Trevean placed his hand over Shola's and squeezed back, holding it a moment until she stood to lead Kaden outside. He'd gotten a glimpse of her intention from the bind and knew she knew he agreed. He was not a fighter, and if he was on the edge of getting sick, Trevean doubted he's have or ba able to maintain the concentration it would take to keep things moving.
"What about the things we brought over with us from Coroco to start?" he leaned forward to ask Dante quietly, suppressing another cough, "Could any of that be sold for enough cash to get you what you need?"
As if to illustrate his point Trevean reached for his violin case and opened it upside down, revealing only to Dante what was hidden in the secret compartment. Although with the bond it was highly possible Lilith would soon know as well. Inside was the set of solid gold hair-clips he's worn to the Water World ball, several earning sets that had obviously valuable stones in them (although they were mismatched as if only one at a time had ever been worn), what looked like a very pricey wrist watch, and a carefully wrapped ruby and diamond necklace.
((collab with
@Midian))
Kaden followed Shola obediently outside, his eyes ticking over everything, his purifier danger sense settling as an unpleasant prickling on the back of his neck as if anything could happen anytime. His confusion was clear in his eyes with a touch of sadness.
"You're serious?" he asked cautiously, "you actually need me?"
"Of course I need you, Kaden... Perhaps I haven't always shown it as I should, but you are an asset to my team. Dante is a fighter, dangerous, but unpredictable, and Trevean is not conditioned for the same sort of fighting we are. I trust you a great deal, and I need to lean on you now more than ever."
Kaden fidgeted uncomfortably. "Aquaman is better suited mentally to - well any of this ... " he admitted quietly. "you can talk to him without words ... and as you said it's been a rough start. I doubt the others care if I'm even here much less if I'm trying to lead." It was a hard admission, but one that needed to be said.
Shola moved to put her hands on his shoulders, squeezing them gently. "It's been a rough entry into the group for you, I know that. I am sorry for the pain we've caused you. But they do care, and they want you here. I care and want you here. Trevean can be a leader, yes, but his style is... slow, better suited to politics. You are like me, we lead with action and when things must happen quickly. I believe that is better needed here."
"And ... if they won't listen to me?" he asked hesitantly.
"You may need to find more-- delicate words at times, as I often do myself. But they will see me turning to you, and they will too. I know they see me as the leader of this, although... I was initially only supposed to be protection for all of you. I was not meant to lead this expedition, merely to ensure it's safety. But it is a role I play easily, and one I think you can too with some more practice."
Kaden drew a deep breath and then nodded, "you will have to teach me," he admitted slowly. "And I have my principles which I will not violate," he added.
Shola nodded and moved back to lean again the wall, resting one foot against the grey-blue exterior. "As do I, although ours differ somewhat, and that is okay. As long as you are putting the well-being of the mission, and by extension the group, first, then I will leave the rest to your discretion. I trust you in that."
"I would not follow you as a leader if I thought you would not adhere to your own personal code," he murmured a little hoarsely shoving his hands in his pockets. "No matter how different it is from mine. And I will not ask them to follow me if I cannot keep my honor intact."
She nodded, smiling a little. "My personal code does prioritize the lives of those near me far over others, although I value the safety of my kingdom and queen above most things. But even if you falter, if you fail, I want you to know that you are still my friend and comrade, Kaden. Above all else."
He swallowed visibly and nodded and for the barest fraction of a second there was a hint of something like disbelief in his eyes before he shoved it back from the surface. "What would you have me do?"
"Believe me, for starters." Shola said wryly. "But watch out for them, let that danger sense be your guide, and whatever it takes, keep them safe. I know they will each challenge you in their own ways, especially Nadia and Dante. In time, I think you will figure out how to lead both."
Kaden suppressed a snort. "I'll take any tips you can offer. As for the danger sense, it's been in high gear since we came through. Right now I'm not sure I could tell you a real threat from the general state of threat occupying this world."
"Understandable... Even without it, there seems to be danger everywhere here. With regards to that, do your best. Perhaps their customs are different here, but people are still people. You know the posture and face of an enemy, don't you?"
"I know the posture and expression of a man set to attack," Kaden answered dryly, "But an enemy... that word depends on your point of view."
"Wise statement. Then look for those set to attack, and anyone who is, that is our enemy here. As for leading them, I can only say how I lead them, but what I do will not work for you. You must come into your own sort of leader, and that authenticity, that is what will draw them to follow you. But, can you tell me, what do each of them value in a person?"
Kaden hesitated then, his frown turning more pensive. "Aquaman is easy, he values integrity. Piper, intelligent conversation, probably. Dante - who can say. perhaps how they affect his personal safety."
Shola nodded encouragingly, "Go on
."
He suppressed a sigh, "My sister sees things only in terms of how they affect her other." Part of him knew that couldn't be true, but he didn't know what else to say.
"What else do you know of her and her life? What else could she value?" Shola prodded gently.
Kaden couldn't help the sigh of frustration that escaped his lips, "Safety and liberty. Self control."
"Good." Shola nodded. "And Nadia?"
Kaden just shrugged.
"She's human, too, Kaden, just like the others. What do you know about her?" Shola prodded, gentle but firm.
"I know enough not to analyze her." he answered shortly. Especially when there was a chance she might overhear.
"If you're going to lead her, you need to step away from your feelings about her and your history with her. What does she value, Kaden?"
His lips pursed and his gaze set stubbornly before he finally sighed. "Her friends' lives I guess."
"Yes, and what else?"
Kaden dared meet Shola's gaze briefly. "How about you tell me?"
"Well, is there any part of her history that is similar to anyone else here?" Shola's face belied a barely-hidden proud smile
"You've made the assumption she talks to me, Boss lady."
"She doesn't have to talk to you. What's her history? Where does she come from? What has she experienced, and what would those experiences change in her?" Shola continued, light twinkling in her eyes.
"Fine," Kaden grumped wondering for a moment if she was having fun at his expense, and very much afraid Nadia was listening somehow as she always seemed to do. "She likes to have her own way, and she values financial security, But I'm not going to try to bribe people into following me, even if I did have something of value to offer. They either will or they won't. It's up to them."
Shola nodded thoughtfully. "She does like having her own way, but all people do. Why do you think she insists on it so much?"
"Light, Shola, we both know that answer, are you really going to make me analyze her out loud?"
"If you know the answer, then you know how to lead her. I know this is hard on you, answering that question. So, I'll ask an easier one. What do I value?"
"Trevean." the word was out of Kaden's mouth before he could stop himself.
"Well, yes," Shola fumbled, her cheeks turning red. "But-- beyond my Other, what else?"
It was Kaden's turn to grin though the next few sentences were meant as a serious answer to the question. "Justice, success, our lives, your country..."
Shola nodded slowly, looking proud of him. "Yes, all of that is true. So, to lead them, you must frame what you ask as appealing to what they value. Know who values the same things, group them accordingly. And know who listens to who if you need someone else to help apply pressure on a person who's reticent to obey."
"I understand, but may I ask...."
"Anything."
"If this is how you lead, then what do I value?"
"Well, tell me if I am correct? You value integrity, the safety and well-being of your people and those you care for, bravery, sacrifice, being honorable and following a moral code that speaks to the least harm for the most people. Am I correct?"
"More or less" Kaden answered with a slow nod. His hands stayed in his pockets and his eyes on the ground though projecting an air of uncertainty even as the set of his feet and the bristling of his shoulders proved he was still on edge.
"What have I missed?" Shola asked softly, reaching out to touch his arm.
"What have you missed?" Kaden repeated knowing what she probably meant but feeling momentary confusion.
"You seem on edge, anxious. Have I missed something you value? Or do you want to take a break from discussing this?"
"Having a home," he finally admitted quietly, "and feeling like I contribute. That's all really. You said the rest."
"Given all that's happened to you recently, that makes sense. I value having a home too," she admitted, just as quietly. "And I hope I can help you find a place that feels like home to you, and that I can show you just how much you contribute-- and will continue to contribute."
Kaden nodded slowly. "And for now. what would you like me to do?"
"Be my extra eyes and hands. Go with someone if they leave, watch what I cannot, ensure I do not get so wrapped up with my Other that I miss anything. Protect us."
"I'll do my best," he answered softly.
"And I know your best will serve us immensely," Shola replied, smiling warmly at him.
He managed a shaky smile in return. "Is there a plan?
"For now, it looks as though keeping the group safe as we move between the clinic and Clara's home will be paramount, and making sure Lilith doesn't do anything rash while Dante is recovering."
"You think there's a risk of that?"
"We've seen her do it before to help him, so let's keep it as something we're aware is possible." Kaden only nodded to show he understood.
