All Eyes on the Future
Alec's POV
It was time for his gym battle with Olympia, and Ash was raring to go. He was currently standing in the gym with Pikachu on his shoulders while Alec, his friends, and Professor Sycamore were watching from the stands. "Keep an eye on the past as you decide who you will be in the future. Remember this as we battle," Olympia told Ash.
"Right. My path is to get that seventh badge for sure!" Ash said confidently.
[Let's win this!] Pikachu shouted.
"Then let's begin," Olympia said as two Poké Balls flew from her cape and opened up to reveal her two Meowstics, one male, the other female.
"So it's a double battle," Clemont noted.
"Of course. It works best with her two Meowstics. Individually they're not anything special, but together they make a deadly combination," Alec stated.
"Alright, I'm ready. Frogadier, Talonflame, I choose you!" Ash shouted as he let out his choices.
Sharlene then spoke from the referee position. "The battle between Olympia, the gym leader, and Ash, the challenger, will now begin! Each trainer will use two Pokémon in a double battle with no substitutions," she stated.
"I'm so scared," Bonnie said.
"I wonder what battling strategy Ash has. Frogadier and Talonflame are an interesting combination," Clemont questioned. Alec could see through his strategy though.
He wasn't the only one. "He's going to try to get past the Future Sight with speed. Not a bad plan, if both of them were Dark-types but then it wouldn't matter," Cassidy replied.
"Ash can handle it, no doubt," Serena said confidently.
"You would think that of your boyfriend," Cassidy told Serena with a devious smile.
Serena immediately blushed heavily. "We aren't a thing!" she shouted. Alec could stop the laugh that came with Serena's predicament.
[She makes it too easy,] Eve commented with a sigh.
[Makes it more fun if you ask me,] Ethan replied with a smirk.
Alec then noticed Ash had a slight tint of pink on his face but it didn't last long. Probably heard Cassidy's comment. "Battle begin!" Sharlene shouted.
"Helping Hand and Future Sight!" Olympia called out. The male was surrounded by a yellow light that went to the female before she released the orbs of psychic energy into several portals.
[And now the clock starts,] Ethan noted.
"That won't matter. I'll finish this before Future Sight lands! Frogadier, Aerial Ace! Talonflame, Flame Charge!" Ash shouted. The two Pokémon took off towards their targets but before they could hit the Meowstic they used Psychic on themselves and started floating around the battlefield.
"So what will you do?" Olympia asked Ash.
"Listen up you two. I want you to keep an eye on how the Meowstic's move," Ash ordered. Frogadier and Talonflame stood back to back as they watched the Meowstic.
"He's burning time," Cassidy muttered, but only Alec heard it.
"Talonflame, use Flame Charge on the male! Frogadier, use Water Pulse on the female!" Ash commanded.
"Light Screen then Dark Pulse!" Olympia called out. The male put up a purple barrier but dodged Talonflame's attack off before firing a Dark Pulse at the bird, knocking him out of the sky while the female put up the same barrier between herself and Frogadier.
"Frogadier, catch Talonflame!" Ash shouted. Frogadier ran up and grabbed Talonflame before he hit the ground. The Meowstic then stopped floating and stood between their opponents and their trainer as the four started looking determinedly at each other.
[You two alright?] Pikachu asked. Frogadier and Talonflame gave their acknowledgments.
"The male's ability is Prankster," Professor Sycamore realized.
"What does that mean?" Serena asked.
"It means the male can use a support move before any attack can hit, and since Light Screen affects the user's side, the male was able to protect the female without her doing anything," Alec explained.
"Olympia can use that with Helping Hand to get off a boosted Future Sight before the opponent can even react," Clemont added.
"And the female's ability is Keen Eye, which makes the user's move near impossible to dodge," Alec added.
"Those Meowstic are really strong," Bonnie said.
"It's like I said, the Meowstic aren't strong on their own, but their movesets and abilities make them extraordinarily powerful, even for Dark-types," Alec reminded them.
"Well well, something wrong?" Olympia asked Ash. "Where's that fighting spirit you showed me earlier? Use Psyshock!" she shouted. The two Meowstic unleashed their attack together and Ash's team tried to dodge, but only delayed the inevitable as the attacks hit their mark, curving and weaving as they did so.
"Frogadier! Talonflame! Are you two okay?!" Ash called out in worry. The two Pokémon struggled to stand back up, but did so. "Now I see Olympia's strategy, so let's counter-attack!" Ash shouted. The moment he finished speaking though, Future Sight appeared and slammed into Talonflame, sending him flying into Frogadier, who was caught in the blast.
"What perfect timing. Just as Ash was about to make his move, Future Sight stopped it," Clemont noted.
"The perfect move for one who can look into the future," Alec commented. "This strategy has defeated countless challengers and has even caused some to give up completely. It's not something you can beat on the first try without some kind of prior knowledge."
"That's it!" Ash shouted. Alec wondered what he had planned as he whispered something to Pikachu, who nodded.
"Good, do what you can. This will be your test," Olympia stated.
"I'm ready. I'll pass your test," Ash told her as he turned to face the battle.
[You ready?] Talonflame asked Frogadier.
[You bet,] he answered.
"Alright. We're going to combine some moves. Talonflame, Brave Bird! Frogadier, Double Team!" Ash called out. As Talonflame flew upwards, his body being surrounded by blue fire, Frogadier split into so many copies that they blocked the Meowstic's sight as Talonflame skimmed the ground, using the copies as cover to conceal his attack.
"It won't work. Quick Meowstic, Helping Hand and Dark Pulse!" Olympia shouted. The male gave its boost to the female and she used the dark rings to start wiping out the copies.
"Frogadier, use Cut!" Ash shouted. The real Frogadier emerged from the copies and sent his attack in a wave, which the female used the still firing Dark Pulse to block. Talonflame then emerged from the smoke of the attack and slammed into the female with Brave Bird.
"Thunder Wave!" Olympia shouted. The female recovered and set out the paralyzing move at Talonflame, but Frogadier jumped in the way at the last second and took it.
"Frogadier!" Ash shouted as Frogadier fell to the ground, his body sparking with electricity.
[Frogadier! Are you alright?!] Talonflame asked in worry for his teammate as he landed beside him. Frogadier didn't respond, still feeling the starting effects of the paralysis.
"Helping Hand and Future Sight!" Olympia shouted. The spheres appeared once again before going into the portals. Pikachu then started moving his tail side to side while counting.
"Wait, is Ash doing what I think he's doing?" Alec asked Ethan.
[Yeah. It's like when we battle Olympia,] he realized.
Alec smiled. "I didn't think Ash would use that strategy," he commented.
"Use what strategy?" Clemont asked.
"You'll see," Alec said with a smile before turning back to the battle.
"Use Psyshock!" Olympia shouted. The beams of psychic energy flew towards Ash's team, where Talonflame was standing in front of a weakened Frogadier with his wings out defensively.
"Talonflame, use Steel Wing!" Ash shouted. Talonflame's wings glowed before he flew right down the center of the beams.
"What's this?" Olympia asked, more in curiosity than confusion.
"If we can't dodge, we'll attack!" Ash shouted. Talonflame broke through one of the attacks, but the other came in from behind. "Frogadier, Water Pulse!" Ash called out. Frogadier managed to break through the paralysis just long enough to fire the orb of water and stop the tail on Talonflame. The bird then spun and slammed into the male.
"Now don't let up. Frogadier, Aerial Ace!" Ash shouted. Frogadier closed in, but the paralysis kicked in causing him to trip.
"Dark Pulse go!" Olympia shouted. The female fired at Frogadier while he was still on the ground, sending him flying. Talonflame then swooped in and grabbed Frogadier before he hit the ground.
The timing couldn't have been worse as Future Sight made its appearance and hit the two while they were in the air. [300!] Pikachu shouted as the move appeared.
"Frogadier! Talonflame!" Ash called out. The two laid on the ground, but they weren't out yet since they managed to stand.
"He's got the time now," Alec noted.
[Now he's gotta figure out what to do with it,] Ethan added.
"You have it Pikachu?" Ash asked his partner.
[Yeah,] Pikachu said with a nod.
"Now let's counterattack!" Ash shouted as Frogadier and Talonflame screamed battle cries.
"Your spirit is impressive," Olympia complemented Ash.
"Olympia, we're just getting started! I'm going to get that badge!" Ash told her.
"In that case use Helping Hand and Future Sight again!" Olympia shouted. The move repeated itself and Pikachu started counting again while moving his tail side to side.
"Again?" Bonnie asked.
"What are they trying to do?" Clemont wondered. He looked at Alec with a curious look, but Alec merely looked at the battle with a smile.
"Dark Pulse and Psyshock!" Olympia shouted. The female and male fired the respective moves and Frogadier and Talonflame rushed towards them.
"Frogadier, ride on Talonflame's back!" Ash shouted. Frogadier jumped and did a backflip before landing on Talonflame's back, who dodged the attack at the last second.
"That was close," Cassidy noted. The two attacks then pursued their targets and Talonflame kept dodging them.
"They intercepted the move before. What are they doing?" Clemont asked.
"The Future Sight is coming soon!" Serena added.
"Buying time," Alec answered. Everyone but Ethan looked at him confused. "Just watch. It'll be made clear in a moment," he added.
"Now Talonflame, nose dive!" Ash shouted. Talonflame listened and dove towards the ground, causing the two attacks pursuing him and Frogadier to follow them right into the Meowstic, sending them flying. Talonflame managed to pull up before that happened, leaving him and Frogadier in a prime position as Pikachu neared 300 on his count. "Now grabbed hold of both Meowstic!" Ash shouted. Frogadier jumped off Talonflame's back and grabbed the male while Talonflame grabbed the female.
[10 seconds!] Pikachu shouted to Ash. He might be able to understand his partner, but the point got across.
Olympia then had a look of recognition. "Of course, this again!" she realized, but it was too late as Future Sight appeared.
"Heads up you two, here it comes! That Future Sight is ours!" Ash called out just before the portals appeared. The psychic spheres rained down, but Frogadier and Talonflame threw their Meowstics into their paths.
Both Meowstics fell to the ground, heavily injured by being hit by their own attacks twice in a row. "Alright!" Serena shouted in joy.
"Now you see. Pikachu was timing the Future Sight, and since the move comes out after five minutes, it's easy to predict when it will happen if you have something timing it," Alec stated.
"What do you mean?" Bonnie asked.
"In battle, your perception of time can change, and if you're into it hard enough, five minutes can feel like something else. But if someone times it, then you can accurately know when Future Sight will appear," Alec explained.
"So Ash's plan was to hit the Meowstic with their Future Sight all along. He just needed to know when it would appear," Clemont realized.
"Quite clever," Cassidy admitted.
"Yes. Ash's strategies never cease to amaze me," Professor Sycamore agreed.
Ethan was about to say something but Alec stopped him. "Let him have this," he whispered hissed at his partner.
"Well done," Olympia congratulated Ash, thinking on the same line as Alec. She then looked at her Meowstic. "Can you still battle?" she asked. The two gave their trainer a nod as they started floating. "Use Psyshock!"
"Use Cut!" Ash called out. Frogaider formed a white blade in his hand, but the paralysis made its appearance known again, stopping him. "Talonflame, give Frogadier a lift! Use your speed to help out with that Cut!" Ash ordered. Talonflame flew in and got Frogadier on his back just before the Psyshocks hit. They then turned back around towards Frogadier.
"Use Helping Hand and Dark Pulse and close the gap!" Olympia shouted. The female let loose the black rings after getting the power boost from the male and the two attacks threatened to pincer them.
"Use Flame Charge!" Ash shouted. At first, Alec thought Ash would use it to get out of the way, but instead, Talonflame used the fire to defend against the pincer attacks. When the smoke cleared, Ash's Pokémon were alright and Frogadier put his blade away.
"Now let's finish this!" Ash shouted. Talonflame and Frogadier flew towards the Meowstic, who split up and Ash's team did the same. Talonflame attempted a Flame Charge, but the female dodged it and Talonflame hit the ground causing an explosion. Frogader attempted to use Water Pulse on the male, but the paralysis gave Olympia an opening.
"Use Psyshock!" she called out. The male fired and Frogadier used the orb as a shield against the incoming attack and was holding it back.
"You can do it Frogadier! We're going to the top together!" Ash called out. Frogadier seemed to gain new strength as Water Pulse was fired and overwhelmed Psyshock and slammed into the male hard, knocking him out. While that was happening, Talonflame had already knocked out the female.
"Both Meowstic are unable to battle! Talonflame and Frogadier are the winners! Thus the victory goes to Ash, the challenger!" Sharlene declared.
"Alright!" Ash shouted in joy.
[We did it!] Pikachu shouted.
As everyone else ran over to congratulate Ash, Alec watched with a smile as Ash ran up to Frogadier and Talonflame, all excited about their win. "So, will you have the same power as her, or will yours be different?" Alec wondered aloud.
He then made his way to Ash where he was busy being pelted with praise. Olympia then came up with Sharlene holding a badge tray. "Young man," Olympia started, getting Ash's attention. "During our battle, you truly were one with your Pokémon, and I could sense those strong bonds within them. You all battled very well. Even you Pikachu," she continued.
"So Olympia, were you able to decipher Frogadier's future during the battle?" Professor Sycamore asked.
"Yes. I perceived great love during Frogadier's final move. I believe you and Frogadier will reach new heights together. But be warned, if the two do not go forward with sincere purpose then great danger will await you both," Olympia answered, showing a blue and red spark circling each other before combining. "So please do not lose sight of your dream. And now proof of your victory here, the Psychic Badge," she added, taking the badge from the tray and giving it to Ash.
Ash took it and shouted, "I just won the Psychic Badge!" and his Pokémon joined in on the excitement before Ash put the badge in his case.
"Now then. I'd like to discuss something with you alone Champion," Olympia told him.
Alec nodded, but the others didn't seem to accept that. "Why can't we hear it?" Ash asked.
"Ash, if Olympia wants to talk to me alone then that's what she'll get. I'm the champion after all, so it probably concerns that," Alec told him.
"Alright. We'll see you back at the Pokémon Center," Ash responded, seeing the serious look Alec was giving him. The group started to leave, but Cassidy seemed to linger for a bit.
"Don't worry Cassidy, I'll be back before you know it," Alec reassured her with a smile.
"Sure," she said, giving her a small smile as she left.
Soon, only Olympia, Alec, and Ethan stood in the gym. "So before we begin, I have to ask what you saw in your vision earlier today," Alec requested.
Olympia hesitated a bit before answering. "I saw a green flame. Burning across Kalos, and all of you in that flame, including the ones who tried to steal the Sundial," she answered.
"Team Rocket's involved in this?" Alec asked.
"What role you will all play will be up to you, but there's no way to stop the fate that's coming," Olympia answered. Alec nodded. "Now then, what I wanted to talk about concerns you and Flame, so if you could let him out, it'd be best if you both heard this," she added.
Alec pulled out Flame's ball and let him out. He then stood next to his trainer and Alec nodded to tell Olympia to continue.
Later that night
Alec sent a note on the table in his room, before turning back to see Ash and Clemont, both sleeping soundly. Ethan stood next to Alec and looked at him. [Are you sure you want to do this?] he asked.
"I'm sure Ethan. While they'll be upset at first, they'll understand when they read this," Alec answered, looking at his note one last time.
Everyone, I'm sorry for leaving without warning, but I've been told something that I can not be allowed to happen. So, I'm going to Speaker Valley so I can recover and take steps to prevent what may come.
Serena, I'll need you to be strong without me for a while. I'll be back, but I don't know when, but know that I'll be cheering for you all the way. Ash, take care of my sister for me. I know you'll protect her while I'm not around. Clemont and Bonnie, take care of each other and don't let anything hold you back.
I'll be back as soon as I can,
Alec
There was also a message for Cassidy, but that had been erased. The reason for it was just outside the door, where she and Eve stood waiting for Alec and Ethan. "You ready to get going?" she asked him.
"Yeah," Alec answered as the four walked down the halls of the Pokémon Center, Alec's cane clicking against the ground being the only sound.
The two went outside and Alec let out Flame. "Get ready Flame. We've got a long flight ahead of us," Alec told him as Alec, Cassidy, Ethan, and Eve climbed on.
[I'll get us there,] Flame responded once his passengers were secure.
Before he could take off, Cassidy spoke up again. "This is your last chance. Are you sure you don't want to tell them in person?" she asked.
"If I tell them in person then they'll do what you did. Pressure me into bringing them along," Alec answered. Cassidy seemed a bit offended by that response, but Alec quickly fixed that. "But I'm glad you found out, and that you're coming with me," he added, giving her a large, toothless smile.
Cassidy gave him the same smile and kissed Alec on the cheek before wrapping his arms around his chest, her eyes closed as she laid her head on his back. Thank goodness, cause Alec couldn't stop the massive blush that appeared on his face. [Looks like someone's in love,] Flame commented, giving him a devious smirk.
"Shut up," Alec retorted as Flame took to the sky, flying towards Speaker Valley.
Alec's mind then went back to what Olympia told him. "If you don't find a way to stop this, you will die before the threat can begin."
His mind returned to reality. "Don't worry Flame. I won't let you die," he thought as they flew through the night sky.