Swagger: Lit, AU Pokemon RP

[DuskyDare]

X
X

⇢♠ A Pokémon AU Roleplay
⇢♡ Original RP by Mio Memiroa
⇢♣ Concept and coding by Mio Memiroa
⇢⇢⇢⇢♣ Additional coding by Irako of the Desert
⇢♢ Lit to Adv. Lit roleplay
⇢♣ Current Hosts: DuskyDare and Wocaine

⇉ Open // Accepting!
OOCxProfiles




{[ ↪ ɖ ɪ s c ℓ ɑ ɪ м є ʀ s ↩:

This is an AU Pokémon RP.

If you don't like Pokémon or battling, this is not the RP for you.

In the AU, there are mafia families, fighting, alliances, betrayals, and general disorder.

If you don't like violence, mafia RPs, and awesome things, this is not the RP for you. ]}



Affiliates:

[DuskyDare]

↬ т ʜ єxxxs т σ ʀ ɣ ↫

The day that Don Giovanni destroyed the Kanto-Johto Pokemon League was the day the world changed irrevocably. Gym Leaders and Elite Four members were wiped out almost completely, and other Pokemon League members from other regions went into hiding. Pokémon battles became less frequent and lost the integrity they once held, and battling prowess meant almost nothing. In the midst of this social upheaval, the various Teams have risen once more, taking over where the Pokémon League began to lack influence. The police force soon found themselves unable to take down the underground movements, and crime began to grow, first in the big cities, eventually across every region. The Teams began to call themselves "families," referring to their close ties and unbreakable will. While many are happy with their reign and do not question their power, there are still some fallen gym leaders and Elite Four members who have allied themselves with the Indigos and the weakened police force in order to take down each and every criminal organization, returning the Pokémon Leagues to their former glory.

The Rocket Family is the strongest and the oldest family, the most powerful criminal syndicate in the entire Pokémon world, though with the mysterious disappearance of Don Emilio Alcheri and the rise of Nox Alcheri to leadership, the Rockets have split into two factions. Don Cyril Acerbi has recently declared the independence of Rocket Veritas from the Rocket Family and is based in Johto. The Galactic Family has been steadily gathering power for the past three years in the Sinnoh region, but their goals remain a closely-guarded secret. It mostly involves conducting top-secret research and biding their time. The Aqua Family and the Magma Family continue to feud bitterly, vying for control of all the regions and the destruction of the land (in the Aquas' case) or the sea (in the Magmas' case). Currently, the Aquas are allied with the Johto Rocket Veritas and have dealt a crippling blow to the Magma Family. Meanwhile, another family, the Plasma Family, is quietly lurking in the background. Their motives are obscure and difficult to affirm, and their actions are always confusing and mysterious.

The Indigo Family was founded immediately after the fall of the Kanto-Johto League by Masaki Sonezaki, a.k.a Bill the Pokemaniac to protect the few remaining members of the Interregional Pokémon League. They operate secretly, and many of them are even assumed to have disappeared a long time ago. They currently work in disguise, offering their talents and services to bolster the police force. Using computer hacking, battling, espionage, and subterfuge, the Indigo Family does anything and everything they can to take down the mafia families. Their current leader is Masaki's grandson, President Benjamin Sonezaki.

Each family is based in the region in which they originate. The Rocket Family dominates the Kanto region, while Rocket Veritas controls the Johto region. The Aqua Family rules over the southern and island areas of Hoenn, and the Magma Family has its influence in the northern and more mountainous parts of Hoenn. They are constantly engaged in fierce turf wars. The Galactic Family is based in Sinnoh, with Veilstone City serving as their main Headquarters. The Plasma Family is beginning to consolidate its grip over the Unova region, though, if their past actions are any indication, they have plans to expand. The Indigo Family is largely an underground movement, and, therefore, they have members scattered all over all five regions. Rumor has it that their base of operations is in Cerulean, though none of the families can seem to find it. An underground and underwater electric train funded by the Rocket Family was built shortly after they rose to power, and the train links each of the regions within a half-hour trip of each other. In addition, boats and cruise ships--several under the ownership of the Aqua Family--run between the various island regions to and from the mainland regions.

{[ For your convenience, this link will take you to a map that shows the location of each of each of the regions in relation to one another. Unova is on the continent west of Johto and Northwest of Hoenn (about where the Anime menu on the page is located.)

If you are unfamiliar with the titles within the mafia, you can find more info here.]}




↬ ʀ υ ℓ є s ↫


⒈ Setting

The events of this RP take place approximately 20 years after the events in each of the games. The RP also takes place in an alternate universe:



Wikipedia on AU

An alternative universe [roleplay] (also known as alternate universe or alternate reality), commonly abbreviated as AU, is a type or form of...fiction in which canonical facts of setting or characterization in the universe being explored or written about are deliberately changed.

Commonly abbreviated AU, stories of this type are usually what-ifs, where possibilities arising from different circumstances or character decisions are explored. Unlike regular [roleplay], which generally remains within the boundaries of the canon set out by the author, alternative universe...writers like to explore the possibilities of pivotal changes made to characters' history, motivations or environment.



⒉ The usual

No godmodding, powerplaying. Be polite. No excessive cursing or blood except for story or character development purposes. If things get steamy, timeskip (No, don't take it to PMs). Violence is acceptable in this roleplay (It is the mafia, after all). Keep the other roleplayers informed about when you plan to post, and post styles (at least a picture of your character) are highly encouraged.

Glad to have that over with.


⒊ Battling/Fighting

Yes! Battling still exists in this 'verse. To battle with a trainer, please first determine the outcome via PMs, then describe what happens, making it clear when a pokémon faints. Items are allowed, but don't go overboard (no matter how rich you are, you do not have 55 Full Restores on your person at any given time.) Battling is usually the first resort, and is less aggressive and considered less intense by society, while violent fights are usually a last-resort option. Fights between human characters are determined the same way.


⒋ Mafia Territory

You have influence in your region (see post below). Turf wars are a-okay, and you have less power outside your sphere of influence. The Orange Islands are agreed-upon neutral territory, and the Orre Region and (Include "Chimicherrychanga" at the end of your Reserve) Fiore Region are off-limits and not applicable to this roleplay. The assets of each family will differ, but all own a manor, a store (both for legal transactions and black market transactions), and a bar. However, any money, land, and/or other assets may be lost or gained in many different ways throughout the story. Basically, this RP encourages creativity and general deviousness.


⒌ Submitting a Profile

If you would like to join (and you know you want to! ;D ), then fill out the reserve form that follows. Yes, we ask for a writing sample. It can be a post from an RP, a well-written fanfic or short story, or any sort of relatively descriptive prose sample you're proud of. Post the reserve in the OOC thread. When you have the OK via quoted response, you can fill out and post your profile in the thread and get started writing!


⒍ Collaborating with other Roleplayers

Collaborating with your fellow roleplayers is a huge part of roleplaying, especially here. There is a Skype group where we do most of our collaboration in real time and the Swaggerpedia guild where we collect all our information related to the Swagger roleplay in one place. It is not require that you join either of these groups, but we highly encourage you to do so. It's tons of fun. If you do not have Skype or are not comfortable communicating via Skype, please use the OOC thread and PMs liberally to discuss character development, plot twists, and any ideas you have.

[DuskyDare]

↬ т ʜ єxxxғ ɑ м ɪ ℓ ɪ є s ↫

The Rocket Family
✗Rivals: Indigo Family, Rocket Veritas, Galactic Family
✗Allies: None so far
✗Influence:★★★★☆
✗Pokemon Trafficked:

⇒Dark
⇒Normal
⇒Psychic
⇒Odds and ends of other types

✗Other Activities:

⇒Pokemon black market (Slowpoke Tails, Marowak Heads, etc.)
⇒arms dealing
⇒extortion
⇒kidnapping
⇒smuggling

Rocket Veritas
✗Rivals: The Rocket Family
✗Allies: Aquas
✗Influence:★★★☆☆
✗Pokemon Trafficked:

⇒Dark
⇒Normal
⇒Psychic
⇒Odds and ends of other types

✗Other Activities:

⇒Assassination
⇒extortion
⇒money laundering

The Galactic Fleet
✗Rivals: Rocket Family, Plasma Family, Aqua Family, Magma Family
✗Allies: None so far
✗Influence: ★☆☆☆☆
✗Pokemon Trafficked:

⇒Steel
⇒Ghost
⇒Odds and ends of other types

✗Other Activities:

⇒Funding illegal research
⇒extortion
⇒theft
⇒underground orgies
⇒kidnapping

The Aqua Family
✗Rivals: Magma Family
✗Allies: Rocket Veritas
✗Influence: ★★★☆☆
✗Pokemon Trafficked:

⇒Water
⇒Ice

✗Other Activities:

⇒Alcohol
⇒Money laundering

The Magma Family
✗Rivals: Aqua Family, Rocket Veritas
✗Allies: None so far
✗Influence:★★☆☆☆
✗Pokemon Trafficked:

⇒Ground
⇒Rock

✗Other Activities:

⇒Gemstone Black Market
⇒illegal gambling (Pokemon cage fights, Pokemon races, Contests, human cage fights

The Plasma Family
✗Rivals: Rocket Family
✗Allies: None so far
✗Influence: ★★☆☆☆
✗Pokemon Trafficked:

⇒Grass
⇒Odds and ends of other types

✗Other Activities:

⇒Drug market
⇒Historical artifacts
⇒Kidnapping

The Indigo Family
✗Rivals: Rocket Family
✗Allies: None so far
✗Influence: ★★☆☆☆
✗Pokemon Trafficked:

⇒none and never will

✗Other Activities:

⇒Messing up the other families' plans
⇒Assisting the police force
⇒Protection

[DuskyDare]

↬т ʜ єxxxc ʜ ɑ ʀ ɑ c т є ʀ s↫
*Boss positions are open for: Galactic family, Plasma family, Magma Family

Rocket Family
Don: Nox Alcheri [ Wocaine ]
Underboss: Kokori Sorcral [ Candied Cupcake ]
Consigliere: John Archer [ Wocaine ]
Capo: Kent Blackwell [ Ardent One ]
Capo:
Soldier:



Rocket Veritas
Boss: Cyril Acerbi [ Wocaine ]
Underboss:
Consigliere:
Capo:
Capo:
Other:


Galactic Fleet
Supreme Fleet Admiral:
Commander:
Commodore: Dylan Talley [ Irako of the Desert ]
Lieutenant:
Lieutenant:
Other:


Magma Family
Boss: Cearra Petra Park [ MiasmaMoogle ] *DECEASED*
Underboss:
Consigliere:
Caporegime: Oliver King [ Mortelle Sourire ]
Capo: Gregor Lionell [ Ardent One ]
Capo:
Other:


Aqua Family
Boss: Alcyone Capone [ DuskyDare ]
Underboss:
Consigliere:
Caporegime: Griffin Matonic [ Candied Cupcake ]
Capo:
Other: Wilhelm Korogi [DuskyDare]


Plasma Family
Boss: King Shahrivar Harmonia [ Candied Cupcake ]
Underboss:
Consigliere:
Capo:
Capo:
Other:


Indigo Family
President: Benjamin Sonezaki [ Irako of the Desert ]
VP: Stefan Schwertwulf [ Ardent One ]
Advisor/Researcher: Proxima Nebula Stone [ Candied Cupcake ]
Strategist:
Captain: Zabre Zanover [ Irako of the Desert ]
Captain: Tyr McCleod [ Wocaine ]
Soldier: Maxwell Dawes [ Mortelle Sourire ]
Recruit: Drake Hiryu [ Wocaine ]
Other: Sigurd Schertwulf [ Ardent One ]



Other
Independent: Watson Stantler [ Candied Cupcake ]
Independent: Seraphine Sloan [ DuskyDare ]

[DuskyDare]

↬ ρ ʀ σ ғ ɪ ℓ єxxx&xxxɼ є s є ɼ v є ↫

Well, here are the skeletons. Fill 'em out at your leisure. Please post your reserves in the OOC thread. Once you get the okay from DuskyDare and one other person, you can start work on your profile and post it in the Profile Thread (link in title post). All profiles should be posted within a week of receiving the OK on your reserve; otherwise, we won't hold your place. D:

Have fun~!

Reserve

[quote="DuskyDare"][/quote]
[quote="Chuck Poon"][/quote]
[quote="Candied Cupcake"][/quote]
[quote="Ardent One"][/quote]
[quote="Irako of the Desert"][/quote]
[quote="Mortelle Sourire"][/quote]
[size=10][size=13][color=#D10000]ɼ є ȿ є ɼ v є[/color][/size]
[size=8]☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰[/size]
[color=#717D7D][size=10]
✐P u p p e t m a s t e r[/size][/color]
[color=#D10000]Your username[/color]

[color=#717D7D][size=10]✐P u p p e t[/size][/color]
[color=#D10000]Name of character
Family
Position[/color]

[color=#717D7D][size=10]✐S a m p l e[/size][/color]
[color=#D10000]Link to previous roleplaying/writing[/color]

≪ 100x100 icon of character ≫[/size]

Profile skeleton

[align=right][size=20]{ Character name here }[/size]
[size=18][color=Your post color]░▓░▓░▓░▓░▓░▓░▓░▓░▓░▓░▓░▓░▓[/color][/size]
[/align]
[imgright]Your character image[/imgright]
[size=15][color=#D10000]T h e B a s i c s[/color][/size]
[size=8]☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰[/size]

[size=12][color=#717D7D]ɷ ҂ ҃ ҄ ҅ ҆[/color][/size][color=white]xxxx[/color][size=14][color=#690F69]AKA[/color][/size]
[size=10][color=Your post color]( Character nicknames )[/color][/size]


[size=12][color=#717D7D]ɷ ҂ ҃ ҄ ҅ ҆[/color][/size][color=white]xxxx[/color][size=14][color=#690F69]My place in the world:[/color][/size]
[size=10][color=Your post color]Gender
Family
Age
Position[/color][/size]


[size=12][color=#717D7D]ɷ ҂ ҃ ҄ ҅ ҆[/color][/size][color=white]xxxx[/color][size=14][color=#690F69]If you really must know my preferences, here they are.[/color][/size]
[size=10][color=Your post color]Sexual orientation of character (if desired)[/color][/size]

[size=12][color=#717D7D]ɷ ҂ ҃ ҄ ҅ ҆[/color][/size][color=white]xxxx[/color][size=14][color=#690F69]A good life contains joy and sadness in equal measure.[/color][/size]
[size=10][color=Your post color](please list) 5 likes
5 dislikes
3 fears
2 weaknesses[/color][/size]


[size=12][color=#717D7D]ɷ ҂ ҃ ҄ ҅ ҆[/color][/size][color=white]xxxx[/color][size=14][color=#690F69]Live, die, or fight?[/color][/size]
[size=10][color=Your post color]Your pokémon party[/color][/size]
[/align]


[size=15][color=#D10000]M i s c e l l a n e o u s[/color][/size]
[size=8]☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰[/size]
[size=12][color=#717D7D]ɷ ҂ ҃ ҄ ҅ ҆[/color][/size][color=white]xxxx[/color][size=14][color=#690F69]Did I miss anything?[/color][/size]
[size=10][color=Your post color]Any further notes
If you are the don of your family, please provide a link to your villa here. More information on this will be provided upon our receipt of your reserve.[/color][/size]

[size=12][color=#717D7D]ɷ ҂ ҃ ҄ ҅ ҆[/color][/size][color=white]xxxx[/color][size=14][color=#690F69]Earworm[/color][/size]
[size=10][color=Your post color]Character theme song (Please post a link to the song, if you would!)[/color][/size]

[size=12][color=#717D7D]ɷ ҂ ҃ ҄ ҅ ҆[/color][/size][color=white]xxxx[/color][size=14][color=#690F69]Nothing in life is black on white.[/color][/size]
[color=Your post color]▇My post color[/color]

[DomesticViking]

▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄


Ƞɸӽ Ⱥʅϲɦєɾɨ
βɑρϮɨɀєɗ Ъӌ Ϯɦϵ ϝʅαɱϵϛ,
αɲɗ ЪαϮɦєɗ ɨɲ α Ъαsɨɲ ϕϝ Ъlϕϕɗ,
ӌϕʊ ωɨʅʅ ӄɲϕw Ϯɦє pϕwєr ϕϝ ӺȈɌΣ!

ɌΦȼӄεϯ`•.¸¸.••´´¯``•• .¸¸.•´םɸɳ

╔══════════════╗

The warm winds whispered through the foliage of the nearby Viridian Forest in gentle rustles while the crystalline sky of cerulean spanned overhead to each horizon. The open heavens gave way to the vibrant sunlight, which caressed the scores of people dressed in mourning attire. For Nox, it was a relief to be in the afternoon sun and out of the chapel, stuffy and full of fools weeping for his ‘deceased’ brother. They all congregated, not far from the magnificently crafted cathedral where the sermon, generously serenading them all with hymns in the name of Arceus and other beasts of creation, had transpired, outside and among the numerous grave monuments, sculpted from marble in the recent years, and concrete from decades ago.

The young man, adorned in a meticulously tailored suit of black, remained solemn as he offered no reaction to the sea of familiar and unfamiliar faces, friends and foes, while standing near the foot of the empty grave, with an empty casket yet to be lowered. He gazed gently at the framed portrait of his brother, Emilio Alcheri, who stared back at him through the eye not concealed by an eye patch. The people were idiots, all of them. Emilio was out there, somewhere. He wouldn’t die this abruptly, this easily. The cretins they were, mourning him like this, burying an empty box with his monochrome photograph perched upon it.

Nox had spoken on behalf of his brother earlier, offering words of kindness and sharing heartfelt sentiments in regards to his brother’s character while not succumbing to his emotions; denial, rage, and confusion. Now, he stood here, waiting for all of it to be over while he stood out in the open and in harm’s way. Four men of varying appearances, though all powerfully built and well versed in pokemon battling, as well as hand to hand combat and weapons training, remained close to him—two at each side—during the internment of his brother’s coffin. While he didn’t like the idea of hovering bodyguards, who had been following him since Emilio’s disappearance, there had already been three incidents during the past week and it made sense that someone would likely make an attempt on him during the funeral as well, though it would be horribly uncouth for even a mafia family to do so. Regardless, these faceless, intimidating, burly men proved useful when they took down the pokemon of his ill-fated assassins—before he personally took a baseball bat to the skulls of his would be murderers.

“May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of Arceus rest in peace,” declared the heavier set priest in black robes, silver haired and a face mottled with signs of aging.

Those words signalled the end of the funeral, the end of a long winded and pretentious funeral that even his innovative and philanthropist brother, as some had described him, would not have enjoyed sitting through if he were here. It also signified the moment when another assassin might emerge, as it would be easy to strike him down and disappear into the crowd of hundreds.

Let them come, Nox thought, they will taste agony and fire.



╚══════════════╝

[Rosilien]

≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍
ℳaxwell 𝒟awes
≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍≍



xxxxxIt felt strange. The Don that had commanded fear and respect for as long as Maxwell could remember was suddenly gone, and yet there was no remorse, no outrage, not even a moment of silence from the the low-ranking Rockets in Goldenrod. They continued on with their rowdy antics; there had just been a battle in front of the casino between two of the grunts, causing significant damage to the surrounding plaza. Maxwell had watched from atop the city's shopping center, mostly so that he would know if someone had gotten killed. Luckily only a broken leg had resulted from this particular battle.
xxxxxKnowing that the former Don's younger brother would be taking over the Rocket family's top leadership position worried Maxwell. Emilio Alcheri had definitely not been known for his compassion, but his temper was mild compared to his sibling's. Shudders ran through Maxwell's back as he recalled the gruesome stories about traitors who met their death at Nox's hands. If this was the man who would be giving executive orders for the rest of his life, Maxwell could only imagine what atrocities he and the other grunts might have to commit in the future. Thoughts of running away drifted through his mind again, but he shook them off as Corabelle screeched overhead, her four wings sending gusts of wind swirling over the rooftop.
xxxxx"What? You hungry?" Maxwell shouted at her, a grin tugging at his mouth. Crobats were never really good at making their needs obvious. Corabelle landed, her back wings slapping the ground as she gained balance on her short legs. A glint of white caught Maxwell's eye, and he pulled a piece of wrinkled paper out from underneath her harness. It bore a poorly drawn Rocket seal at the top, as well as slanted, torchic-scratch handwriting.

xxxxxBoluk is making us watch a recording of the new Don's youlogee at the big funural, he says we got some things to discus. Official Rocket bisiness. Get to the Underground by 7.
-Samson

Maxwell scoffed at the fabulous literacy of his peer. Official Rocket business always meant there was some mission to be completed, and when it involved the Goldenrod sector, it usually required disposable grunts. Corabelle let out a garbled croo, and Maxwell took hold of her harness, climbing into a semi-crouch on her back. A click of his tongue spurred her to take off, banking left towards the base entrance. Although brief, the flight was refreshing, allowing Maxwell to momentarily clear his mind of worries.
xxxxxThe Underground was packed full of black-clad grunts, each scrambling to be seen by their team administrator. None were eager to be penalized for being late or perceived as no-shows. Maxwell spotted Boluk and pushed past the others towards his admin. He spotted Samson, who was staring at what looked like a briefing packet with a look of dull terror plaguing his dark face. Boluk shoved a packet into Maxwell's hands and glared at the doorway, where Corabelle had started to bump a trash can around. After calling at her to stay outside, Maxwell turned back to the packet and skimmed it as a projector played a recording of Nox Alcheri's speech. The packet mentioned Mossdeep, Cerulean City and suspicions directed at the "Indigo cretins" in response to the train incident. Maxwell zoned out for a second, but snapped back to full attention when he flipped to the last page.

xxxxxInfiltration members will need to report to Viridian City informants for full briefing. A list of secured transportation guidelines are provided at the rail station. You are required to follow these guidelines. All information for travel and training has been given.

xxxxxMaxwell blinked and read the final lines again. Infiltration isn't what we're good for, he thought, checking the front page for the names. And there he was. His head throbbed, and he felt his gut clench up. This wasn't right, it couldn't be. As Maxwell flipped through the pages again, searching for a mistake, Boluk pushed him backwards toward the door.
xxxxx"Nice knowing ya, kid." The admin eyed the tags around Maxwell's neck, as if to make sure they were still there. Suddenly the Underground was buzzing with chatter, as the recording had ended. Maxwell shoved past a crying girl whose packet was titled "Arms Front" and ran out the door, seeing Corabelle chortling at other grunts' zubats. Clicking his tongue again, he and the crobat took off into the now dark sky. Maxwell's head pounded. He knew that he had to go to the station, Boluk would have his head if he didn't. But why was he expected to be part of an infiltration front? The Indigos had not done anything as visible as the train incident for more than ten years, and now they were considered the main suspects?
xxxxxThere was something deeply wrong with this mission.

[DuskyDare]

Don Emilio was to be remembered through a glossy head shot and a bouquet of Rocket red roses. The photo of the late Don was jarringly true to life. When Alcyone looked into his eyes she felt the same impassive yet analytic spirit starring back at her as she had in his life, whether they were partners or rivals at the time in question. Several other flowers lay wilted and bruised on top of the freshly turned dirt that served as a bodiless burial ground, they were a poignant sight. The widow lay her own small offering of yellow pansies with the rest before she turned to leave the field, drawing her dark colored cloak and black satin hat close to her, hiding herself from recognition.

She stopped a moment and wiped a tear in thought. A few feet a head of her stood the newly appointed Don of the Rockets. At the time of his death Emilio and Alcyone were in, well, a truce at best and ceasefire at worst. She wondered how the Aqua's would be affected by this change of rank. Nox did have quite the reputation.

Alcyone was torn. The service was touching, and the hymns of the Legendary Pokemon reminded her so much of her deceased husband. Part of her wanted to reveal herself to the young man, aid him through the mourning of someone so close. She wanted to philosophize with him, and meld him into a true ally and friend. However years of running a family had hardened the dreamy performer into a shrewd and guarded woman. The revolver mingling with Pokeballs in her purse was just as tantalizing.

She had been advised by several of her subordinates to not even attend the funeral. However the prospect of hearing a eulogy, at the same time as snatching a glance of the other Alcheri, was far too appealing for her to pass up. She sighed. Neither of her prospect actions would do either of them, or their families any good, not in the long run anyway. Not to mention Alcyone had heard rumors that Nox believes his brother to be alive still. The Aqua Donna quickly strolled out of the church yard, as wordlessly as she had come that morning.

[Ursus the Grim]

Stefan Schwertwulf
ΞΞΞΞΞΞΞΞ



The only sound in the chamber was that of the gently bubbling stream trickling from an aperture in the wall, a crack in the mossy stone. Perfectly clean water ran into a depression in the ground, following a neat, predefined path to the fixture in the center of the room, around which it pooled before slipping through a nondescript grate in the floor. The chamber was lit by a quartet of torches, lending a soft warm glow to the surfaces of the room and a slightly smoky smell to the air. Stefan could describe the place in perfect detail, even without the light. He had been here enough over the past five days. Part of him refused to believe it, and part of him still wanted to weep like a child. The greatest part of him was home to a stony tightness in his gut, a bellyful of smoldering coals that could either slowly fade to stillness or give birth to a renewed blaze.

He sat on the floor, almost childlike with one knee pulled up under his chin, dwarfed by the object the room had been custom-built to hold. The object had been evenly hand-painted a pale blue color and studded with rubies that were dark red stars twinkling in the torchlight. The man known to some, now fittingly, as Grief pulled himself to his feet and ran a hand along the rim of the large steel brazier at the foot of the stone box. The brazier was clean, empty. Untouched by ash or soot or flame. It would be set aflame some day, though. . . some very special day that for Stefan could not come soon enough. There was a slight grinding noise as the heavy wooden door was opened. Through the now open door came the faint sound of a soft flute playing somewhere else in the building. It was a mournful, yet soothing noise, a companion to those in grief.

"Schwertwulf-sama, " began the older man. If the door had been cause for exertion, his breath did not betray it.

"Yeah, I know," sighed the younger. He turned and walked past the skinny, venerable proprietor of the House of Memories, pausing long enough to hand him a thin, rectangular piece of paper. In exchange, he received a thick, leather tome with faded writing.

"This isn't really necessary," softly spoke the bald man. There were far too many digits, even for that particular book.

"Just take it. You've been really good to him, and you do good work. Just be sure to keep the torches burning, please."

"I know what you intend. Schwertwulf-sama. . . Stefan. You are a good young man. You know what they say of revenge. Do not travel that path."

Stefan said nothing as he walked down the hallway, through the foyer, and into the sunlight. It was a beautiful day, and he was sure there were untold numbers of people who were able to enjoy it. Perhaps one day, when he lit that brazier, he could make room for joy again.

░░▒▒▓▓To the last, I grapple with thee
from Hell's heart, I stab at thee
for hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.▓▓▒▒░░

[DomesticViking]

ȠɨɠɦϮʂɦαɖε
==== ☠ ====
Ȼyril Ⱥcerbi

【 Vincit omnia veritas 】

A glorious sermon, Cyril mused silently, befitting of a visionary who shaped the Pokeworld in spite of his clandestine criminal agenda. At least, it appeared to be the unanimous public opinion of Emilio Alcheri’s legacy. It was enough to make him nauseous, yet he suppressed such an urge. How he loathed Emilio throughout his time as the new Don. It was rare for a man of rationality like Nightshade to question a man of greatness such as Giovanni, yet Emilio seemed to be the one thing that they could not agree upon.

Cyril wondered a moment, among the sea of dark colors, perfumes, and tears, he wondered if he had wanted the seat of Don for himself all along. After all, why would he pursue such elevation in the shadows now? His violet gaze burned upon the back of Nox’s tawny head, but a few feet in front of him, and he immediately knew the answer to his inner query. Emilio was undesirable to Cyril as a Don, but he had accepted that, remained loyal even; however, the elevation of Nox Alcheri to Don was utterly unacceptable—a divine error within fate’s master plan, an error he would rectify in due time.

He adjusted the lapels of his jacket, casually, straightening the black fabric that contrasted with the red collared shirt and white tie beneath. The crowd of well dressed mourners began to disperse, slowly. He supposed it was time for him to make his exit as well. After all, he had to oversee the construction of the Villa in Ecruteak City. The beauty of that city, its history, had always attracted him. Therefore, it made sense for him to commission the construction of his lavish home and headquarters with the money he embezzled during his years under Emilio’s service. Soon, when they publicly defected from Nox as Rocket Veritas, they would drive the Alcheri loyalists into Kanto, rule over Johto, assassinate Nox, and assimilate the lost and confused Rockets after the fall of Nox. His reign, his legacy, was nearly upon his lips and he could taste its sweetness.

Cyril turned his back to Nox and the grave in which the empty box had been lowered into. He was glad he had not ordered the hit on his oblivious enemy here and now, there were far too many people here to make such an attempt. Not only that, but those four burly guards were no pushovers either. The ebb of the crowd began to carry him further and further from Emilio’s grave with each silent step. He wanted to be rid of the pestilent Red Demon, but patience was essential. On the same token, every moment wasted made the reality of ending that man’s life less of a possibility. The blood of the men who had failed stained his hands and he couldn’t bear to waste anymore lives as another failure would make him weak in the eyes of his followers. In a way, he felt a sense of guilt as though he had been the one who had murdered them.

“Murderer!”

The anonymous voice of a middle aged man caused Cyril’s head to snap back to the source of it. Given where his thoughts were in that moment, he felt a bit startled. He turned against the paralysed crowd, who had also turned to become spectators. It was man of salt and pepper, stocky, and a stature several inches below six feet, standing as close as the henchman surrounding Nox would allow. This man, dressed in his Sunday best for the funeral, he seemed intoxicated, as evidenced by his slur in ‘murderer’.

“Emilio was a great man!” he bellowed, all but staggering. “And you were jealous! I knew it was only a matter of time until you set your Hellhound on him, Demon!”

Quite intoxicated, Nightshade thought, flashing a vulpine smile. He isn’t one of mine either, but a Rocket nonetheless, he reflected, feeling the giddiness rise up within him. The seeds of doubt are flourishing in their hearts and it’s only a matter of time before the Alcheri legacy crumbles. Even without my interference, this is due. I am merely hastening the process.

While watching the heated dramatics unfurl, he formulated a plan, a plan to gain the trust of his 'superiors' and become close to the new Don. The construction of the Villa could continue on without him, he decided, as a new item on his agenda suddenly took precedence; Nox Alcheri would fall by the hands of Cyril 'Nightshade' Acerbi, and no more of his men would die in vain.

==== ☠ ====

[DomesticViking]

▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄


Ƞɸӽ Ⱥʅϲɦєɾɨ
βɑρϮɨɀєɗ Ъӌ Ϯɦϵ ϝʅαɱϵϛ,
αɲɗ ЪαϮɦєɗ ɨɲ α Ъαsɨɲ ϕϝ Ъlϕϕɗ,
ӌϕʊ ωɨʅʅ ӄɲϕw Ϯɦє pϕwєr ϕϝ ӺȈɌΣ!

ɌΦȼӄεϯ`•.¸¸.••´´¯``•• .¸¸.•´םɸɳ

╔══════════════╗

Several days ago – Emilio’s private cabin, somewhere in the Viridian Forest

“This can’t be true,” Nox growled, leaning back into the large chair of maroon leather and ornate, polished, wooden legs. He folded his right leg over the left and leaned upon his right right hand as the elbow rested upon the arm of the chair he lazily sunk into, jaw set and crimson eyes narrowed. “Why would Emilio leave everything to me?”

This question, of course, had been directed to the attorney sitting in Emilio’s seat of power with documents strewn about the surface of the lacquered mahogany desk. The silver man in a suit of navy smiled back at Nox, knowing the lad since he had joined the family. John, as Nox understood it, had been the lawyer of the Rocket Family since the days of Giovanni. Little did the public know, the lawyer who often took pro-bono cases in the name of charity, John Archer, was both an attorney that handled the Rocket’s affairs and the family’s Consigliere. Oh, the double lives we often lead.

“You will have to accept things as they are, regardless of whether or not Emilio is out there,” John stated matter-of-factly, prior to taking a sip of the water from his glass which rested upon a coaster. The man was meticulous, and always respected beautiful antiquity. “Let’s validate, for a moment, that you are correct in your suspicions, Nox. Let’s say that Emilio is alive and out there. He’s still not here in the seat of power that he has willed to you in the event of his demise or disappearance.”

“And?” Nox asked, furtively, not making eye contact.

“Goodness, boy!” John laughed, condescendingly. “I know you’ve a brilliant mind between those ears, so think about it. There will be a power vacuum. There are already whispers of treachery in the air. The climate has changed for the Rocket family, as it did when your brother succeeded Giovanni. If you don’t take the mantle, confidently I might add, it could spell disaster for our family.”

“I liked my role before, and the dirty work suited me fine. I don’t want to be Emilio,” Nox sighed, locking his glance with that of the aged eyes of azure belonging to his confidant.

“You’ve no choice, I’m afraid. I implore you to embrace this, even if it is only temporary. Emilio would want this,” John declared, turning pages of his documents.

“I know, but—“

“The accounts, the assets, and everything else will be transferred to your name shortly. I shall take care of that matter expediently,” John added, cutting Nox off and paying no heed to his misgivings. “I trust that your business sense and brilliance will maintain the empire your brother has erected. Make me proud, young one.”

“They think I murdered him,” Nox added, forlorn in his demeanor. “I think I would know full well who I have and have not killed.”

John shrugged, a wolfish smile forming beneath the subtle goatee of grey. “Tongues will wag, but you and I know the truth. The unrest will settle in due time.”

Now—Viridian Cemetery

“Murderer!”

His gaze narrowed diabolically upon the nameless grunt. Oh, how brazen he was in his accusation, to utter such nonsense in the open. Naturally, the attention of the crowd focused in on him. The four guards in proximity seemed poised to strike while they assessed the threat level of this fool bathed in brandy.

“Emilio was a great man!”

Yep, Nox thought. Another one.

“And you were jealous!”

Nox assessed the portly fellow carefully, casting him a measuring look, and not recalling ever seeing this individual until this moment. How could he know anything about his brother when it was highly likely that Emilio didn’t even know this drunkard’s first name?

“I knew it was only a matter of time until you set your Hellhound on him, Demon!”

I’m tempted to set Barghest on you, Nox thought, remaining stoic. It wouldn’t do well to tussle with this fool in front of so many. Like it or not, as John had put it, he was the Don now, a public figure. While fantasies of blood and fire coursed through his mind’s eye, the glorious fountain of ruby that could flow and the glorious glow of amber as flesh seared, he restrained a sick smile, only keeping his expressionless eyes on the fool mere feet away from him. John would want him to keep quiet and not respond, so that’s what he would do.

With that, Nox turned away from the man and began to walk away, unperturbed by the incident.

The drunkard snarled and reached for a pokeball. “Don’t you ******** walk away from me!”

╚══════════════╝

[DuskyDare]

The stark afternoon sunlight betrayed the somber scene behind her. The world was cheerfully seeing off Emilio while its inhabitants wept for him. Alcyone was strolling past the Church's ornate fences, which came up to her hip and were wrought to depict Arcues and the other Pokemon of Creation, when a drunken voice called out behind her.
"Murdered!" it accused in a drunken slur. No doubt directed at the newly appointed Don.
"Emilio was a great man!" he continued to splutter.

Alcyone turned and dashed back into the churchyard, in a manner not befitting her status. She stopped a few paces in front of Nox, whom she only recognized after halting. Those who attended the funeral quickly began to encircle the drunkard and his Don, like merciless children in a playground.

"I knew it was only a matter of time until you set your Hellhound on him, Demon." The man finished with an aimless wave of the arm for flourish. He continued to blow on the embers of a dying flame, eyes burning with the passion of cheap beer, like a man who has never been burned.

Nox turned to leave. Alcyone bristled.

She cast away the overly large satin hat that had kept her identity from the public and undid her long, deep blue hair from its intricate braid.
"I do hope you recognize me," she began coolly. "as I am of some influence." She took a step forward, the man retreated two.
"I inherited the entire Aqua family through most unsavory means. It is quite a prize to behold but the price was just too steep for me to ever be truly grateful." her voice quavered, although she herself was unsure of its intention. The memories stung, but a heartbroken window tended to be a crowd favorite.
"The death of my husband marked the beginning of my reign. I lost my partner, my closest friend. And yet, there were whispers. My treacherous underlings, yet supposed kinsmen, believed my hands were stained with blood." she spat the last word at the worthless grunt.

"Clearly," she tried to regain composure, "you are a man who does not value quality." her nose wrinkled at the scent of his alcoholic beverage of choice, undoubtedly served in a paper bag for a handful of crumpled bills. Much unlike the chardonnay she enjoyed in crystal goblets.
"I doubt you know much in the way of what ties human beings, but even a b*****d such as yourself should know that brother does not turn on brother." she raised her voice slightly at the man. "or wife upon husband." she added to herself. She drew the worn dive ball that housed a battle savvy team member. "Let me show you something of ties between creatures. Milotic, join me!"

[Irako of the Desert]

♕BLANKSPACEβenjamin Sonezaki
Today's Costume: Stefan's imaginary younger brother

Benjamin Sonezaki waited for Stefan quietly outside the building, his Umbreon sitting attentively next to him. Today was a day of mourning, so Ben had not dressed in one of his trademark Pokemon-inspired costumes out of respect for his grieving friend. He had disguised his face and worn a long wig so that he looked more like Stefan's younger brother rather than himself.

The man's loss had been tragic, and Ben felt tears welling up as he thought of it. Umbreon looked up at him in concern and chirruped questioningly. He carefully wiped away the tears and sniffed loudly before leaning down and gathering up the worried Pokemon for a quick, comforting snuggle.

The entire Indigo family was in mourning, and all over Kanto, soldiers and capos alike wore a black ribbon somewhere visible in the memory of Stefan's partner. Ben had not ordered such a display of grief, but Stefan was liked and respected by the whole family for his strength, courage, and loyalty. They also all had at least one Pokemon partner and could sympathize with his loss.

As Stefan came outside, Ben silently put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"We'll get that b*****d, my friend, for everything he's done to this family."

Ben knew better than to ask if Stefan would be alright. He felt guilt weighing heavily upon him for sending his VP to that damned train in the first place. If only...

No, he couldn't start playing that game again. Once he started, he would spiral out of control until he finally shot himself in despair of all the death and suffering the Indigo family had experienced in their struggle to survive. Every member of his organization ran the same risk of dying too soon, even him. They did so willingly, because they believed in Ben's vision, and the most he could do to protect them was to ensure competent people were always in charge.

The few guards that lingered unobtrusively nearby trailed Ben and Stefan as they walked silently away from the House of Memories. When they had gone a little ways, Ben finally spoke again.

"We've got some new recruits coming in soon. Will you be able to test them with me or will you be taking a leave of absence?"

When Ben had taken over the Indigos, he'd made a point of meeting every new recruit and testing them in some way. Whenever he couldn't do it, Stefan usually did it for him, and they often did it together. Ben liked to believe that it boosted the moral of his troops if they felt that their leader cared about them personally, though the risk of revealing himself to uninitiated trainers was dangerous.

☾ ☽

[Ursus the Grim]

Stefan Schwertwulf
ΞΞΞΞΞΞΞΞ


It was beautiful outside. The warmth of the sun hit Stefan all at once, a stark contrast to the cool air that circulated through the House of Memories. A gentle breeze brought briny air from Silence Bridge south of town. People milled about here and there, and a crowd was forming near the Radio Tower for some contest or other. The man who had waited for the Indigo veep looked nothing like who he was. Today, President Benjamin looked like Stefan once had, well-groomed hair in a ponytail of onyx. That glossy black was the color Stefan's hair had been before he had begun bleaching it and dying it again in an effort to stand out more. Ben's umbreon was gathered up in his arms. The pokemon was living proof that Ben loved his partners too. It was that mindset that permeated the entire Indigo family, the belief that they were more than tools, that only a trainer who empathised and cared about his pokemon could have a fulfilling existence alongside them.

"Hello, miss." Stefan scratched the dark eevolution under the chin briefly, a weak smile forced to his visage.

"We'll get that b*****d, my friend, for everything he's done to this family."

"Thank you."

He bit off the 'sir'. Schwertwulf was mourning, but he still had a duty to the Indigo family. Ben had shown up in disguise to support him, but he was still a prime target for the crime families looking to take away the chief tool of justice. Attention could not be called, not in mannerisms, nor honorrifics. He couldn't foul it up again. Had he not blown his cover on the train, Nox wouldn't have caught him. The operation would have been seamless. He wouldn't have lost Kaiser.

The memory came up again, unbidden. The Hellhound Barghest had avoided his feraligatr's powerful blows, landing painful, crunching bite after painful, crunching bite, latching on ferociously to worry at the water-type's thick hide. Barghest had been Nox's last pokemon, and Stefan had had three more rested on his belt. Kaiser had managed to shake his foe off and finally the thick, muscular tail swung in like a crashing wave. The broad sash tied around the feraligatr had pulsed as the blow was struck, Kaiser's most powerful move on a foe susceptible to it. He had seen the houdoom hurtle through the air, unconscious before he hit the ground. He couldn't remember Nox's reaction. He had been too wrapped up in his own victory. He had beat Nox's team of three with three of his own. Nox was beaten, and Stefan would be dragging him home as a prize.

The sound. . . the sound stuck with him the most. The crack of a pistol. The firearm. The cowardly, unskilled way of killing that pokemon battles were, in theory, going to eventually replace. He didn't even look to see where it had come from. He knew it was Nox. It had to be Nox. He remembered fumbling desperately with the starburst medicine simply called revive, ripping the cap off of his potion and desperately spraying out the can. It had been too much. His others could have pulled through, tough as they were. Panzer, or even Cleaver. But not Kaiser, not as weary as he had been.

"We've got some new recruits coming in soon. Will you be able to test them with me or will you be taking a leave of absence?"

A leave of absence. The option was there. Stefan had already considered it. There were things he wanted to do, certainly. He glanced down at the thick, leatherbound tome in his hand. His grip obscured the spine, but he knew its embossed title well enough. Scrying the Gods: Meditations on the Immortal Legendarys. He wanted to go home, throw himself into the reading, and grasp the knowledge. He wouldn't lose another, not like he had lost hif oldest companion. When he and Nox met again, little spheres of lead and brass wouldn't save Nox then. He would be sure of it. The sooner he started, the sooner he could fulfill his last promise to Kaiser. . . .

He casually looked back over his shoulder as they walked. There they were. Unobtrusive, far enough behind that no one could be sure who they were following. They all had the black ribbon on them. It had been unbidden, and he would have preferred keeping the loss to himself, but word traveled fast. "They are your family," Ben had once said to him.

He had a battle to win, revenge to be taken. But they were in a war, and Stefan still had work to be done.

"Of course I can help. Tell me about them."

░░▒▒▓▓To the last, I grapple with thee
from Hell's heart, I stab at thee
for hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.▓▓▒▒░░

[Ursus the Grim]

Sigurd Schwertwulf
ΞΞΞΞΞΞΞΞ

Dim light, smoke, and the low murmuring of other patrons made for some unique ambiance. The rotund man in the booth looked uniquely out of place, a modern but threadbare business suit custom-tailored to his corpulent frame. Its tan checkers were perhaps once meant to be flattering, but they had also once known a thinner man. Such suits weren't cheap, and Mr. Elvanis was known to be a penny-pincher. His voice was hushed, but not out of respect or for the atmosphere, but for fear others might overhear the conversation. As the party spoke, he pulled a stained yellow handkerchief with persian embroidery from the inside of his jacket and wiped his brow, sweating from the difficult of breathing in the claustrophobic establishment.

"But Sigurd, I told you, I don't, erm, Elvanis Industries doesn't have enough of a profit margin to make that kind of donation to the Celestial Children Foundation."

"Don't bullshit me, Frank."

The other man was tall, slim, but nonetheless imposing, sheer confidence emanating from him despite his relaxed posture. He held one arm around the buxom brunette next to him, the other casually swirling a glass of bourbon. His jacket was marked by a high waist with an even charcoal color and a narrow lapel. It wasn't very different from the outfits worn by other patrons of The Blind Tepig. The rocks glass came up to his thinly-mustachiod lips as he took a sip.

"I know you've got the money. I run the damn bank where you keep it all, remember?"

"You can't do this. . . this is. . . this is extortion!"

"Oi lads, keep it down! Speak easy, will ya!"

"Sorry, Sally. Frank here was just telling me how generous he was going to be with his donations this month. Right Frank?"

Sally, the proprietor of the Blind Tepig, only chuckled as she went back to pouring drinks for her customers. Sigurd Schwertwulf was one of the regulars, and she had grown accustomed to his 'business meetings'. She certainly didn't mind his patronage. He was a little rough around the edges, a little dangerous, but his heart was in the right place. A girl could get used to seeing a guy like that every day, even if he was a few years older. Shame about the wife though. Frank had fallen silent, his beady eyes shining at Sigurd as he realized there was no weaseling out of this one. He had not choice but to try though. That was his money. He had taken the risks with the law, taken the risks with the Indigos, and had gotten away with it. He'd be damned if his banker was going to steal it all for some snot-nosed orphan brats. He leaned forward as much as he could with his frame, his quivering jowls hovering over his untouched lobster dinner.

"I'll go to the police with this. They'll shut you down, they'll shut your bank down, and they'll take every cent from your family and your damned charities."

The threat would not go unanswered. Sigurd's companion instinctively slid her arm away as he reached forward with both hands, placing one on either cheek of the President and CEO of Elvanis Industries. For all his money, for all his theoretical power, Frank intimidated Sigurd no more than a child throwing a tantrum.

"You're a snake, a damned worm, Frank, and I'd snap your neck right now if you weren't so slick with piss and sweat." His tone matched the earnest hate in Frank's voice with a dead seriousness all its own. "You know full well that once the police are involved, we'll hand them all the evidence they need to confirm any suspicion they may have had of contraband smuggling. And trust me, they have plenty of suspicions."

That was all Frank Elvanis could take. He sat there, sputtering and stammering for a moment before stumbling from the booth, nearly falling over himself in his haste to get out. There were a few chuckles from the darkness as he departed ungracefully, letting in the bright sunlight for a moment before it was sealed off with a slam. Sigurd leaned back as his wife nestled under his arm again, head and hand resting on his chest.

"You were awfully rough on him this time, Mr. Gible." It was her name for him, a cute little take on his only widely-used nickname. His initial response was just a snort.

"I wasn't tough enough. He keeps trying to get out of it, even as he imports more and more. Do you know how many pounds of venomoth scales he brought in last week? I can guarantee the Rockets are going to end up with some of that, if they haven't already. I should just turn him in and be done with it."

Jessica had no response for that. Sigurd didn't believe the man was evil, just greedy. The couple had agreed that keeping him out of jail could be justified if they could channel some of his ill-gotten gains to an important purpose. He wasn't the only one they had such an arrangement with, either. It got tense at times, and despite his love of prohibition-themed bars and snappy suits, Jessica knew Sigurd hated working with men like Frank, men who worked the underworld.

"It'll get better soon. Ben and Stefan will take out the Rockets, and this world will start cleaning up. I know it will, SIgurd."

The former Rocket recruiter slid himself off the chair, helping his wife out and scooping up his trilby hat in one smooth motion. A few large bills on the table as payment and tip, a wave to Sally, and they were off. Perhaps we'll be home early enough for a nap and a dance at sunset.

░░▒▒▓▓The more laws, the less justice.▓▓▒▒░░