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A furious roar from somewhere close by caused Frank and his Meowth to freeze in their tracks. "What was that, Rex?" the man asked, brow knitting together in consternation.[break][break]

A confused meow was his companion's only reply. Curious, Frank walked in the direction of the noise. With a sigh, Rex followed, picking his way through the mud.[break][break]

Eventually, they spotted a young man with blonde hair and his three Pokémon.[break][break]

"Hey!" Frank called out, waving a hand. "Did you hear that just now?"

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"Hello? Is this Ranger headquarters? Yes, I'd like to report a problem."[break][break]

Frank paced his office, annoyed. His secretary had taken a few days off, leaving him to place the call to the Rangers for the infestation of Kakuna that had taken up residence on the outside of his building. Though the Pokémon were harmless, they could evolve at any time and start harassing his employees and other pedestrians.[break][break]

He explained this predicament over the phone to the Ranger who'd answered.[break][break]

"Can you send someone over to remove and relocate them today, please?" The person confirmed someone would be over shortly, if he could be patient. "Thank you, that'd be much appreciated."[break][break]

Frank hung up and sighed, peering down at the street through the open blinds of his window. That Ranger better arrive soon.

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"Queenie! Careful. You don't want to scare other people away," Frank called out to his Malamar, who frolicked in the shallows.[break][break]

Truth be told, there weren't many other beachgoers at Slateport Beach — not at that time of year, at least. Though the water was still too cold for swimming, a few couples and groups dotted the shoreline, picnicking or looking for discarded treasures. Frank was enjoying a walk with a thermos of hot coffee while he allowed his Malamar the rare chance to play in the saltwater.[break][break]

Of course, Malamar were rather frightening Pokémon considering their capabilities. But Frank had known Queenie for much of his life. He'd found her when she was still an Inkay, washed up and dehydrated on an Unovan beach. Their relationship was one of mutual trust and affection, a rarity in Frank's life.[break][break]

He smiled at the squid-like Pokémon. "It feels good to swim, doesn't it? Not much beach up in Rustboro."

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Frank strolled down the slushy, muddy path of Route 116, his Alolan Meowth at his side. The weather was starting to warm up this late in March, which meant melting snow and the first green shoots struggling to rise from the cold earth.[break][break]

If Frank was a more poetic man, he'd liken the new beginnings to the new start he'd been granted in life. After the debacle three years ago and the difficulties that followed, his arrival in Hoenn had felt like wiping the slate clean. Starting over, starting fresh.[break][break]

But he was not a poetic man. Spring followed winter; as an Unovan native, he knew that cycle well. And soon it would be time for picnics, charity events, games of golf — plenty of opportunities to build his connections in his new home and grow his company.[break][break]

For now, however, he'd be content with growing his collection of Pokémon.

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Frank was observing the same angry, dark red when the man ahead of him abruptly turned away from it. Frank caught his eye and offered an empathizing grin.[break][break]

"Not to your taste, eh?" he asked before regarding the painting once more. He sipped his tea, enjoying the refined flavor even if he didn't know the difference between all the varieties and how to prepare them.[break][break]

It was the same with art. While self-proclaimed critics liked to debate the symbolism and motifs behind things produced by human hands, Frank thought they'd be better off just enjoying the damned pictures.[break][break]

Glancing over at the white-haired man again, he asked, "What do you think it means?"

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Though Frank was not a man who understood the nuances of art, he could still appreciate it. He knew, too, that wealthy people tended to enjoy it as a pastime, whether they partook or merely observed.[break][break]

Wealthy people had good taste, you see, and Frank wanted more than anything to appear wealthy. Sure, his business was doing well — better than he imagined, thanks to Hoenn's penchant for Armageddon. People took greater risks with their money when they thought the world might end at a moment's notice, and that meant good business for him.[break][break]

But he hadn't reached the same levels of comfort and luxury that he'd acquired back in Unova. Until then, he could "fake it till he made it," as social media was fond of saying.[break][break]

This particular art gallery had just opened. The family who'd donated most of the money to its establishment was hosting afternoon tea in the vaulted rooms to show off the stunning artwork on their walls.[break][break]

Frank leisurely made his way from painting to painting, a teacup half-full of hot tea and a saucer carefully cradled in his hands. His Alolan Meowth, Rex, strolled at his side, more interested in watching the other guests than admiring the art.

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Frank considered himself the kind of man open to trying anything once, and learning how to bake seemed simple enough.[break][break]

He wasn't like Old Money who had staff to do everything in their mansions. No, he'd grown up solidly middle class and knew the importance of skills like cooking and baking. Besides, he might have fun. And who didn't like to have fun?[break][break]

He sidled into an empty chair next to a handsome, brown-haired man.[break][break]

"Hey, how're you doing?" Frank said in greeting, offering a friendly grin as he rolled up his sleeves. "Hope you don't mind if I sit here."

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Frank raised an eyebrow at the revelation. His smile widened with intrigue. "Devon Corp. Of course. You've come to the right place, then, Mr. Stone. We'd be happy to assist you — not only with buying stock but with maximizing your profit off it."[break][break]

He paused to take a sip of his own drink, a coffee from the local Sawsbucks down the street.[break][break]

"Congratulations, by the way. I read the press release from RotomTV about your appointment as regional director. I'm excited to see what you do with RotomTV."[break][break]

After all, paying attention to the movers and shakers of the economic world, the megacorporations that owned government and public alike, was crucial for Frank's business. All sorts of incidents, from changes in leadership to an off-color joke in a commercial, could cause serious fluctuations in the stock market.[break][break]

In fact, if it hadn't been for Ana Stone's ringing endorsement of her half-brother, RotomTV's stock would have taken a hit. Somehow, investors had been convinced that Malcolm would bring RotomTV to new heights, actually boosting the price of the company's stock.

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Frank picked up the receiver of his desk phone and pressed the speed-dial button. His secretary picked up right away. "Bring in some water for Mr. Stone, please."[break][break]

The girl obliged, entering with a glass of refreshing ice water on a tray. A small saucer next to it bore thin lemon slices in case Malcolm wanted something sour to flavor his drink. She left the glass and saucer on the side table next to his chair, then disappeared back to her own desk.[break][break]

Frank leaned back in his chair. "As a financial advisory company, our interest is in making sure you're successful in your financial endeavors. If you want to buy and sell stocks, we'll watch the market for you and advise on the what and the when, based on what we believe is in your best interest. If you have a major financial project, we'll help you budget and allocate funds appropriately."[break][break]

It was the briefest explanation he could give to someone not as familiar with the industry as he was.[break][break]

"So, you can imagine our services are highly personalized. That's why I'd like to start off with learning more about you and what brings you to my office today."[break][break]

Frank discreetly picked up a pen and pulled a notepad closer. While he preferred to focus on his clients when meeting with them, he found it helpful to jot down the occasional note, especially ones of import.

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Resting his arms on the surface of his broad oak desk, Frank laced his fingers together. He embodied the quintessential businessman: crisp dress shirt, a storm blue tie, his suit jacket draped over the back of his chair. A genial smile graced his handsome face.[break][break]

The man seated across from him demanded no less than Frank's utmost professionalism, after all. It was not often a member of the esteemed Stone family arranged an appointment.[break][break]

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Stone," Frank said smoothly. They had already made introductions and shaken hands. "I can assure you that whatever your desire, Caffey Financial Group can help make it a reality."[break][break]

His smile widened and he reached for the phone on his desk, which had a speed-dial button for his secretary.[break][break]

"But first, would you like anything to drink? Coffee? Water?"

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