Episode 70: Pokemon Paparazzi
On a bright and sunny day, Hana and her friends are having a picnic lunch today with the Pokemon.
Diana picks a piece of Rice Ball for Togepi, "Okay, Togepi. Open wide."
Togepi does what Diana says and Diana feeds him the rice.
"Now, make sure to chew every bite," Diana happily says.
Togepi is very thrilled and Diana feeds him some more.
"These rice balls are pretty good," Hana says.
"Of course they are," Chase says.
Then makes more rice balls with martial arts skills, "When you got lemons, you make lemonade. And when you got rice, you make rice balls!" Eat up, everybody! There's plenty more where that came from!"
As Hana and the others are having their lunch, they are unaware that they are being closely watched by a complete stranger. Whatever the being is or what is plotting, seems to be using something to get a closer look at Hana Akira. Then lowers the camera to see the three Pikachus: Hana's Pikachu, Thunder, and Alistair.
The stranger quietly says, "Okay. I have the Pikachu in my sights. Now, don't move."
Suddenly, Hana then spots a strange device hiding in the bushes that catches her attention.
Hana turns to the others, "Hey guys, I think we're being watched?"
Confused Akira asks, "Where?"
"In those bushes," Hana whispers, turning to the bushes.
Diana asks, "Do you think it could be Team Rocket."
"Wouldn't surprise me," Chase says, walking over with the rice balls.
Hana then opens her Pokeball and Squirtle comes out of it.
"Squirtle," (Hi everyone.) Squritle says.
"Hi Squirtle. Listen, we need you to aim your Water Gun at that bush," Hana says, pointing to the direction.
"Squirtle," (Got it.) Squirtle says.
Squirtle then sprays the Water Gun and suddenly hear someone screaming.
Along with shouting, "Quit it! Stop spraying me!"
Hana says, "Okay Squirtle, that's enough."
Squirtle stops spraying Water Gun. Turns out the mysterious intruder is actually a boy who has black color eyes, brown hair and brown eyebrows. He is wearing a red and light red striped shirt, blue shorts, brown shows, a green bag, and has a camera.
Diana asks, "Is everything okay?"
The boy checks the camera and says, "It's okay! It's working just fine!"
"I wasn't asking about your camera, I was worried about you!" Diana says.
"But, you see, this camera is my life," The boy says.
"We're sorry about spraying you like that. We thought you were someone else. My name is Hana and this is my Partner Pikachu," Hana says.
"Pika," (Hi.) Pikachu says.
"I'm Diana, and this is my Pikachu, Thunder, and my Togepi," Diana says.
"I'm Akira, and my Pikachu is Alistair along with Winnie and Shippo," Akira says.
Winnie and Shippo bark in reply.
"And I'm Chase," Chase says.
"It's nice to meet you, and no hard feelings. My name's Snap, Todd Snap, and I love taking pictures," Todd says.
"You were trying to take pictures of us?" Chase asks.
"No, your Pikachus," Todd says.
"Pika?" (Picture?) The three Pikachu say, confused.
"If you wanted to take a picture, why didn't you just ask us first?" Akira says.
"I didn't want Pikachu to know I was taking pictures of it. I never liked them to look posed. You see, I am the number one Pokemon photo master!" Todd says with pride.
"Pokemon Photo Master?" Hana says, confused.
Soon, Hana and her friends join Todd at his small white house that has a red roof and a chimney, where they can finish their lunch and Todd offers them drinks.
"You may not recognize my name, but I'm sure you've heard of the photographer who took the only known of the legendary Pokemon, Aerodactyl," Todd says.
"Have any of you?" Diana asks.
"Not me," Chase says.
Todd falls back in disbelief, but quickly gets back up, "How is it possible that they've never hear of me?!"
Then hurries off. He soon returns with the magazine and opens it on the table, "Here. Look at this issue of Pokemon Times! That's my picture of an Aerodactyl!"
He then opens the magazine to see Todd's photo and the silhouette of an Aerodactyl.
"There's his name!" Diana says.
"Yeah, I guess you are famous," Chase says.
"And the photo looks familiar," Akira adds.
Seeing the photo, Hana realizes, "Hey! That's me!" pointing to the photo.
"What are you talking about? This is Aerodactyl, the ancient Pokemon," Todd says, confused.
"I know about that, but see the one Aerodactyl is hanging on to. That's me," Hana says.
Chase and the others look at the photo themselves and come to realize it.
"I see it now, that is you, Hana," Chase says.
"You're right. It's the same Aerodactyl you caught at Grandpa Canyon," Diana says.
"Don't forget Charizard evolved there and beat it," Akira says.
Hearing the conversation, Todd asks, surprised, "Wait, you're saying that you caught an actual Aerodactyl? The same one I took a picture of?"
"Yeah. It was a crazy adventure we had at the canyon," Hana says.
"Do you have it right now?" Todd asks.
"No, but I have another Pokemon from the canyon," Hana says.
Then brings out her Pokeball, "Come on out, Omanyte."
The Pokemon opens and the small prehistoric Pokemon comes out.
Todd is amazed, "Wow! You really do have an Omanyte, and it looks like it's being well taken care of."
Omanyte turns to Todd and waves its small tentacles at him.
"Omanyte is saying hi," Hana says.
"Well then, hi to you too," Todd says.
Omanyte continues to wave with glee.
"It's amazing that you caught such amazing Pokemon, and yet no one seems to know about it," Todd says.
"Yeah. We're trying to keep a low profile on where they come from. To be honest, there are actually more of those Pokemon from the canyon, it will be terrible if anyone knows about it and will try to capture them. So you have to promise not to tell anyone where I got them from, sounds fair," Hana says.
"You have a deal. I'm also sorry I scared you guys. Let me make some breakfast for you. You like pancakes?" Todd says.
"Thanks Todd, that's very nice of you," Hana says.
"Count me in!" Akira says.
"I haven't had pancakes in a LONG time!" Chase says.
"That sounds great, Todd!" Diana replies.
"Okay! And I'm sure you won't mind if I take Pikachus' picture," Todd says.
"Pika?" (Picture?) Thunder says, confused.
"Don't worry. I'll be sure to capture your best side," Todd says.
"Pi? (Huh?) The three Pikachu say, confused.
Soon enough, Hana and the others are having pancakes and are beginning to eat it. Even Shippo, Alistair, Winnie, Pikachu, and Thunder like eating them.
Hana happily says, "Mmmm, these pancakes are good."
"Pika Pikachu!" (It is breakfast time!) Pikachu happily says and eats the treats.
"You have to give me the recipe!" Chase says.
"These are delicious!" Akira says.
"Pika," (They sure are.) Alistair says.
While Hana and the others are eating the food, Todd then changes the lens on his camera. Then has the camera pointing to Pikachu Alistair, but the Pikachu notices him.
"Okay, Alistair. Pikachu. Keep eating. Just pretend I'm not in the room, alright? Relax, just act natural," Todd says.
They both smile, feeling embarrassed. Soon, the others notice what is going on and Todd tries to get a picture of him.
"That's fabulous. Now, smile. Smile. This is gonna be great!" Todd says.
Todd presses the button allowing the camera to take their picture, but Pikachu shocks him by accident.
"Pi! Pikachu!" (Oh! I'm sorry!) Pikachu panics.
Hana covers her mouth as she lets out a chuckle, "The camera's shutter must've scared them. We don't get our picture taken too much."
"Pika," (Yeah.) Pikachu sadly says.
"Yeah. Alistair is usually fine as long as I'm either with him or I'm the one taking the picture," Akira says.
"There's nothing to be afraid of, guys," Todd says.
Then has his camera ready, "let's try again. Okay, smile."
Both Pikachu shyly smile and feel embarrassed.
Todd then drops his knees, "I'm sorry, I can't work like this."
"What do you mean, Todd?" Chase asks.
"Pokemon should be photographed naturally, not posing. It's the only way I want my pictures of Pokemon!" Todd says.
Confused, Diana asks, "Why is it such a big deal that the Pokemon pose or don't pose?"
Todd then points to the photos, "Take a look at those photographs over there!"
Hana and her friends look at all the wild Pokemon on the wall. There are two Eevees, a Mankey, Pidgey, Dugtrio, and they all look natural.
Todd continues, "They're all Pokemon. Living in their own natural habitats. Those aren't poses, look how peaceful they are. Don't those shots show Pokemon the way they ought to be?
Seeing them, Chase says, "Wow! I've never seen Pokemon pictures like THAT before!"
"They all look so cute and carefree!" Diana says.
"Yeah, they're happy!" Akira says.
"With my pictures, I can show the whole world how happy and beautiful Pokemon are in the wild.
"Yeah!" Akra sys.
"That's great!" Hana replies.
"That's why I never want to shoot a Pokemon that's posed and looks sad and scared," Todd says.
"Pika," (Golly.) Pikachu says, amazed.
Togepi, Winnie, Shippo, Alistair, and Thunder think the same.
"Hmm, well, my Pikachu has a little problem about being photographed. How about Alistair and Thunder. Or maybe, you can take a picture of one of our other Pokemon," Hana says.
"That's very nice, but, no thanks! I only want to take pictures of Pikachu." Todd says.
"What's so important about taking Pikachu's picture?" Hana says, confused.
"Well, you see.. I can't tell you why." Todd replies.
"How come?" Chase asks.
"That's all I can say. I have to take Pikachu and that's all there is to it!" Todd says.
Hana places her hand on her chin, "Hmm, maybe there's a way you can take a picture of Pikachu without them being shy."
Suddenly, Diana has an idea, "I think I know how."
Soon enough, everyone is outside of Todd's house and arrives at an open field. Diana has an idea on how Todd can get great Pikachu photos without them being shy. Todd then begins to think back on how Todd ends up with the job.
Flashback:
Todd ends up meeting an old couple.
The old woman says, "You must help us. We really need you to capture this Pikachu."
"Oh, please! This Pikachu's so important to us," The man says, giving him the photos.
"Pikachu?" Todd says, and it turns out the photos are of Akira and his Pikachu, Alistair.
Seeing the position of the photos, Todd thinks, "Hmm. These pictures rot."
"Please. Grant this old woman one last wish before she passes on," The old woman says in tears.
Soon, her husband and the pet Meowth begin to cry as well.
Todd thinks, "It's so sad. They must've raised a Pikachu just like this one. I'll do it. I'll use my camera to capture Pikachu on film for them."
Then Todd tells the old couple, "Don't worry! I'll take the job!"
"You mean you'll do it?" The man says.
"I'll capture the Pikachu perfectly!" Todd says.
Soon, the old couple and Meowth cry for joy.
"Thank goodness we found you before it was too late," The old woman happily says.
"We're very grateful. We'd appreciate it if you don't tell anyone we've been here," The old man says.
"No problem. I would never reveal my clients' identities!" Todd says.
Flashback ends:
"I have to grant the old woman's wish. I have to capture the perfect picture of Pikachu," Todd says.
Meanwhile, inside a building, the old couple turns out to be Team Rocket in disguise. No doubt another plan to capture Akira and his Pokemon, and their eyes are set on Alistair.
As they eat, Jessie asks, "Alright, Meowth, where'd you find this Snap kid? Can he get Pikachu?"
"It says in the Pokemon Times that this kid's the best at capturing Pokemon," Meowth says, holding a magazine.
"And he did show us that huge photo album with all the Pokemon he said he'd taken," James says.
"He even said he wanted to take a shot at Pikachu, or something like that," Meowth says.
James asks, "Remind me why we're having our sight set on that Pikachu of his."
"To use as bait. That Akira loves that Pikachu who he bonds as a son, so if we capture that Pikachu, Alistair, then Akira will come to us. And then we'll capture him as well," Jessie says.
Soon, the two begin to fight over the last piece of meat on the table.
"Let me have it!" Jessie angrily says.
"I need protein!" James demands.
Ultimately, Jessie is victorious.
Defeated, James whines, "You're not acting like a nice old lady!"
"That's because I'm not nice," Jessie says.
Then takes off her disguise, "or old!"
James takes off his disguise, "Time to lose the guy's disguise!"
"Surprise surprise!" The two Team Rocket members announce.
"Yeah, right," Meowth says.
Back in the great outdoors, Diana brings out Thunder for her contest performance.
"Okay Thunder, it's time to start with your Thunderbolt," Diana says.
Thunder then gives over a thunderbolt s Todd takes his pictures. Once Thunder is done, sparks of thunder gently falls from the sky.
Then Diana calls out, "Alright Thunder, now it's time to try out Electro web!"
Thunder then tries out Electro Web on the ground and creates an electric trampoline with four boulders close by. Thunder then bounces on it with glee.
"Now, gives it a Thunder wave," Diana says.
Thunder then gives out a Thunder Wave as he flies in the air, and Todd is getting good photos.
Next, Hana's Pikachu is battling against Chase's Grovyle.
Hana calls out, "Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"
Pikachu then performs Quick Attack.
"Grovyle, use Bullet Seed!" Chase calls out.
Grovyle performs Bullet Seed.
Pikachu dodges the attack and Hana calls out, "Pikachu, use Iron Tail.
"Deflect it with Leaf Blade!" Chase says.
Pikachu performs Iron Tail, and Grovyle performs Leaf Blaze repeling the attack. As the two battle, Todd gets some photos of Hana's Pikachu, he can tell that Hana's Pikachu is different from Diana and is proven to be strong.
Lastly, Akira is playing ball with Alistair, Winnie, and Shippo. Todd watches and takes pictures as the four play together with big smiles on their faces.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket is digging another pitfall for Hana and the others to fall in.
"Remember the last time we made a trap like this, Meowth?" James says, enjoying the pit trap scam.
"Yeah, I really dug it!?" Meowth says, with a chuckle.
"Why don't you try more digging and less talking?! Those twerps are on their way and they'll be here any.." Jessie says, but is cut off when dirt is thrown on her face.
Suddenly, James hits something with his shovel as he digs.
"I think I, just discovered something!" James says.
Jessie looks down in the hole, "What are you stopping for? Keep digging!"
"Roger!" James and Meowth say.
They soon set the trap and cover the trap with dirt, branches, and leaves, and more. Then they all quickly hide in the bushes. The three villains then notice Todd coming towards the trap, and Hana and her friends are with them.
"Thanks for helping me get the pictures I need," Todd says.
"It's no trouble Todd, we're glad to help, and you also got some great action photos," Diana says.
"I agree. So what do you plan to do with them?" Chase asks.
"I'm not sure. I think these photos are great to show off battling skills and contest performances," Todd says.
"I think the photos are greeeeeeaaaaaaa…." Hana says, but screams to have fall with Pikachu.
Suddenly, Akira and the little ones, along with Diana, Thunder, and Chase fall down, except for Todd.
Todd says, surprised, "They're gone!"
"Ow! My head!" Chase says.
"Ow! My arm!" Hana adds in pain
"Who's idea was it to put a hole in the road?" Diana asks, in pain.
"Who else would have an idea like that?" Akira questions.
"Just, Team, Rocket," Hana says.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket noticed that the plan actually worked.
"We finally caught them!" Jessie happily says.
"They fell for our trap!" James says, looking through the binoculars.
"Usually, we're the ones to fall in," Meowth says.
"I can't wait! Soon, we'll have our Pikachu!" Jessie says, excited.
Todd looks down from the hole.
"Let's watch and learn from the expert," Jessie says.
"It's capture time!" James says.
"How'd you get down there?" Todd asks.
"Easy, we fell," Akira says.
"You've gotta get us out of here!" Diana shouts.
"I think I have a rope," Todd says.
Alistair then stands on Akira's head.
"Are you all okay?" Akira asks.
"Pikachu!" (I'm just fine!) Alistair answers with a smile
Winnie and Shippo bark in reply.
Todd notices Alistair and says, "That's the Pikachu I wanna capture!"
Hana and Chase lower their heads in disbelief.
"Great! Now throw us that rope!" Diana says.
In the bushes, Team Rocket notices something is off.
"What is that boy doing?" Jessie asks.
"He's taking a picture of Alistair," James says.
Then the two glare at the Pokemon comrade, "Meowth."
Mewoth quickly brings out the magazine and turns the pages."The magazine says he's.."
Then finds the photo with Todd holding his camera, "The best at capturing Pokemon, ON FILM?!"
That's when Mewoth realizes his mistake, "Ah, now I get it! The article said that he's good at capturing Pokemon on film. I thought he actually captures them! An amusing mistake!"
Furious James and Jessie angrily say, "You're the mistake!" and punch Meowth in the air.
Mewoth screams, "Meowth!"
Meanwhile, Todd preps his picture of Alistair.
"Alright. Hold it," Todd says, and snaps another photo.
"I did it! Okay, now, just a few more," Todd says, preparing another photo.
But soon notices something underneath Akira, it looks like bricks and they're beginning to crack.
"Oh no!" Todd panics and throws the rope down to them.
He cries out, "Grab the rope! The bottom of the pit is crumbling! You gotta get out before it falls through!"
Before they have the chance, the floor breaks down from under Akira and Alistar and they both fall in.
"Akira!" Hana panics.
Chase cries out, "Alistair!"
Winnie and Shippo bark in panic screaming "Daddy!/ Alistair!"
Todd, Hana, and Pikachu act fast and climb down the hole and down the walkway.
Alistair has his backpack reaching to Alistair as the little Pikachu is holding on to it.
"Alistair, don't let go!" Akira panics.
"Pika!" (No problem!) Alistair cries out.
"Akira!" Todd calls out.
"Alistair!" Hana calls out.
"Pika!" (Guys!) Pikachu calls out.
The two then turn to see their friends hurrying to save them.
"Are you okay?!" Todd asks.
"Yeah, we're okay!" Akira answers.
"Grab onto something, quick! There's not much time!" Todd panics.
The group looks ahead to see a waterfall up ahead.
Hana looks around as she panics, "There's nothing to grab onto!"
"We gotta think of something, fast!" Todd says.
Akira continues to swim as he says, "Hold on, Pikachu!"
Akira continues to swim as fast as he can as Alistair hangs on to him. Todd then has an idea on how to save them.
He brings out his tripod with his camera on it, "Akira, grab a hold!"
Akira then quickly grabs the strap of his camera and grabs on, and just in time as he goes over the falls. Akira looks up to see Todd, Hana, and Pikachu holding on to the tripod and the ladder
"Ash! Alistair! Just hang on!"
"Okay!" Akira calls out.
Akira then notices, "But, your.. Your camera is ruined! You sacrificed your camera to save us?"
"Don't you worry about my camera, Akira! You just worry about holding on!" Todd says.
"Okay!" Akira says.
"We'll get you out," Hana syas.
"Pika!" (That's right!) Pikachu says.
Todd, Hana, and Pikachu begin to pull up their friends.
Suddenly, they hear a familiar voice, "You did a great job for us, Todd!"
Todd and the others look on the other side to see Todd's client.
Old Woman:
Prepare for trouble!
Old man:
Make it double!
Old Woman:
To protect the world from devastation!
Old Man:
To unite all peoples within our nation!
Old woman:
To denounce the evils of truth and love!
Old Man:
To extend our reach to the stars above!
Soon, the two remove their disguises to reveal Team Rocket.
Jessie:
Jessie!
James:
James!
Todd is shocked to see the elderly couple's true form, Hana and the others become frustrated and annoyed.
"Team Rocket!" Hana angrily says.
Jessie:
Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!
James:
Surrender, now, or prepare to fight!
Meowth:
Meowth! That's right!
"And we just netted ourselves a Pikachu!" Meowth says, and extends a kind of net. Then scoops Alistair up.
"Alistair!" Akira panics.
"Why did you trick me?!" Todd asks.
"You tricked us first, little shutterbug. We wanted you to TAKE that Pikachu, Alistair, not take it's picture!"
"But thanks for helping us snap up the real Pikachu," Meowth says.
"And just to show our gratitude, why don't you have one of these?" James says, and pulls out a bomb.
Then throw it at them. The bomb explodes, shaking the tripod Akira is holding on. Todd and the others refuse to let go as their feet begin to slip.
James then pulls out another bomb, "Looks like I need a little work on my aim."
Then throws another one, soon one after another.
"Todd! Hana! Pikachu!" Akira panics.
Meanwhile, alistair continues to squirm in the net as he is trying hard to break free."
Meowth laughs and says, "Squirm all you want! You'll never get out of this rubber bag!"
"Could we wind this up, now, please?" Jessie asks.
"Will do!" James says, and brings out another bomb.
Akira grits his teeth and knows that he needs to do something. He then notices Akira's camera and has an idea.
"And the final pitch!" James says, about to throw the bomb.
"But Akira shouts, "Hold it!
Team Rocket soon sees Akira is holding Todd's camera, ready to take a picture.
"Okay, everyone, just smile for the camera! You're gonna love this shot!" Akira says.
James smiles and laughs sheepishly.
"What's the magic word?" Akira asks.
"Cheese!" James and Meowth say as they smile.
Jessie is fixing up her makeup, "Let me just take a shine on that.."
"Now, look to the right," Akira says.
Team Rocket turns their heads to see the bomb and it's about to go off. And in seconds, it goes off with a bang. Soon, Team Rocket is covered in dust and burnt marks.
"Oh! Look at, my face!" Jessie screams, looking at her face in the mirror.
Then turns to James, "You ruined the shot!" and kicks James' back
That gives Todd, Hana, and Pikachu time to pull Akira back to solid ground.
"Thanks guys," Akira says.
Then turns to Team Rocket, "Okay, guys. Let's give Team Rocket out best shot!"
Hana then throws her Pokeball, "Bulbasaur, go!"
Bulbasaur then comes out of the Pokeball, "Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf, now!"
Bulbasaur unleashes the attack on Team Rocket, and begins to panic.
"Cut it out!" James panics.
One of the leaves manages to cut the rubber bag Alistair is in.
Akira shouts, "Run for it, Alistair!"
"Pi! Pikachu!" (Right! Here I go!) Alistair says, and escapes.
Akira then throws his Pokeball, "Alright Judy!"
Judy then comes out of her Pokeball.
Hana calls out, "Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!"
"Judy, use Pyro Ball!" Akira says.
With that, both Pokemon use their attacks on Team Rocket as they run away.
James screams, "Let's get out of here!"
Team Rocket is forced to dive into the river to escape.
"Let's get to the water!" Meowth panics.
They all jump into the water and move along with the current. However, they see something worse than two Pokemon attacking.
"A waterfall!" Team Rocket panics.
They all fall down the waterfall as they scream, "Team Rocket is falling down again!"
"Nice work, guys!" Todd says.
"Thanks," Akira says.
Hana and Akira call back their Pokemon, "Bulbasaur/Judy, return."
Soon, both Pokemon are called back in their Pokeballs.
Suddenly, they hear Chase, "Hey, Akira! Todd! Hana! Over here!"
"Are you all okay?!" Diana asks.
Hana says, "You missed all the excitement!"
"You should have brought a camera!" Todd says.
The two have become confused as Alistair leaps down into Akira's arms.
"Pika Pi! (Daddy!) Alistair happily says.
Akira catches his little Pikachu and hugs him with glee. After the wild adventure, Todd's camera isn't badly damaged so it's able to be fixed up. Now, they are going to have a group photo.
"I don't usually photograph humans, but this time, I'll make an exception! I wanna remember my new friends forever!" Todd says.
"Get my good side!" Diana happily says.
"Okay, get ready!" Todd says, setting up the camera and the timer.
Todd then rushes over to them, but slips on a rice ball and crashes into the gang. Soon, everyone begins to laugh as the photo has been taken. Everything has been rough today, but it shows that a picture is worth a thousand words, and the photo of them smiling and laughing, definitely shows them.
