Frank prided himself on being a hardworking man, especially after taking over his parents' business when they rightfully retired two years ago. He felt he had finally accomplished everything life had to offer, at such a young age too. He had a solid career at the lumberyard, great friends who would always have his back, and, overall, just a great life.

To the rare occurrence of new customers, he certainly looked intimidating. He was a dull-brown insectoid with a wide, segmented body. A pair of large, spiked gray pincers jutted from the top of his head—an undeniably fearsome sight. Yet, even more unsettling was his open, ovoid-shaped mouth, lined with rows of sharp, horizontal teeth that remained perpetually on display.

Pinsirs were terrifying in their own right, but that didn't mean they were mean. Anyone new to the small town of Azalea would realize that after just one conversation with him. His heart is always in the right place.

"Hey, thanks for the deal, Frankie," an older Shiftry called out, slapping his large leaf-like hands against the back of his truck, which held several stacks of secured lumber.

The corners of Frank's eyes crinkled ever so slightly, the closest thing to a smile he could manage. His open maw didn't make for the friendliest of expressions, but those who knew him understood the warmth behind it. "No problem, Boscoe! Be sure to tell Marie and the kids I said hi!"

The trucker tipped his hat before climbing into his vehicle. A few honks later, he was off, leaving Frank waving in his usual friendly manner. He was so engrossed in watching the truck disappear down the road that he didn't notice the large, looming shadow creeping up behind him.

"Boo—"

Before the voice could finish, Frank instinctively swung a closed fist, landing a solid hit on the poor soul who had the bright idea of sneaking up on him. A pained "Yeowch!" followed as the figure stumbled back.

Turning around, Frank barely suppressed a groan at the sight of a Loudred clutching his eye.

"Oliver!" he chided, stepping forward to inspect the normal-type's injury. "What did I tell you about sneaking up on me?"

"Sorry, sorry," Oliver winced, lowering his hand and flashing a childish grin. "Looks like your right hook is improving, though!"

Frank rolled his eyes but gave his friend a playful nudge on the shoulder. "Come on inside. I'll fix you up a cup of coffee."

Oliver wasn't about to argue with that offer. As they stepped into the lumberyard's main office, he flopped onto the couch, watching as Frank moved to the coffee pot. The office was cozy, designed to make customers and guests feel at home while handling business. Wooden walls, a well-worn couch, and a sturdy coffee table showed off the rustic charm of an everyday lumberyard office.

"What brings you here?" Frank asked, handing Oliver a steaming mug. "I thought you had some fancy gig up in Sinnoh?"

Oliver waggled his brows as he took a sip. "A journalist is needed everywhere, my dear friend." He smirked before taking a drink, but his tone grew more serious. "In all honesty, I'm here on business."

"Oh?" Frank hummed, taking a seat beside him. "In Azalea Town, of all places?"

"Yeah," Oliver muttered, eyes shifting away. "I actually came here for help on my case… your help."

Frank blinked. "My help?"

Oliver leaned forward, his playful demeanor all but gone. "You ever heard of Totally Real World Tour?"

Frank frowned, shaking his head. "Can't say I have. Why?"

"It's a game show," Oliver explained, leaning back against the couch. "Contestants compete in bizarre challenges with a bunch of strangers for a chance to win a boatload of cash."

"Sounds fun," Frank offered, though he wasn't sure where this was going.

"Fun enough for you to maybe… compete in it?" Oliver asked, giving him a pointed look.

Frank paused mid-sip, lowering his mug. "What's all this about?"

"Okay, so," Oliver sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I need intel on a guy named Rowan Bass. He might have ties to the Galactic Mob."

Frank nearly spat out his drink. "T-The mob?!"

"Shhh!" Oliver slapped a hand over Frank's mouth. "Yes, the mob. I have reason to believe this show is a cover-up for money funneling and drug smuggling, and—"

Frank pulled back, coughing. "Hold on, who even is this Rowan guy? Is he a mobster?"

"No, but his father is a famous orchestra conductor with direct ties to the head of the Galactic Mob," Oliver explained. "Could be a family business, but I need inside intel. And I was hoping…"

"That I would join the show and find that out for you," Frank finished, giving him a skeptical look.

"Bingo." Oliver pointed at him with an enthusiastic nod.

Frank exhaled, shaking his head. "Look, Oliver, you know I'd do anything for you, but this sounds dangerous—if you're right."

With a heavy sigh, Oliver set his mug down on the wooden coffee table. "I know it's a big ask, but nothing will happen to you, I swear. It's live television, and you'll be traveling around the world. If anything shady went down, they'd be investigated in a heartbeat. The last thing they want is legal trouble."

Frank narrowed his eyes. "Then why can't you do it?"

Oliver scoffed. "Are you kidding? They do background checks! The moment they see I'm a seasoned reporter, I'm out. They need everyday nobodies like you—no offense!"

Frank sighed, running a hand over his head. "I'm sorry, but I'm busy. Mom and Dad just left for their vacation in Kanto two weeks ago. I have an entire company to look after. I can't just—"

"Frank," Oliver interrupted, crossing his arms. "You've been working your ass off for two years. You deserve a break."

"You just told me it's work—"

"Not only that, but Susie could watch the place for you," Oliver reasoned. "She knows the business just as well as you do."

Frank shook his head. "I can't ask my little sister to spend her summer running the lumberyard."

"Oh, come on, you know she'd do it for you," Oliver nudged him. "Besides, you'll meet new people, travel the world, and maybe even see that Kalosian pen pal you're always going on about."

Frank hesitated. "I don't know…"

Oliver's expression softened, his eyes almost pleading.

"Fine," Frank muttered. "I'll think about it, okay?"

"Yes!" Oliver grinned, throwing an arm around him. "I'll get you all the details about the Bass family!"

Frank rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "I said I'll think about it."

Still, he knew Oliver had already won. Sure, he'd sign up. But what were the odds that someone like him would even get accepted?

Name: Frank Laelius

Species: Pinsir

Age: 25

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Hometown: Azalea Town, Johto

Created By: Litini

Totally Real World Tour Contestants

1. Aquamarine the Floatzel

2. Dez the Mabosstiff

3. Frank the Pinsir

4. O'Reilly the Lairon