Natalie
*The rest of the storm riders, if they turned around like icidro did, could see the portal close. However they also noticed a computer that seemed like it could shut down the machine.*
Rose
*The heavy thrum of the machine was overwhelming. The entire room vibrated with its motions, as it pumped out beast after beast with reckless abandon. Even Brad's own heavy footsteps were silenced by its noise. The dungeon had been one thing, but here, the concentration of darkness was immense. It felt like it was crushing him. Every sense of his, sharpened to a fine point, was now completely overwhelmed, inside and out. The only thing that stopped his stampede was his own clumsiness.*

*Tripping over his own feet, Brad hit the ground hard. The room shuttered as he slammed into the steel floor. He clutched his head, fighting off sobs as he tried to realign himself. He couldn't hurt them. He couldn't hurt his friends! But what if they hurt themselves!? He had all this power now, and he couldn't do anything with it! Just like before, again and again, he failed, and let the darkness consume the people he loved. He didn't care about being alone. He didn't care if he died! He just wanted the people he cared about to be safe.*

*Brad brought his knees to his chest. He didn't even notice the portal close, or the footsteps that followed him in. He remained unmoving. He simply laid there, whimpering, as he tried to get a grip on reality.*
Sheila
After running after Brad, Sapphire stopped on her heels as the sound of loud machinery ns what sounded like the thumping of dozes of hearts filled her ears. She turned to see Icidro come in after her as the Portal closed showing no signs of Furo. She was about to ask Icidro where he was but the sound of the Whimpering Brad got her attention more. 

Sapphire gave a soft sigh to herself as she walked towards Brad letting the keyblade finally vanish. She knelt down next to him placing a soft hand on top of his head as she gently stroked it. "Bradamante." Her voice became stern like a mother talking to her child while still holding that selfsame compassion she always had when speaking. 

"What is going on. You aren't acting like yourself ever since we got here. It was one thing during our fight with Pira but it was another when you held your weapon at us." Just then a thought crossed her mind about he was acting. She knew he was fearful of the darkness from their past interaction in the dark jungle when they hazed her. "We're friends, so talk to us and we can try to all come to an understanding I'm sure Icidro and Furo would agree." They had more pressing matters to attend to but she didn't care about that right now a friend of hers needed help so a few heartless pouring out of the machine was no big deal.
Sally
"Wait! No, no, no, NO, NO!" Horror dawns across Icidro's face as the caballero lunges toward the closing portal with an outstretched hand— Only to claw at thin air as it seals shut, the look on Furo's face being the last thing Icidro saw before they were separated. The utter _gall_ that something so important could twinkle out of existance in a light dusting of glitter registers dimly, as if it were mocking them.

"Furo—!" Furo was okay, he had to force himself to recognize. He's still in the dungeons; They could regroup. If he closed his eyes, Icidro could feel that he was with them still— That there wasn't an ambush, it wasn't a trap, just poor timing. One moment to shut down the machine, and they could leave.

Turning away from the console to check on the rest of his friends, Icidro freezes in place, unable to even so much as approach Brad and Sapphire as he takens in their surroundings. How many lives had been taken to accomplish that? How many people were in there, screaming to be released from the torture of shadowification?

"... My god." Horror chokes the caballero's throat as he takes a step back, before hurriedly turning his attention on the screens, tapping a key on its wide board repeatedly to wake the screen up. Were there any notes, any logs he could read? This was a _BAD_ place to break down in, and Bradamante mightn't be the only one if this goes on much longer.
Rose
*Brad flinched at Sapphire's touch. He didn't call Noblesse Oblige to his side- with his heart racing in his chest, he didn't know if he could. His eyes locked with Sapphire, every inch, every atom in his body begging him to flee. **She's going to hurt your friends.** It wasn't a voice. It was instinct. **She's going to hurt herself.** He tried to open his mouth to speak, but nothing came out except for a shuddering breath, torn between fight or flight.*

*It took several moments. Several agonizing minutes passing in terrible, terrible silence, save for the overwhelming noise of the machine, before Brad finally managed to sputter something out.* "I-I... C-can't-..." *He swallowed hard, clenching his fists. Deep breaths. Slowly, he began to claw his way back to consciousness. Awareness. There was a situation. And these were... His friends.*

"I h-have to..." *Brad coughed, balled hands finally pushing him to at least a kneeling position. Finally, he managed to prise the words through his teeth.* "Those weapons. They're dark. Darker'n' anythin' else I've seen. Everythin' is just so... Dark. An' after what happened in the Realm o' Darkness, an' in Agrabah, an'..." *His mind flashed to another place. Another time. Another easy smile with brilliant blue eyes. Even in Sapphire, he saw him- a reminder of his failings.*

*Brad looked away.* "I-I got scared. I don' even know what happened myself. One moment, we're celebratin', the next..." *He lowered his head, eyes shut tight.* "If anythin' happened, I'd fight tooth an' nail ta bring ya back. All of ya."

*He swallowed one more time, finally blinking away the tears that lingered on his lids.* "But I... I don't know if I can." *His gaze turned upward.* "Not with all this."
Sheila
Sapphire gave a small sigh as she continued to hold her hand on Brad giving a small hum as she did. "Then I can leave my trust to you to help bring me back if I ever fall to far. You aren't the only one who thinks that their helpless. This weapon I trust it to help us with our current fight all I can ask is can you put your trust in me? In Icidro and Furo? I'm sure whatever happened in Agrabah left a mark on all 3 of you but that's not here or now."

She stood up holding her hand out to Brad giving the self same smile she always had moving a strand of hair out of her face as she did so. "Now Furo is separated from us I'm terrified for his well being and there are countless heartless we might need to defeat." After having said this she pulled her Gummi Phone out showing it off. "Besides we can always give Furo a call to make sure he's alright"
Sally
Ears prickled to listen along with the current matter at hand, Icidro lets out a sigh at Sapphire's words. His brow furrowing as he frantically types away at the console, searching for directories, notes, anything that could be of help.

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, amiga, but communications are most likely down. After all, have any of you received a ping from the other team yet?" He murmurs, hands reaching for his own phone.
Rose
*Brad's eyes lingered on Sapphire. Trust in her? In them? He wanted to. He wanted to so bad. They were his friends. But after everything... It was only then that he realized that Furo wasn't among them. Immediately, the guilt he was drowning in became six feet deeper. Brad's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, frustration. Anger surged through him, but now, he managed to at least contain all of his big emotions. He let out a low exhale, checking his phone.*

```One upcoming alarm for 2:30 AM.```

*Brad visibly winced, quickly disabling the alarm with less than a minute to spare. Oops. But Cid was right. Whether it was the oppressive darkness or whatever vast cellular network that made these things function simply being out of range, he didn't have a way of reaching out to Furo.*

"Nothin' yet. I sent one out." *Brad pocketed the device once again, shakily rising to his feet. Finally, he managed to take in the surroundings.* "This place... A Heartless makin' machine." *His expression darkened, finally noticing all the imprisoned hearts.* "We should smash it."
Sheila
Sapphire crossed her arms as she walked over to a railing looking down at the heartless swarm below the,. "Perhaps we could unlock the capsules and free the hearts. Can't the keyblades unlock any lock there is?" 

She pulled her Phone out checking the time and deciding to send a quick message to Furo for just in case it does send through with a picture of where they are and the different machines. "She walked over to where Icidro was taking a look at the screen causing herself to get confused by the different things on it however one note caught her eye. "Hot Heartless in your area? I don't want to steal hearts I just want Fu— Okay not reading any more of that!"
Sally
"Not one with a password, or puzzle associated with it." Icidro half-laughs, half-balks at the idea, before shaking his head, "I want to see if there's no way to open them remotely— We'd be here all year cracking open each capsule one at a time."
Natalie
*Icidro wakes up the computer and would see information concerning the manufactory itself.*

"Heartless Manufactory: Online"
"Approximate Heartless per minute: 137"
"Requires Password for new input: ________"

*To the side, there were many sticky notes and regular notes. However one was different than the others, as it had horrible hand writing and looked newer than the rest.*

*"Okay, so Maleficent told me to use the Heartless this machine creates and help spread them throughout all the worlds. I just need to turn the machine on with the password and bam! An army of heartless... Uh, right, the password is "Princess", at least that is what Maleficent told me. I'll need this note to even remember. Don't forget, future me!- Pete"*

*Brad's heart would feel... Funny. The darkness within his heart would return?! Mod's magic was fading, her lock vanishing... Brad's darkness had been unsealed...*
Sally
Unaware of the dilemma happening within Brad, Icidro lifts up a sticky note with a puzzled expression on his face. Who—? Aha! Yes!! The caballero claps his hands with excitement! Raising his gaze back to the screen, a pleased grin dawns on the man's face as he gets to work, typing in the pass phrase.

"Yes! Yes!! Mucho gracias, Senor Pete!" Icidro sing-songs as he types in 'Princess' into the password prompt, readying a shut down— Or a Heart release command, should there be one!
Sheila
Sapphire turning her attention to the console she began studying the screen before looking back up at the trapped hearts. If all else fails they could spend the day smashing capsules open. She's sure that would give some relief to Brad.

She couldn't help but give out a small chuckle at the new excitement that Icidro held as they were becoming one step closer to finishing this mission.
Rose
*Immediately, a wave of nausea overcame Brad. His senses, already frazzled, dulled as they were suddenly drowned in an inundation of darkness. He felt the pop, like the last button on a too-small shirt finally surrendering. 

He stumbled, sick to his stomach as his blood ran cold. Barely, only barely, he managed to keep himself upright. His nails dug deeper into his palms, and he bit his tongue hard enough to draw blood. Still in the throes of a panic attack, he wasn't even sure what was happening. Only that something just happened.*

*Focus on the screen, he repeated over and over, eyes locked squarely on whatever was in front of them. If you lose focus, it's all over.*
Natalie
*Icidro typed in the password, changing the screen to a set of options for the manufactory, however it seemed the rest if the computer was still locked. Guess the computer owner had something to hide. The curser hovered over the first option.*

"Heartless Manufactory: Online"
"Approximate Heartless per minute: 137"

*Shut Down Manufactory* <
*Release contained hearts*
*Increase Heartless production*
*Increase Darkness levels*
*Open Documents*

*However, before they got a chance to select anything, a new presence could be felt from behind.*
Lacy
*Silax appeared from a dark corridor behind the group.*

"I'm sorry, 'Storm Riders', but I can't allow you to do that..."
Sally
Down arrow key, Enter key. Two quick keystrokes, and they're home free— Four, if they shut the Manufactory down afterward, nine to finally have context. If it wasn't for the sudden voice behind him, that is.

"I know that voice." Icidro says after a half heartbeat's time, hand casually reaching for his phone over messing with the console anymore. Ice runs through his veins, as he works to fix his expression for what remained of the group's morale.

"Ah, Miss Assassin, isn't it? I'm surprised you've kept tabs on us. Should we be flattered to have such a loyal fan?" He smiles, glancing back over his shoulder to face the newest arrival to this antechamber.

"You do remember the terms of our truce, yes?"
Sheila
Sapphire in her slight panic accidentally bumped into the control on the computer clicking on the obvious malware ad. 

It was upon hearing that Icidro knew the newest arrival that caused her guard to go up a bit more. "Truce? You know this person Icidro?"
Rose
*Well, that was worse. It took everything Brad had to not completely retch when the hooded figure arrived. Even with his senses returned to normal, there was no mistaking what stood behind them. His chest shuddered, and something in him called out. Not a voice, no. An instinct. **Kill.** This time, he did not resist.*

*Brad turned around, slamming the tip of Noblesse Oblige into the steel floor.* "You." *He growled.*
Lacy
"Now now, no need for that ferocity against me. Best save that for the Heartless and those who control them. I assure you, me and my family are no trouble to you, nor are we 'assassins'. The one who attacked you before had been caught doing the same to someone else, so he has been dealt with. He will trouble no one any longer. But then there was the girl at Agrabah... When I had been told she violated our rules, and the truce, well she was also punished in the same way... Despite what we have tried, members have broken those rules despite being told not to. Whether you blame me or not doesn't matter, as it is almost time for us to become more active for our goals, instead if passive. To do that, I have to break that truce. My apologies. Our goal required that machine stay on just a little bit longer, so I also apologize for what happens next. Good luck, Storm Riders. I have a feeling you will seek us out soon after this... Goodbye."
Natalie
*After sapphire clicked the malware ad...*

"WARNING! WARNING! MALWARE DETECTED! MALWARE DETECTED! MAL-DETECT-INTEGRAT-MANUFACTORY."
Lacy
"Right on que, Sapphire..."

*Silax held her hand out to the group, palm toward them. Suddenly a poweful gust of wind would come from her and push against the 3 riders.*

"This storm isn't over yet. Ride on, or become what you fear most."

*After, another push would send the 3 riders through the window of the computer room and down into the manufactory itself, them going right to the floor of it. Silax would leave through a corridor after sending them all out.*
Natalie
*The entire manufactory was flashing red lights as the manufactory kept pumping out heartless faster than before, causing malfunctions and intense heat as the system went into overdrive. But what came next, a group of hearts in a single container shot out a beam infront of the storm riders, creating a heartless that... Well, let's just say wasn't originally on the computer... It saw the three and a smile crossed its face as it prepared to strike.*
Sally
Caught off guard as the assassin-not-assassin actually takes the bait to keep talking, Icidro discretely taps on his phone's screen to send out a message, hoping that his body was enough to block her line of sight. It was a moment to have a sigh of relief, absolutely. At least, until what the lady was saying actually registers to him.

"And what _'active'_ goals might those—?" The caballero cuts himself off when Sapphire slams into the console beside him, and the Black Coated figure bids them farewell! Gripping his phone tightly as a lifeline, Icidro tucks and rolls as he smashes through the glass and hits the floor hard, unable to get his feet under himself in his current state.

... What was the point of that, if she was just going to leave anyway? What, did they need just— One hundred and thirty seven Heartless per minute. How many would that be should they be delayed for too long?

"We don't have much time— Stop the machine!" Staggering to his feet, Icidro shakes the fog from his head before looking up toward the Succubus making kissy faces at them. A beat, and his gaze turns to Sapphire for a half-moment, gaze scolding, before refocusing on the matter at hand. With respect to Brad, Icidro holds his hand out and calls Royal Radiance to hand— Before leaping into the air!
Sheila
Sapphire gave an apologetic look at the group just as hooded woman sent the tree flying through the windows as she flailed a bit trying to get her self in a position that she could safely land. "I'm sorry! I panic and clicked on the wrong thing!!" She cried pout as she fell. After a short while she landed on her knees catching herself with hands as well wincing a bit from the pain. That will for sure leave a mark on her for awhile as she stood up.

Sapphire looked up watching the beams converge into the succubus heartless in front of them causing her to gulp as she realized what it was she has unleashed upon on the world. She met Icidro's glare with a sorry look as she went to reach for her book only for the Keyblade of Hearts to summon itself in her hands as if wanting her to use it. 

"Alright let's see what these keyblades are all about." She followed Icidro's lead and rushed at the heartless striking at the ground as a surge of magic erupted outwards around Sapphire.

"Time for a bit of magic." Sapphire jumped in the air creating 3 slashes with magic to follow in her attack. Her hair finally falling out of it's tightly put style from having to go from battle to battle. Upon landing she brushed her hair out of her face with her free hand.

Sapphire jumped back as she did a twirl flinging her keyblade at that the seductive creature. Part of her was annoyed that a heartless had a better toned body than she did. "Brad, Icidro if I need to offer support to either of you just say the word!"
**Radial Blaster 275**
**AP 150-140**
**Wishing Edge 295**
**AP 140-120**
**Raid Slash 300**
**Mp 125-100**
Rose
*Something in Brad's body twitched. Something much more instinctual to any conscious though. Brad still remained unsure of what had happened, head still swimming, but he knew this. The lock had loosened, if not worse. And in the flood of darkness that consumed him, his light fighting back with all its might, he realized he had no idea why he was **Drawn** To this beast. This malicious monster, formed by this mysterious entity... It was really fucking hot.*

*Fortunately, even his lust was overcome by pure, unadulterated rage.* "She's the one who hurt Dado." *Untrue in a literal sense. But if this person had a connection to what happened- and if they were keeping these hearts imprisoned for their own goals, for even one second longer... Brad kicked the tip of his keyblade, and hefted Noblesse Oblige over his shoulders in a clean crescent. They'd become what they feared most, eh? Cid flashed through his mind, drunk on the high of Heartless body. Sapphire, wielding that wicked weapon. Rage threatened to bubble over, until he could contain himself no longer.* 

*Fine. If the darkness wanted him so badly, so be it.*

**"GUUUUOOOOAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!"**

```SECOND FORM IV: ACTIVE
All Stats ^UP^ +40
FORM DRAIN: -25 MP
FORM BOOST! Drain Reduced by 10!```

*Brad's roar was deafening. The room shook, and his azure eyes burned with inhuman rage. Icidro's heat turned the room to boiling- if he could focus on anything else, he'd be surprised Sapphire's crescents didn't turn to vapor. But she wasn't using water, she was... Brad slowed for a moment, seeing Sapphire's classic hairstyle come undone, a cascade of azure falling around her shoulders, magic emanating from her. Had she always been so pretty...?*

`TOTAL DAMAGE: 1285 Damage`
Veronica
*The succubus heartless, in the face of the several attacks would... Just stand and take it...? She didn't move, taking all the hits from the group before vanishing... Was it defeated that easily, that simply? Why would it just not fight back? Maybe the malware made a mistake? Icidro and Sapphire could only see the machine pumping out more heartless, however Brad would see a little more than he bargained for as he began to feel dizzy. And then, she returned, but only to brad, appearing infront of him in a seductive pose. Speaking into brad's mind.*

"Looks like I found a nice, big, strong man to help me. Mind protecting me from those mean people sweety?~"

*Her words spoke into his mind and took advantage of the darkness in his heart, causing him to see Sapphire and Icidro, his friends, as anti-Icidro and anti-sapphire... To Brad, it would seem like the worse case scenario happened and the dark keyblades took over his friends. The succubus heartless stayed invisible, using the power from her beating as strength for her spell.*

***Harder~: Increases her power the more damage she takes

No peeking~: Invisible to the naked eye, being able to sense darkness can tell she is still around and using light can reveal her for a time

Alluring Charm Spell: Brad charmed for 3 turns or until HP drops by 75% and the spell breaks. Brad's stats increased by 50% while charmed like this.

Light weakness: Took extra damage from light attacks.

Succubus HP: 9706 remaining***
Rose
`MP DRAIN: 125/175`

*Nausea swallowed Brad whole. He stumbled, dropping Noblesse Oblige as his mind was forcibly dulled. The Heartless took one step towards him, then another, gingerly carressing his chin. Fuck, it was warm. Fuck, when was the last time someone had touched him. His mind screamed, pulling him in two separate directions. He had to fight. He had to kill this monster. But it smelled so good...*

*As if in slow motion, he turned to face his allies. Icidro. Sapphire. His friends! The prople he was supposed to protect! Why would he choose this slimy slut over them!? In the darkness contest, they barely took second or third in this room!*

*But his reasoning continued to flag with stability. He felt phantasmal hands carressing his broad frame, as if exploring every curve on his herculean form. A bead of drool rolled down Brad's chin, and he swallowed hard, trying desperately to hold onto reality.*

"I..." *Brad choked out, as the color washed from his vision, turning the world rosy- save for the two umbral entities that stood before him, malformed by their weapons. His rational mind gave out, and his instincts took over.*

*A pair of horns burst from shadow, curling upwards from his temples. His azure eyes burned purple, his pupils transforming into broken hearts. Sweat poured off of his immense body, and the only noise that left him was a deep, guttural growl.*

*Brad got on all fours, and scraped the steel floor with a closed fist. Then, like a rowdy bull in a china shop, he charged at Sapphire.*

**"MMRRRROOOOOOOO!!"**

`TOTAL DAMAGE: 2455 Damage`

`MP DRAIN: 115/175`
Sheila
As Brad charged at Sapphire she brought a barrier up to block as much of his charge as she could but with the heartless boosting him, her barrier crumbled like is was glass and she was sent flying back into a nearby capsule cracking it slightly from the sheer momentum. 

Sapphire tried her best to gasp for air but her lungs were refusing to fill up she felt as if she was dying and with the rampaging brad being boosted it's starting to seem like that was going to become true. She looked up at Brad she felt something inside her click as she moved off the capsule landing on the ground as the darkness inside her shrouded her body.
**Barrier 3 2455-305= 2150**
**AP 120-85**
**Hp 2375-225**
Elisa
Within the mass of Darkness yellow eyes could be seen glowing as a quick dash was made towards Brad stabbing his heart with the Keyblade of Hearts. "Here goes nothing!" She made a turn with the keyblade before she jumped back pointing the keyblade towards him or more so at the heartless. "I may be the weakest member within the Storm Riders and that Brad has left me with an inch of my life but I swear I will free my friend even if it costs me my life" Her darkness was boosted after she made her declaration to free him.

She rushed towards Brad with darkness swirling itself in her hands as she unleashed the darkness against him knowing very well that it could potentially back fire on her. "Be consumed in Darkness!"

After words she took out an Elixir and chugged it quickly. A bit of it leaked down her chin as she wiped it away feeling herself become rejuvenated. "Icidro it's all you now!"

Form Ability: Stalwart Soul Dark boost acquired

Keyblade of Darkness ability used on Brad: Unleashed Power: Stab an ally and increase their stats by 50% for 3 turns, however they pass out after the 3 turns finish and all abilities and magic they use cost 50% more until this ends. Or whatever Lisa decides on it does for this battle ||Not Sorry Lisa||
**Elixir Used limit hit on Elixirs**
**Darkga 489**
**Mp 145-105**
Joshua
``Fire Arena on the Succubus only, -5% of their Max HP AND their speed goes down!``
Veronica
*The succubus thought she was hidden enough that Icidro and Sapphire couldn't attack her, nor would want to try with their friend attacking them. The lance would piece one of her arms, causing heavy damage due to it being light and ruining her spell to stay hidden. Then the clawed gauntlet throwing her into the fire wall. She would moan in pain and then teleport herself next to Brad after he got stabbed.*

"Good, you aren't easy prey.~"

*She said to Icidro.*

"But the girl will make this too easy.~"

*Brad would feel intense power flow from his heart from Sapphire stabbing him with her blade. But while his strength increased, he would feel something more... Pleasurable downstairs as the succubus used another spell on him to keep him under her charm.*

"Oh Brad, these mean people hurt me. Won't you protect me?"

*The succubus spoke out loud this time, a devious smile across her face again as her spell took more effect on him, increasing his strength further. After she vanished again, staying in the darkness created by Sapphire to help her stay hidden.*

***Harder~: Increased power, allowing her to increase her spell's strength.
No Peeking~: Stealthed again, unable to sense until blind area is removed
Handy~: Increases charm status by 1 turn and increases stats of the charmed by 25%.
HP: 7808***
Natalie
*Above the room, everyone could hear a very loud crash. Looking up, they can see dust from the destroyed wall and capsules above as two people jumped down to join them. One the storm riders would recognize as Furo, the other they would recognize as the girl who went on a rampage against Jafar before.*
Charles
``Gale-force lvl 1``

*Furo landed squarely in between his friends; the dust in the room quickly scattered into then air. Whatever happiness he should have had as they all were once together again died as he realized they were fighting each other for reasons he did not understand. Brad was brandishing his weapon toward Sapphire and the latter was key deep in the former. 

And Icidro was prancing around swinging his weapon.

Furo carefully set down Fiora in his arms as he looked around at his friends in disbelief, mild annoyance, and fried out emotions. He shielded the princess behind himself as he was the one who brought her here making him responsible for her safety. What a poor look to be showing an outsider.*

"Someone explain. *Now.*"

*Furo did not mean to growl it out the way he did, but his patience had long been tested beyond its limits. *

```Total Damage: 0 damage




Wind Boost: (6/9)```
Marlene
*Fiora was confused with what was happening, as well with where they were. So many hearts... And so many heartless being created and escaping to different worlds... She noticed Furo shielding her and smiled a bit, for a quick moment, thinking it was kinda cute. She decided it would be best to stay out of this until the situation was explained.*
Charles
*Furo continued to look between his friends up until Brad began to charge. 

Already on high alert the mechanic deflected the bull from himself and Fiora by summoning five spears of air. The larger man rushing past them as he looked for a different target. He was not sure exactly what was going on, but he had a rough idea how to resolve the situation.*

"Communication needs work, but I got the gist."

*Moving faster, by pushing his shield to his back, Furo raced the bull man. As Icidro was still moving as if in a daze, Furo took the attack for the knight and quickly found his shoulder ran through by the bull man. Now being carried due to his smaller frame, Furo held on to the horn impaling him as he was whipped back around in the direction the pair just raced from. From the corner of his eye he saw a head full of green and quickly realized the new goal.

Straining all the muscles in his arms, He conjured an aero down upon himself to dip Brad's head further lower to the ground. The young man's shoes now dragging along the floor slowed down their charge with room to spare. Looking down at the eyes of what should be his friend, he snapped the horn and took a step back; His wound kept closed by leaving the object in his shoulder.

Taking a step back, he waved one of his hands behind him to warn Fiora to make some room. He had no idea what would happen next, but he knew that he wanted to keep all the attention all to himself. *
** **
Elisa
**Form Mp Drain 145-130** ||Meant to put the mp to max after the Elixir||
Sapphire turned to watch Furo take all of Brad's attacks as if they were nothing something inside her chest fluttered as she gave a soft smile now knowing what next to do. She turned towards Icidro watching his movements as he aimed for the heartless after seeing it's reaction to Light based Magic, however that wasn't what she needed to do right now nor was it her best bet. "Right now a heartless is taking over Brad and I tried to eject it with my keyblade but it didn't work! So now we're doing this! Either help us out more or stay out of the way!" She didn't know what was going on with her this wasn't like herself, was it the darkness doing this?

She took a deep breath twirled the keyblade around her as she began to take in the darkness that she had once exuded. If she was correct this would help them see better. "In the darkness you hide, but this darkness is mine and mine alone you will not hide from me!" For those who were paying attention there would be a brief moment of clarity where the heartless possessing Brad would be seen. The darkness was becoming to much for her to bear her heart was beginning to darken the yellow in her eyes now turning more gold. This was truly when the powers of the Princess of Darkness would show. 

The pain was unbearable but it was nothing in contrast to what the others have gone through and done for her. She cried out a bit from the pain before her entire body was radiating in a purple hue, the darkness emitting off her before completely exploding out of her making the entire arena dark again. The next moment she became nothing but a blur rushing at the heartless striking several times. 

Thunder began to rumble around everyone as purple crackles could be seen. Sapphire began to focus her keyblade at the heartless breathing heavily lightening struck her blade sending it self in teh direction of the heartless. She began to laugh sinisterly as she once agai

N vanished in the darkness.

Several volleys of darkness was shot in an area around the heartless if you were to pay attention you could spot orange aoe marks on the ground where they would land. "You won't get another chance to do to anyone else what you done to Brad. I'll tear you apart myself if I have to!" Thunder once again rumbled around the group as Sapphire continued to lose herself more to the darkness. No one would know of the war going on within herself as she desperately fought to keep herself from losing it. 
**Limited ability used: Overflowing Darkness**
**Dark Haze 563**
**Ap 170-150**
**Dark Thundaga 593**
**Mp 130-90**
**Wrath of Darkness**
**150-130**

**Wrath of Darkness 563**
Total Damage **1719**
Marlene
*Fiora heard what was going on and seen what was happening. She sighed a little bit. She had hoped it would be as quick as finding them and then leaving. She didn't want to be here anymore. After watching Furo defend her, she summoned her bow and then jumped up into the air.*

"Enough of this..."

*Remembering her training with Dado, Fiora focused and then launched arrows into the middle of the fight. Once the arrows landed, it exploded light into the area, clearing the darkness temporarily.*

***Holyra x3: 1230
Darkness cleared temporarily***
Veronica
*The succubus got forced from her invisibility, taking intense damage from the holyras and being revealed again. She looked over at Fiora and Furo and smiled.*

"More prey?~"
Rose
`MP DRAIN: 95/175
PHASE 2: 3/5
LURID EMBRACE: 2/4`

*The words of his allies only barely registered, as if thumping dully against his skull. Hell, he barely registered the resistance of Furo's shield- or the horn that speared his dear friend. Some part of him clawed at its mental cage. There was a ghoulish wrongness that permeated every sense of his being. He was drowning in darkness- consumed by it. No, as he recoiled from the light, gaining momentary clarity once more, he realized that the hooded figure was right. He had become what he feared most.*

*And he still couldn't stop it. Power flared around him, wild and furious. His broken horn shone in the light, and while his own form remained untouched, he could feel the blades that pierced into his charge. The darkness, the lightning, the burning light, and the coming storm as he and Furo eyed each other. Brad's nostrils flared, and his jaw opened, finally managing to prise words through them.*
Elisa
With the darkness now cleared Sapphire felt a sense of clarity as she stopped her movement catching a quick break. She held her head slightly as she shook off the nausea that was washing over of her. A bead of cold sweat dripped from her as she couldn't believe how she had acted from the use of darkness but she was back in control and pointed her keyblade at Furo as a beam of magic shot off putting a protective barrier around him to help against Brad's monstrous attacks. 

The heartless was still holding control over Brad and she felt her body begin to weaken however with the remainder of the energy she had left she decided to tap into once more into the darkness cloaking her keyblade in darkness as well as into her natural magic talents as she rushed at the Heartless striking it twice. "With the darkness I'll make sure to unmend what holds you together!"

She turned towards the other girl giving her a nod as thanks for clearing the darkness out and helping give Sapphire the push she needed. "If we hold out a little more Brad should wear himself out!"
**Form ability used: Unmend Turn your attacks into darkness while gaining a small 5% boost to already dark based attacks**
**Weapon Ability Used: Mystic Shot: Str decreased by 20 and basic attack now use Magic stat**
**Barrier Shot 370 
**Basic Attack (mag Atk) 527 X2**
**Total Damage 1054**
Charles
*The frigid air clashed against the current surrounding Furo. He stood unfazed as the bull, his friend eyed him menacingly despite the warning given. Darkness, then light.; The mechanic was given a glimpse of the situation through the words of his friends and the lurker who was currently revealed in this mess of a situation.

The machinery in the room far more advanced and concerning than he could have imagined. The idle thought of the dustflier's origins from way back when tickled the back of his mind before being dismissed for what stood before him.

The young man could only grit his teeth as he was forced to look as his own failure in protecting his friends from even further pain and suffering. Brad's actions and forms may have told one story, but his desperate eyes and broken speech told the truth of the matter.*

"I'm here now, so just focus on me buddy. I won't let you hurt anyone else."

*The current surrounding him flared further as sparks of electricity gave it further life and shoved the cold front back even more. Light, fire, and darkness were all discarded for the clash of ice and lightning. Each combatant sizing up the other, but it was the more aggressive of the two who made the first move.*

``PHASE 3`` 

*Furo watched the bull leap high and rebound off a conjuration of ice. A maneuver he was familiar with himself and prepared to counter, only to find that his right arm was unresponsive to his commands. Instead of pulling his blade free like he intended, he instead twisted his left hand and carried himself away on a gust of wind. A barrier encasing him as he smoothly slid away from the impact zone. 

He side-eyed Sapphire as she turned to face the heartless alone. A silent thanks for the aid, though he feared for her safety more than his. A distracted glance for Icidro and Fiora nearly cost him some teeth if he had not called his shield in time to stop the sudden charge at him; Said Shield stopping the beast in its tracks, as Furo refused to equate t

He creature before him for the man hurting deep within.*
** **
Natalie
*Icidro, jumping back in the control room, would see flashing red lights and hear a blaring alarm. The computer itself would seemingly be unusable, every attempt seeming to fail in a new ad popping up. Sapphire really clicked the wrong malware. After fidgeting with it for a while, the alarm would eventually stop and the computer would seemingly return to normal. Punching in the password and moving to shut the machine down, Icidro was able to turn off the manufactory. Next to the computer, a new item was there that wasn't before. It was simply a card with a strange white castle on it.*
Veronica
*The succubus was about to do more of her shenanigans until she noticed the manufactory turning back to normal. Getting hit by Sapphire's strikes and being driven back more, her disappointment would be apparent on her face.*

"Well that's no fun... Fine, I'll let your friend go this time. Even if the heat is making this more fun... Wanna see a fun trick?"

*The succubus seemingly snapped her fingers, and Icidro's fire arena would seemingly vanish?!*

"Next time I won't hold back. Oh but then again, I wouldn't want the fun to end too quickly by killing you all so fast. I think I'll keep an eye on you all for a while. Bye cuties.~"

*She would then vanish, seemingly not being able to be sensed this time. She was gone, right?*
Marlene
*Fiora lands and prepares to fire her bow at the succubus, ready to end this when... She vanished. Well guess it was time to make sure Brad and Sapphire was aright. She then remembered what Aria said before about holding back the darkness, and even eradicating it. She's a Princess of Heart. She now called upon a new light, this one being brighter and more pure than before. Her body glowed and her eyes turned white, a white streak now in her hair.*

"Furo, the darkness in them is making forget themselves. Allow me purify the darkness controlling them."

*Fiora, then jumped in-between the middle of Sapphire and Brad. Holding her hand in the air, light would practically blast out from her, engulfing both Sapphire and Brad, as well as Furo but he didn't matter. Their darkness would purify, freeing Brad from the succubus's charm as well as weakening Sapphire's darkness, hopefully enough that she would realize what she was doing and back down.*

*After Fiora dropped to a knee, breathing heavy. Her eyes flickering as she struggled to maintain this form.*

***Princess of Heart form activated
Furo's buff removed
Purification Ritual: Any debuffs removed on Brad and Furo and turned into buffs that were caused by a dark form's abilities. Sapphire's dark form buffs are turned into debuffs and those original buffs transferred to Fiora.***
Sheila
Sapphire finally cleansed of the overwhelming darkness within her had returned to normal eyes as blue as the seas as tears ran down her face. Why was she crying she placed a hand on her face feeling the warm streak. The battle was over no one died this was by far the best ending they could have hoped for so why was she sad. 

She looked over to where brad had landed and rushed towards him keyblade falling against the ground began casting cure on him. "It's over now. We can home." Tears continued to stain her face as she felt her own magic begin to thin however this wouldn't stop her from healing Brad. 

She turned her gaze to Fiora giving a bitter smile as she mustered the courage to speak. "Thank you, whatever you did thank you." She then turned her attention on healing Brad's wounds.
Joshua
"Come on, come on..." Murmuring to himself as he typed, even the caballero is not without fault as the computer spluttered and and refused to listen to his commands— A light slap to the side of the tower to shake the dust out sees Icidro continuing his panicked work, until the virus abates.

"Thank goodness," Comes the next murmur as he shuts the manufactory off, before moving to plug his gummy phone into the data jack. Before he types in the command to transfer what reports he had access to into Mamu's cloud, Icidro pauses to pick up the white card and flips it over in his hand.

"A calling card, now?" Perhaps his biggest fan left her Gummy Number? Oh, if only he could be so lucky! Icidro eyes the piece of card stock with distrust, and gives it a quick once-over before placing it into his pocket for safe keeping. A few more keystrokes to complete the file transfer, and Icidro unplugs his phone from the terminal.

... But not without initiating that second option, to release all contained hearts. 

With urgency at his heels, Icidro speeds to the hole in the window before skidding to a halt as he surveys the scene from above.
Sally
A moment later, the caballero slinks to the ground beside Bradamante and Sapphire, his armor having faded away. Icidro kneels beside Bradamante to check on him, before turning his attention to the others in the room as he stands.

"It's over, then?" He'd felt the Heartless _disappear,_ and the knight held full trust in his fire arena to have contained that thing; It'd be no bueno to be proven wrong. Icidro gives Furo a once-over, before clapping a hand to his friend's good shoulder, "All in one piece? Thank the gods you came when you did."

"... Both of you." Icidro adds on, as his attention shifts toward Fiora with an exhausted smile. Offering a hand to the princess of light, Cid bows his head, "I am Icidro Arturo e Mondragon, caballero, a friend of Furo's and fellow Stormrider. A pleasure to meet you, senorita; I only wish it under better circumstances."
Charles
Furo watched as his friend sealed across the room before collapsing in a heap. He waited a good moment to see if Bradamante would get back up, but as the seconds past, he gave a sigh of relief.

Then he stumbled. His legs nearly giving out as he almost could not bear the weight of his own body. Fatigue and his injuries still present and weighing on him.

He took his time inspecting the area. The heartless left and the riders were still in one piece, so the danger had alleviated. Icidro stopped the machine, and was once again at his side.

So why was he so upset when everything should be good again?

A foolish question, but one he tried not to dwell on. Instead he needed to get everyone out of here, and back to the ship. With the princesses in good hands and the machine was down, the group had also slew Suke, which meant they had resolved three of the four main goals.

"Alright, we're going back to the ship! Everyone gather round and I'll have the Mamu teleport us out!"

He reached into his jacket and—ah, he took it off. The article of clothing still in the grand hall, and with it his business phone. Frustrating for sure, but a quick rooting into a pant pocket produced his personal one.

*...A Storm Alert? Assassins?*

He could only look to Icidro for answers.
Marlene
*Fiora took deep breaths as the form faded. She was too weak to try anything else. However it was clear she was probably one of the best ones in shape after today. She saw Icidro offer his hand and smiled, taking it to help her stand up.*

"Oh um, I'm Fiora. I'm supposed to be one of the Princesses of Heart, but... I never really wanted to be. I'm you all had to go through all of this because I got captured. I swear I didn't know I had this light until it was too late."

*Add that to the list of fuck ups.*

"But, it is nice to meet you too."

*She then noticed Furo stumbling. And moved over to him.*

"You're hurt... Can I heal you? It id the least I can do."
Sally
"... I could say the same. There are a lot of revelations that have been occurring this day, and not all are welcome." Icidro nods before turning his attention toward Furo when Fiora moves to nurse his wounds. The caballero's smile falters at that Look™️, however, as he sobers up. A nod.

"Yes, they were here. It was the seniorita I met in the white world; She's the one behind that Heartless, sent it to waste our time and allow the machine to make more." Icidro says before pausing, and withdrawing that white card he took from the table, "She left a message for me, as it turns out."
Jose
*Dado's Gummi Ship flies, parking at the hole in the wall left by Furo and Fiora. He peers out, seeing weapons sheathed, Brad unconscious, and Fiora being helpful.*

*He jumps out of the cockpit, into the room, then notices Sir Icidro. He starts walking towards him.*

"Sir Icidro. Is everyone okay? What happened to Prince Brad?"
Charles
Great... Just what he wanted to hear.

He allowed Fiora to fret over him, but realistically nothing was healing until he pulled the horn from his shoulder. Something he could do once he was in the comfort of his ship; A few quick swipes and his phone connected to the Mamu. 

"Mamu, pick up for... Five?"

The plus one was unexpected bu—

As if on cue, his least favorite person appeared again. Looking over his injured shoulder, he eyed the arriving party; Dado and one other here just in time to see the group start to be encompassed in a beam of translucent light.
Jose
"Motherfu- Fiora!" 

*Dado watches the five disappear... Then sighs. Whatever. At least she's in capable hands. Ika's promise is fulfilled.*

"C'mon, Master Aria. Let's go."

*He walks back to his ship.*
Marlene
*Fiora heard Dado and began to tear up. Looking back at Dado, he could see what her eyes said.*

*"Don't follow me... Please"*

*Fiora allowed herself to go with the storm riders, not being ready to face her friend after all that has happened.*
Natalie
*As Icidro was being beamed up, Kingdom Key D appeared in his hand unprompted again. It spoke in his mind.*

*"The door... We must hurry..."*

*The keyblade tugged at a wall and fired another beam, this time opening a dark corridor to somewhere strange. And then it would suddenly tug him out of the beam and into the corridor, closing it behind him.*
Charles
Furo just stared at the sight of his friend being whisked away once more. They were four once more, but not in the way he wanted. 

Mod-gnik was getting an earful immediately.