Lantana
Pokémon Center
Emile
Dozens of League Trainers filled the Pokemon Center. Some sat behind computers as they performed various administrative duties and others came in and out of the Center, either because they were on patrol or were passing messages along.
However, many stood around a wide table, which had been brought out of the Center's store room where they were joined by Emile, Giuseppe, and Vito, who were at the far end of it whilst Major Russo stood at the other end.
It felt crowded, Emile thought as he looked around. While Vito and Giuseppe were on his left and right respectively, various League trainers were around him, looking directly at Major Russo as he put down a violet box with two wide camera lenses at the front.
Emile recognized it almost immediately. It was a Holo-Projector made by Lysandre Labs, a device meant to project holographic images and videos that could be interacted with. Apparently, the company was making a more portable version that would allow people to communicate with each other.
"Alright, listen up. Right now, we're going to go over everything we know and develop a plan to quickly take down The Mob's presence." The Major said as he tapped a button onto the box.
The box emitted a blue beam, and those who stood at the table were met with a holographic image of a layout of one of the districts.
Emile raised a brow as he looked around, but as soon as he saw various ruined apartments he realized that this was The Worker's District, a fact which became even clearer after he saw the cracked road leading out into the fields. There were also a couple of poorly built businesses, with signs that hung over that looked as if they would fall off to the far left, a small shack and a club that read Il Club Gladio on the top.
"As we know, The Mob have acquired some presence near The Worker's District," Major Russo said. "We don't know exactly where, however, Mr. Armani here has lived in Lantana for years and took part in The Rocket War. He knows the area and will be assisting us in getting rid of the Mob's presence, and as of this operation he is second-in-command."
As Emile looked around, he saw some of the men quietly glare and scoff in Giuseppe's direction, and if the old man noticed it, he didn't say anything. In fact, looking at Giuseppe was rather… shocking.
He had met him twice. The first time, they shared a bottle of wine together and laughed about various happenings in their lives. The second time was when he had chased after Vito, and both times he'd a wide smile on his wrinkled face, laughing, smiling.
Now, he looked like a walking corpse. His wide eyes were blank and empty, and his gaze made him look as if he'd aged another twenty years, yet his posture was straight and tall much like Major Russo's was.
"I understand this might be controversial, but Mr. Armani's experience is pivotal to this being a successful operation." The Major narrowed his eyes. "So follow his orders as you would mine."
The soldiers' expressions soon softened up, just a little. They weren't happy about it, but it was clear they were going to follow their orders.
"As for the plan… the interrogation team's gotten back to me, and we have some details about The Mob and who runs it," Major Russo said. "The mob in Lantana is led by none other than Aldo De Luca-"
"What?" Vito interrupted. "No way in hell is he behind the mob!"
"I hate to tell you, son, but he is," The Major confirmed. "Due to the mob's influence, we've brought back the Rocket protocol, and we pulled the information out of our prisoner through an Alakazam… and with what little we've gathered, we know Aldo is in fact the leader of Lantana's mob."
Emile raised a brow. "Could someone give me a brief history lesson here? Who is Aldo De Luca?"
"Aldo De Luca," Giuseppe started off, "is a veteran of the Island War and was a soldier of the 151st Tactical Division. He fought alongside me and Salvadore Guerra during the Rocket War, and financed many of the farming operations here in Lantana."
"Which is why someone like him couldn't be part of the mob!" Vito shouted.
"But he is," Giuseppe softly said. "He runs the whole damn thing, and it's more than likely his men are trained in his tactics, meaning we have to be careful."
"That is correct," Major Russo said. "We're also going to want to prevent any and all civilian casualties, meaning we will be closing off this area of the Worker's District." He moved towards the hologram and traced his finger over a set of five various buildings.
"On the left, we have the drug store, the second general store within Lantana, and a tobacco shop." Major Russo pointed out. "Then, on the right we have a dry cleaning store and Il Club Gladio, a club run by Aldo De Luca himself."
"How many men are we expecting?" Emile asked.
"We're not sure. We originally wanted to try and arrest many of the mobsters in their homes to prevent further casualties, but RECON has stated that they haven't shown up. We don't know where they've gone." Russo sighed. "At the most, we can expect up to maybe about forty men. At the least? Maybe ten, fifteen perhaps."
"We will all be organized into various teams," Giuseppe spoke up. "Teams Armarouge and Steelix, led by Major Russo and myself respectively, will be our primary offensive teams. We'll be raiding the various fronts before finally settling on Il Club Gladio in order to apprehend Aldo De Luca."
"And what about the rest of the teams, sir?" A League trainer asked.
"As of right now, Team Xatu, our Recon and Intelligence Team, is already on the field keeping an eye on everything," Major Russo said. "As for our other teams, we have Team Skarmory, who will be keeping an eye on things from afar while simultaneously keeping the civilians from getting further into the Worker's District, and Team Lucario, who shall cut off anyone fleeing. Giuseppe Armani has convinced me to appoint Emile Hawthorne to lead this, as he has had experience fighting the mob, and according to Sinnoh's records, he took on Team Galactic under the command of Sinnoh's Elite Four," he announced as he crossed his arms, and he held onto his right arm rather tightly.
Emile's eyes went wide, and he looked towards Giuseppe. Just what the hell was the old bastard thinking!?
Giuseppe merely nodded his head in response to Emile's gaze.
This was, in Emile's mind, a stupid decision, but Giuseppe seemed hell-bent on making it happen.
The League Trainers also looked surprised, and some glared and sighed in Emile's direction, obviously displeased with their CO's choice, and Emile couldn't blame them. After all, none of them had worked with him before, and as far as they were concerned, Emile was washed up and inept.
He would have to talk to Giuseppe about this soon…
"So, what team am I brought in?" Vito suddenly piped up.
"Vito, you are going to be in Team Skarmory," Giuseppe said.
"What?!" Vito called out.
"Vito," Giuseppe said. "You're young, and a fresh trainer. You won't be doing much on the battlefield aside from getting yourself hurt. The people here in Lantana know who you are, they'll listen to you."
The tone was spoken with strictness. This wasn't the "sweet old grandpa", but rather the tone of a hardened soldier.
Hearing it was enough to make Vito silent for a few seconds before he nodded in compliance.
"Now then… as for the plan, Team Armarogue. We shall be taking the fronts on the left, while Team Steelix shall take those on the right," Major Russo started. "Team Lucario, you'll be operating behind enemy lines, specifically behind Il Club Gladio."
"Remember, there are to be no enemy deaths. Neither human nor Pokemon, we're going to take them alive," Giuseppe sternly reminded everyone.
"And how will we restrain their Pokemon?" a League Trainer piped up. "I mean, I'm all for knocking them out but we're gonna have to deal with them and whatever The Legione has cooked up."
Emile turned his head towards the trainer when he spoke, then back at both Giuseppe and Major Russo.
The trainer had a point. Nobody wanted to kill Pokemon, of course, but restraint protocols were difficult. You either had to find the enemy's Pokeball or you had to use some other method, which would take time away from the battle.
"I'll answer this one, Mr. Armani." Major Russo smiled as he stepped forward and displayed his left arm, which was adorned in a strange device, a metallic shoulder pad that was connected to a metal glove with a bulky wire.
Emile took a brief glance at the device, it looked familiar-
"These are Cleptatrice gauntlets manufactured by Professor Krane in the hopes it could stop criminals," Major Russo explained. "These gauntlets, when connected to a Pokeball, override the Trainer ID on a caught Pokemon, allowing you to catch it."
Emile's eyes widened as soon as he heard the mere mention of Professor Krane. Now he recognized the machine, it had been used by a notorious group of Pokemon thieves back in Orre! They had been briefly repurposed by Professor Krane, but the choice was controversial due to the device's functionality and history.
"Snag Machines?" Emile called out. "We're using Snag Machines?"
"We prefer to call them Cleptatrices," Major Russo said. "Better we not be associated with those bastards in Team Snagem, and this will be handed out to all involved in the operation, though their use is meant to be classified."
"This is wrong!" Emile hollered. "These devices are used by criminals to steal Pokemon from innocent people!"
"And you forget that this device helped save lives when Team Snagem became a problem in the region," Major Russo responded. "I won't deny the skepticism, Mr. Hawthorne, but these gauntlets will help save lives. Capturing the enemy's Pokemon will lead to them surrendering."
This was insane.
Emile looked around, and he prayed that someone would see the insanity behind this! Yet, as he looked he saw that not a single person appeared uncomfortable. They merely stood at attention, though the trainer also noticed some glares in his way.
There was no use in fighting about it, it seemed. These men were all on board with their commanding officer's decision, even if it was a rather controversial one.
"How will the people feel if you're caught using these?" Emile softly asked.
"They won't like it, and again, it's why we need to have their use completely classified… which I'm sure you two will keep secret, right?"
Emile heard Vito gulp as he heard Major Russo's question and his hands shook. Immediately, the older trainer placed his hand on his student's shoulder in hopes of calming his nerves.
"I was an ACE Trainer for Sinnoh, and I was present when Team Galactic attacked," Emile said. "I know how to keep a secret."
"See to it that you do, Mr. Hawthorne," The Major responded. "Now then, if this is over… I'd like to get back to finishing up our plan."
Vito
Meeting The League was rather… disappointing.
When he first approached the members of his squad, they were busy training with each other, and when he asked if he could train with them, well…
"Don't worry about training, kid," the leader of Skarmory Squad, a broad chested man named Pietro Anatoli scoffed as he polished his Corviknight's steel body. "You probably won't be battling anyway."
OK, that was understandable. Vito wasn't on their skill level, and there probably wasn't much he could have learned from them anyway given their Pokemons' differences in types, so he went to interact with the others.
"Sorry, kid. We're busy here," an analyst attached to the squad said. "Go bother someone else."
So, Vito sat outside the Pokemon Center, curled up with his back against the building. He hadn't wanted to see Giuseppe nor Emile, given how they were intending on keeping him away from as much of the fighting as possible.
Pikachu let out a soft squeak as he hopped off of his trainer's shoulder and looked at Vito.
Vito shrugged. "I don't see what the point is, Pikachu. We get told we're gonna help, but it turns out we're getting pushed to the sidelines."
It was all a bunch of bullshit.
He wanted to get rid of the mob more than anyone in the Center, the fact that he was pushed off to the sidelines was a load of crap!
"Fuck!" he shouted, slamming his fist against the wall.
"Well, seeing that isn't too surprising."
Vito turned his head to the right, where Emile was standing over him with Frère by his side, two bottles of tea in his hands.
"What do you want?" the teen scowled.
"I wanted to check on you." Emile sat down as he offered a bottle of tea to his student. "You weren't all that happy during the planning…"
"No shit," Vito spat. "You and Giuseppe are busting my balls!"
"We want to keep you safe," the older trainer replied. "Did you hear what I said the other day? About those kids?"
"Yeah, but this is personal!" Vito shouted. "They..."
"They killed your father and almost burned you alive," Emile said bluntly. "I heard the story already."
Vito's heart stopped, and his eyes widened as he watched Emile casually rest his head against the center building.
He knew.
Emile Hawthorne knew what The Legione Armata did, and yet he still wouldn't let Vito go, and the fact he said it so calmly, like it was nothing made him-
"It's why I definitely don't want you going in there," Emile continued. "You're not going to think clearly, you'll get yourself killed."
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"No I won't!" Vito shouted.
"Vito, these aren't the same crooks you dealt with in the forest," Emile replied. "They're killers." He narrowed his eyes.
Vito slammed his fist into the wall again in anger. "Then I'll kill them!"
"No!" Emile boomed.
Vito fell silent as he heard Emile raise his voice for the first time and scooted back just a tiny bit. This was the first time he'd ever heard him yell before.
"Vito, life is… something you just can't take." Emile sighed as he rubbed his brow with his fingers. "Lives are precious, all of them are."
Vito narrowed his eyes. "Were you thinking that when Frère was drugged?"
He'd seen how Emile acted in the forest. His fists were clenched, the tone of voice more aggressive, more dangerous. The trainer was a hypocrite, even if he hadn't killed that scumbag!
"No," Emile softly admitted as he closed his eyes and sighed. "I was angrier than I'd ever been because someone had hurt and almost killed the Glaceon that I grew up with. If I had gone through with killing that man, I would have regretted it immensely and I know for a fact Frère would be disappointed in me."
He looked over and patted Vito on the shoulder.
"The people who hurt you, who killed your father deserve to be punished, and I don't have any right to judge you for it," Emile said. "But nobody wants you to be a murderer. Death sticks with you, and trust me… you'll never get rid of its stench."
Vito noticed Emile's voice becoming ever-so softer, and the older trainer turned his head away as he spoke.
It was the same tone of voice Giuseppe had when he briefly talked about the war, and Vito was already picturing Emile having the same wide blank eyes as they looked, well… he didn't know where, exactly. Maybe it was some abyss that only they could see.
Emile turned back to him. "Promise me you won't do anything rash," he whispered
Vito could feel Emile's grip on his shoulder grow tighter, and the trainer felt compelled to nod.
Maybe Emile was onto something. He wasn't particularly sure, but… he would do as his mentor asked.
Emile smiled as he let go of his shoulder.
"Good, that's all I needed." He sighed. "Now then… how about we get some training in? It'll be light, I don't wanna overexert ourselves given we have this raid coming up."
Vito smiled as he stood up. "Hell yeah!"
"Good!" Emile smirked as he too stood up and offered the bottle of tea. "You want this by the way?"
"No thanks, coffee's better anyway," Vito declined.
The older trainer suddenly scowled. "You disgust me."
Vito soon found himself laughing as he made his way onto the grass alongside Emile.
This made things… just a little nicer.
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20 Years Ago
The Island War/The Protection War
Aldo
Corporal Major Aldo De Luca sighed as he trekked through the nameless Unovan Island. The Sprigatito on his shoulder gently nuzzled against his cheek, while the Houndoom walking by his side merely observed their surroundings.
Those surroundings consisted of lush green plains that were almost as wide and vast as the sea, with plenty of large oakwood trees that stood tall and proud. It was almost tragic that mankind had to spoil it all with this damned war.
A war that Aldo knew he was on the losing side of.
It started after the assassination of Unovan Champion Arthur Kennedy. At first, the Carabinieri, the ruling council which consisted of The Royal Generals and Admirals, were prepared to negotiate with Unova the terms of their surrender.
Then the Battle of Fraxure Hill happened.
The Indigo Government- the name of the unified Johto and Kanto - had gotten involved, with Champions Samuel Oak and Alder Ray leading their respective forces, and they had the backing of some black Haxorus that Lance Blackthorne had recruited onto their side.
The opposing force had not only quadrupled in strength, but had gone from an incompetent fighting force to a well respectable militia, and now Enotria was losing badly.
"Mrow?" Sprigatito let out, pawing at his trainer's face.
"What is it, little fella?" Aldo smiled as he turned towards the passenger on his shoulder.
Sprigatito meowed again and pointed at the sky in response, directing Aldo's attention to a purple blob far above.
The Corporal narrowed his eyes as he focused on the blob's movements. It was flying around in a search pattern, zigzagging to the left and right before moving in a circular motion.
"Ah, that's just Cesare's Crobat…" De Luca smiled as he patted Sprigatito on the head. "Good eye, though!"
Sprigatito meowed and smiled in delight, happy to be praised by his trainer before going on to purr underneath Aldo's touch.
Houndoom, on the other hand, snorted and turned his head upon hearing Sprigatito's praise.
"Hey, don't be like that," the soldier scolded his partner. "Eventually, you and Sprigatito will be working together. It'll be good having eyes like his watching your back."
Houndoom lightly growled and whined, then shook his head.
Aldo sighed as he began to move forward. Houndoom was used to being on the receiving end of his trainer's affections, but lately Aldo had been giving plenty of love and attention to Sprigatito, who had been caught only a couple of weeks ago.
He had been the runt of the litter, cast aside when OPERATION:ESCAVLIER ruined his home, and Aldo took him in. Whether it was out of pity, out of some moral goodness, or something else, even he hadn't known.
The soldier just knew that it had to be done.
As he walked, he sighed as he reached into his pocket only to find that he didn't have any cigarettes. Aldo cursed himself as he pulled out an empty package, tossing it into the grass in frustration.
It didn't take long for Aldo to reach his destination, Camp Nomad. The camp was small, consisting of only a few dozen tents, along with a few watch towers where guards would sit up at with their Carcano rifles However, its greatest defense was the fact that those within the camp were quick at not only leaving, but setting up in a new area.
The Camp had moved from place to place on this island eight times, five of which were because Kantoan forces had discovered them. According to intel, they had a flying specialist from Johto in their ranks, who'd originally been a "gym leader", whatever the hell that meant, before he became an officer.
Aldo entered the camp. He was sure that the Crobat from above had already alerted his trainer about the new arrival, and those around him knew his face while their Houndooms had been well acquainted with his scent.
"Hey, De Luca!"
As he looked up, Aldo saw two green figures sitting at a lit campfire meters away from the tents. He smiled as he started running towards them.
Upon getting closer, the figures were revealed to be two men who wore the same outfit that Aldo was wearing. The first man was Salvatore Verga, a behemoth of a man whose large muscles showed even through his fatigues, while the second was Afonso Esposito, a man who was as thin as Aldo and carried a Carcano rifle over his shoulder.
"Find anything over there?" Verga greeted them as he slapped Aldo on the back, almost causing him to recoil.
"Nothing except a bunch of spooked Pidove," Aldo said as he sat in front of the fire. "Anything fun happen here?"
"You wouldn't believe it." Esposito smirked as he shook his head. "Shit's starting to get real…"
"What do you mean?" Aldo turned his head toward his comrade.
"Scuttlebutt says..." Esposito readjusted his glasses. "The Carabinieri are planning a full on charge against Indigo and Unovan forces."
"What?" Aldo's eyes widened, then turned to Verga, who nodded as he joined the two soldiers by the campfire.
"It's true." Verga confirmed. "Everyone's up in arms about it, and rumor has it…" Verga said, before slowly looking around the camp.
"Rumor has it that General Vinci is organizing a coup because of it," Verga leaned in and whispered.
"Now you're fucking with me." Aldo hissed.
There was no way that Enotria's so-called "Hound of War" would ever go against The Carabinieri! If word had gotten out, then they would be calling for the old man's head, along with anyone who was serving under him.
"No. I'm not… you know how bad OPERATION ESCAVILIER went. Not only did we fail in taking back Fraxure Hill, but the casualties were enormous," Verga whispered.
Aldo looked down and let out a heavy sigh as he massaged his temples.
The Hound of War, now a traitor… those against him would be crying out that Silvano was biting the hand feeding him, but at the same time, he wasn't wrong.
A full on charge would be suicide against the Indigo and Unovan forces.
"So what else do we know?" Aldo whispered.
"Apparently, Generals Guerra and Altobelli are getting together… they're pulling men away from the frontlines. Even The Gravedigger," Esposito explained in a hushed tone. "People are thinking they're in on this thing as well."
"Salvadore Guerra too? Holy fuck," the Corporal cursed as he shook his head.
Being a General or an Admiral was basically a sign that said you would become a part of The Carabinieri, the ruling party soon, and Salvadore Guerra, Silvano Vinci and Christopher Altobelli were on their way to doing it. They were the best leaders the Enotrian Military had since the likes of General Marius decades ago.
Yet, they were all throwing it away because of The Carabinieri's plan for what was essentially a suicide run.
"So what happens next after the coup? We go home?" The Corporal chuckled.
"Probably…" Espositio replied as he leaned back. "Not like there's any reason as to why we're here anyway. The Carabinieri probably wanted to take this island out of spite when Indigo brought up The Pokemon Protection Act and most of the UR agreed with and signed it."
"Old bastards. I hope those greedy fucks get what they deserve," Verga spat.
"Whatever the case," Aldo sighed as he raised his head up to look at the sky, "what are you both going to do if we aren't mauled to death by Oak's Wyrdeer or burnt by that Volcarona of Alder's?"
"I… would like to be a teacher." Esposito smiled. "I don't wish for any future children to grow up into this life. I think it would be a little nice if they did that uh… what's it called? The League Challenge?"
"Yeah," Verga confirmed. "Get 8 badges, compete in a big tournament-styled thing… would be nice."
"What? Are you wanting to be like one of those Kantoan kids and say you want to be the very best?" Aldo smirked at Verga.
"Hell yeah. My Houndoom's a badass, and Pangoro isn't someone to scoff at either," Verga chuckled.
"What about you, De Luca? What are your plans?" Esposito asked.
"Well…" Aldo smiled. "When I go home, I'm gonna propose to this pretty girl I've been with these past two years. She's missed me a lot." He nodded.
Silence.
Aldo looked around, seeing his two comrades staring at him in disbelief. When he looked down, he also saw his Houndoom's rather unapproving gaze.
"What?" Aldo cried out.
"Corporal Verga," Esposito said. "Do I have your permission to shoot Corporal Major Aldo De Luca?" He asked as he reached for his bolt action rifle.
"Permission denied, Corporal Esposito. I want to be the one who does it," Verga replied sternly.
"What? It's true!" Aldo found himself laughing.
"The only kind of girl who would ever be into a rat like you is a Jynx from Mont Blanc!" Verga cried as he grabbed Aldo by his shirt and shook him.
"No way! I'm not that awful looking!" Aldo laughed as he was shaken.
Sprigatito hopped off of his trainer's shoulder as soon as Verga took Aldo by the shirt and watched the scene unfold on top of Houndoom. Both smiled at the delightful show the various soldiers were putting on for them.
But, it ended as soon as it began, and Aldo found himself lying down.
"Alright, alright… I'll be serious," he said.
Esposito and Verga looked at Aldo. Their gazes were so intense that the Corporal Major was certain he could feel a heavy weight pressing down on his chest! It was hard to even find the words to express his desires.
"My father, as I'm sure you're both aware, has passed away…" Aldo started off. "With him dead, the De Luca fortune goes to his sole heir, me."
"So are you going to go to Alola? Live out your days partying, surrounded by beautiful women in bikinis?" Verga asked.
"Please don't do that," Esposito piped up.
"The idea does sound lovely, to be honest," Aldo chuckled. "But no…"
Lantana was a small farming town. The roads were desolate, practically broken, and the people there lived from paycheck to paycheck while hardly growing enough food for themselves. Any requests for better working conditions were denied, any requests to work with Pokemon were denied.
"I want to revitalize Lantana," Aldo announced. "I want to make my home into a place where people can truly be together with Pokemon. I know it sounds corny, but I love this world and I love my home… and I'd like to make it better."
Both Esposito's and Verga's eyes widened, but their expressions soon changed to small smiles.
"You might be a rat, Aldo… but you're a good one," Verga said. "I think Lantana would be great under your care."
"I do as well. That care and warmth has spread to Sprigatito there," Esposito pointed out.
Below, Sprigatito purred and rubbed his head against Aldo's leg.
The soldier smiled as he lifted his little friend up and placed him on his shoulder, then looked to the two soldiers. It was nice to know they had faith in him, but…
"No… I can't do it alone," Aldo said. "I need friends by my side… preferably those who can be looked up to. Like a teacher, and a trainer," he continued as he looked at his friends.
"For you? Well, mayybee," Verga spoke with a sing-song voice as he looked over to the side.
"I'll sponsor you!" Aldo bargained as he patted his friend on the shoulder.
"Deal!" Verga energetically replied. "What about you, Esposito?"
"I… don't believe I would be a good role model." Esposito bowed his head. "I am from the north after all, my presence would not be accepted."
Ah yes, the hatred between those in Graecia and Gallia would be present even if the war ended. After all, those with much power came from Gallia, the northern cities, and their practices drained the south of everything, from resources to food.
It was why Lantana was in such a desolate state.
"My friend." Aldo placed his hand on Afonso's shoulder. "We all have taken bullets for each other, bled for each other and wept for each other. It's true that many may not accept you… but they will learn. We shall teach them what kind of men Afonso Esposito and Salvatore Verga are."
Afonso looked up and smiled, then nodded his head.
"Now, I have one question to ask you all…" Aldo asked. "Would you two follow me into the depths of Hell itself, no matter what?"
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Present Day
Lantana
Il Club Gladio
Aldo
Aldo De Luca jolted awake.
The Don had been asleep for only a couple of hours. His body and mind were both exhausted from erasing Lupa knows how much evidence connecting The Mob to The Legione, as well as making sure that Meowscarada and Afonso stayed put in Carbone.
He looked at the time and sighed. It was 20:45, so Ombretta was probably leaving her bar now and having one of her underlings take over until she was ordered to return to Lantana. Though, with General Guerra now wanting The Legione to prepare for the "Promised Time", she probably never would return.
He massaged his temple. Aldo hadn't dreamed about the war in years, though he wasn't going to complain. He'd prefer even the bloodbath that was OPERATION:ESCAVALIER over his normal dreams.
The Don opened a desk drawer and pulled out a photo. It was a small one, but looking at it made his heart jump.
The photo was of a woman with brown hair with bronze colored skin. Her blue eyes were as gentle and beautiful as the ocean, and her smile radiated more love and beauty than a Milotic ever could.
Aldo smiled. He had met her after the war, only a year younger than he was, and she had organized the people during the war. She challenged his every idea with her own, and at one point she was one of the very few people to make him seethe.
Yet, the more time he spent arguing with her the more he found himself falling for her, and to his surprise, she had felt the same way. It was almost like a fairy tale, the soldier coming home to save his home, and eventually he would get the girl.
But every fairy tale had to end, and this tale's end was not pleasant.
He carefully put the photo back into the drawer and closed it.
She would hate the man Aldo had become, and Aldo accepted it. Her death was a wake up call to a naïve man who thought he could save the world with two men at his side and money.
The people she had organized, which had practically consisted of the entire town, left soon after, the cowards. They didn't even bother fighting for her memory, instead acting like insects and preying on the remains and scraps Team Rocket's underlings would give them.
The thought of it made Aldo grit his teeth and clench his fists.
It was more evidence that the people didn't know what they truly wanted. It was the people who allowed this cowardly league to exist, and through his and The Legione's work, they would propel Enotria into a state that was better than their Dissian era.
There was no turning back now, Aldo thought as he got up from his chair. But he'd known that ever since he walked the path The Legione asked him to.
"Don De Luca," Underboss Verga's voice boomed from the entrance to his office. "The men are all gathered."
"Good," Aldo said as he reached for the five Pokeballs on his belt. "Though, I don't like this plan."
Verga raised a brow. "Is it because the men are being set up?"
"Because the few legionnaires we have and you are being set up to be captured. I don't give a Rattata's ass about the rest of the men," Aldo said. "They're all useless, the only competent ones here besides you are those affiliated with The Legione, while everyone else is in Paura."
"But it must be done," Verga replied. "And as I once told you, I would follow you into the depths of Hell. Afonso and I both said it."
"Yes," Aldo sighed. "Yes, it must be done," he continued as walked past his old friend and began releasing the Pokemon he had in his possession.
Houndoom was the first to be released, walking by his trainer's side, and then Bisharp followed suit… then came Drapion, Magmortar, two Pokemon who Aldo had acquired during the war. They were his strongest and most bloodthirsty powerhouses, and finally, came Lokix, his most recent acquisition. He wasn't as strong as the rest, but he was almost as agile as Meowscarada.
Aldo, his team of five, and Underboss Verga went out to the vast stadium.
In total there were 25 men present, four of which were affiliated with The Legione, and they all looked up to their Don, hoping for new orders, anything to please the all-powerful Don!
"Listen up!" Aldo shouted to them all. "Soon, The League will be knocking down our door. As of right now, not everything's been prepped for transport. I want the Pokemon gathered to be sent to Paura, we'll start our show there from now on, and we'll tear apart both the Altieri and the Calvanese Families for their stupidity!"
The men smiled. They all thought they would be back to making money soon, and they'd become wealthy like The Don, even if they had to kick up to him.
Of course, the truth was that many if not all of these men were meant to be captured, so The League could give themselves a pat on the back and say they did a good job today.
"So now, we hold the line," Aldo commanded. "Every single one of us will be fighting off these bastards, and when we do, we will show The League that they have no sway here! We will spit on Silvano Vinci's grave in front of that old sow Sienna Amato!"
Many of the mobsters roared and cheered as they heard their Don's speech. All were prepared to fight and die, for they were the soldiers of the De Luca Crime Family.
"Hold the fuck up!" a voice from afar cried.
The cheering suddenly stopped, and the air was thick with tension.
Aldo narrowed his eyes. Ah yes, of course he would have to deal with someone that had a couple of brain cells.
"Shouldn't we be going underground instead? Hiding somewhere?" the mobster asked. "I mean, this is the Enotrian League! We can't go against them!"
Aldo watched as the mobster stepped forward, then glanced towards Drapion.
A smile, or what Aldo thought was a smile appeared on the bug type's features.
"This is insane, suicide even! You're leading us to our deaths-"
From his mouth, Drapion spat out three sharp violet rods that were as long as lances, and thin as needles. Each lance impacted several areas of the speaker's torso.
The speaker didn't react in time, and all he could do was stare at his leader with wide, blank eyes as blood, mixed with acid from the lances, pooled from his body. It didn't take long until the man's body was being melted away due to the acid.
What a disgusting sight, Aldo thought as he looked towards the group of mobsters who stood still and shook in horror.
"Remember! Cowardice will only lead to death… treason will lead to death," he spat. "I do not need such people in my ranks, and if any of you have a pair of balls, you'll do as I damn well tell you to. Now, get to your positions! If you all seek wealth and power so bad, then you'll all get it today! Prove to me that you aren't a bunch of worthless fuck ups!"
All the mobsters nodded and began moving about the underground arena, preparing themselves for what was to come.