Douglas
"You think?"

*Otoka said as he held an unconscious Aria.*

"The sudden shock from all the darkness made her collapse. From what I've been able to tell, the mission failed."

*He narrowed his eyes, almost unsurprised that the supposed traitor was the only one to make it back.*

"And what of everyone else?"

*Otoka said as he moved from the office room to the side bedroom. He placed Aria down in the bed she was recovering in before. Trust or not, Xion was here. He stepped back out of the bedroom and closed the door behind him.*

*The lumbering man made it back to the main room and lifted up the tattered door, placing it back on its hinges slowly and carefully. He watched Xion closely as he did so.*
Elizabeth
"Dado locked himself away in a Pocket Dimension. The Icidro guy was killed by his supposed friend. The *Dumbass* Friend *Snapped* The inverted looking version of Dado's Keyblade. As for the rest of them, I don't know. We were separated after something emerged from the door and blasted us away. I ended up here. As for the rest of them, I don't know. We beat Pira but the door couldn't be sealed." *She explains, clearly upset that literally nothing she'd done to help them protect the worlds had mattered*
Douglas
*Otoka sighed. He stood to full height and slowly approached Xion.*

*He reached out a hand and pat her shoulder gently.*

"What's done is done. Our goal now is to pick up the pieces and move forward."
Evelyn
Outside of the tower is the sound of metal slamming into the ground at full force. To be specific, a suit of armor followed by the loud clanging of a keyblade next to it. Yet another visitor has fallen from the sky- This one, barely conscious.
Henry
An orange suit of armor could be seen outside of the tower, sprawled out on the grass. Ranoa had been unarmed when the wave of darkness sent him flying, but his keyblade had protected him subconsciously, and sent him to the safest world it could think of.
Laura
*Lirio hears the noise of something falling to the ground when he turns to see what happened, he sees xion*

"Hey, is everything okay-!!"

*He gets interrupted by her destroying the door and screaming, inmidietly noticing that something was... Off, and seeing that the door to the tower was now open, he stands in front of it without entering it*

"Uhm... Hello-!!"

*Another thing falls to the ground, this time he truly recognizes it*

"Wait, ranoa? Are you ok?"
Elizabeth
"Ok... But *How* Do we move forward? What are we supposed to even do?" *She asks until she hears the crashing outside the tower, running to the window and peeking out to see... Is that the ginger twink? What was his name again? Oh right...* "Ranoa! Someone else who's ok! Thank the Angel..." *She says with a sigh of relief. At least it seems like everyone got thrown to the winds like her instead of dying... Hopefully...*
Douglas
"We do all we can."

*Otoka said as he walked out the room and down the tower.*

*The man exited the tower at its base and looked at the two in front of him out here.*

"It's about to get lively around here again."

*He said with a sigh, before he moved from the doorway towards the two.*

"Friends of Dado and Xion, I presume?"

*He said moreso towards Lirio than the armor planted into the ground. He approached Ranoa and gently kicked his leg.*

"Hey, you alive in there?"
Henry
Quiet groaning could be heard from underneath the armor at the sensation of being tapped in the leg, indicating that yes; He's alive.

Soon enough, the armor fades into it's figure of sparks to reveal the user underneath.
Thomas
Upon a glance, it's easy to tell he looks rough. Puffy eyes to indicate crying- likely from the experience of the massive failure everybody had just had. Hes taking it poorly.

His squinted eyes slowly open fully, pupils drifting to look at otoka.

"Where.." Then, his eyes drift over once more, spotting the tower. "..Oh."

It looks like the tower mod-gink lives in. Maybe she's!-

*Right.* She's gone.

It hurts to move from both the fall and lingering exhaustion of the fight, but he manages to drag himself into movement and sit upright, even if only barely. What follows is ranoa placing a hand to his head to attempt to soothe the pain.
Elizabeth
*Xion follows down behind Otoka, lazily floating on a yin and yang shaped platform. Balance was more important now than ever she felt. Though when she finds out about the new enemies... She'll be sticking around in a cloak again- Joy... Those cloaks sucked the fun out of everything*
Laura
"Uhm... I.. Dont know, sir..? I have a lot of questions right now..."

*He said with a clearly confused voice, not being sure what really was going on, or where he was, but those questions could wait, for now at least

*Seeing ranoa in pain he quickly helps him by summoning his keyblade and casting cure on him*

"Feeling better..? "
Thomas
Physically, yes. He's able to move after lirio casts the soothing spell. He pushes himself up off the ground, standing wobbily as he looks at the others.

"..Barely." 

He sounds defeated, which is unusual. Not that they would know- given how one is a total stranger and the other are acquaintances.

"We lost. It was all for nothing and i couldnt even do anything to help."

And, theres the self blaming. People tend to do that, dont they? Fighting a gauntlet, only for it to mean nothing will do that to you.

His attention shifts from lirio to xion, then to the older man. He seems a little suprised to see an elderly man instead of an.. Would middle aged be the way to describe mod? He finds it hard to remember.

"Did you know miss-" He stops himself, having been told of mod-ginks title. "*Master* Mod-Gink?"
Douglas
*Otoka nodded along to Ranoa's words. Unfortunate that it came to this, but at least it backs up what Xion was saying.*

"Master Mod and I are old friends. It seems she's left me in charge while away. Rather, my student was in charge, but she is also down for the count currently."

*He popped his knuckles and offered a hand to Ranoa.*

"My name is Otoka Saruwatari, but you may call me Otoka. No need for formalities such as Master. I no longer carry said title."

*He sighed, remembering Dado's and Xion's persistence in the matter.*

"But I will not stop you if you so desire to refer to me as such."

*He looked stern, but not overly critical. He knew what failure could do to someone mentally. On this grand of a scale however...*

"As for these recent results, there is no time to sulk and regret about what did or didn't happen. The worlds are in danger with the door still open. We need to regroup and formulate a plan to move forward. Bringing anyone up to speed, like this young man here, would also benefit us."

*He said, in reference to Lirio.*
Laura
"Oh, uhm.. Sorry i forgot to introduce myself, names Lirio, its a pleasure to meet you mister otoka"

*He said calmly, still really confused on what was really going on, they lost..? How?*

"Sorry to interrupt you all but, what is this place exactly? I dont think i've seen it on any map.."
Douglas
"This tower is the home of Keyblade Master Mog-Gnik, as well as the base of operations for the Guardians of Light. It is not a world you could get to regularly. I would imagine you being here on accident is a rare occurance."
Laura
"Keyblade masters? Guardians of light?"

*Considering that a few hours ago he was just working on some maps, now he's fought a bunch of heartless and the worlds are in danger, there are masters of keyblades and the light needs guardians, weird day to say the least*

"... If this is a base of operations then im gonna guess its a safe place... Can we go inside of the tower, please?"
Thomas
He looks at the mans hand for a few moments, before following the greeting, and releasing after. So he's a Master too? Or, was..? That would make sense, if he knew mod that well.

"My name is Ranoa Hiros. Appearently "Red" Works too. Or, at least its what dado called me the last time i saw him."

He seems to have taken a liking to that nickname. Its simple, and easy, but has a charm to it.

"But, even if you're retired- As a keyblade wielder, i think its still better to adress you properly, Master otoka."

He, too, will be insistant. Then, the subject of results is reached. His expression darkens a bit at the mention of worlds being in danger.

"What can we even..." *He looks down to the ground, slowly trailing off to stop himself. Being so pessimistic has never worked out before, so why start now..??*

Its a motivating thought, but he still cant fully believe in it. His solemn expression lightens a little, his voice picking back up slightly. Hes still a wreck, but he has an inkling of an idea.

"...Okay. The first thing that comes to mind would be to seal the keyholes that ikazuchi and dado couldnt reach, right? Assuming the worlds are still there?"

Just as that thought ends, he jumps a little as his brain is hit with the realization that lirio is clueless. He turns to open his mouth in response, but otoka beat him to it.
Douglas
"That is our best course of action at this point in time. The unsealed worlds have not quite fallen, but have been grasped by darkness's clutches. I have no doubt that, were their keyholes to be opened fully, each world would fall almost instantaneously. Luckily, your friends Ikazuchi and Dado, have already gotten to a few in the past."

*He would turn to look at Lirio before continuing.*

"As for you..."

*Otoka would go on to explain the role the Guardians of Light play against the darkness, along with the basics of Keyblades, their purposes, and the job of a Keyblade Master to guide the next generation of wielders. He would also emphasize the world order when it comes to travelling place to place, since thats what it seems will likely be happening in the race to seal the keyholes.*

"And speaking of the guardians... Xion."

*He would say, moving along the group of three.*

"I am not inclined to reward failure, regardless of how out of your control it was. I hope you used the temporary power I lent you well, but more worlds need to be saved before I can name you a True Guardian."
Elizabeth
"I understand, sir. I feel like we should go for the two safe haven worlds first. Twilight Town and Traverse Town feel like top priority." *So says simply*
Laura
"Oh..."

*Lirio looks at SFoS, now with a renewed perspective, feeling a weird sense of responsability now that he weilds a keyblade with him..*
Thomas
He stays quiet for a few moments, watching otoka speak. Some of the information being said, ranoa didnt even know. 

Regardless, there's an inkling of hope now. Seal the keyholes, save the worlds.

"Master Otoka?" A short pause. He seems to have yet again forgotten about the others for a few moments.

"I'm not as strong as Ikazuchi, or as smart as Dado, but I'm going to do my best to help seal the keyholes."

Then, once again, his eyes dart to someone else when they speak. This time, Xion. The two TTowns.

He speaks up after her.

"Personally i want to seal Twilight Town first. It's my home." Of course he'd have that bias, despite traverse town being more important due to how it takes in wayward souls.
Angelia
The sound of a Chocobo alerts the presence of another being moments before they come into view, haggardly resting their weight upon the doorframe. The towering hound peers down toward the humans, content to let them speak— Until Otoka brings forth the new mission, and Ranoa puts forward his suggestion.

"The worlds' hearts have fallen to darkness." Cavall says softly, gingerly, as if walking on eggshells to deliver devastating news.

"We fear that you suggest a fool's errand; That this matter is more complicated than let on. Logic would go to stand that sealing the door now would only lock it in this current state; Isolating a heart already gripped in despair. This should true for every world not fortunate enough to have been sealed ahead of time."

** **
"... We would ask to speak with you in private, Mister Otoka, but this regards these young ones. You would move the goal, and deny the fruits of our struggle? That we failed in the life or death struggle, that mission you put these children up to? We defeated Pira. We did not fail."

"This failure you are placing on ours and the young ones' heads was one wholly out of our control; Do not **Dare** Place the blame on them, or this generation will grow to contemn you."
Thomas
His attention quickly shifts to the sound of the chocobo, tensing before actually seeing cavall and relaxing. Another familiar face from the fight with pira. Thats great!!

"Hey!-" He opens his mouth to speak to welcome the tall hound, before he speaks first. 

The worlds hearts have fallen to darkness..? No. That can't be true. They're just under attack! They can still be saved!.. Right?

Remaining silent for the entirety of cavalls dialogue, he feels very conflicted. Is it hopeless? Is there hope?.. Sealing the keyholes *Has* To be the answer. It was before! But what if they're too far gone?

He looks down to the ground and clenches a fist by his side, taking a step back from the group to try and think, before speaking.

"Are you sure that sealing the keyholes wont work? I mean.. Isn't that what it does? Save the world?"

A part of him wants to be hopeful, and the other realistic.
Angelia
"It locks the entrance to the specific world's heart. Such an action would not purify on its own, if that is what you are asking." Cavall chimes as they place a hand on Ranoa's shoulder, with a light shake of the head.

"We would ask you to imagine deep despair for us. What you are feeling right now, perhaps. Imagine if you were sealed away from everything, everyone. Would all be made better? Or, left alone to your misery and loneliness, would matters only get worse?"
Douglas
"Sir Cavall, trust me when I say I mean not to diminish the accomplishments of you or these young ones. After we are done here, I will take you up on the offer to speak in private. It will give me time to reconsider, based upon your words."

*He tipped his head to Cavall. He would knight them all a Guardian right now for their troubles, lest making a potential spy and traitor a full fledged guardian.*

"He is also right, Ranoa. Before the keyholes can be sealed, the darkness that lingers in each world must first be cleared. Apologies for not explaining earlier, being out of practice as a Master and bombarded with questions can lend to one another poorly."
Thomas
Cavalls hypothetical makes sense. Being left alone in a state like that would be awful.

"It would only get worse."

He then perks up at the second half, his clenched hand relaxing a bit, and even further by cavalls gesture. 

"But- How would we go about getting rid of the lingering darkness then?" He continues, seemingly a bit perplexed. "Just defeating all of the heartless wont do anything, right?" 

Its just an assumption, based on how many heartless there actually are on a daily basis. You defeat some, and more pop up. Sealing the keyhole was the only way he figured they could be stopped.
Elizabeth
*Xion just sorta floats there and listens for a moment before tilting her head curiously* "Master Otoka... I'm rather curious... Is there anywhere I can possibly find information on this? I would assume this isn't the first time such a thing has happened. I also am very much interested in history and archaeology as a whole so this benefits me doubly."
Angelia
The hound pauses upon catching the look in Otoka's eyes, and remains silent as he speaks. Was there more to it, then? Very well, Cavall would hear his fellow old man out.

"We thank you for hearing us out. It would only be polite to hear your stance in turn," They chime with a glance toward the children and a smile to keep their hopes up— Even if ANOTHER unfamiliar, fresh-faced boy was among their number. Where were all these children coming from...? Momentarily staring Lirio's way for a little too long, Cavall shifts back to Ranoa and Otoka.

"That is not a simple answer. We expect this will take a while to figure out the particulars; That, in the meanwhile, good little children should stop and get their rest before worrying about tomorrow. _That_ is a job for the grown-ups."

Ho ho ho. A light little laugh leaves Cavall as they pat Ranoa's shoulder— As if everyone here _hadn't_ just almost died trying to save the world, and that these children could still afford what little childhood they still had left.

A light stare remains in Xion's direction as Cavall's smile persists. They mean her too.
Laura
*He stays silent for a moment and listens to them talk, sitting to the ground*

"Im gonna be honest... Im not sure what to do now.. Im not even sure if i can help yall in someway.."
Thomas
Ranoa lets out a quiet sigh, opting to take cavalls advice. Rest would be nice. Its not like there's anything else to do, anyway.

He looks to cavall, a thankful look in his eyes, and then to otoka.

"Well," He seems done with the whole ordeal for now. "Is there anywhere to sleep here? I dont think my home is safe- even if i were able to go back right now."