Noreen
"I..." *Brad's eyes fell. Looking away, he continued.* "I'm... Scared. Scared of it." *He folded his arms, visibly discomforted to even speak of it.* "Me n' Cid, we went to the Realm of Darkness. We saw some pretty scary stuff, n' I saw firsthand o' how darkness can change someone. An' after what happened in Agrabah, an' what you said, these guys can take advantage o' that fact."

*He walked towards a window on the opposite wall, gaze turned skyward.* "An' I've felt it inside myself. That urge ta jus' cut loose. Ta give in completely ta my instincts an' run hogwild. E-even Dado's not free! An'...My memory's real screwy, but," *His eyes went to his hand, focusing on his palm.* "I remember tha fall o' my own world. Tha thought that somethin' so... All-consumin' exists in all of us..."

*Brad felt himself going off track. He swallowed, took a deep breath, and refocused.* "I don't know if I can control it. I don't know... Anythin' about it really. But I can't protect my friends if I might succumb at any time. I ain't," *He paused, lowering his head.* "I ain't strong enough, an' I- I *Need* Help. I need ta do everythin' in my power ta make sure this mission goes smoothly."

*Brad stood up straight, turning to face Mod-gnik.* "I won't fail again. I'll protect everyone." *There was steel in his words.* "It's time fer me ta get serious."
John
"Brad I-..."

*Mod sighed and took a seat in her chair. She wasn't keen on this idea, but realized she didn't have much options at this time.*

"Normally, I would take the time to train you to control your own darkness. It would be safer and a longer term solution... But I have to admit that we don't have much time for that as of now. Darkness is indeed scary, but being able to control it instead of fear it would give you great strength. If I sealed your darkness now, eventually that seal will break if something were to happen to me. So, while I will do this for you now, I want to offer to help you control your darkness when we have the time. If Oswald were here he would be able to help you immensely as well... But my attempts to reach him continue to fail."
Noreen
*Brad smiled at her. He didn't know why- maybe it was her agreement, or her reticence. Maybe it was the way she sounded just a little more like his own mentor. Of course, if Benji had heard him talking like this, he probably would've hit him over the head with a big stick, and cursed him out for his cowering. Worlds were in danger, and he was just going to let the fear of his own heart run amok?*

*Bradamante's smile softened, just a tinge more somber.* "I unnerstand." *He clenched a fist.* "I know I shouldn't do this. I know I shouldn't run away, an' that this is all jus' like..." *He made a 'how do you say' gesture.* "A trauma response or whatever. But this's all way bigger'n jus' me now." *He took a few steps closer.* "I won't be tha reason another world falls to darkness."

*There was a long beat of silence. Something in those words trembled with heartache. But the moment passed, and Brad continued.* "'Sides! Nothin's gonna happen to ya with me around. We'll beat Maleficent. I'll learn ta control this darkness. Hell, we can find Oswald together." *His smile grew more genuine now.* "If yer willin' ta put everythin' aside ta help me, then I'm gonna help ya. How else am I gonna get strong enough ta put ya on yer ass one day?"

*Brad took a deep breath, and bowed at the waist.* "Let's get started, Master."