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Folgers/Monkey

Alexei the Reaper, Minuit

He/Him

Janurary 17th

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Alphonse Gambino

Aerial Superiority (Mission)

POSTED ON Aug 17, 2023 2:22:47 GMT

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[attr="class","mit"]

[attr="class","mittag"]

Alphonse Gambino dorian westcliff

[attr="class","mitmain"]

Alphonse would set to work interrogating the pirate he had captured alive.[break][break]

Some men seemed like impenetrable fortresses of secrecy and confidence. They kept their master's secrets and would take most of them to the grave. Even when one really put the screws to them - some men would scream or cry out - but they wouldn't blab. They wouldn't be the proverbial set of loose lips that sunk a ship. Alphonse could respect men like that - and they gave him a challenge when it came time to work them over for information. He could always tip his hat to a man who kept his faith and silence. Alphonse had earned the scar across his face by keeping his silence - and it had nearly killed him. But he had remained quiet, and some men Alphonse knew would die before they broke and spilled their guts out to a captor.[break][break]

This pirate, however, was not one of those men.[break][break]

Alphonse had barely laid out the instruments of his work when the man began to panic. The pirate hiccupped and - Alphonse realized - was trying not to cry. He was a young man - nineteen or so. And Alphonse was perplexed why one so young should throw in with pirates - but the boy was a man in Al's eyes. No child protected by Alphonse's single rule against injuring youth. The boy had dug his own grave and Al wasn't going to let him off easy. This work was about sending a message, however - so he supposed that he could afford to make a deal with the young man. Alphonse could use the boy - he could plunge him for information and make an example of him. Well, a bigger example than that Dorian had made of the tinderbox that was the pirate ship.[break][break]

"Okay! I'll tell you everything! I'll let you know where we're laid up, how we get around so quick, whatever you wanna know, man! I'm telling you, I'll talk!"[break][break]

"I know you will." Alphonse said simply, and then he eyed the little handsaw which lay upon the cart of sharp instruments. He frowned - and gestured to a Minuteman.[break][break]

"You will talk. And you will survive our conversation. I'm not going to use these to interrogate you. There will be no need."[break][break]

The Minuteman handed a Pokéball to Al, and one flash of light later a large, yellow creature with a huge honking nose and a lazy look about him stood before the young pirate who was tied to his chair.[break][break]

"Drowzee, hypnotize him."[break][break]

The tapir-like Pokémon began to wave him arms slowly, methodically up and down in strange, fluid patterns. And soon the boy had eyes just as lidded as Alphonse's own. His lips were slightly parted - but no noise escaped him, and he stared at the Drowzee as if he were half-asleep. Alphonse nodded - and gave the Pokémon a dismissive wave of the hand. The psychic beast stopped waving his arms and seemed to simply watch the pirate, as if admiring its own handiwork. Alphonse didn't have the saw to use himself - nor to simply pry information from this coward of a boy.[break][break]

"Now, boy... Let us have a talk about what it means to be a pirate. And to steal from Team Rocket."

notes[break]
↳ Alphonse Gambino and dorian westcliff [break]

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Alexei the Reaper, Minuit

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Alphonse Gambino

Saying Goodbye [M]

POSTED ON Aug 17, 2023 2:03:33 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","mit"]

[attr="class","mittag"]

Alphonse Gambino Aubre McKenna-Settentrione @katrina

[attr="class","mitmain"]

Alphonse stared down at the Heliolisk as it drew nearer.[break][break]

Oh, you're approaching me? Al thought to himself in quiet, mental challenge as the strange lizard attempted to pull him from his perceived stupor.[break][break]

Al peered down at the notepad and the text written there. One eyebrow lifted in what was - to Alphonse - a show of his surprise. But his overall expression didn't change much - it never did when he wasn't making a public appearance. Half-lidded eyes regarded the creature - in Al's estimation and experience, Pokémon were tools. They were things to be used, power to be harnessed and controlled. All Pokémon exist for the glory of Team Rocket - well, and Revocs, but Al had to keep some cards to himself. The man did not bother giving answer to the lizard - he didn't talk to Pokémon unless they were his, he was giving orders, or he had something to say to them. His expression simply lingered on the Heliosk - and then drifted casually to the woman in the white labcoat.[break][break]

He recognized her immediately - the clinic website naturally featured a sharp, personal photo of each doctor at the place. And when Al had determined that this clinic could accommodate his needs - he had reviewed each of the doctors and their little professional blurb on the clinic's "about us" page. He had given Aubre's information a second look when she had attached a strange questionnaire to his secretary's initial inquest. He had filled it out himself - although he had instructed the secretary to send the thing back, and never gave out his personal email of course. Alphonse would normally have offered his coat to a lady getting rained on - but it was soaking wet too, now. There would be no point in some empty gesture of chivalry. [break][break]

"Doctor." He said, simply. And then he nodded - once she had invited him in.[break][break]

"I suppose that would be best. My driver will be joining us shortly, I expect. She is permitted to attend me even in this capacity. I hope your... 'secretary' will not prevent her from rendezvousing with us."[break][break]

As he had said the word 'secretary' his cold eyes had flicked down to the lizard, both dismissively and in some small acknowledgement of its position - acknowledgement more for politeness sake towards the doctor who might help him.[break][break]

The giant man with his expression - oddly 'normal' for him, no lidded eyes, no bored atmosphere... just, empty and blank and eyes fully open for once and devoid of any light or joy. He followed her inside. Alphonse had some potent Pokémon he had acquired since arriving in Hoenn. But he did not even consider "doing a crime" as the kids say, this day. This woman would be of assistance to him - and if she proved herself helpful, as the source of relief he expected her to be for his ~~friend~~ property... she would be an ally of sorts. At least of his public self - of the fashion emperor Alphonse Gambino.[break][break]

He walked inside with her - he would follow to whichever office she led.[break][break]

"I thank you for your time today, Doctor McKenna."[break][break]

He did not know her full, legal name - he had thus far only read what was on the website.[break][break]

"This was not an errand I expected to be performing today. But things have taken a turn for the worse."

notes[break]
↳ Alphonse Gambino meets Aubre McKenna-Settentrione and is driven by @katrina [break]

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Alexei the Reaper, Minuit

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Alphonse Gambino

A Game of Meowth and Rattata [M]

POSTED ON Aug 17, 2023 2:03:07 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","mit"]

[attr="class","mittag"]

Alphonse Gambino Navy

[attr="class","mitmain"]

“No matter what’s going on, I’ll find him. You’ve got my word on that.”[break][break]

Those words - above all the others - calmed Mrs. McConnell down more than the rest. They alone seemed to steady her both physically and mentally. The older lady stopped leaning on her cane. She took a deep breath - the kind anyone would take before discussing something which causes fear - and started again. This time she spoke clearly - and with the resolute strength of a loyal wife who had weathered motherhood and marriage and an unknown life before all that... she spoke. She recounted what she knew from the top - just the way any officer of law and order might appreciate.[break][break]

"Okay, Sheriff. Harold... He planned to go fishing on Tuesday. The weather from Slateport said it'd be all clear this week - and they usually get it right, you know, with their radars and such. He went out on water route twenty - northeast of the island. One of his old buddies from the fire-fighting days lets him dock the 'Peeko-Maria' there, even though its mostly commercial docks."[break][break]

Jamie paused for a minute - and made sure to take another, more natural breath.[break][break]

"He went seaward at about ten in the morning... That was my last message from him. He and his buddy, Richard Flynn - they got to talking and other things I'm sure. But he planned to be back in port just after dark. The storms rolled in at about five or six that night, and... I mean, you saw how bad they got, Sheriff. But my Harold knows how to sail in a storm. About midnight the storms cleared, and... and like I said, he didn't show. I figured he stayed with Richard."[break][break]

Mrs. McConnell's eyes looked watery all of a sudden but she forced herself to go on.[break][break]

"And then... he didn't come home or even message me yesterday. And last night came and went to... And, here we are. My husband is missing - and no one's seen him since Tuesday when he left for some deep-sea fishin'."

notes[break]
↳ Alphonse Gambino is in absentia as Navy is contacted by a citizen of Dewford[break]

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Alexei the Reaper, Minuit

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Alphonse Gambino

Lessons Learned

POSTED ON Aug 16, 2023 18:56:47 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","mit"]

[attr="class","mittag"]

Alphonse Gambino Zev Harcourt Josh Devlin

[attr="class","mitmain"]

Alphonse was only marginally able to keep an eye on Zev's part of the scuffle - but what he saw did not fail to impress him. He witnessed the officer strike at Zev in a skilled, precise blow. And he also heard the officer give a wail of sudden, expected pain. Al couldn't know for sure that Zev was armored underneath before - but that was a clear sign. The man known as "Midnight" did not share Zev's smirk - but he quietly praised the ferocious man for being so prepared. For Alphonse's part he did not wear so much as Kevlar.[break][break]

He made a mental note to get himself equipped similarly - Pokémon could only get one so far in the world. Well, that had been Alphonse's first reaction - the next was surprise. The bear of a man didn't show surprise like most men, however. His jaw didn't drop open, his eyes did not noticeably widen like some people's. But to anyone who actually knew Alphonse there was a small, subtle "tell". One eyebrow rose by maybe an inch - and that was downright expressive for Alphonse Gambino when he was on the clock as Minuit. He was a reliable and honorable man who hated betrayers and cowards. But he was also power-hungry and ambitious. He made several notes regarding Zev's armor - but foremost among them was:[break][break]

I need something like that in my arsenal.[break][break]

But he did not stare overly long - he instead focused on getting the buyer out of there - and only afterwards turned his attention back to Zev who had approached and spoken to him. Gambino nodded - but he already had the suspicion that Ken was wearing a wire. And a wire usually meant a recording device. It would not do for the fashion mogul to be incriminated in this line of work. Alphonse nodded - but his verbal answer differed somewhat.[break][break]

"I am Midnight." Alphonse said simply - before he lazily turned his gaze away and towards the still confused Growlithe. And as if it were the most natural thing in the world he strode over to the dazed canid. In a motion of deceptive, fluid grace the big man plucked the Pokéball off the officer's belt. The metallic ball opened in his hand - and in a flash of light the Growlithe was recalled. Alphonse tucked the Pokéball onto his belt - and then drew a small handgun from a hidden holster on the back of his belt. As casually as though he were adjusting a wristwatch, Alphonse drew out a small, black cylinder and screwed it to the barrel of the gun. [break][break]

"Mm." Was the only grunt of affirmation Alphonse gave Zev's remark about rats in the barn. He was a man of few words - until he felt something needed to be said.[break][break]

Pif. Paf.[break][break]

Two quick, silent puffs of air - whispers really - emanated from the barrel of the silenced gun. Each officer - the one the Growlithe attacked as well as his former master - twitched violently and then were still. Al also walked over - and inspected the remains of Zev's victims as well. He saw for himself that there was no need for execution - they were already dead. Al disassembled his silencer and tucked both gunmetal and fiberglass away. Then he strode over to Zen - half-lidded eyes lent Al the same bored expression he was famous for as "Midnight". He gave Zev a small nod, looked down to the still stirring figure of Ken. Al did not reach for his gun - but spoke to Zev without looking at him.[break][break]

"If you want that I should deal with him here, I will. But that seems like a waste. Might be we can make the rat squeak for us, too."

notes[break]
↳ Alphonse Gambino is rescued by Zev Harcourt and catches a Growlithe (flavor; Growlithe obtained during Bond Bridge with Josh Devlin [break]

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Alphonse Gambino

CLAMPERL DIVING (CARNIVAL)

POSTED ON Aug 16, 2023 1:43:48 GMT

Alphonse dove for the third or fourth time.[break][break]

This was not his style - frivolity and celebration did not suit the quiet giant of a man. But he had scored some good wares - things that could be used to empower his Pokémon. And so he made another dive, Beldum strapped to his back. The steel creature didn't seem to mind too terribly. It weighed Alphonse down even more than he already was and helped him walk along the bottom. Al reached at another clamperl shell and waited to see what he had gotten this time. Maybe it would be another useful tool to help him get closer to his goal. The face of Navy flashed in his mind - but he would eventually come for the sheriff.[break][break]

Dewford would belong to him.

3qG3_rl5

SPOILER: Click to show

Notes

- Aug 8th - Gachapon Clamperl (Sold)

- Aug 11th - Z-Crystal

- Pokéball obtained

- Aug 15th - Egg Tutor

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Alphonse Gambino

have a hell hound [gift]

POSTED ON Aug 14, 2023 19:13:16 GMT

Confirming receipt of this precious doggo

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Alphonse Gambino

Seeing is Believing [M]

POSTED ON Aug 13, 2023 23:08:51 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","mit"]

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Alphonse Gambino Yuina Higashi

[attr="class","mitmain"]

"Rustboro." Alphonse repeated simply, and he continued to look off into the distance - of course neither of the pair could actually see Rustboro from the pier - but the endless horizon was filled with either the sparkling, blue waters or else the thick, green foliage of Petalburg Woods.[break][break]

"New chemical plant, southwest corner of Rustboro. Think they handle a lot of waste product - they're supposed to be recycling what other companies and residents bring in. They're dumping whatever they can't reuse. I've even noticed a lot of Grimer in the water near their plant, too."[break][break]

Alphonse looks down to inspect Yuina - not in a creepy, admiring way. He was in his early forties - but he seemed for just a moment to look less like a stranger might and more wore the expression of someone who cared about her. It was only momentary though - a simple, passing lapse in his otherwise neutral expression. By the time Yuina could blink - before most people could hope to notice he was even staring at her - his eyes had drooped back into their half-lidded, bored expression as he stared again at the woods. The sounds of Wingull calling mournfully echoed in the sea-salt air.[break][break]

"Thing is, they're not even dumping from the factory. Don't know for sure they're responsible."[break][break]

Midnight was usually a man of few words.[break][break]

Alphonse Gambino, the CEO of Gambino Bespoke Apparel, however, was as social and talkative as anyone else - and he only seemed to regard the girl after a pause that lent dramatic effect.[break][break]

"But checking it out seems better than sitting here and casting off. Me? I think we should check it out ourselves. If we don't help these people - well, who will? What do you say, miss...?"[break][break]

He lazily trailed off, allowing her to provide her own name if she so desired.

notes[break]
↳ Alphonse Gambino sees a familiar face in Yuina Higashi [break]

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Alphonse Gambino

A Game of Meowth and Rattata [M]

POSTED ON Aug 13, 2023 22:47:00 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","mit"]

[attr="class","mittag"]

Alphonse Gambino Navy

[attr="class","mitmain"]

"Cripes! Sorry, Sheriff! Mrs. McConnell won't listen!" Jim explained, face flush with the effort of trying to wrestle the lady back to the lobby. However - once the sheriff directed his attention to the older lady, the receptionist moved off - tipping his hat to the sheriff in one last apology.[break][break]

"Sheriff Navidson..." Mrs. McConnell began, her voice cracked with the signs of age - but also with something else, something deeper.[break][break]

"My Harold's missing, sheriff!" She cried out, and even the words seemed to take effort for her to say - or perhaps saying it aloud made her realize the truth of her words - for the nearly broke down sobbing then and there. The old lady planted her cane on the floor and leaned on it for support, her breath ragged for reasons nothing to do with exertion. She tried to breathe - to calm herself down enough to tell her story to the lawman. [break][break]

"He set sail two nights ago - just a standard outing, catch some fish to sell at market. And, you know, Tuesday night was that storm! It was bad, sheriff, so when he didn't come home I... I thought, maybe, he was moored up somewhere safe..."[break][break]

The old lady wouldn't last long at this pace, standing up on her cane - in the sheriff's doorway. It seemed all she could do to begin her tale. [break][break]

But she was distraught enough that even she didn't seem what to say next - no doubt her mind was going a mile a minute.

notes[break]
↳ Alphonse Gambino is in absentia as Navy is contacted by a citizen of Dewford[break]

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Alphonse Gambino

Lessons Learned

POSTED ON Aug 13, 2023 4:55:45 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","mit"]

[attr="class","mittag"]

Alphonse Gambino Zev Harcourt

[attr="class","mitmain"]

Alphonse did not require a written invitation to fight back - and he did not waste any time. The very moment something unexpected happened - a sudden distortion in the evening air atop a police car - he moved like lightning. For a man so freakish big and freakish strong the man known as "Midnight" was quick. There was an audible, metallic clang as Alphonse brought his left hand across the back of Ken's head. It was an instant knockout - not all that strange considering his hand was not a hand at all.[break][break]

Alphonse rarely showed his hand as it were. But his left hand was a massive, golden hook befitting a pirate of legend rather than a crime boss who masqueraded as a legitimate businessman. And at the base of that hook was a huge metallic structure made for - it would seem - being an impromptu bludgeon. Ken crumpled to the ground in a heap - and a jet of fire from some Growlithe's mouth nearly took Al full in the face. He ducked down and brought his other hand into view. A Pokéball spun towards the ground and released its payload on impact: a floating, metallic creature with three eyes that gave it a versatile field-of-view.[break][break]

Alphonse did not need to point or even gesture - his Pokémon were all trained to act independently of their Master if needed. The Magnezone began to produce a sharp, high sound just on the edge of human hearing. And as the invisible sound waves overtook the Growlithe and caused it visible pain - the officers at its side called out in concern. And the loyal police dog, confused by Supersonic turned on its masters. Gouts of flame shot from its mouth and at least one officer was hit dead center and fell to the ground with his vest and uniform alight. His screams added to the chaos - and Al looked upon the scene with disapproval. At least two others had seen his face tonight - at least two others must not leave there alive. And Alphonse gave a snap of his fingers and pointed towards the Blaziken.[break][break]

He did not need to be told to cover Zev - it was instinct. Alphonse was not a Rocket Beast - not yet - but he knew how to command the battlefield. With the Growlithe now confused and hostile towards the police officer who tried to command it, Al decided that the assailant required cover. But even as Magnezone directed a Thunder Wave towards the fire chicken - and left it trembling with involuntary, electric spasms of muscle - Alphonse moved and reached the Buyer. He was reasonably sure the Buyer had not turned them all in - and he did not need permission nor orders to understand that the key to a good business relationship relied upon both parties not ending up in jail or in situations where they might feel compelled to talk to police officers.[break][break]

"You've got your money. Go." Al said, as he hefted the man up off the ground.[break][break]

He wasn't worried about this man telling people that Alphonse Gambino the business mogul had been at a dead drop. Al would bury him if he tried - in legal paperwork if not under six feet of hard, cold cement. [break][break]

The Buyer nodded, stammered something close to a 'thank you', and took off into the night.[break][break]

Only then was the mission complete - and Al turned to regard Zev, his Gengar, and the Magnezone that had hovered nearer to fight alongside them.

notes[break]
↳ Alphonse Gambino helps the Buyer escape - after offering supporting fire to Zev Harcourt [break]

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Alphonse Gambino

Alphonse's Pokémon Trafficking

POSTED ON Aug 13, 2023 3:48:32 GMT

shiv

"Heh. Is this a real question? You can keep the flying chinchilla. And the owl - is that a leaf bowtie? No - thank you.

I'll take the Malamar. Naturally, he shall be a valuable partner in my... various enterprises."

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Alphonse Gambino

THE WEEDLE DROP

POSTED ON Aug 13, 2023 3:30:35 GMT

shiv and SHEBA INOUE like this

MEMORY
SHEBA INOUE
Now this... this is beautiful.[break][break]

Kantonian is such an expressive language - and everything from the way the melody flows to the lyrics in both their native tongue and translated... they speak to me. They speak to the soul in the same way opera or a good classical score does. I am no master of musical theory - but I will definitely be making sure that I purchase a CD of these lovely tracks.[break][break]

Into the Night is a masterclass of syncopated beats and genuine soul melded together into what I believe is a focal point of the artist's feelings. Music is about stirring up and making one feel emotion. And this album does not disappoint.

BURN THE RAIN
Callan Young
Is this what the children call music these days? Empty and sophomoric lyrics with an excess of audio feedback and rough voices which combine so succinctly as to sound like two Meowths mating? I hope that if I am ever unfortunate enough to be in a position where I must listen to this caterwauling that my ears are no longer functional. The endless repetition of the riffs on guitar are only surpassed by the sheer madness of people who listen to this - and enjoy it.

M.M.
Melody Miro
Expressive. Thoughtful. A voice that resonates with sincerity and a sense of suffering. I first listened to "Mirror Mirror" and found it to be a dichotomous blend of agonizing pain and upbeat tempo. A truly talented singer - but the one mixing her audio does a good job as well. I usually cannot stand music that is over-synthesized garbage.[break][break]

But M.M. performs acoustic art. I cannot honestly say I enjoyed 'Lilycove' - but the other songs on the album were all finely crafted. I won't be supporting this artist personally - but if she speaks to you, no one could blame you. She is very talented - though perhaps I am simply too old to enjoy what the kids listen to these days.

SPOILER: Click to show

Claiming x1 Level Tutor, x1 TM/TR, x1 Egg Move; and a Shiny Poplio Gachapon

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Alphonse Gambino

CLAMPERL DIVING (CARNIVAL)

POSTED ON Aug 13, 2023 1:18:29 GMT

Alphonse had an idea.[break][break]

It wasn't a very good idea, but it worked nonetheless. [break][break]

He had decided to wear his Beldum strapped across his back when he jumped into the water. It helped the man sink all the faster - and his Pokémon seemed quite content with the treatment. Alphonse and Beldum sunk to the sea floor even quicker than before - the businessman in Alphonse was happy with these results. It meant he could claim his prizes all the quicker. And so he did, and he reached another shell - quite excited to see what he ended up with.

Faz2la3u

SPOILER: Click to show

Notes

- Aug 8th - Gachapon Clamperl (Sold)

- Aug 11th - Z-Crystal

- Aug 12th - Dive Complete

- Pokéball obtained

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played by

Folgers/Monkey

Alexei the Reaper, Minuit

He/Him

Janurary 17th

Camphrier Town

Heterosexual

Crime Lord

Grunt

7 height

Expanding to Hoenn

awards

60 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @al

Alphonse Gambino

A Game of Meowth and Rattata [M]

POSTED ON Aug 13, 2023 1:11:28 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","mit"]

[attr="class","mittag"]

Alphonse Gambino

[attr="class","mitmain"]

The commotion outside of Sheriff Navidson's door would be something he could hear even with his door closed. It wasn't that Dewford's sheriff's office was a small building - but it was far wider than it was tall, and its sprawling architecture made one imagine it had been some other civil building once upon a time. Naturally a recently appointed sheriff who had been quite busy meant that more funds had been set aside for the old place - but it still showed its age in subtle shades of dilapidation.[break][break]

Ceiling tiles had to be replaced every few months until they could get the air conditioning unit to stop spreading condensation from the roof into the attic. A few original floorboards still creaked in the janitor's supply closet. And god forbid anyone try to flush more than one-play paper down the men's toilet in the third stall.[break][break]

But it had a homey, old-time feel. Frosted windows meant less when you could hear voices carrying through the perpetually ajar windows atop the doors, and see easily recognizable silhouettes through the obfuscating glass. And Navy would not need superhuman hearing to recognize the sounds of his rotund receptionist from Galar - Big Jim O'Donald. The man's dulcet tones could be heard at the best of times - he was loud.[break][break]

Kind-hearted and a good face for the office in the public eye, but loud nonetheless. When he was happy, he sang the loudest at the bar. When he was angry he bellowed like an Exploud. And even now - with his heart of gold and treating a citizen with kid gloves, he was loud.[break][break]

"Ma'am!? Ma'am, I'm tellin' ya, ya can't just barge in like this! If you take-a seat righ' there, I'll be 'appy to go get 'im for you! His door is closed ma'am!"[break][break]

The round silhouette of Officer O'Donald and a wiry, older lady came into view on the other side of the glass.[break][break]

"Sheriff! Sheriff Navidson, please! Open up!"[break][break]

"By Arceus you're a strong ol' Zubat! Now, just relax! He'll see you when he can if you sit in the lobby." Jim half-implored, half-ordered the lady who managed to reach out with her cane and rapped firmly on the wooden frame of the door.

notes[break]
↳ Alphonse Gambino is in absentia as Navy is contacted by a citizen of Dewford[break]

[attr="class","mitpoke"]

close tab

played by

Folgers/Monkey

Alexei the Reaper, Minuit

He/Him

Janurary 17th

Camphrier Town

Heterosexual

Crime Lord

Grunt

7 height

Expanding to Hoenn

awards

60 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @al

Alphonse Gambino

MAKE IT DOUBLE

POSTED ON Aug 13, 2023 0:56:22 GMT

Signing up with Navy

close tab

played by

Folgers/Monkey

Alexei the Reaper, Minuit

He/Him

Janurary 17th

Camphrier Town

Heterosexual

Crime Lord

Grunt

7 height

Expanding to Hoenn

awards

60 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @al

Alphonse Gambino

Lessons Learned

POSTED ON Aug 13, 2023 0:34:20 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","mit"]

[attr="class","mittag"]

Alphonse Gambino

[attr="class","mitmain"]

A little warehouse on the outskirts of Mauville - specifically, an old storage facility attached to a long abandoned office of some kind.[break][break]

Al recognized the place at once as the dingy sort of spot people like their shady deals and questionable transactions. He was a man for tradition, but this was just downright cliché. Still - he didn't pick the spot. And if his partner who went by the name of "Ken" was to be believed, he hadn't picked it either. Al didn't say much to Ken - he didn't have much to say at all. This was a simple operation - drop off a briefcase full of Pokéballs stolen from the back offices of Pokémon Centers. Al's job was to be the muscle in case something went wrong - and to keep an eye on their contact until money had changed hands. Slowly, Ken drove the beat-up van to the gravel parking lot of the abandoned, one-story office building with its dented door and broken-in windows.[break][break]

"Mm. Place looks like crap - and suspicious as hell. We also ain't far from Mauville proper. Josh Devlin patrols these parts - Rangers too. Our client stupid or somethin'?"[break][break]

Ken glared at Alphonse - though when he was forced to look up at the eight-foot man, Ken's anger was cowed somewhat. The blonde-haired bodybuilder was used to men flinching at his gaze. Alphonse only looked down at him and seemed bored of their whole situation. Al didn't glare back - he didn't need to. He only offered Ken a level, calm stare and waited for the Rocket Grunt to talk. He didn't have to wait very long.[break][break]

"I know what I'm doing, big guy, chill. We're all good, man. We go inside, swap the briefcase for some nice moola - maybe scrape a little off the top. What the bosses don't know won't hurt 'em, yeah?"[break][break]

Al's eyes narrowed - he may have been a criminal but he wasn't a traitor. And Ken's words sounded enough like treason to Alphonse to get someone hurt. Al shook his head, his thick fingers tightening on the handle of the briefcase.[break][break]

"I will hand off the case. And I will take the money - and it will return to our bosses without being tampered with. If you touch any of that money - I'll break your fingers myself."[break][break]

Ken's handsome face flushed red with anger - and he wanted nothing so much as to attack Alphonse then and there - but he knew he just needed to be patient.[break][break]

"Whatever, man. Let's go. Customer's already here." He said, and jabbed his thumb to a motorbike.[break][break]

Al and Ken walked towards the warehouse - and as they approached a massive, sliding door opened about two feet wide for them. They made their way inside and found their contact sitting behind the door with a nervous expression. The guy looked strung out and paranoid - but he carried a fine, leather briefcase with him as well. It was a shade darker than the brown case Alphonse carried with all the Pokémon inside. The buyer rubbed nervously at one arm with his free hand and spoke to Ken. He didn't seem quite brave enough to look up at Al.[break][break]

"Alright, man. I got the money, right here, see?" The buyer assured the pair of Rockets and popped open the briefcase to show the thicc stacks of cash.[break][break]

"You got the 'mon?"[break][break]

Alphonse grunted - and performed an identical motion with his own briefcase. Six Pokéballs gleamed within six dimples in the plush fabric inside. Al didn't talk - he never did unless there was something to be said. But their buyer, it seemed, was more willing to converse and of a mind with Al.[break][break]

"Come on, man, let's hurry this up. We're too damn close to town. Why the hell we meetin' out here anyway?" [break][break]

Alphonse quirked a brow at Ken, who only replied:[break][break]

"Oh shut up!"[break][break]

The buyer and Alphonse snapped their briefcases shut and traded in one, fluid motion. That was when Al noticed something was wrong - he saw Ken's hand scratch nervously at his chest... As if something was irritating him beneath his shirt. Al's eyes narrowed in suspicion and he saw Ken was sweating. Ken held out one hand and curled his fingers in a "gimme" gesture.[break][break]

"Here, I'll take that, big guy. You need your hands free."[break][break]

Al frowned and looked towards the buyer - who was gone. The buyer fired up his bike and then - the sirens started. People yelling over the sound of that bike's roaring engine - authoritative voices that spoke in short, quick commands. They barked orders to the buyer - telling him to get off his bike, to lay down on the ground and place the briefcase on the ground away from him. Al also heard the hammer cock back on the revolver Ken had produced. And Al saw the man had a gun in one hand and a badge in the other. Ken smirked up at Al - and said:[break][break]

"Mister Gambino, isn't it? You're done. You're under arrest. Hands out of your jacket, now. I wanna see 'em both. You're going away this time, Big Al."

notes[break]
↳ Alphonse Gambino awaits a valuable assist from Zev Harcourt [break]

[attr="class","mitpoke"]