor appeared out of nowhere, took him, said i'd never see them again and just leaved"

"Tho... He did managed to say the first to letters of his name, "IK" "

*He layed down on the tree, it was a weird story but, this last few days have been really weird overall anyway*
Jeraldine
He listens intently for a bit, before his eyes widen- a clearly suprised expression marking his face. He was waiting on a purple haired friend, and picked up by a suit of armor. Purple hair checks out. The suit of armor checks out. The first two letters check out- can it be any *More* Obvious?!

"We need to go talk to the master. *Now!*"

Being too focused to elaborate further, he turns around and immediately makes a break for the door to the tower as quickly as possible, making it clear he wants lirio to follow.
Deborah
*He runs behind him with a but of urgency, being extremely confused about why is the thing he just said important but, at this rate, everything could happen so, questions for later*

"Wait! What happened? Is that boy imoortant or something?"