"Alright then. After watching Shohei's 'The Clever Little Rattata', next up is the second short film—Gary's 'Aerial Speed Race!'"
Professor Oak stood on stage, smiling as he glanced over the gathered students. His eyes paused briefly when they passed over Gary.
"I was just wondering what kind of short film you made, Gary. Didn't expect yours to be the very next one up," Ash said, surprised.
"Maybe because my short is really similar to Shohei's Rattata one," Gary replied in a low voice. "Putting them back-to-back makes it easier to compare the quality."
As the two whispered among themselves, the giant digital screen on stage lit up, and Gary's short film began to play.
…
"Aerial Speed Race"
Just like he had mentioned earlier, Gary also strapped a thumb camera to his Fletchling's neck, capturing first-person flying footage.
He used a narration format just like Shohei did, but instead of starting the narration mid-scene, Gary began explaining right from the very first frame.
As Fletchling soared out of its cozy birdhouse atop a tree, Gary's calm, clear voice began narrating. Compared to the sudden drama of Shohei's Ekans attack, Gary's approach offered buildup and emotional investment, setting the stage beautifully.
In the story, Fletchling and its Trainer had recently moved from the Kalos region to Kanto due to the Trainer's parents' jobs. The Trainer wished to make friends quickly in this new environment—and Fletchling shared that wish.
Determined to help, Fletchling left the birdhouse and flew into the surrounding forest. Soon, it encountered a wild Pidgey.
Fletchling cheerfully approached to say hi—but this particular Pidgey was proud and haughty. It scoffed at Fletchling's attempt at friendship.
"If you want to be my friend," said Pidgey, "you have to beat me in an aerial race."
Fletchling, full of confidence in its speed, immediately accepted the challenge.
But Fletchling had underestimated Pidgey. The fact that Pidgey proposed a race meant it clearly excelled at flying.
The moment the race began, Pidgey launched skyward like a bullet, instantly pulling ahead.
But it, too, had underestimated Fletchling.
Without hesitation, Fletchling activated Quick Attack. With a few rapid flaps, it closed the distance—and it turns out, Pidgey also knew Quick Attack! Now the competition was truly neck and neck.
The aerial race soared through open skies, dipped into dense forests, and twisted through tangled branches. Sometimes Pidgey was ahead, other times Fletchling surged forward.
The editors cut repetitive parts, using a playful "Two Hours Later" screen to fast-forward the pacing.
Finally, the race ended in a tie.
And as the saying goes—[no rivalry, no friendship].
Impressed by Fletchling's speed and determination, the once-haughty Pidgey acknowledged it and accepted its friendship.
The short ended on a heartwarming note, with both Pokémon flying back together—Fletchling having made its first friend in its new Kanto home.
…
Comparing it to Shohei's Rattata short, both used first-person perspectives with thumb cameras. But Gary added more layers—using drone-Rotom to get wide-angle and zoomed-out shots during the race.
The combination of the thumb-cam's immersion and Rotom's scenic views created a dynamic rhythm.
Also, while Rattata's first-person running footage was a bit shaky, Fletchling's aerial flight was smooth and steady, giving a clearer, more polished visual experience.
When viewed separately, the difference was subtle.
But when played back-to-back, the contrast became crystal clear.
Gary's narration was also clearly scripted: it had an introduction, build-up, climax, and a satisfying conclusion. Compared to Shohei's story—where Rattata simply fled from danger and survived—the emotional arc of Gary's short was richer and more rewarding.
A "transfer student" Pokémon seeking to make friends in a new land? That's the kind of relatable story that resonated deeply with the young campers watching.
Two shorts. Two perspectives. And when placed side by side—the better one stood out instantly.
By the time Gary's Aerial Speed Race ended, Professor Oak hadn't even announced the score yet, and the entire hall was already clapping.
And this time, the applause was noticeably louder than before.
"A wonderful short film," Professor Oak declared from the stage. "I give it… 9.5 out of 10!"
"Whoa!!"
Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap…!
Shohei, sitting off to the side, looked stunned.
"…Gary's short really was better than mine," he muttered. "I can admit that now."
"I was so sure my Rattata short deserved a perfect 10, but… I guess I was overconfident."
"But even so, Gary's film was amazing. Why only a 9.5? I think it deserved a perfect score."
"Still, Professor Oak is famously impartial. Even with Gary being his grandson, he didn't show any favoritism."
"Does that mean… there's someone else whose short film is even better than Gary's?"
"Who could that be?"
"…Don't tell me it's Ash?"
"No way. Shooting a short film isn't the same as winning a Pokémon battle. Just because he's strong doesn't mean he can make a great film."
"No way it's Ash. I swear, if Ash somehow gets a perfect 10 in this short film challenge…"
"…I'll wash my hair while doing a handstand on a Gyarados."
--------------
T/N:
Access Advance Chapters on my
P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals