sculpted | MISSION 004 [SOUTHERN ROUTE 35

MISSION 004 [SOUTHERN ROUTE 35 - ACTION/VIDEO]

[[GOOD MORNING, JOHTO! Should you be watching your video feed this fine day, or in the vicinity of the outskirts of Goldenrod City, you'll soon catch sight of Alex Louis Armstrong posing dramatically in front of the camera, shirtless. Of course.]]

I have a marvel for you all today! My beautiful Stein has evolved into his final form!

[[And suddenly, popping up in front of the camera is....

....a swan in a purple bra. A sparkly purple bra.]]

Witness the way the sunlight catches his glossy feathers! The way the light sparkles across his wings! Have you ever seen such a magnificent sight, Johto?!

[[As Armstrong speaks, the Swanna goes through a series of triumphant poses. And if one looks closely, they might even see some....pink sparkles near his eyes? Could he have learned the art of the Armstrong sparkle, passed down in the Major's family for generations?]]

My Pokemon are now all in their final forms! And so I pose this question to you, noble viewers; what Gyms do you recommend we take on? We have been training our bodies firmly and dutifully in preparation for this day!

[[And behind him, Armstrong's team of Pokemon sit quietly, mostly looking amused at his display. Some look annoyed, but more at the Swanna's posing rather than their trainer.]]

Alternatively, should you wish to come and marvel at the sight that is the magnificent and beautiful Stein the Swanna, I welcome you all with open arms!

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[Just. Have a really obvious glance at that swan, man.]

Ah...likewise.

[...THAT ASIDE...]

And to whom do I owe this pleasure, hm?

Ah, of course! How frightfully impolite of me; I am Major Alex Louis Armstrong of the Amestrian military!

[[He will resist the urge to-

.....ok maybe a little pose]]

And to whom am I speaking?

[Well, you are getting the most flourished bow ever in response to that, Armstrong, enjoy it.]

Major Armstrong! Allow me to introduce myself, then - my name is Jean Descole, a man given to the noble pursuit of science and a patron of the arts. It's quite an honor, my good man, quite an honor.

Although...did you say the Amestrian military? We haven't any such place where I'm from, I'm afraid, but I believe I may know a few of your countrymen.

Mr Descole, it is an honour to make your acquaintance!

[[WE ARE JUST THE MOST GENTLEMANLY DUDES EVER, HOLY SHIT]]

Ah, you know some of my fellow Amestrians? May I ask whom?

[WE MOST CERTAINLY FUCKING ARE]

Well, honestly I can't say I know terribly many, though I've spoken to a few; the ones I know the most of are someone named Frank Archer, and his...white-suited friend, whom I believe to be another of yours. Do you know them?

Ah, you mean Colonel Archer! I admit I don't know him all that well, but he seems like a pleasant enough fellow! And...white suited...!

[[...Armstrong's expression will noticeably darken once he figures out who Descole is referring to.]]

You mean Solf. J. Kimblee.

[...that...was surprising, actually; as far as Descole has seen, Archer is the one that he should be concerned about. If Armstrong didn't know him well, it's possible that he simply hasn't realized; Descole hadn't known for a while himself.

However.

From what he's heard from Emmy, Kimblee is a gentleman; a bit misguided, perhaps, but a good friend to her. That hasn't meshed with what Descole has seen - Cobra has commissioned Kimblee for "jobs" before, and Archer rather unwittingly confirmed that Kimblee was at least partially behind the bombing at the Game Corner. At the same time, there was a chance that Kimblee was ordered into it by Archer or coerced by Cobra; if nothing else, it's possible that Kimblee is just easily pushed around.

But that response...it's odd.]

Ah...yes, Mr. Kimblee. I take it there's bad blood between you?

Kimblee is a monster.

[[The response is blunt, emotionless, and completely devoid of that earlier joyous air. Even the Swanna has grown quiet and reserved.]]

...what?

[Well, of all things he had expected, it honestly hadn't been that.]

He's always seemed rather charming, actually...I'm not trying to doubt you, this is just a bit of a shock - might I ask what he's done that's so terrible?

[[Armstrong sighs, folding his hands behind his back.]]

Normally I wouldn't go out of my way to sully his name, but since you're already acquainted with him....I find it best to warn you.

[[He turns, then, looking back towards the city.]]

Kimblee and I do have history. We served in a war together. A terrible, terrible war. It was honestly more of an extermination than anything else. I...still have nightmares about it. We practically obliterated an entire race of people.

Kimblee had the highest death count. And I know for a fact that he considers it an achievement, not a hideous mistake born of orders from superiors you couldn't refuse.

He slaughtered thousands, Mr Descole. Unapologetically.

I...well.

[Descole hesitates for a moment; this is nothing like what he expected to hear going into this, and he's honestly hesitant to ask about anything further. He's willing to take most secondhand information with a grain of salt, but between this account and the fact that Archer has seemed...incredibly off when he's spoken to him, this isn't something Descole can ignore.]

I'm incredibly sorry to hear about your experiences, Major Armstrong. It's not...

[He pauses for a moment, his hands tightening at his sides; this is so awkward; the words aren't coming nearly as easily as they normally do.]

It's not an easy thing to recall, I'm sure. And I appreciate your...telling me about it.

[He fidgets a bit before continuing.]

I've never seen war, personally, but combat in general has a way of changing people... You're certain that isn't what this is - that he's still a threat?

[[Armstrong puts up a hand to stop Descole.]]

You needn't apologize for anything, Mr Descole. I'm sorry for burdening you with my issues; forgive me.

[[He turns to look back at his Pokemon, continuing to frown.]]

Oh it changed him alright. Changed him to the point where he murdered five superior officers and did 7 years in solitary confinement for it.

You need to stay away from him, Mr Descole.

...yes, I understand.

[And his tone implies that he does; at the same time, he can't say that he cares to dwell on the topic for now, so he shifts his focus toward the first few statements once that acknowledgement of the warning is out there.]

And I'm not exactly apologizing, Major Armstrong, nor do you need to apologize yourself. I asked you about the incident, so you're hardly burdening me in the first place - even if you were, I asked you to do so; clearly I don't mind.

No, that was more an expression of sympathy, my friend - as far as I'm concerned, you deserve at least that much.

[[Armstrong nods silently, returning his gaze to Descole.]]

It's all in the past, Mr Descole. Sometimes, however, I wish it would just stay there. But I don't deserve that. I don't know if I ever will.

[[Clearing his throat, he searches for a quick topic change.]]

How do you know Archer and Kimblee, anyway?

[...Well. He hadn't realized how welcome a subject change would be until one finally happened; good god, Major.]

Ah, well - Mr. Kimblee is more one I know of, as he tends to be a little...hard to miss, when he posts to the network; we have a few mutual acquaintances, however, and so I've seen him in person here and there, as well as heard a good deal about him. As I've said, he seemed polite and rather charming, although I admit that he seems a bit...strange; what you've told me certainly does explain why.

As for Colonel Archer and I, we met over the network; he was rather helpful upon my arrival here. He's a little abrasive for my tastes most of the time, but in general he seems rather knowledgeable about the place, and he's not bad for conversation once in a while.

Well. I ensure you that I'm not trying to scare you away from Kimblee, just....exercise caution around him. I can't think of a reason why he'd do you any harm, but be vigilant just in case. I would be most distressed if you were injured due to his....ways, Mr Descole.

[[Forcing a more pleasant expression on his face, Armstrong bows again.]]

After all, it's not often that I meet a man with such excellent taste!

Ah, likewise, Major, likewise.

[...that swan, tho...]

Might I ask where you obtained that one? He - is it a 'he'? I believe that's what you said earlier...either way! He isn't anything like what I've seen on the routes.

[[....that beautiful swan tho ;w;]]

Ah, well! I hope you don't mind me bragging a little, but he's actually of a species that cannot be found in Johto; Swanna! Add that onto the fact that he's got a very rare colouration, well...I'm sure you understand why I like to show him off!

[[HAVE SOME MORE POSING FROM THIS DARN SWAN]]

What Pokemon do you train, Mr Descole?

Oh, believe me, I understand quite well.

[...Armstrong, honey, you are the sort of person that Team Rocket loves, albeit for horrible reasons; at least Descole has no personal desire to screw you over.]

As for myself - I find myself rather drawn to the steel-type; as one who specialized in both machines and swordsmanship back in England, I find that it plays into my interests quite well.

[[....at least he's not your average ten-yo with a rare Pokemon? orz]]

Machines and swordsmanship, you say? Why, you are certainly a man of many talents, Mr Descole! You must show me some of your work sometime!

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MISSION 004 [SOUTHERN ROUTE 35 - ACTION/VIDEO]

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