Brandon
Furo listened to everything Ika had to say; the only portion of the story that occurred after they left. As the details revealed themselves through the the redhead's tale, the horror of what caused a lump to form in Furo's throat. Ika changing forms did not take his breath away, it was the fact that he and his friends were close to being the only one's to make it out of Agrabah. 

And they almost involved themselves further due to that guy in glasses. That heartless man distracted his friends long enough to curb their normal desire for battle. The split focus keeping Icidro from following up on the lead of his assassins, and Brad's own moral turmoil keeping him from simply acting how he pleased.

All this topped off by the fact that the one in charge seemed to be the biggest fuck-up of the lot. He almost wanted to relent on his anger toward this Dado clown who dragged the closest people in his life into that hellish situation with the vaguest of request.

*Almost.*

** **
His face was in his hands, but Furo could see why the message Dado had sent Bradamante was so sparse in intel; lacking the crucial details of what they were walking into. This woman in the chair, more tired that upset, sat there unsurprised at the unfolding of events like it was all... Expected? Was he was standing in a room full of people whose communication skills were abysmal at best? He was curious about how they had come to be betrayed so easily, but the kind of vital information that could have saved lives was with the person at the top of all people.

And after all that, she expected her group would walk into an obvious trap, and *Hoped* He and his friends would follow suit.

Why?

Because she... Knighted(?) two of them? 

Because she kindly requested? No, that can't be it. She only asked for more of the Stormriders. Their information before expressing how "Great" Them being involved was.

She was similar to his mother. Empty words and expectations.

"Heh," He pulled his hand away from his face and surprisingly was smiling of all things. So upset was he that his emotions had wrapped around to something he was more familiar with. 

Furo stepped forward putting a hand in front of Icidro; intent on stopping the knight from giving her what she wanted, or struggling to say something a caballero should not.

"You could at least say please, lady."
Robert
*Bippity boppity hearts-damned boo. His concussion is gone, shocking him out of his crying. Going from the headfog, dizziness, and disorientation of an untreated concussion to completely fine is a surreal experience Dado isn't particularly inclined to recommend to anyone, aside maybe to concussion victims.*

*Her next words are what really kill Dado.*

*"Yes... I knew Sunset went back to Maleficent."*

*Oh, but he's a Guardian of Light now. Now he's officially licensed to do what he would've done anyways. That makes it all better! He scowls at Master Mod.*

"I'll be back. I need to grab something. Don't wait on me." *Without another word, he turns around.*

*On his way out of the room, he notices the blonde guy. His anger reflects his own; his shit-eating grin a pale mask above it all. He's not alone in his seething at this criminally neglectful withholding of information.*

*He leaves the room, the Tower, and finally, the world.*
Lurlene
For a brief moment, Icidro's expression twitches, his smile drawing back into an open, teeth-bared grimace. He'd already learned some of this, from the texts, but... Hearing it out loud, with tone and expressions to match, certainly drove it home harder.

What bullshit was Eve saying about death, again? Between the reactions of everyone here, Dado's immediate departure, and the Keyblade Master's request, some rather choice words draw closer to the tip of Icidro's tongue.

Before Icidro can speak his mind, however, Furo puts an arm in front of him. The caballero stares at his friend for a moment, before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. Mouthing the words, 'thank you,' Furo's way, Icidro hooks a hand on his hip, before regarding Mod-Gnik, looking for her reaction.
John
"You're right. I cannot ask you all to go so willingly into danger like that. In truth I can only count on all of you. Without any of you, our world would be lost. If you truly do not wish to go after maleficent, so be it. I will attempt it myself. However if I do, I will no longer be able to help for what comes after. I wish to continue to provide what knowledge I can, so I ask everyone. Please, stop Maleficent."

*She didn't stop Dado from leaving. He was understandingly upset. She could do nothing about that anymore.*

"I had already made a mistake several times now. I do not wish to make another now. Not when they already costed lives."
Dale
*Eve just sighs* "You're magic, right? You able to magic up a bottle of the best alcohol I ever had? Cuz I feel like I'm gonna need to be buzzed to deal with all this..." *Eve grumbles* "I don't know what the bleedin' 'ell is goin' ahn 'ere but mah 'ed is throbbin like a cunt- Too fookin confusin-" *And there's Eve's usual demeanor coming out*
Elizabeth
"So... What I'm gathering here is... You knew Sunset went back to Maleficent... And let a friend and possible lover of hers take charge of dealing with her? Call me crazy but I thought you were supposed to be intelligent, no? That was a really stupid move on your part. They never would have dealt with her properly. It would've been all words and hugs and then a weapon through the gut after crocodile tears and a hug! So in short, their deaths are on your hands." *Xion says in an uncharacteristically cold manner. To Ika, seeing Xion drop the happy go lucky idiot bimbo nuke act for once had to be unnerving in some capacity. She was always upbeat and memey and a bit loony but now she was genuinely emotionless*
Barney
Br[ *Brad ignored the two tone-deaf girls, focusing solely on his friends, on Mod-Gnik, and on Dado's exit. The force behind Furo's words, like a gust of retaliatory wind was enough to right Icidro and steel Brad's heart.*

"I already committed. I'm 'ere ta help. But..." *Brad rubbed the back of his head, clearly growing frustrated with all this vagueness. Sure, this was a lot of information being given out, but he still felt as though everyone was still being unusually vague. If they wanted to actually stop Maleficent.* "What do ya mean what comes after? Is there somethin' else we should be doin'? 'Cus yer buildin' up this Maleficent, an' now yer makin' 'er sound like small potatoes."

*He then turned to Ikazuchi.* "Also, how'dja do that gender change thingie? Can ya teach me?"
Wanda
*Ikazuchi remained silent for the remainder of Mod's recap and apology. He did not say a word through everyone's retorts and follow-up remarks, nor did he even try to stop Dado from leaving.*

"You're entirely right Xion. Sunset taunted us that it was as simple as putting on an act to garner her old friends' trust, and then stabbing them in the back when they least expected it. Although, I do not think Master Mod is the one to blame. Louis was pushy and arrogant. Him and his gang believed it was their way or no way at all. When Mod and Louis gained the knowledge of Sunset's return to Maleficent's side, he likely pressured the Master into letting him and his partners take the lead on this one. You saw how apprehensive they were at the mere *Mention* Of Sunset becoming a problem and needing to be taken out. The did not even listen to reason for a *Second* That it was not a kill order."

*Ikazuchi shook his head.*

"I don't think the Master's goal was to downplay the threat that is Maleficent. Moreso putting into words that there are greater dangers out there than *Just* Maleficent herself. This group of hooded nobodies telling their riddles and causing problems. The darker being that took possession of Suke's body. Master Kiki is still MIA... And not to mention, we still have yet to locate the Door to Darkness, a vital step in our plan to shut out the darkness."

*He scratched the back of his head and looked at Brad.*

"It's not exactly something I can... Teach. I can only assume that form because my Master's heart resides within my own. Her power allows for me to transform in such a way."

*He looked back to mod, still with an empty expression on his face.*

"Trap or not. It is my duty to put a stop to this. If I was stronger a year ago, I could have ended this at Radiant Garden. The burden falls to my lap to stop Maleficent and Inaxuma at any means necessary. Even if it means my own end." 

*Had he lost touch with reality? No, surely not. This is the most le

Vel headed he had ever felt. Was his lack of emotions... Helping? Sure, a bold statement such as this still has his usual confidence as a fighter behind it, but it felt different. Those foul emotions that left his heart for Inaxuma's no longer held influence over his decisions: revenge, hate, anger, sadness. Even the feelings he had left were not interfering with this decision: love, friendship, pride, empathy. He knew what must be done.*
Noreen
*There's a beat of silence. Brad appreciated the clarity, although there was still some omitted information. But this, at least, he was willing to buy as a genuine lack of details, and not willful obfuscation.*

*He didn't even really react to Ikazuchi's denial, because something else in his words caused his cheeks to suddenly burn bright red.*

"W-wait a minute, *Your* Master?" *He seemed positively scandalized.* "Y-ya mean, you two are-!?" *Brad quickly covered his mouth before he finished his sentence.*
Wanda
*Ikazuchi looked at Brad and tilted his head.*

"No... There are several keyblade masters. I suppose I should have clarified. Infromation that you've known for several years is sometimes hard to realize isn't second nature to others. The Master that Trained me went by the name of Aria. She gave up her physical form to give me her power, and now resides within my heart. Sorry."
John
"Ika... I appreciate you trying to defend me, but it is true. I am to blame for not warning you all. I should have known his friendship with her would cause him to remain quiet. However you are correct about the other threats. Maleficent is the biggest and most important threat along with the heartless. She should remain the main focus at this time. And from now on, I will be fully open and honest about everything. No more lies and secrets. I do not intend you all to run into a trap so willingly. I'll provide you all with anything you need to win. Any information is yours."
Lurlene
A sound of strangled disgust leaves Icidro, his stare hardening toward Ikazuchi. Again, they bring up Radiant Garden without even acknowledging his input or answering his questions on it— And this time, one even has the gall to claim _ownership_ of its downfall. Were those truly the words that came from his mouth, in that lifeless monotone? Baffling.

We're it not for Furo's arm still outstretched and holding him back, Icidro might have done something ill-planned. Icidro has to look away, off toward the wall to collect himself.

A particular Look™️ gets sent the Storm Riders' way, during he time between Brad's scandalous question and Mod-Gnik's offer. Furo could handle this; Icidro understood that he was emotionally compromised, and in no place to speak for the group.
Robert
"No more lies and secrets. Good."

*The door swings open, and Dado storms back into the room, clutching a fistful of bloody jewelry. He walks up to Mod's desk, then sets it all down firmly. While most of it is broken nigh-beyond recognition, Mod, Ika, Xion recognize Twilight and Rainbow's Elements of Harmony intact. The others may recognize them too, depending on their attentiveness during the fights in Agrabah.*

"Next time you consider withholding information, remember this."

*Beyond anger or grief, Mod sees something else in Dado's eyes. A plea. He doesn't want this to happen again, if it's at all avoidable.*

"Hollow Bastion. What can you tell us about it? What can we expect to face? What traps do you assume Maleficent might set up for us? What preparations do you recommend?"

"We know Sunset, Inaxuma, and a possessed Suke are there waiting for us, as well as Maleficent herself. Ika, you should know how Inaxuma fights, as well as this possessed Suke. How do we kill your evil twin? How can we capture your possessed friend?"

"Additionally, Xion, you and Ika seem to have a deeper rapport with the..." *He grits his teeth.* "Fuck it, you know who I'm talking about. How does Sunset fight? Any weaknesses? Preferred tactics?"

"Maleficent was the lady with the green fire. Master Mod, anything you can tell us about her, *As well as any other goons*, would be *Life-saving* Information."

*Determination radiates from the young man as he does what he does best: ask too many goddamned questions. With some coordination, they won't go in blind this time.*
John
*Mod sighs and closes her eyes, standing up and moving from her deck to her window. To those watching, it seemed like Mod was trying to hold back... Tears? She opened her eyes and the color had flickered again like before and gone back. It also had seemed she had been aging a little? She had looked a lot younger a few moments ago... She then muttered*

"You all deserved better... I am sorry..."

*After, she looked at Dado from the window.*

"Hollow Bastion used to be a world called 'Radiant Garden'. As Ika has mentioned, Maleficent and Inaxuma assaulted the world and destroyed it. However they hadn't sent it to darkness like the others. I am not sure why, however I suspect it has something to do with the popular researcher who owned the town. He had created a machine that could create heartless, from his experiments with people's hearts. I assume that his research is why she decided to base there. She must have a hoard of heartless there by now ready for you all. He had a large castle there, meaning Maleficent and her allies will be hiding in there. As for her trap..."

*Mod paused a moment to think.*

"She will likely try to exploit your emotional weaknesses and possibly isolate you all. Your hatred over Sunset and wanting to avenge those she killed. Your captured ally, Fiora, who you'd want to get ti safety along with the rest if the princesses. Your need to defeat the main threat, being Ina and Maleficent. And finally, any deserved mistrust you have of me... She knows about all these emotions and will likely choose to exploit them for an easier victory. I'd advise taking some time, before going after her, to steel yourselves and prepare for her to try and get into your head. Not only is she a powerful sorceress, she is manipulative. Your greatest strength would be working together instead of fighting each other along with her."
Wanda
*Ikazuchi took note of what seemed like discomfort coming from Icidro. He'd like to address that later when the more pressing matters were attended to, but first of all he had all these questions to answer coming from the freshly returned Dado. He was a little surprised at the sudden re-entrance. At least he didn't storm off in anger to no return...*

"We touched on it a little bit before Agrabah, before and a little bit during the previous meeting. Suke was able to map out a great portion of the castle grounds. Luckily, I still have a picture saved. She mentioned that the princesses are being held captive deep within the castle, but she didn't get much farther because Maleficent, and whom I can now only assume is Jafar, spotted her. It's how we even knew in the first place that Maleficent had five out of the seven princesses, and that Jafar was involved."

*Ikazuchi thought for a moment. He knows Inaxuma better than anyone else. They two had fought so many times. What could tip the scales?*

"Inaxuma is brash. He wants to be the strongest and will stop at nothing to make it happen. His ego is his weakness, but also his trigger. Insulting his status or insinuating that he is someone's lesser will cause him to throw all caution to the wind and fight like a madman. Although, doing this seems to empower him, but it also means he's abandoned all strategy and is simply thrashing about. Additionally... He only grows stronger when any others with darkness in their hearts are near. He can feed off of it almost, adding it to his own power. I'm not sure if it is even possible to kill him. When he's on the ropes, he flees. And I believe he would not stick around for a true death battle unless I were his sole opponent."

"Suke is harder to get a read on now, seeing as she's been possessed. I would say that normally she fights with her guns at a distance so overhwlm her with melee strikes, but in our battle at Agrabah, she was using a keyblade. In fact, I believe it was the realm of darkness version of your blade that the trio even set out to get in the first place. I'm unsure if capturing her would work... But if you defeat her without a keyblade, maybe it would kick the dark invader out of her heart? Although, if anyones lives are truly in danger, I would res[ect the decision to simply elimnate her with a keyblade. As for Sunset, I'm not entirely sure. We were not particularly close, even before she turned to the darkness. But it seems her personality changed, or even reverted to its true colors? I'm not sure."
Brandon
"Hey. Dado, right?"

Furo took in all the information being sent their way. It was a lot, and emotions were running high. Seeing the lady in the chair start to finally break down over things did not move him, but he felt it time to step in for his friends. Starting with glasses guy.

"I understand why you stormed off, but do recall you invited my friends into that death fight while acting like it was simply a small brawl outside a pub. The blood for those three could have easily been on our hands rather than this Sunset everyone keeps mentioning."

Furo worked on keeping his breathing even as he attempted to find his center. Being all worked up like this was not something he liked, and if he wanted his friends to keep their cool, then it started with him first.

"Withholding information can be bad given many circumstances, but I think being neglectful with information is certainly worse. So may I ask that next time you consider attempting to drag people outside *Your* Conflict into two fights back-to-back, that *You* Share everything *You* Know so that we aren't treated like bottom-barrel mercenaries?"

He glanced to Ika before turning to Mod. He felt now was a better time than any to air his grievances since he got the ball rolling. 

"It obviously seems that emotions are running high for most of us here. In the spirit of giving everyone time to process things, may I ask for the room with the master so that I may discuss my groups further involvement in this crusade of yours?"

** **
As much as the info dump was great, he was not going to take everything laying down. It may have been in Brad's nature to push forward despite how bad things were, but Furo could not let the man dive head first without some assurances from these 'Zeroes'. He gave the room a look around to gauge everyone's response before settling on two people in particular.

"Take a moment to gather yourself my friend, I understand what all this means to you." Furo turned to address Icidro. He did not need to look at the knight to know that this particular talk was quite literally too close to home for him.

"Bradamante," Furo was sure his burly friend had his own mixed emotions, but Brad responded better with a distraction rather than pointing things out. He softened his features enough to send a genuine smile to the big guy before asking for a different kind of aid, "Can you be there for Cid for the both of us? I will make sure our voices are heard so that we can handle things with some peace of mind?"
Robert
*Dado takes a deep breath. Yeah. Okay. He told Brad they were protecting a princess. What did he know? That they were protecting a princess.*

"I'm sorry I dragged you all into that *Death trap*. I knew only a few things going into Agrabah: the name of the world, that it probably had a Keyhole that needed sealing..."

"Actually, real quick. Anyone not in the know: Worlds have Hearts. Worlds' Hearts are accessed via a Keyhole. Yes, it's shaped like an actual keyhole. If Heartless get to a world's Heart, it dies. Only a Keyblade can seal a Keyhole and block it off from Heartless."

"Where was I? Right. I knew the name of the world, that it probably had a Keyhole that needed sealing, and that there was a princess that needed protecting from Maleficent. That's it." *He pauses.* "Actually, I also knew that it was a desert world. I should've told Brad to bring supplies for that. Hell, I didn't even think to bring water for myself. Fucking..." *He mentally notes to bring a supply bag to Hollow Bastion.* 

"My point is: I told him everything I knew. If I had known what that mission *Really* Was, I wouldn't have invited some random guy I wanted to be friends with to come *Die* With me."

*He steps to the door.* "I'll be waiting outside. After you discuss your leave or lack thereof, we can discuss strategy." *He walks out, closing the door behind him and sitting on the stairs. Outside, he begins taking notes on his Gummiphone.*