"But copying Drone Rotom's moves can wait for now. What really matters at this moment… is figuring out how to shoot this short film."
Cradling Froakie in his arms, Ash walked deeper into the forest, thinking hard about what to film for today's Pokémon short film activity.
He had to admit—this summer camp event had finally stumped him.
The opening challenge on Day 1 had been easy for someone like Ash, who aspired to be the world's strongest Trainer. The fishing contest on Day 2? Also tilted in his favor thanks to raw strength and skill.
Even last night's courage trial in the forest, meant to spook campers, barely registered as a challenge to Ash—after all, he was a grown man in a six-year-old's body. That event had been pure bonus points.
The only tricky part of that night was helping Serena manage her anxiety. But even there, she had shown surprising inner strength. Ash hadn't been disappointed in her at all.
All three of the previous activities played to Ash's strengths. But this Pokémon short film? He was totally out of his element.
Because filming a Pokémon short wasn't about brute strength. You couldn't power through it with levels or stats. Having Aura or the Viridian Blessing didn't offer any real advantage here.
This was a battle of creativity—not power.
So Ash wandered aimlessly with Froakie through the woods, racking his brain. He even passed by some wild Pokémon, but didn't bother scanning them for skill copying. He simply wasn't in the mood.
Before he realized it, he'd exited the forest and arrived at the same river where they'd fished yesterday.
A cool breeze laced with mist blew from the canyon stream, rippling the water's surface with shimmering waves. The refreshing air washed over him, and Ash's troubled heart felt just a little bit lighter.
"Hey, Froakie." Ash turned toward the frog-like Pokémon perched on his shoulder. "Was there anything in the past few days of camp that you really enjoyed? Something that made you feel happy and relaxed?"
After all, in a Pokémon short film, the star wasn't the Trainer—it was the Pokémon. Instead of cracking his skull trying to come up with something, why not ask Froakie directly?
"Froa—ka! I really liked the fishing yesterday!"
"The fishing activity, huh?" Ash's eyes lit up instantly.
Clap! "Alright then! That's it—our short film will be about fishing!" he said excitedly, slapping his palm.
Shauna had mentioned that Froakie was a Water-type, and that water-themed elements would best showcase its traits.
Fishing had actually been Ash's first idea—but he'd dismissed it. He couldn't think of how to film it in a way that was compelling.
Sure, he'd personally enjoyed the fishing activity. But… how do you make fishing interesting on camera? Just sitting still for ages? And if he spoke during the scene, it would shatter the peaceful ambiance. But if he didn't speak, wouldn't it be boring and dull?
He liked the idea. He just couldn't figure out how to make it work.
But now that Froakie had said it liked the fishing activity too, Ash's brain suddenly sparked with inspiration.
"Fishing might not be flashy or intense like the other activities—but it has a charm of its own."
"And if it's such a quiet activity… then I can make nature itself the soundtrack."
Birdsong, rustling leaves, babbling brooks, wind through the trees… He'd use all the white noise of the wild to enhance the peaceful atmosphere.
"Like birdsong that makes a mountain seem even more serene."
Even without complex plot twists or dramatic tension, Ash could lean into a soothing, artistic, healing vibe to touch the viewers' hearts.
Who said a Pokémon short film had to be full of action or high-stakes drama? Just like movies had different genres—sci-fi, action blockbusters, indie dramas—his short film could be a quiet, emotional piece.
"As long as the visuals are warm, beautiful, and touching… I believe I can still earn a high score—maybe even a perfect score!"
Looking at the river rippling under the breeze, Ash's once-troubled face bloomed into a confident, radiant smile.
This Pokémon short film?
He was going to nail it.
"Let's head upstream, Froakie. We'll look for a peaceful spot with just the right vibe to film," Ash said, gently stroking Froakie's head.
"Froa~" Froakie nodded cheerfully.
Thanks to their early encounter, Froakie hadn't followed some unreliable rookie Trainer like in the original timeline. And with this version of Ash more composed and mature, they had bonded deeply in just two days.
Froakie already completely trusted Ash—and with its diligent and obedient personality, it was happy to follow his lead without hesitation.
Following the river upstream while cradling Froakie, Ash finally arrived—after nearly 30 minutes of hiking—at a secluded little paradise.
The entire valley resembled a pouch-like depression surrounded by hills. Streams trickled down from the higher terrain, feeding into the river below.
And nestled upstream… was a natural stone pond.
Tall trees cloaked the area in shade, their tangled vines swaying gently in the breeze. The gentle sound of water trickling from the back of the pond echoed like the chime of jade pendants clinking together.
The water was icy and clear, revealing a floor made of smooth, colorful stones of all sizes.
Some rocks near the edges jutted above the surface—tiny islands, uneven platforms, natural cliffs in the water's embrace.
The variety of formations created a landscape so unique it felt like nature had hand-sculpted a miniature world into this pond.
Thick, green foliage draped around the area, vines tumbling down like curtains, leaves rustling softly in the wind.
Not only was the scene peaceful and poetic—but within the pond swam twenty or so Magikarp, their red scales gleaming like fire. Because the water was so clear, it looked like they were floating through the air—an unreal, dreamlike beauty.
"This is perfect… Absolutely perfect."
"To shoot a fishing short film here… Professor Oak and the others are going to be stunned."
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