Fear Not This Night ['Dite]

[NAZO FUMETSU]

The man was rather relaxed, leaning back against one of the walls of the building he had taken to hiding behind for the moment. Although he wasn't known very well as he preferred to stay behind the scenes. Of course that never would stop from some people recognizing him. His eyes closed almost entirely, leaving only a small gap to keep track of his surroundings. It would be foolish to get caught now after all. The Luxray he called his own stood next to him, a low growl building up in the creature's throat when someone dared to come too close, however it seemed that this place was avoided and silence soon descended. A low growl came from the Luxray's direction again and he opened one eye, pushing away from the wall at the same time. His hand descending for a moment to pat the lion-like Pokemon on the head and smiled faintly toward it as a purr rose out of its throat. The expression soon faded though as he rolled his shoulders to ease the tension out of it. He checked if he was entirely alone, before continuing his path, sliding out of the shadows, followed moments later by the Luxray who didn't bother too much by being invincible as its trainer did. He had gained some information of someone interesting being here. He wished to seek her out, because it was almost great fun to annoy her, even though he played with his life in that way. Nazo hummed underneath his breath, a silly tune that he had picked up somewhere and straightened even further. A hand pushing through his hair in an attempt to push it in something resembling order, before pushing the door open. He remained there for a few minutes, before paying and leaving it once more.

[APHRODITE BELL]

Aphrodite had been playing around - probably too much for her own good, really - since the leader of her group had taken control of the Pokemon they had sought to do so from the very beginning. She had been recognised often lately, since she had overseen both the attacks on Vermillion City and all of Johto. She often passed people who looked like they may reach out and attack her - until she flashed the steel of her blade.

Where she was she doubted that she would need her sword, but that didn't mean it wasn't attached at her hip as always, ready to be unsheathed and sunk into someone's chest, should she feel the inclination. Her eyes were constantly scanning the room, the way she had learned to when defending herself, and she let out a puff of air as she swung herself back onto the rear legs of her chair.

She noticed the door opening almost instantly, and beside her an Absol lifted her head. Dite raised a hand to soothe the "bad luck" Pokemon, who instantly settled down once more. The door closed as Aphrodite's feet hit the floor once more, and she stood, staring down the floor to someone she didn't consider herself particularly fond of.

Certainly she was loyal to Nazo. He was Cashel's second in command, without having to risk a thought of it. But that didn't mean that he was her favourite person. Aphrodite was Cashel's loyal follower, she had been guided to him by Arceus himself in a moment where she had nearly lost her faith. Nazo was just.. in the way of her being the co-leader.

Wrinkling her nose, she placed one hand on her sword and the other on her hip. "Sir," she began, voice dripping with sarcasm as she breathed the word, "How may I be of assistance to you today? I don't suppose you're just here for the view. Though who could blame you, if I'm the view you're looking for." She blinked, staring him down.

[NAZO FUMETSU]

It was a situation indeed, the usual humor having mostly disappeared once he approached her. The Luxray sensing his mood and following suit. The Pokemon they had yearned for, finally in their clutches, their way to total control once they beat those who still stood in defiance. Nonetheless it had been an unfortunate moment as well. He had kept it wrapped up rather well, but now it was the moment to unveil what he had kept secret for what seemed years. Their beloved leader had died and he had lost someone rather close to him, closer than a simple leader. A friend. Maybe more than that. An unfortunate second and all of that was gone. The only reason why he hadn't said it, was to mourn. It might have been selfish, but he felt that his was better than anyone else's. He had stood closest to him, no one else. He got the first right to mourn and compose himself before taking the reigns. He knew that she didn't like him, but to what extend he did not know. After all, it was far more important that she listened to him when he gave commands. He would not have someone who questioned his authority. He would've said that it wouldn't matter if it had came from him or Cashel, but now he would have to step up, or find someone to fill in the position and let themselves be guided by his steady hand. He wouldn't let the entire organization fall into ruins by anyone. She was one of those who listened quite well. It had kept him from taking too drastic measures against her, whispering in the former Leader's ear. Nazo's lips pursed together at the sarcasm and he raised himself to his full height, certainly impressive even though he couldn't be considered one of the tallest men around "Aphrodite." He returned, chin raising even further as if trying to establish that he was still the alpha dog here "No matter how lovely the view might be..." He spoke, briefly casting a full body look over her, it was doubtful if there was any true interest in her "There are more important things to discuss." "Like the fact that our... beloved leader has passed on." The pause too could've seen as sinister, but emotions rose in the emotionless man again, nearly choking him. The Luxray once more pressed close to his trainer, making soft sounds to reassure him. Although nothing would be alright anymore. "Some things will change.." He continued, momentary giving in to his grief again and letting his shoulders slump. A moment where nothing happened and then he took a deep breath, shoulders raising as he straightened them once more. His eyes drilling into her face, showing nothing of his emotions, letting the blank mask take its place "We need to discuss... a few things." He continued, like what would happen with the shifting structure of people raising in rank or tumbling down. He had no doubt that it would be a fight between the two of them. His eyes narrowed lightly again as if offering a challenge to the woman before him.

[APHRODITE BELL]

When Nazo had entered, Aphrodite had been ready for banter. She had been ready for the hassles that had come with their uneasy relationship since she'd been the third in line, so playful had she been with Cashel. She had expected, in fact, that she might even get a text message or some kind of notification from their almighty leader himself. What she hadn't expected was the pursed lips and the sombre demeanor in which Nazo was walking towards her.

It was a cruel joke. As always, he'd have to be here to piss her off. She was in charge of the bookwork and the office, she kept headquarters pristine because anyone who came in had to see that it was how the new world order would go, but they had always had that tentative relationship bound together by the fact that they were both there for one thing - Cashel. His image before her had to be a lie. She stopped and looked up at Nazo as his voice spoke the words that she had hoped would not come out of his mouth.

That she hoped he would forget to say, and go back to pissing her off.

But he said them. Cashel was gone. The swordstress dropped her hand away from her weapon as soon as he had finished speaking. No more were snarky words on pouted lips, no more was she tempted to send a snide remark towards Nazo. As much as she disliked the man, she was bound to the cause, and he had been Cashel's co-leader. He was important, he was in charge.

She could, at the very least, respect that for now. Even if, at the best of times, they pissed one another off.

A soft, whispered, "No.." passed through Aphrodite's lips, desperately clinging to the little hope that he would burst through the door and tease her gently about her terrible cat-lady ways. But he didn't. And he wouldn't.

She breathed out a soft sigh and sank to her knees, hand over her heart. "Sir. I am sorry for your loss," She said, genuinely. Her voice cracked, even, in sadness for the man she had considered somewhat of a friend. He was her leader. She had dedicated herself to him, and now she had to find someone or something else to worship. Their cause would have to do. Though powerhungry she may be, Dite continued with enough respect for Cashel not to usurp the man he had chosen as his partner.

"I will serve you as willingly as Cashel. Differences aside, we both share the same goal, and I do not wish to see Cashel's death be in vain. I am still loyal to you and the cause." Her voice, so hard she tried to keep militaristic, though it faltered on his name. "What is it you would like to discuss, sir?"

For now, she wouldn't battle. For now, she would follow his lead.

[NAZO FUMETSU]

She seemed surprised with him and he couldn't blame her for one moment. He knew that usually he would have opened his mouth by now to taunt her, to insult each other like it was nothing. It even caused a faint smile to twitch at the corners of his mouth, although there was no true joy behind it. Nor teasing. It was just an empty gesture all in all. The whistling had died among the happiness he had pretended to feel, now that he didn't have to hold up a facade. Nazo almost felt bad to tell her, but then collected himself together yet again. She would have time to mourn, not much but she would have it. If she ever would do it, he didn't know with this ice-queen. He knew that she had liked him for reasons he couldn't understand completely. Her story was hers to keep. He allowed her to take his words in, lips pursing even further together. His own current inability to control his emotions threatening to crack through his mask again. Her hand dropped from her weapon and he felt himself relaxing ever so lightly. It didn't look like she would fight for the position that Cashel had left. He didn't know if he should be glad or not. In the end it only made him feel hollow. The male looked away when she whispered out her denial, as if he wanted to grand her, her privacy. His back straight and showing nothing of the grief yet again. He had mourned enough, now it was time to carry on. He had told himself as much that he would do so, but actually living through it was another tale. He swallowed, tongue sweeping over his lips to wet them again. He might have smiled if it had been another time and moment, walking closer and nearly crouching. His fingertips briefly did touch her shoulder however, silent for a moment longer "I'm sure he wouldn't want us to grieve over him.." He spoke lightly, of course it wouldn't be that easy. Especially because he knew that the words sounded hollow to even his own ears, yet he had never known how to comfort someone, least of all when he felt burdened by the horrible news he had to carry and deal with. "I know we have had our differences." He said when she finished speaking that she was still loyal to their causes, wouldn't make trouble, at least now "But the position of co-leader is still open.." A deep breath, here goes nothing "I am considering giving you the position."

[APHRODITE BELL]

Aphrodite gave Nazo a bewildered look as he told her not to grieve. That was all well and good in theory but Cashel had left them without hide nor hair, he had not given them time to prepare for the loss of a leader - especially one that meant so much to the both of them for different reasons. She had followed Cashel believing that he was a message from Arceus but now all she could do was stop and feel the pain his death was setting on them.

These tense and horrid thoughts screamed at her conscious mind, told her to spit them back out at Nazo to continue with some sense of normalcy, to argue the way they had in the past in a bitter, bickering style. But she couldn't bring herself to do it. It didn't feel the same bickering when they had done so over Cashel's attentions in the last. Why now would they have to fight now that they had both lost him.

And in the end it had been Nazo that Cashel had loved, not Aphrodite as she had hoped. She had not been able to gain his adoration even if she had not been sure she wanted it.

Aph looked up at Nazo for another few short moments, steeling her gaze in an attempt to hide the sheer grief that had begun to well up inside of her. Where would she go now? Would she even remain an admin? She had always handled the paper work and the recruitment side of things but if their new leader didn't want her around then that was going to prove to be somewhat of a problem for her.

Dite didn't know what else to be any more, she had been a knight for so long that doing anything else seemed strange and not right.

"You're right of course, Cashel would have wanted us to focus on the cause and not on his death, and that's what we will do. As I said, my sword and my loyalty will forever remain with the knights and I will not betray them. Cashel may be gone but his legacy will live and we will have the new world order we seek."

Aphrodite took a few moments to steady her voice, his name having both times cracked in her throat - a feeling of great loss clearly apparent in those tiny moments of weakness.

However a light of sorts appeared in her eyes as she heard him speak his next words. He was offering her the chance to lead as a second? The opportunity she had never had with Cashel was right there in front of her, offered by someone she would have never expected to give her the chance. But there he was, doing exactly that. Her eyes flicked over him, looking bewildered and somewhat wary as she choked out a soft response.

"If you're truly offering me the position I will take it and do my duties as to the best of my abilities. I will forever remain set on the cause that Cashel introduced me to, whether he be dead or alive my allegiance is, and shall remain, with the knights. I would be honoured to take this role, if it is given.. I just never expected it, considering those very differences you mentioned..."

Then again, she supposed, the main cause of their bickering had passed on. Perhaps they could work together and make it work as they had all hoped.

[NAZO FUMETSU]

He knew well enough that it still could be considered ironic. He disappearing for a while to grieve about Cashel and not giving others the chance to do so. He had not planned to do so, knowing that the other male wouldn't have wanted it that way and yet he had done exactly what he had promised to never do. He would've hated himself for that. Nonetheless he would look away when others grieved about his passing, wouldn't say anything if he did see tears glistering in others their eyes. He knew that the other male had touched a lot of hearts in his own special way, motivated them to do their best. Something instinctive that Nazo seemed to miss. If it could be, he would have desired the same, the bickering and snapping at each other, circling each other all the time for the person they wanted affection from. He almost regretted it that it would be gone, but he was sure that they would find something to argue about soon. It just seemed to be ingrained in the both of them. Nazo found that he looked away for a moment when her gaze focused on him, having seen the grief that she tried to hide with his urging. He would've felt bad and yet most of him was indifferent underneath it. What could he care that she wanted to grieve as well? Nonetheless he didn't do anything else, besides looking at her again after a while. His own features showing calm again. He couldn't let emotions rule them too much, that was simply asking for trouble. "They will" He finally spoke, nodding his head ever so lightly. He breathed in deeply at the latter of what she said. He had always feared that others would leave after Cashel had been gone, he knew that he couldn't do everything alone. He did need the help "And I am delighted to hear that." He spoke again when she promised that her loyalty was still with the group. He found that he didn't say anything at her voice, while he would've teased her about it in any other situation. His mouth remained stubbornly shut, although this time he didn't look away. The reaction was not missed and a faint smile curved the corners of his mouth, he hadn't expected it either, nonetheless if he still wanted to admit it or not. She was still a huge help in the organization. They couldn't afford losing her, really. He made sure that his features portrayed calm again, apparently just in time for her gaze swept toward him, he supposed that she was thinking that this was nothing more than a joke. He expected himself to burst out laughing as well and shaking his head, telling her that it was nothing more than a joke, but it wasn't. "I know that you will." He said after a while, he hadn't doubted her doing so. He knew her, maybe not as good as Cashel or others did, but good enough to know that she would give her everything for the Knights. He breathed out once more, some of the tension leaving him "It is given." He stated, nodding his head lightly. He still wasn't foolish enough to waste potential. A faint chuckle did escape him at her words, a shrug of the shoulders following soon thereafter "And yet you're the best for this position." He drawled, leaning back lightly. His shoulders moving into another faint shrug "Also we shall find other things to argue about." This time the tone in his voice was almost fond. His gaze turning away for a moment again "But it shall be for the good of the Knights."

[APHRODITE BELL]

Those pauses were exactly enough time for Aphrodite to regain herself. Certainly when she returned home, when she had privacy she would allow herself the moment to grieve. She could let it out once, she could throw things around and be angry at the world for a few short moments before she once more had to focus on things that were more important.

Auburn hair was swept over her shoulder as she finally allowed herself some ease. The once-secretary kept her eyes trained on the leader as he spoke and she was beginning to believe that perhaps her prayers and her dreams were being answered - even if it had not been the way she had expected. If nothing else they shared a bond over their dedication to their leader. In different ways he had showed them affection and taken them in. In different ways they had been allowed to love him. And that was one thing that would unite them as the leaders of an organisation.

Dite fell once more to her knee, bowing in a show of allegiance to her new leader. "I take this role with honour and I shall not fail you, Nazo. I will gladly argue with you over the things that require an arguement but for the good of our Knights, I will assist and support you. I will protect you from harm like I could not do for Cashel. You have my word and my sword."

Standing again, she straightened her shoulders and allowed the smallest of smiles on her lips. She wasn't happy, not really, though she was proud to have been offered the position for the others.

"Speaking of our Knights, I must ask if there has been anything you have considered for our next act. There are a great number of underlings raring to get involved in the fight and they cannot be kept pulling at the bit forever. I am loathe to launch another all-out attack or there will be no world left to instate a world order in. But there are still cities that fight us and that insist we will not hit them. Is there any place you would like us to act?'

For now their safest topic was on work. It meant that neither of them would have the opportunity to feel too much. At least not in the presence of one another.

[NAZO FUMETSU]

He would've agreed to that, if he had known exactly what she was thinking. He never had been able to read minds however, never would, making him remain unaware of what was going on in the woman's head. Nonetheless in the end his thoughts didn't follow a too dissimilar path from hers. It was strange that something like what had happened to their Leader change so much in the structure of the Knights There was something coiling in the pit of his chest when she fell to her knees in front of him. He had wanted to see everyone like that before him and he promised himself that this would just be a start. Nonetheless he gave her the attention that her words deserved. The faintest of smiles curving the corners of his mouth "I am.. glad to hear it." He replied, finally speaking again after her entire word flow. The smile turned a little broader, maybe trying to lighten the mood somewhat as the next words seemed to imply "I knew you would.." He huffed "You just can't resist arguing with me.." A faint huff "Getting drilled in the ground..." He continued, shrugging his shoulders ever so lightly as if he didn't know what to think of it "I don't blame you though." "It is appreciated nonetheless." He said to the next words, although he didn't think that he needed the protection at all. But if it would make her feel better, then there was nothing that he would say against that. He almost took a step back when she straightened again from her kneeled position, yet he forced himself to stand stock still. The smile was unexpected, not expected to see it so soon, but once more he kept his silence. One of the few times he would do so. His eyes gleamed lightly as he heard her next words, more amused than anything else "Annoying little buggers." He breathed lightly. He pinched the bridge of his nose and then looked at her again "I'm sure there are." He continued speaking. His fists curling in slight fists as he thought over it "They don't know what's best for them...." "I think the best we could do." He finally continued speaking, nodding to himself ever so faintly "Is to create a few groups..." A faint pause "Small." He added, they didn't want to get too much attention after all. They also needed to avoid most casualties "And get to the cities still trying to oppose us and try...." He trailed off for a moment, thinking. He wasn't as refined as Cashel, most of the time it had been the redhead to stop him from crazy plans "To gain support, or let them pick some examples for those who still hope to stop us..."

OOC: I'm so bad at banter. OTL

[APHRODITE BELL]

"That's because they don't realise that our rule is complete, sir." Aphrodite would have to get used to referring to him as the leader, but sir at least she could still do without too much trouble. It wasn't quite the same level of respect as she had possessed for Cashiel but she would have to work her way up to that point. "A few small groups sounds like a plan, though I think attacking in hoardes has it's merits too," the brunette quipped, making use of the moment they had shared over "arguing" and how often they might do so.

"A support run, I suppose that might be well deserved for a while. Show them now and then that we can be merciful as well as powerful. Do we need to get Arceus involved at all? I do so hope we get to use him at one point or another." She mused, looking back toward the door and slightly skyward. Even if they were now in control of the creature, that didn't mean that she did not still respect and revere him.

"I believe we need a large number for big towns. Perhaps somewhere like Castelia City in Unova we can hold a demonstration to try and convince them. That is not a small town and I believe that they might requite a somewhat more forceful demonstration of power and a reason to believe in us that little bit more. After all, if they don't believe in us yet I think it is about time that people started recognising the true force of the Knights of Arceus. Unova is too cut off from the rest of the world, I think."

She smirked. Even agreeing with him she still had a little bit of arguement. Her heart ached internally, but more of her sadness could wait.

[NAZO FUMETSU]

Nazo actually laughed lowly and nodded his head lightly, of course they hadn't yet. The man had the nerve to die before they had done something big. Of course he knew that the man had done the first steps into the direction of a new world order, like everyone that had joined them wanted. Unless they hadn't rooted out those who tried to stop them entirely. The rule under Arceus and his knights would be soon though "I have a feeling that will change soon." He commented, more to himself than to her. The world would quake before bowing down to them. His fingers curled up lightly, forming fists before he relaxed them just as quickly. He could've cared less if she didn't say sir, he might have mentioned it, but would not have pursued it, if she had remained an admin however, he would've done otherwise. It was a small sign of trust. A tap of fingers against his upper arms, considering what she said and then nodded his head "A few small groups to distract everyone, and let a bigger group swoop in." He said, there was a thin smile curling the corners of his mouth, but it was quick to disappear. He did wonder how future squabbles would turn out like. Another nod of the head, once more considering her words. It was hard admittedly, their rivalry wasn't easily pushed aside, pushing aside his mindset was often even more impossible. He knew that he had to listen if he wanted to do this correctly however, he loathed asking for help, but knew that as a leader he would need to ask for other people their insight on the best course of action. At least he could decide solely on what he came up with, he did not have to consider their opinion at all. That was something at least, "That would work." Another twitch of his lips and he looked at her, seeming to guess at her eagerness for using the legendary. "It would be illogical if we did not use him." He remarked. Nazo stared at the wall, mulling over her words. That would work, although that might also push them too far out into the open. It wouldn't necessary be a bad thing, it would be impossible to take over the world with a group that no one feared respected."Very true," he said again, fingers stilling against his arms, "I guess we should work on that." Again nothing more but an idle remark.

[APHRODITE BELL]

Aphrodite bothered to make an effort to keep track of what her companion and her new leader asked of her to do. As much as, for now, she was uncomfortable with the fact that Cashel was gone, she could cope as long a she still had their cause to work towards. Overthrowing the league at any cost was the most important thing, and now that the Elite Four in Kanto were gone, well, that was all the better, really. That was one step closer to their dream.

"As you wish, sir. I will assemble the groups in a timely fashion before we strike. I will be on the team to personally guard and use Arceus, and we will have some controlling our other aquisitions. I will make certain that this will be a flawless plan." All she could hope was that they were not intercepted by the heroes - but that being said, the heroes were barely ready to face off against the God of all Pokemon, and Arceus did, much to her delight, bow to their whims.

Perhaps he too saw that the world needed a change. Perhaps he would grant life anew to those whom had died. She didn't know, she believed in her God and that was for certain, but that did not mean she knew his mind. She hoped, over time, the more she would bond with him, the more she would learn. For now, however, she had important things to plan.

"Would you like an official, public announcement of yourself as leader, during this event? I believe it would be beneficial for the world to see who their new leader will be, so that they may cast their votes and their voices to you as our allies have. After this, I am sure we will be able to sway thousands more to our ideals. I'm thinking signs and fliers, thinking that we really, really put our name out there. The League won't know what hit them."

[NAZO FUMETSU]

She was not the only one uncomfortable, he had often joked around that he would be leader, but now that he actually was. It hurt in ways that he couldn't explain. He had never actually wanted to be in this position, was more content to stand by the side lines and help Cashel. Now that he was though, he could only try and do his best and make the decisions. At least their cause was slowly advancing with each passing day, their group became more of a presence. He only could hope that Cashel would be proud of what they had done in his name. "See to it." He nodded his head, almost sharply. He knew that she would be able to handle it alone. It was one of the things he had appreciated. She didn't need anyone to hold her hand and show her how to do it. The reason why he had picked her and no one else. His thoughts mirrored hers, he was surprised and delighted that Arceus helped them, the whims of a legendary pokemon maybe, but now that they had its support, it would be foolish not to use it. Nazo pinched the bridge of his nose, breathing out. He didn't like the fact that he had to announce himself as the Leader. He had been content to act behind the curtains "It might be wise." He finally agreed, lips twisted in distaste for a moment. His expression soon smoothed out as she continued. They had prepared everything for a smooth take over, again it would be foolish to wait until the moment had passed. They had to make themselves known, earn people their trust. A nod, finally "We shall make ourselves known." He finally said. His gaze becoming distant as fingers tapped against his arms again "Let it sink in." He continued, still nodding his head lightly as he continued to mull over his words "Then we can start to sway them over." A twist of his lips, looking at her again. He already could see it happening "It would be fortunate if they attacked the leagues for us..."

[APHRODITE BELL]

"Fortunate indeed. But for now all we can do is allow our own strengths to overthrow the leagues until they too decide that they aren't what they want. For now, that's all we have." Aphrodite made a few notes in her head of different plans, and she took a few moments of silence before she turned to her all mighty leader.

"If you want to wait in the announcement of yourself to protect your life, that is absolutely understandable. As it is, however, I do think I need to get back to base soon in order to start setting things in motion. With a move up in position we will need to hire another admin and.. get the word out." As depressing as it was, Cashel had been their leader and many people, like she, had joined underneath him. But many others, like herself, would stay under their new leadership for the dream their founder had started with.

"I hope you have a decent evening, sir. Take a few strong drinks on me. When I get back to base I'll be doing the same." The fresh pain from the loss of her friend and the man she had worshiped as a messenger of god had begun to tire her, and as sad as she was, she needed to go home and have a good long cry. A strong cry.

"Nazo, you will make an excellent leader. I am sure it is what Cashel would have wanted." She put her hand over her heart and bowed her head at him. "Command is yours. Safe evening." Aphrodite said as she turned and began for the door.

[sorry I just lost any more ideas Dx]