Episode 128: Candid Attitude

Ash, Brock, and Brenda are readying themselves for breakfast. Brock is cooking pancakes on a griddle over a campfire, while Ash watches hungrily and Brenda prepares herself for the day. The Pokémon are out and about.

Lupine stands at the base of a tree and yips, "Lup lup lup!" as it stares intensely at an apple up in the tree.

Ninjitsu answers its call. It jumps up to the height the apple with a powerful bound and uses its blade to cut the apple stem. As the apple falls to the ground, Ninjitsu then dashes past it in several different directions, cutting it into several equal slices. The apple slices land at Lupine's feet, ready to eat. Done with its work, Ninjitsu leans up against the tree nonchalantly.

Lupine looks to Ninjitsu with stars in its eyes. Dashilisk, Frostcicle, Wispirit, and Glitterfly also look to the Pokémon with admiration, while Eagladiator and Arborrior pretend to look indifferent while sneaking jealous glances at Ninjitsu.

As Lupine begins to eat its apple, Brenda comments, "Wow, Ninjitsu sure is popular."

We catch our heroes right as they're about to catch a bite to eat. But little do they know, there's someone else doing some capturing nearby, but of a completely different kind.

From some nearby bushes, a camera lens pokes into sight. From the perspective of the camera, it is seen lining up Ninjitsu, who still leans against the tree with arms crossed, into its reticle. A voice whispers "There, that's perfect. Just stand still for a moment longer."

Ninjitsu senses that something is wrong. Wordlessly, it dashes from sight.

The voice complains, "Shoot. Where'd it go?"

The next moment, Ash, Brock, and Brenda receive a surprise, as someone holding a camera falls forward out of the bushes as he shouts, "Ah!"

Ninjitsu steps out behind him, saying with annoyance, "Nin."

Ash and Brenda leap up in surprise. As the person gets up, Ash realizes, "Hey, wait a second, I know you."

The boy looks up to see Ash. "No way, it's Ash." The boy is Todd Snap.


Todd is sitting down for pancakes with Ash, Brock, and Brenda. Todd is eating ferociously. He says, "So good!"

Brenda asks Ash, "So you and Brock know this guy?"

Ash nods. "Yeah, we met him back in Kanto, then again in Johto."

Todd stops eating long enough to introduce, "My name's Todd Snap. Some people just call me Snap."

Brenda grins. "Nice to meet you, Snap. I'm Brenda."

Ash whispers to her, "Nobody calls him Snap." Brenda shrugs.

Brock explains to Brenda, "Todd is a Pokémon photographer. He takes some really great pictures.

Brenda asks, "So what was that before? Why were you being so secretive?"

Todd explains, "My specialty is taking non-staged photos of Pokémon in their natural environment. I don't do poses and that kind of stuff. It's best if they're not even aware I'm taking their picture." He laughs. "Isn't that right, Pikachu?"

Pikachu blushes and scratches the back of its head. "Pikachu…"

Todd continues, "And as you can imagine, Ninjitsu is such a stealthy Pokémon, not to mention rare, that it can be impossible to capture one on film. As soon as I saw the opening, I knew I had to take it." He turns around to face Ninjitsu, who's leaning up against a tree with its arms crossed and eyes closed. "And I will get a picture of it. Just you wait and see."

Ash laughs. "Good luck with that. You're going to need it."

Todd stands up and declares, "There's no need for luck when you're the world's greatest Pokémon photo master!"

Brock asks, "So Todd, what brings you to Tenno anyways?"

Todd grins and pulls out a photograph. "This does." Everyone leans in to see the picture, which looks like a city with nothing of note save motion blur across the photo.

Brock comments, "It looks like someone took too long of an exposure."

Todd grins. "It does look like that, but believe it or not, this photo was taken by a state-of-the-art camera with the fastest available shutter time. This was not a long exposure picture."

Brenda asks, "So what's the blur?"

"It's a Pokémon that's never been properly photographed."

Ash looks at the streak and suddenly realizes, "It's Velocivity!"

Todd looks to Ash in surprise. "How do you know about Velocivity?"

"I actually met it a while back. It helped me out in stopping a madman."

Todd is socked. "You actually met Velocivity? You saw it with your own eyes?"

Ash nods. "Sure did."

Suddenly upset, Todd demands, "But you didn't take a picture? How could you not take a picture!?"

Ash is caught off-guard. "Photography isn't really my thing."

Todd sighs. "Sorry, I got a little too excited there. Since Velocivity can move at the speed of light, even the most advanced high-speed cameras are unable to capture a clear image of it. This photo here is the closest anyone has ever come. I came here as soon as I heard about this photo recently being taken because I wanted to be the first to get a real shot."

Ash stands up. "You know what, I'd love an excuse to see Velocivity again. I owe it a lot. I'm going to help you get that photo!"

Brenda teases, "That's some great determination, but how exactly do you plan on finding Velocivity? It's the one who revealed itself to you before."

Ash proclaims just as confidently, "I have no idea!"

Todd laughs. "Not to worry, I'm actually on the way to meet someone who claims he knows how to meet Velocivity. You're welcome to come with me if you want."

Ash nods. "A perfect plan. That's what we'll do."

As Todd takes a slow bite of pancake, he looks at Ninjitsu through the corner of his eye. Without warning, he pivots around and pulls out his camera in one fluid motion, shouting, "Got you!" as he snaps a photo. But Ninjitsu is already gone. Todd slouches as he realizes this. "Shoot."

Ninjitsu reappears behind Todd and silently chuckles at him.


Who's That Pokémon!?

They use psychic power to control their arms, which are made of a special liquid. They can crush boulders psychically.


Todd knocks on the door of a house in the middle of nowhere. An old man with a bald head answers. "Hello. What can I do for you folks?"

Todd holds up his camera. "Good morning, sir. I'm a Pokémon photographer, and I came to Tenno in hopes of capturing a photo of Velocivity. I've heard that you would be the person to ask for help."

The old man smiles. "My, my. A whippersnapper like you interested in photography." He looks to Todd's camera. "And even with a real camera to boot. Not one of those newfangled digital ones." He shudders. "Or even worse, a phone camera." He grins. "Come on in." He steps aside to allow Todd and the others in.

Brenda asks, "So are you interested in photography too?"

The old man laughs. "Am I interested in photography!? Does a Wooper love water?"

The question takes Brenda off guard. "Um… yes…?"

"You bet I'm interested in photography!"

The walls of the hallway ahead of them are lined with framed photos. Todd notices them and runs forward for a better look. Each one feature a different Pokémon. Some photos are even in black and white, implying great age. Todd marvels, "These pictures are amazing! So skillfully taken!" Something catches his eyes. "No way! Is that a photo of a Celebi!? That's amazing!"

The old man grins proudly. "As amazing as a Cryogonal on a hot summer's day, if I do say so myself."

The pictures seem to go on and on. Ash comments, "You must have a picture of every Pokémon there is."

The old man laughs. "No, I'm afraid that's not possible. But still, I do have the most complete Pokémon photo dex ever compiled by one person. In fact, many of the images in the Pokédex were taken by me."

Ash takes a glance at his Pokédex. "Wow, that's amazing."

They make it into the living room. Its walls are further lined by photos, as are its shelves and fireplace mantle. One cabinet is stuffed full of old-fashioned photography equipment.

Brock is quick to notice a glaring empty spot above the fireplace. "Hey, what about that spot? It looks like you should be hanging your centerpiece there, but there's nothing."

The old man grins. "That's where I will one day hang my photo of Velocivity." He chuckles. "Which I suppose is why you youngsters are seeking me out in the first place." He beckons to the couch. "Sit down." They all do, while he sits in an armchair. "My name is Phil. I've been a Pokémon photographer for just about as long as I can remember."

Todd asks, "What made you want to become a photographer?"

Phil snaps, "Just be quiet and I'll tell you my story. You see, when I was very young I had a chance encounter with the Legendary Pokémon Velocivity. Its grace, its majesty, its beauty. I saw it all, and I remember it as clearly as a picture. But still, I wanted something physical. I needed a photo I could show to others. From that day forward, I always carried a camera with me, just in case I ever saw it again. Since I had the camera anyways, I began to take photos of other Pokémon I came across. Over time, this developed into my passion. I've taken photos of every Pokémon I've ever met. Except one."

Brenda concludes, "Velocivity."

"Exactly." He sighs. "But unfortunately, this old body of mine isn't as fit as it used to be. Try as I might, I just don't think I'd even be able to take Velocivity's photo if I ever saw it again. My dream is out of my reach." He looks to the camera equipment nearby. "My poor camera will never see the incredible sight that I saw."

Todd quickly stands up and announces. "Don't you worry. I'm going to get that photo for you, and I'll use your equipment. Your camera will see Velocivity yet."

Ash stands up, equally excited and adds, "And we'll help. That picture is as good as yours."

Brock contemplates, "I hate to be downer, but we don't even know the first thing about Velocivity. How are we supposed to find it?"

Phil grins. "I have that part taken care of already. You see, the spot where I found Velocivity was high up on a nearby mountain. I was there because my father took me, for a story passed down in my family states that Velocivity returns to that mountain peak once every 80 years. And as fate has it, tomorrow is the day that Velocivity is due to return. It was so painful to think that Velocivity would be right there, so close to me, yet so far, as these old bones simply can't climb a mountain."

Todd assures, "With your instruction, we'll climb that mountain, and I'll capture that photo for you. You can count on it."

Phil smiles as he contemplates the prospect. "You have truly made this old man's day. I cannot thank you enough."

Standing just outside a window of Phil's house is Team Rocket. They all look to each other and grin mischievously at what they just heard.


It's Reuniclus!


Ash, Brock, Brenda, and Todd hike their way up the side of a mountain. Todd is closely inspecting Phil's camera. He whistles. "This is one beauty of a camera."

Brenda looks at the camera. "I don't get it, Snap. Why bother? A camera that old takes film and time to develop. You could just use the camera built-in to the Pokéssistant. That way you get your picture right away, and it's a lot easier to carry around with you."

Todd laughs at her ignorance. "Oh, poor Brenda, you obviously don't understand the finer points of photography."

Brenda frowns and stares at him. "Okay, do explain then."

Todd grins. "Modern day cameras, especially those attached to Pokéssistants, are made purely for convenience. They can't hope to match the quality of real photos. Not to mention, a photo taken on film is an actual capture of the moment. It has soul. A digital photo may be quick, but it's just a recreation. It's lifeless."

Brenda shrugs, not really understanding Todd's point, but not caring enough to push things further.

Todd doesn't seem to care. He adjusts the lens on the camera and looks through the eyepiece. Through the camera, he spots an Apprentichick roosting on a nearby tree. He waits just a moment and snaps a picture right as the Apprentichick takes off. Todd grins. "This camera is great!"

Ash asks, "Todd, do you have a plan on how you're going to get that photo?"

Todd continues to look around through the lens of the camera as he answers, "You bet I do. We should be getting there before Velocivity is known to arrive. We'll find a place to hide and stakeout there. Then once it appears, it's as simple as point and shoot, and that photo will be mine."

After climbing the mountain for a while longer, the group makes it to the summit. Once they pass through some trees and bushes blocking their way, they're greeted by an incredible sight. The peak of the mountain is a large and open grotto, with stone walls almost entirely surrounding it. On the far side, a waterfall pours over the wall and into a pond. Small berry trees, grass, and wildflowers fill the rest of the grotto.

Brenda gushes, "Wow, it's so gorgeous! No wonder Velocivity always comes back here!"

Todd comments, "It almost makes me wish I was a landscape photographer. This would make for a great shot." He grins. "Still, all the better, as it will make for a wonderful backdrop for my photo of Velocivity." He beckons to the others. "Come on, let's find a place to hide."

They agree on a nearby group of bushes and trees that should hide them from sight. Ash pulls out a Pokéball. "If this is a stealth mission, then I've got the perfect Pokémon for the job." He sends Ninjitsu out from its Pokéball.

"Ninji."

Ash suggests, "Ninjitsu, how about you go and stake out on top of that cliff over there. If you notice Velocivity coming, give us a warning so Todd can get his camera ready."

Ninjitsu nods. It vanishes, then reappears next to the top of the waterfall.

Todd grins. He says under his breath, "And with Ninjitsu's attention elsewhere, this will be the perfect opportunity to get a shot of it." He takes Phil's camera and adjusts the focus to see Ninjitsu. But all he gets is a photo of a cloud of smoke. Todd suddenly leaps into the air, startled by a tap on his shoulder. Ninjitsu is now standing behind him.

Todd stumbles and lands in front of the bushes they were hiding in, falling to the floor with a thump. He looks up, and to his horror, he sees Velocivity standing in front of him, looking at him with surprise.

It looks like Velocivity is just about to dash away, but Ash leaps out and shouts, "Velocivity! Don't leave yet! We just wanted to meet you again! Do you remember me?"

Velocivity doesn't run. It returns to a more neutral stance and looks to Ash, staring him in the eyes calmly.

Ash grins. "You do remember me."

Pikachu adds happily, "Chu!"

Ash extends a hand straight outward. Velocivity stares at the hand for several moments, then steps forward, allowing Ash to place his hand on its forehead.

Brock and Brenda come out from hiding while Todd gets up. Todd marvels, "Wow Ash, it really looks like Velocivity trusts you. That's so cool."

Brock comments, "According to the stories about Velocivity, the Pokémon will remain hidden to all, always running at the speed of light, except when it decides to reveal itself to a human that it trusts. I guess that means it must trust you, Ash."

Ash points out, "It's already helped me save the world twice. That must be why."

Todd suddenly remembers the camera strapped to his neck. "Velocivity, I want to take a photo of you. Is that okay?"

Velocivity looks skeptically at Todd.

Ash assures, "It's okay, this is Todd. He's my friend. You can trust him."

Velocivity nods.

Todd cheers, "Alright!"

But before he can even prepare to take the picture, a field of energy suddenly appears around Ash and Velocivity, trapping them.

Ash gasps. "Wha!?"

A voice announces, "Prepare for trouble and make sure you catch my good side!" Jessie appears atop the cliff and strikes a pose like a model.

James appears to declare, "Make it double, I'll pose with pride!" He also poses.

Brenda shouts, "Team Rocket! Not now!"

Jessie continues, "To protect the world from a bad photo shoot."

"To look photogenic is our strong suit!"

"To capture a shot of beauty and grace!"

"To develop film at a rapid pace!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket blasts off faster than the speed of light!"

"Surrender now or prepare for a photo fight!"

Meowth leaps in and snaps a picture with a camera. "Meowth, that's right!"

"Wobbuffet!"

"Mime mime mime!"

Brock demands, "Team Rocket, what have you done!?"

James laughs with pleasure. "We overheard that you twerps were going to see the legendary Lightspeed Pokémon. How could we pass up the opportunity?"

Jessie laughs, "You may be satisfied with capturing Velocivity on film, but we're capturing it for real."

Meowth announces, "And with our lightspeed cage, there's no way it will be escaping!"

James adds, "And capturing the Twerp and Pikachu is an extra special bonus."

Testing Meowth's claim, Velocivity rams itself at the barrier surrounding it at top speed, but is thrown back, injured by the collision.

Todd shouts, "You guys are monsters! Why would you do this!?"

Jessie laughs. "Why would we do this? Isn't it obvious? Money!"

Meowth points out, "The payday we'll get for this one will give us more than enough money to pay off the loan I took out to build this fancy cage."

James asks, "Wait, you took out a loan?"

"How do you think we could afford to build such a fancy machine?"

"But how did you get the credit for a loan?"

Meowth laughs. "Easy. I got this e-mail from a company that promised a loan without a credit check. I also got another e-mail about a great business opportunity we can partake in with the extra cash we get for this gig that will quadruple our money. That foreign prince sure sounded like a nice guy. Hope he gets out of prison soon."

Not listening to Team Rocket's banter, Ash orders, "Pikachu, let's get out of here! Use Thunderbolt!"

"Pikaaaaa chuuuuu!" Pikachu tries to electrocute the force field, but the electricity is effortlessly absorbed by the field.

Jessie laughs. "We made this thing to catch a Legendary Pokémon that can run at the speed of light! Do you really think you could break through?"

Ash looks to Velocivity and assures, "Don't worry Velocivity. We'll get out of here. Team Rocket won't take you. I won't let them."

Velocivity nods, trusting Ash.

Brock suggests, "Ash, let's try to attack the barrier from the inside and outside at the same time. Maybe we can overwhelm it." Ash nods in agreement.

Brock throws a Pokéball, sending out Meteorfight, while Brenda sends out Glitterfly. Ninjitsu also appears to help.

"Meteorfight, use Meteor Mash!"

"Glitterfly, use Signal Beam!"

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt! Ninjitsu, you use Night Slash!"

Meteorfight, Glitterfly, and Ninjitsu all attack the outside of the barrier, while Pikachu also attacks the inside. Velocivity looks impressed by the effort and adds its own strength. Still, it doesn't seem to be enough.

Team Rocket is cracking up as they watch. James remarks, "Some twerps will never learn!"

Meowth points out, "That barrier is created from pure light! You can't break it!"

Todd looks over the force field. "Light…" He looks up to the top of the barrier, which features a beam of light that travels downwards before fanning outwards to create the barrier. Todd's eyes widen as he realizes something. "Guys, I know what we can do! If there's one thing photography has taught me, it's how to manipulate light." He pulls out his personal camera. "We need to get this to the top of the force field!"

Ash nods. "Ninjitsu can get it up there."

Ninjitsu hears this and takes the camera from Todd's hand in a blur of motion. Todd explains, "Okay, just line up the light beam source with the lens. We'll be able to redirect the beam wherever you aim the camera." He takes a moment to grin and says self-satisfyingly, "Something that would have been impossible with a digital camera." He looks back to Ninjitsu. "Can you do it?"

Ninjitsu nods and leaps into action. It climbs up the barrier with several quick leaps.

As it ascends, Todd takes the opportunity to pull out Phil's camera. "No harm in getting my picture while you're too busy to avoid me." He snaps a quick picture of Ninjitsu in action and grins. But then sighs remorsefully. "If only this victory wouldn't come at such a cost."

Ninjitsu makes it to the top and holds the camera into the beam of light. The light is focused through the camera and comes out the other side in a tighter beam. Ninjitsu chuckles mischievously and uses the camera to aim the beam at Team Rocket.

They realize what is going on and gasp. The light barrier around Ash and Velocivity vanishes, while one appears around Team Rocket.

Jessie gulps. "This is not good."

James points out, "And it's about to get worse." He points ahead to the now free Velocivity, which is preparing to attack. It dashes at Team Rocket at the speed of light, ramming into the barrier holding them. The attack sends the barrier, Team Rocket and all, flying off into the sky.

As they fly, Jessie sighs, "Never before has the phrase 'Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light' been more literal.'"

Wobbuffet agrees, "Wobbuffet."

Meowth sighs, "And the worst part is that the prince will never get his bail money, the royal family will never be restored, and we'll never get our gold in return…"

James complains, "What a scam."

They all shout in despair, "We're blasting off again!"

Ash cheers, "That was great, Todd!"

Brenda adds, "Way to go, Snap!"

Brock remarks, "Nobody calls him Snap."

Todd looks happy, but regretfully so. Ninjitsu walks up to him holding a busted camera.

Ash realizes what happened. "Oh no, redirecting the barrier broke your camera. I'm so sorry."

Todd shakes his head. "Don't worry about it. It was worth it." He seems to be trying to convince himself of that as much as Ash. "I figured it would happen." He looks to Velocivity who stands beside them. "Besides, I couldn't let them capture Velocivity. The only way it's getting captured is on film." He suddenly remembers why they came here in the first place. "Velocivity, before you go, can I take your picture?" He raises up Phil's camera.

Velocity nods, then takes a step back.

Todd smiles. He raises the camera to his eye with anticipation. "Too bad this won't be a candid shot, but you're such majestic Pokémon anyways, I don't think it will matter." He snaps the photo.

No sooner than the picture is taken, Velocivity is gone. Ash shouts at the top of his lungs, "Bye Velocivity! We'll see you again! I know it!"


Phil holds his camera in his hands, cradling it close to him. There's a tear in his eyes. "You youngsters have made this old coot happier than a Munchlax at an all-you-can-eat buffet. I could never thank you enough." He notices the broken camera that Todd holds. "But it looks like it came at a cost."

Todd nods. "Unfortunately, I had to destroy my camera to rescue Velocivity. It's okay though."

Phil shakes his head. "No, it's not. A photographer without a camera is nothing." He looks to the camera in his hands. "I'm retired from photography anyways. I want you to keep my camera." He holds it out to Todd.

Todd looks at it with shock. "Are you serious?"

Phil grins. "Does an Arbok shed its scales four times a year!?"

Brenda hesitates, "Wait, does it?"

Phil exclaims, "Absolutely! Take my camera. It would do me well to know it's being put to good use by a photographer who respects it."

Todd hesitantly takes the camera. "Wow. Thank you so much. It's in good hands, I promise."

Phil nods. "I know it is."

Ash asks Todd, "So what are you going to do now, Todd?"

"I'll stay here until I can develop the film from today. After that, I'm leaving Tenno. I heard about an island region with an abundance of Pokémon wildlife. Apparently, they're in need of a good photographer there."

"Good luck then."

"You too, Ash."

Brenda waves good-bye. "Catch you later, Snap."

Brock sighs. "Okay fine, exactly one person calls him Snap."

If a picture says a thousand words, then photographers must be some of the most well-versed people there are. And Todd must be the best speaker of all. And what about a one-of-a-kind picture? How many words does it say? Who knows? But still, stay tuned.


Todd is in a dark room, developing the photos he took. He pulls the photo of Velocivity out of the chemical bath and hangs it to dry. He smiles at the photo. He pulls out the next one and hangs it up. But once he gets a good look at it, he's shocked. "No way!"

It's the final photo he took of Ninjitsu. Ninjitsu is in the shot, but is directly facing the camera and holding out two of its fingers like a V.

Todd shakes his head in disbelief. "It knew I was taking the photo and turned it from a candid shot into a posed one. This shot is worthless." He chuckles. "Well played… well played…"

To Be Continued…