The afterglow of the setting sun cast shimmering ripples across the calm lake.
Ash stood by the lake, intently watching the Pikachu in front of him.
"Pikachu, Encore Thunderbolt! This time, aim for that protruding rock!"
"Pika—chu!" A golden bolt of electricity tore through the air, accurately striking the rock thirty meters away, sending fragments flying.
"That's awesome!" Ash excitedly clenched his fist, "Your aim is getting better and better!"
"Pika! (Of course!)" Pikachu proudly puffed out its chest, the electric sacs on its cheeks flickering.
Not far away, Brock was preparing dinner, the curry in the pot emitting an enticing aroma.
Xiao You sat on a large rock by the lake, hugging her Scorbunny, lost in thought as she watched Ash train.
"Ash is really something; the Indigo League is next month, and he's still working so hard," Xiao You murmured, her fingers unconsciously stroking Scorbunny's fur.
"Bui (He's always been like that)" Sylveon rubbed against Xiao You's palm.
Just then, a commotion came from the lakeside path.
Ash turned to look, only to see a group of people walking towards them, some carrying cameras, some holding reflectors, and several crew members wearing T-shirts with "Nanye Film Production" printed on them.
"Wow, are they making a movie?" Ash curiously ran over.
At the front of the group was a middle-aged man with a baseball cap and a bushy beard, frowning in thought as he looked at the script in his hand.
Beside him, a young girl with a ponytail led a spirited Raichu.
"Excuse me, are you making a movie?" Ash politely asked.
The middle-aged man looked up, revealing a friendly smile: "That's right, I'm Director Nanye.
We're looking for a suitable lakeside location to film a segment of a Pokémon-themed movie."
"Rai Rai! (Hello)" The girl's Raichu proactively greeted Pikachu.
"Pika! (Hello)" Pikachu also responded amicably.
"This is my Raichu, I'm Keiko, the Pokémon director for the crew," the girl said with a smile, "Are you camping here?"
Brock and Xiao You also walked over.
Brock enthusiastically said: "Do you need any help? I'm Brock, this is Xiao You, and Ash and Pikachu."
Director Nanye's eyes lit up: "Actually, we're looking for a Pokémon that can act alongside our female lead, Wigglytuff.
Would you be interested in having Pikachu try out?"
"Pudding (So excited)" A pink sphere bounced out from among the crew members; it was Wigglytuff, the movie's female lead.
Ash squatted down, looking Wigglytuff in the eye: "Hello, Wigglytuff, what kind of partner are you looking for?"
"Pudding Pudding! (Someone who can act and cooperate with me)" Wigglytuff replied, blinking its big eyes.
Ash nodded, then turned to the director: "Wigglytuff says it wants a partner who can act and cooperate with it."
Director Nanye's eyes widened in surprise: "You can understand what Pokémon say?"
Xiao You explained with a smile: "Ash has had the ability to communicate with Pokémon without barriers since he was little; we're all used to it."
"That's amazing!" Keiko said excitedly, "So, is Pikachu willing to audition?"
"Pika? (Can I?)" Pikachu looked up at Ash.
"Of course you can!" Ash encouraged, "Don't you often play with Wigglytuff?"
"Pika Pika! (Then I'll try it!)" Pikachu confidently patted its chest.
The audition quickly began.
The director arranged a simple scene: Wigglytuff gets lost by the lake and needs a Pokémon to Help it find its way home.
"Pudding... Pudding... (I'm lost... I'm scared...)" Wigglytuff immediately got into character, looking around pitifully.
Pikachu paused for a moment, then quickly reacted: "Pika Pika! (Don't be scared, I'll Help you)" It ran to Wigglytuff's side and gently took its hand.
The interaction between the two Pokémon was natural and smooth, perfectly portraying Wigglytuff's worry and Pikachu's reliability.
Even more surprisingly, Pikachu even improvised, pointing its tail towards the distant woods and then making a "follow me" gesture.
"Cut! Perfect!" Director Nanye shouted excitedly, "This is absolutely fantastic! Pikachu completely understood the plot and could even improvise!"
"Rai Rai! (Amazing)" Keiko's Raichu also nodded in approval.
Ash proudly picked up Pikachu: "I knew you could do it!"
"Pika (It was nothing)" Pikachu scratched its head shyly.
Just as everyone was happy to have found a suitable actor, a clear, pleasant voice came from behind the crowd:
"Ash! It really is you!"
Everyone turned around to see a girl in a white and blue Contest uniform walking quickly, her hair tied in a neat ponytail, Poké Balls hanging at her waist, and an Altaria with rare cyan feathers beside her.
"Lucia!" Ash exclaimed in surprise.
Before Ash could react, Lucia had already rushed forward and given him a warm hug.
Xiao You's expression instantly changed; Togepi, which had just run out of its Poké Ball, sensed its Trainer's emotional shift and stirred uneasily.
"Toge... (Calm down)"
"Long time no see! I've been wanting to see you again ever since the last Contest!" Lucia let go of Ash, her eyes sparkling, "I can't believe I'd run into you here!"
Ash scratched his head, completely oblivious to the sharp gaze Xiao You was giving him: "Yeah, what a coincidence.
What brings you here?"
"I was invited to make a guest appearance in the movie, after all, I'm a Coordinator," Lucia said with a smile, then noticed the crew members around, "Oh, sorry to interrupt your work."
Director Nanye waved his hand: "It's alright, our female lead just found a partner.
Ms. Lucia, do you know Ash?"
"Of course! We've been friends since we were little!" Lucia naturally linked her arm through Ash's, "Right, Ash?"
"Mm!" Ash nodded, then suddenly remembered something, "Oh, right, this is Xiao You and Brock, you two probably know each other, right?"
Lucia then noticed Xiao You standing aside; their eyes met, and invisible sparks seemed to fly in the air.
"Of course I know them," Lucia let go of Ash and walked towards Xiao You, "Long time no see, Xiao You.
You're still as cute as ever."
Xiao You forced a smile: "Long time no see, Lucia.
Your Altaria has such a unique color."
"Qing Qing (Thank you)" The shiny Altaria gracefully bowed.
Brock keenly sensed the subtle atmosphere and quickly tried to smooth things over: "Um... dinner's ready, why don't we eat and chat?"
"Great!" Director Nanye clapped his hands, "Perfect, we can discuss tomorrow's shooting schedule.
Ash, since you can communicate with Pokémon, why don't you also be a temporary actor?
You can Help us better direct the Pokémon's performances."
"Really? That's awesome!" Ash said excitedly.
At dinner, everyone sat around the bonfire.
Pikachu sat to Ash's left, Lucia to his right, while Xiao You deliberately sat opposite Ash.
Brock served curry to everyone, secretly observing the subtle seating arrangement.
"So, what's the movie about?" Ash asked curiously.
Director Nanye wiped his mouth: "It's a story about the friendship between Pokémon and humans.
The female lead, Wigglytuff, meets various Pokémon friends on her journey and ultimately Helps a Trainer who has lost confidence rediscover their love for Pokémon."
"Pudding! (I like this story)" Wigglytuff happily wiggled in Keiko's arms.
"Tomorrow we'll be filming the scene where Wigglytuff and Pikachu meet," Keiko said, "And then there's Ms. Lucia and Altaria's spectacular performance scene."
Lucia elegantly took a sip of juice: "I'm looking forward to it.
Speaking of which, Ash, how are your preparations coming along for the Indigo League?"
"I'm training with all my might!" Ash clenched his fist, "This time, I'm definitely going to be Champion!"
"Pika! (Go for it!)" Pikachu also raised its little fist.
"I believe you can do it," Lucia said with a smile, "Because I'll be one of the commentators for this tournament."
"Really? That's awesome!" Ash said in surprise.
Xiao You suddenly interjected: "Serena will definitely come to watch Ash's battles too."
"Serena?" Lucia's smile froze for a moment, "She's coming too..."
"Toge... (Here we go again)" Togepi looked at its Trainer helplessly.
Ash was completely oblivious to the undercurrents between the two girls, excitedly saying: "Serena is competing too?
That's great! I get to battle old friends again!"
Brock couldn't Help but rub his forehead: "Ash, Ash..."
The next morning, filming officially began.
The first scene was Wigglytuff getting lost by the lake, and Pikachu appearing to Help it.
"Pudding... Pudding... (Where is this place...?)" Wigglytuff acted confused and scared, as per the script.
Pikachu jumped out from the bushes: "Pika Pika! (Do you need Help?)"
"Pudding! (Who are you?)" Wigglytuff took a step back, showing caution.
The two Pokémon's performances were natural and fluid, but the director suddenly called cut.
"Pikachu, can you act a little more cautiously when approaching Wigglytuff?
It should be very scared of unfamiliar Pokémon right now," Director Nanye said.
Ash immediately translated for Pikachu: "Pikachu, the director wants you to move a little slower when approaching, to show that you understand Wigglytuff's fear."
"Pika! (Got it!)" Pikachu nodded.
In the second take, Pikachu slowed its pace, its ears slightly lowered, showing a friendly demeanor.
Wigglytuff's performance was also more invested, and the interaction between the two Pokémon made everyone present smile.
"Perfect! That's a take!" Director Nanye said with satisfaction, "Ash, your translation is so useful!"
Lucia stood by, watching, her eyes sparkling with admiration: "Ash's bond with Pokémon is still as touching as ever."
Xiao You stood beside her, arms crossed, her tone a little sour: "He's always been like this, treating every Pokémon with his whole heart."
Lucia tilted her head and looked at Xiao You, then suddenly smiled: "You still like him so much, don't you?"
Xiao You's face instantly turned red: "Who, who likes that blockhead!
And aren't you just as much in love with that blockhead yourself!"
Lucia's face also instantly turned red from Xiao You's retort, and she sat by without saying anything.
"Qing Qing (Clearly you do)" Altaria watched Xiao You and her Trainer from the side, secretly laughing.
During the subsequent filming, Ash not only Helped Pikachu and Wigglytuff understand the director's requirements but also assisted other participating Pokémon.
His special ability made the entire filming process exceptionally smooth.
During the lunch break, Lucia found Ash practicing alone by the lake.
"Aren't you going to eat?" she asked.
"I'll go in a moment," Ash wiped his sweat, "I want to practice Pikachu's new move a bit more."
"You're still the same, always full of drive." Lucia sat on a rock next to him, watching Pikachu's training.
Lucia asked, somewhat displeased: "Speaking of which, what's your relationship with Xiao You...?"
"Huh?" Ash looked bewildered, "Just traveling companions, why?"
Lucia couldn't Help but laugh: "As expected, still the same dense Ash.
Nothing, just asking."
The afternoon's filming was Lucia and Altaria's spectacular performance.
In front of the camera, Lucia displayed the elegance of a top Coordinator; Altaria's feathers shimmered with a dreamlike luster in the sunlight, every movement like a meticulously choreographed dance.
"So beautiful..." Xiao You couldn't Help but exclaim, despite her animosity towards Lucia, she had to admit the other's skill.
"Qing Qing (Thank you)" Altaria, having completed its performance, bowed gracefully.
Filming continued until evening.
Director Nanye was very satisfied with the day's results, especially thanking Ash and Pikachu for their outstanding performance.
"If there are any more Pokémon-themed movies in the future, I must work with you again!" Director Nanye said, shaking Ash's hand.
As they packed up camp, Lucia walked over to Ash: "I'm leaving tomorrow to prepare for the Indigo League."
"So soon?" Ash felt a little reluctant, "Then I'll see you at the tournament!"
"Mm, see you at the tournament." Lucia suddenly leaned in and lightly kissed Ash's cheek, "This is a good luck present for you."
"Huh?" Ash froze, his face instantly turning as red as his hat.
Not far away, Xiao You, who witnessed this scene, almost crushed the water cup in her hand.
"Toge... (Calm down, Trainer)" Togepi nervously watched its Trainer.
Lucia turned and walked towards the waiting Altaria, then winked at Ash: "Don't forget, I'll be waiting for you at the Indigo League.
This time, you absolutely have to let me see the best Ash and Pikachu!"
"Qing Qing ~ (Go for it)" Altaria also flapped its wings.
Under the setting sun, Lucia's retreating figure looked especially elegant.
Ash stood rooted to the spot, touching his kissed cheek, a bewildered expression on his face.
"Why did she kiss me?"
"Pika... (Sigh)" Pikachu shook its head helplessly.
Brock walked over and patted Ash's shoulder: "Sometimes I really envy your denseness."
Xiao You walked over, huffing: "Idiot Ash! Dinner's ready!"
"Oh! Coming!" Ash immediately threw his recent confusion to the back of his mind and ran towards the fragrant campsite.
Pikachu looked at its Trainer, then at the pouting Xiao You, and then at Lucia, who was already a tiny dot in the distance, and shrugged helplessly.
"Pika Pika... (Human emotions are so complicated)"