Ignis landed in a clearing at the base of Mt. Canterlot. This day had been a long time coming, one the Charizard had been waiting for for a while.

He rolled his neck and rubbed the joint of his wing. It had been aching as of late. Maybe he was getting old?

“You’re late kid,” he muttered to the scenery around him. There was a flash of blue, and a Kadabra joined him in the clearing.

I was merely waiting for you to pick a venue, he said into the Charizard’s mind.

“I scouted this place out a few days ago. Nothing lives here, not even wild Pokemon, so we’re free to really cut loose,” Ignis nodded as the Kadabra warped in. “You ready for this kid? It’s not gonna be easy.”

I have been training myself constantly, and I have a move list all picked out for this, the psychic said. It promises to be quite the show. If nothing else, I’ll go down swinging.

“That’s the spirit,” Ignis laughed, clapping him on the back. “Before we start, tell me, how are the little scamps doing? Making your life a nightmare?”

Loki can already teleport and leave behind illusions of himself, and Richard punches everybody upon first meeting them, Vincent said with a happy sigh. Still, I wouldn’t give them up for the world.

“Heh, you should meet little Kiera. She so much wants to be like her Papa… then there’s Fritter, the pregnancy is giving her weird cravings.”

We should totally have our families meet up again once this is done, Vincent said. I’m sure my kids would love to meet your family. Assuming you can deal with Richard’s form of saying hello, anyways.

“Heh, I welcome the little tyke’s attempts,” Ignis said. “Now, last chance kid. You sure you wanna do this. I’ll test you a bit at first, and if you pass, we’ll have a real battle.”

Just be glad it’s me you’re facing and not Lucy, he said even as he summoned both spoons to his hands. She did a whole lot of meditating and training during the month when we were waiting for the eggs to hatch. I’d say that there aren’t many foes that could best her now. Not even you.

“HAH! We’ll see about that,” Ignis nodded. Now he had a new opponent to face after this. “Alright, let’s start. Show me the power you can muster!”

Vincent didn’t seem to do much, though if Ignis was watching, both spoons glowed before something assailed his senses. The Kadabra nodded and grinned. Your move, then.

Hmm, did he use some sort of trick? Ignis squinted and then wondered why… ah.

“Kinesis, not a bad start,” he nodded. “So let’s see how you handle this!” He gave his wings a powerful flap as he used his Air Slash attack. The Kadabra took the attack like a champ, only wincing slightly at the pain. Then he returned fire with his Twisted Spoon raised, hitting Ignis with a Psybeam.

Ignis stood his ground as the attack struck his chest. He actually stumbled back slightly and grinned widely.

“Not bad, not bad at all kid,” he laughed. “Though I’d gather that’s not the limit of your power?”

Darn, I was hoping the confusion would stick, the Kadabra replied. Ah well. I have other moves to fall back on. Though, he just stood there, waiting for...something.

“Well if you won’t attack,” Ignis said and opened his mouth. “Flamethrower!” the searing blast of flames raced towards Vincent…

Before a wall of light sprung up in front of him, absorbing the attack. Protect, the Kadabra said with a hint of smugness to his voice. A gift Bit helped me unlock. Permit me to return fire, then.

“Bloody Protect,” Ignis muttered. “Alright kid. Hit me with your best shot!”

A wave of visible psychic power erupted from Vincent’s form and washed over the Charizard as he used his Psychic move. The dragon shielded himself with his wings, but the powerful blast still made him stumble back and loose his footing.

“Geh!” he grunted as the attack past, the Charizard’s body glowing with his Roost attack. “That… that was a pretty good shot kid.”

I do try, Vincent said, his own form glowing as the scrapes left on him by Ignis’ Air Slash vanished as he used Recover.

“I’d hope so, I’d be pretty hurt if you weren’t taking this seriously,” Ignis nodded. “Alright, I think you’re pretty good. So, how about it Vincent? Want to be the first human to properly battle me?”

I think I can handle that, the Kadabra said, his spoons already glowing again. As long as I cut you down to size. Something assailed Ignis’ senses again. Apparently the kid took him seriously and used Kinesis liberally.

“Tch!” Ignis jumped back and out of the attacks range, but even now, his vision was blurry. This was going to get annoying. He roared and flames poured from his mouth as he spread them by flapping his wings.

“Heat Wave!”

Oh bugger, Vincent replied, having scant seconds to dodge and choosing to do something incredibly risky. He used his Teleportation to try and dodge the fire...by going behind it as it reached him. The ground itself was warm to step on, making him miss the feeling of wearing shoes.

“Not bad,” Ignis called out as the sun became glaringly bright and hot. “Let’s turn up the heat!”

I couldn’t agree more, Vincent said as he decided to float in the air under his own power. Releasing Psychic Seal!

Yet another burst of power came from the young ‘mon as his full strength was unleashed. Ignis blinked as he felt the power wash over him. This boy had a lot of power to spend.

“Searing Flamethrower!” Ignis roared, the Sunny Day-boosted attack scorched the ground, the white-hot flames tearing towards the Kadabra.

Protect, he said simply, forming a shield around himself with his strength to keep the flames at bay. He was ever so thankful Ignis kept giving him chances to change it up, though. As he understood it, the more he relied on this move in a row, the greater chance it would fail. And once the dragon took a breath… before diving at great speed, his wings shining with a white light.

“Steel Wing!” he called out.

Vincent took aim with his spoons. Psybeam! he responded with, hoping that this time, the confusion would stick. The lance of power leapt from Kadabra to Charizard in a moment. It struck one of Ignis’ wings as he spiralled, narrowly missing as a glowing wingtip trimmed his left mustache by an inch.

My mustache! Vincent said. I liked that mustache! I got up early just to groom and maintain it!

Ignis got up from the ground and roared, his eyes glowing red as he sent a stream of flames flying in errant directions. Several nearby trees were reduced to piles of ash and charcoal.

PSYSHOCK! the Kadabra all but screamed out as his power picked up whatever it could before throwing those things at the Charizard. Ordinarily, with a normal Psychic type, that wouldn’t be too much to worry about. This, however, was Vincent. Anything was fair game. They struck Ignis again and again, the Charizard not even blocking as the confusion continued to assail him.

Though, why was it getting hotter? Vincent finally calmed down and started thinking straight again, before deciding that it was time to pull out...That move. The one that he would have to spend time charging up before letting it loose on the Charizard. He began focusing his efforts on the move he’d only unlocked, never actually used before.

Ignis’s eyes snapped forward and he roared. “BLAST BURN!!” he yelled as he punched the ground, cracks forming as flames spilled forth. This entire area was about to explode!

Vincent did his best to hold two things in mind at once. The move he was charging up, focusing more and more of his power on, and a Protect to keep him safe. He wasn’t sure if the second would hold out under this onslaught. It likely wouldn’t, he’d used it so much already.

The shield was already cracking and it did little to block the intense heat coming from the move. Still, he couldn’t lose hold of this power, this move. He knew...he just somehow knew that if he managed to get it off, this fight would be his.

The attack started to die down as Ignis rested from expending so much power. But even now, he was already starting to Roost, building his energy back up.

Oh no you don’t! Vincent said. Psychic! The move burst from his form once again and assailed his opponent. It would delay him by about a second or three to do this, but if it meant making the dragon more vulnerable to the move he was about to unleash, it would be worth it.

“Dragon Bullet!” the Charizard responded, the lightning fast Dragon Pulse variant tearing through the Psychic and slamming Vincent right in the gut.

Owch, Vincent said, already glowing as well as a Recover restored his health. And with that, I think this move is just about ready. He held up his visibly glowing hands and the spoons they held for emphasis.

“Bring. It. On!” Ignis said, bracing himself for this attack.

Tell me, Ignis, what do you know of time? A ripple can become a wave. A choice now can have ramifications five years from now. And I live with a dark past. So many choices that never lived. So many things that could have been...And that’s just on Earth. Here, I fight to choose what’s right. To create a brighter future, for pony and ‘mon alike, one that so many should have seen...here, let me share it with you. Behold...MY FUTURE SIGHT! With that, Vincent let his attack slam into the mind of the Charizard.

The dragon recoiled as he stumbled back and collapsed, his claws against his head as he roared. He rolled around and slammed the ground with his claws.

“I… will…” He grunted, even as he got to his feet, slowly but surely. “RRRAAARRGGHHHH!!!!” his roar shook the ground. This attack was… he had no idea how to describe it. And if it hadn’t been for that charm that Celestia had cast on them all those months ago, this would have likely done him in. “DRAGON BLAZE!” he yelled as his maw opened and the area was bathed in a swath of azure flames.

The Kadabra teleported to right in front of the Charizard and held up his normal spoon. Psycho Cut, he said simply, and a long sword-like blade grew atop the rounded edge. With no more fanfare, he slashed at Ignis with his construct. The dragon didn’t even try to block as he stumbled back and fell onto his hindquarters.

“Not bad…” he said slowly, panting. “Not bad at all kid…”

Vincent stopped his assault and simply teleported a short ways back, waiting for the dragon’s next move. Assuming he had one. He knew better that to assume it would be over so quickly. Ignis picked himself up and rubbed his head. That last move gave him a splitting headache.

“I’m gonna hate to see how much power you’ll have if you ever evolve,” the dragon said as he rubbed his arm. “Hell, I doubt even I could beat you then. Still…” His wings flared and he raced forward. “We’re not done yet!” He drew his fist back and unleashed a Mega Punch on him.

Vincent merely aimed his Twisted Spoon and let loose with another Psybeam, to meet the fist, and more importantly, the dragon, head-on. Ignis opened his claw and used the energy from his attack as a shield as he got in close. His other claw extended and grabbed Vincent’s outstretched arm.

“SEISMIC TOSS!” he lifted the Kadabra and flung him down hard towards the ground. Vincent groaned as he lay there, that really, really hurt. Still, part of battling was mental. He’d lay here for a little bit, and when Ignis got close again…

The Charizard flew up into the sky as the Sunny Day was about to wear off…

“Solar Beam!” The bright lance of energy was unleashed.

Vincent picked himself up in an instant and crossed his spoons in front of himself. PSYBEAM! he shouted back and put his all into, at the very least, deflecting this power from impacting him directly.

The two beams collided and a tug of war began. Ignis’ Solar Beam versus Vincent’s Psybeam. The psychic actually grunted as he pulled on all of his training, all of his lectures, before recalling the one, most important rule.

The only rule here is that there are no rules, he heard Luke say in his head, a memory of his time with the one he now called father.

I refuse, the Kadabra said aloud, to lose!

Ignis couldn’t talk, due to the beam coming out of his mouth. He just kept up his flow of energy, even as the Psybeam slowly crept closer…

All of my pain, all of my sorrow, my joy and happiness...everything I have and am! Vincent said. All of it has done one thing! Make! Me! STRONGER! The Psybeam pulsed with new life as Vincent fed it even more of his energy.

‘The kid’s got some resolve… it’s almost there,’ Ignis mused as he suddenly cancelled and veered to the right as the Psybeam fired harmlessly into the air. He dove towards the ground, this was either going to end it, or see the future that Ignis envisioned.

“EARTHQUAKE!”

Vincent had the perfect counter, though. Telekinesis! he called out...and targeted himself, floating in the air. The earth trembled and rippled as the attack passed by under him.

“Dragon Pulse!” Ignis said, firing the draconic energy from his mouth, but then flew forward and became engulfed with it. “Flare Blitz!”

A giant dragon that was on fire!! And it was coming right at him!

It was times like this that Vincent was grateful Luke had taught him so well.

Dazzling Gleam! the psychic called out, glowing a bright white as the Fairy-type move burst out around him. Originally he’d been taught this move so he could deal with Dark-types. But this worked well on Dragons as well. And Dragon-type moves.

The Dragon Pulse was nullified, but Ignis had been counting on that. He really should have just teleported out of the way instead.

Oh well, the dragon roared as the Flare Blitz struck, his fist connecting with Vincent's face. The Kadabra flipped back a few times before landing on his feet, one hand touching the ground below.

Hey Ignis, he said simply. Duck. With that, another Psyshock was let loose, only this time, chunks of the very earth were ripped up as boulders and tossed at the Charizard. The Charizard ducked and weaved, before catching one boulder and tossing it right back at him. Vincent summoned up a Psycho Cut and slashed the boulder in two, letting each chunk land around him.

I think it’s time we finish this, before we do more harm to this place, Vincent commented as his hands started to glow.

“So be it,” Ignis said as his body shimmered, and even from that distance, Vincent could feel the heat coming from him. Vincent recognised this one. It was an attack Seth had told him about. One that made Arceus flinch.

Oh dear, Vincent said, even as he channeled a Calm Mind. If this was going to be his last move, it was going to be a good one. He didn’t even know how he was going to counter this. If it even could be.

“You’ve shown me your resolve Vincent,” Ignis said. “You’ve proved that one can overcome any adversity and draw power from it. You’ve grown strong. All you lack is experience.” He closed his eyes and smiled. “You’ve made me quite proud today. Which is why I won’t hold back anymore. You are an opponent worthy of my absolute best!”

And I’ve given you the best move I can conjure up without breaking any promises I’ve made, Vincent said as he kept channelling a Calm Mind on himself. As soon as one finished, he started another. He needed to be strong for this. But that doesn’t mean I’m out of tricks yet!

“The give it everything!” Ignis roared. “You think I’m so weak that I can’t handle it? I want to see the full extent of your power!” He roared again as his body erupted with a blazing inferno. The ground under him shattered under the force as he begun to spin.

Vincent levitated himself again as he channeled all of his power into one move. He finally decided. He would meet this attack the only way he could. Head on. He kept up the barrage of Calm Minds until he felt that he couldn’t possibly channel any more power, and prepared himself for what was to come.

“My ultimate attack!” Ignis roared. “Tartarus Tornado!” He suddenly tore towards Vincent, a giant drill of crimson flames that seemed to ignite the air around him.

Psybeam! Vincent called out, his normal spoon taking easy aim at the dragon. If he could just slow him down a little-!

The attack tore through the beam like a wrecking ball through glass. There was no stopping this move now. Plan B then. It would probably hurt like all hell, but if he had to stop it when it reached him, so be it. Vincent aimed his spoons again and braced himself.

Psycho Cut! he called out, and took the blades that had been formed and hardened by his will and crossed them in front of him, guarding himself with the constructs of his mind. Ignis struck and the entire field erupted with the sound of an earth shattering explosion…

Vincent gritted his teeth and slid back several inches, bending but not breaking. I….refuse, he said, pushing back as well as he could. Then it occurred to him… Psycho Cut was a physical move… the Calm Minds he had been stacking wouldn’t have boosted its power at all.

To...lose...With that, he unleashed a point-blank Psychic.

Ignis fell back, the recoil from his own move and Vincent’s point blank attack sending him tumbling across the ground until he came to a stop over a dozen feet away and didn’t move. Vincent panted heavily as he slowly uncrossed his arms, his Psycho Cut blades fading out from existence as he stopped focusing on them.

The field had fallen eerily quiet. The entire area was scorched black and Ignis was still on the ground, unmoving. All Vincent could hear was the sound of his own breathing.

“Ignis?” Vincent asked, using his actual voice. “You okay?”

It was another minute, before the dragon groaned and rolled over onto his back, the remnants of a berry that weakened Psychic attacks in his claw.

“I… I lost?” he said.

“I won?” Vincent replied, equally perturbed.

“...Apparently so,” Ignis said as he lay there, too exhausted to even use Roost. “Lucky Seth had the foresight to give me that berry, or we might not be having this conversation.”

“I didn’t know I was that strong,” Vincent said. “Guess I should be thankful for all the training my previous tutors put me through.”

“Indeed, you’ve learned quite well. Perhaps I should not have underestimated you.” Ignis groaned and got to his feet. “I really am getting too old for this.”

Then Vincent’s form began to glow.

“W-What?” Ignis stared. There was… that light was… but, that was impossible. Vincent looked at his hand and actually seemed to panic.

“No...nonono,” he said. “Not this...please not this. I’m...not ready for this.”

“Vincent. You have three seconds. You can stop it if you try, or you can let it happen.” Ignis called out.

“How?” Vincent called out. “How do I stop-”

“Just focus! Will it to stop!” Ignis yelled. “You have the strength!”

Vincent tried, he really did. He focused his mind, but it’d been too drained by the fight to resist what was going on. He’d used up every single dreg of his power to win against Ignis. As a result…

The glow enveloped his form and changed him. Rewriting him. Making him into the ultimate evolution of his line.

“Hooboy,” Ignis said as he watched the evolution take place. “This could get messy.”

Vincent panted as he put one hand to the ground to stabilize himself. The other went up to his head, and the Alakazam’s mental voice rang out. Too...it’s too...it’s far too much. Far too...I can’t…

“Focus Vincent!” Ignis snapped. “You just defeated me! I will not have you lose to your own body! FIGHT IT!”

I...I can hear the minds...all the minds around us, all the little animals. I can hear your mind, all the thoughts racing in it. I can’t stop hearing them, I can’t shut them out. Vincent shakily stood up as a thought hit him. Oh Xerneas. I can’t go back home. I’ll hear EVERYBODY!

“You won’t if you CALM DOWN!” Ignis said as he moved closer and placed a hand where his shoulder was. “Take a breath Vincent. A slow, deep breath.”

The newly-minted Alakazam did so, but his panic didn’t abate at all. I...I can still hear them. I still can’t shut them out…

Ignis didn’t want to think about what the boy was gleaning from his mind. The Charizard couldn’t help but think of his past, back on Earth.

“Do you want me to call for help,” he asked. His thoughts wandering to Diantha. “I know someone…”

I’m...far too strong, the psychic said. I...I need a tutor in how to control my strength...how to stop hearing everything...I don’t know if she would be able to help me.

On response, Diantha and her Gardevoir teleported in.

“I could hear you from Canterlot.” Gardevoir said. “Congratulations on your evolution by the way.”

I never asked for this, Vincent shot back. I would never had chosen this. I would have preferred to have time to get used to life without my seal before this happened to me.

“Well, it’s happened now, so quit crying and man up,” Gardevoir snapped. It was embarrassing to see a final evolution cry like this. “Can you reinstate your seal by yourself?”

It’s...far too much, Vincent replied with a shake of his head. If I tried to seal up that much power, it might be unhealthy for me.

“Unbelievable,” Gardevoir sighed. “Mistress, if you could tend to Ignis, I shall see to this one.” She turned back to Vincent and held out her hands. “Now take my hands. We’re going to your Mindscape.”

Vincent grasped her hands and closed his eyes, breathing deeply and evenly. When he arrived at his mind, it was to find that it was in turmoil.

The sky was awash with clouds, each one rumbling as lightning raced through them, ready and willing to let loose with their power.

“Such disruptiveness,” Gardevoir noted. “And this is definitely a Metagross’ work. Only their kind could be so pretentious. Now, build a wall.”

With barely a flicker of effort, the foundations that had been there before were now an impressive castle out of a storybook, the white stones being pulled from the landscape around them.

“Good, good,” The Gardevoir turned to the raging storm and she raised her hands. She would assist in arranging all these errant thought for him just this once. Given that he was human, she figured something… modern might work. Hundreds or even thousands of screens filled the sky, each one showing a different mind.

“There we go,” she spoke using her tongue. “How have you been taught so far?”

“I knew...how to control the power I had behind my original seal,” the Alakazam said. “I’d even grown comfortable using it, but out of fear that I might hurt somebody near me due to having too much to safely use, I kept it sealed up and only rarely trained with it. This fight with Ignis was the first time in a long time I really used my power. When I was an Abra, I was taught by a Gallade. When I was a Kadabra, I was taught by a Metagross. Both of them, far stronger than average.”

“I see,” Gardevoir nodded. “Metagross have a bad habit of making things seem more complicated than they are. The price of a high level of intelligence. Gallade… well,” she shrugged, not wanting to release her thoughts about them. “Do you know how a dam works Vincent Nurem?”

“A dam holds back water and lets a trickle through at a time,” Vincent replied automatically. “Used for generating power in rivers, and lakes are more often than not a side-effect.”

Gardevoir nodded. “And what did your seal do?”

“Kept it all sealed away,” Vincent replied. “Only letting me use it if I needed it.”

“It backed all that power up, much like a dam, and when your evolution shattered that seal?”

“The dam burst,” Vincent said softly. “So...I brought this on myself?”

“Perhaps, you relied on the seal for far too long,” Gardevoir nodded as she stared at his foundations. “What you need is something only you can create. A place that is yours and yours alone, free of the influence of others.”

“I think I can do that,” Vincent said before looking at the myriad of screens above him. “And I think I need training again. From somebody who can teach me how to control all this power.”

“I know of one, but he might not agree,” Gardevoir said. “Not with the bad blood that flows between yours and his.”

Vincent merely nodded sadly. “He was the one I was thinking of. I’d rather get that meeting over with and apologize before I return home. I...I need to be able to control myself before I return to my kids.”

“I will assist however I can,” Gardevoir nodded and placed a hand on his shoulder. Over his foundations a castle arose, a large fairy tale-like one. At the front lay statues of polished marble. Ones of Lucy and his kids. A little something to remind him why he was doing this. “That is only temporary, something to let you function as normal for the next few days.”

“Hopefully I’ll have my own system in place by then,” Vincent agreed. “...Thank you for your help, but I should...I should definitely see if I can contact him. And somebody should...should tell my family why I can’t go near them just yet.”

“I could, but it might sound better coming from a friend. I’ll let Seth know.”

Vincent nodded and the mindscape faded around them, to reveal the glade again. “I...I know where to go now,” the Alakazam said. “I just hope...he’ll receive me.”

Ignis grunted as Diantha shook her head while tending to his wounds. “Honestly Ignis, you’re so damned stubborn. Why didn’t you tell the boy you were sick.”

“I promised him a battle. And I gave it my all,” Ignis nodded. “No sense in dragging up something as benign as that-OW!”

“Oh quit being such a baby,” she replied as she applied a Hyper Potion. “You’re as bad as Seth.”

“Heheh, we’re brothers after all…” He grunted and got up, before limping over to the frozen Alakazam. He gave his large noggin a poke as Gardevoir brought them both back to the waking world.

“He is stable for now, but he needs much in the way of learning control and focus,” she said aloud.

“And I know exactly where to go to get the training I so desperately need,” the psychic fox said. “I’ll not go back home without it. I’d rather prefer to avoid any incidents that would spring up from a lack of control and this much power.”

“Plus the guard would have your hide for breakfast,” Ignis chuckled. “Well come on brother. Let’s head back to the city.”

“Actually, I already know where I need to go,” Vincent mused as he turned to look in one direction. “I bet I could just Teleport there..”

“Or you could not risk it, in case you teleport a few hundred feet into thin air,” Gardevoir warned him. “That power may be tempting to use, but until you learn control, I’d not risk something like that.”

With that, she waved her hand and the scenery shifted, the group standing outside Canterlot Castle. Vincent groaned and put a hand to his head at the influx of so many thoughts.

Can’t...shut them out...need to shut them all out...need to think properly…

The Alakazam screwed his eyes shut for a moment, before sighing and finally standing up straight. Temporary fix. I...really need that training, soon.

“HEYA!” Rika popped up out of nowhere, a small Eevee on her back. “Oohhh, who’s this Iggy?”

Vincent blinked at how the Sylveon had appeared. Even to him, that hadn’t made sense.

“This is Vincent, all grown up now,” Ignis said. “And go easy on him, he’s having a rough time adjusting to his new body.”

“Okie Dokie!” Rika saluted as the Eevee moved to her head.

“Is this Unca VinVin?” she asked with a cute head-tilt.

Hello little one, Vincent said with a small smile on his face. I am indeed Vincent.

“Oohh, voice in my head,” she giggled.

“Keira, stop bouncing in Mommy’s head,” Rika winced as she snagged the Eevee with her ribbons.

She’s adorable, Vincent said with a nod. If only he could go back...but now, he needed to find and apologize to somebody he’d wronged. And hope that they were in a helpful mood.

“That she is, and so will the foalies when they hatch as well~”

“Ponies don’t lay eggs Rika,” Diantha sighed. “Imagine the look on poor Fritter’s face if she did?”

“Heehee, that’d be funny,” Rika giggled as she snuggled her daughter. “Annnnyway, we’re running late for a playdate! Good luck with Mewtwo Vinny!” She gave his cheek a kiss and bounded off.

...How did she know? the Alakazam asked. It, once again, did not make sense to him.

“We’ve learned not to question her,” Ignis nodded. “Trust me, you’ll only hurt yourself trying to figure it out.”

I likely would, the psychic agreed before turning to the castle and sighing. Well, wish me luck.

“Best of luck Brother,” Ignis nodded. “I don’t think you’ll die… most likely... “ He turned as Diantha ushered him towards the new Pokemon Centre. There was something he’d been meaning to tell the young Psychic… Oh well, probably wasn’t important.

The Alakazam approached the gates and looked at the ponies guarding it. I would like to meet with Mewtwo, he said, with far less venom in his voice than the last time he’d come here to meet the Legendary.

The two guards looked at each other uneasily, and before either of them could react, the air in front of them shimmered and Mewtwo appeared in front of them. Leave us, he commanded, dismissing the guards.

Mewtwo stared at Vincent for a few moments before speaking. Hello Vincent.

I have come to say something, and ask something, the Alakazam said. First. I apologize for the way I reacted to your treatment of Luke. What I did...was wrong. I admit that. I should not have done what I did. And I’m sorry.

Mewtwo sighed. And I... apologize for what I did to Luke... and how I acted afterwards.

Thank you for that, Vincent said. And second...I need help.

With your Evolution, I assume? Mewtwo asked. Vincent closed his eyes and began demonstrating what he needed help with.

Right now, Seth Crescent is getting the news that he will need to break this news to Lucy, and he’s wondering how he’s going to retain all his skeletal integrity. There is a berry juice stand halfway across the city, and the Shuckles there are wondering when they’ll get their next customer. The guards you dismissed are wondering why every time your name comes up, they get tossed aside. And so on and on and on. I...can’t stop hearing them!

Mewtwo nodded. From what I know, this problem often comes up in powerful Psychic types. I had the same issue for several months after I was born. He sighed. At first, I thought it was normal, I ignored it when it was annoying, used it to my advantage when it fit my needs. I didn’t learn I was suppose to seal my mind until I first met Mew, she was the first Psychic type I met whose mind I was unable to penetrate. He shook his head. After we... worked out our differences, she taught me how to close my mind so I’m not constantly invading the minds of others... and I can teach you the same as she taught me.

I would appreciate it, Vincent said. However long it takes. Just so I’m not a danger to my family, because I value them more than anything.

Very well then, we can begin now if you want.

Now works for me, the Alakazam replied.

Mewtwo nodded and placed a hand on Vincent’s shoulder, teleporting the pair of them into a large room with grey stone walls and a small bookshelf next to a cot in the center of a few dozen candles.

This is my room in the Hall of Legends, he explained, floating over to the cot and sitting down cross legged. Sit.

Vincent floated over as well. Normally he would have walked, but he was trying so desperately to burn off his power that he didn’t mind doing things like this. He sat down like Mewtwo, cross-legged, and waited for the next instruction.

Right now, you powers are forming something akin to a funnel, drawing in the thoughts of every being within your limits. He explained. We’re going to plug it, since my room won’t let any stray thought in or out, this is the perfect environment to work on honing your concentration on this matter. Mewtwo took a deep breath. I’m going to simulate a few random voices, they’ll just sound like gibberish to you, and I want you to try to stop them from getting in.

Very well, Vincent said, bracing himself.

Mewtwo projected the random voices out at Vincent but not directly into his mind. Now when you start to hear them, block them.

Vincent did his best to block out the voices, but it didn’t work for him. Everything he tried to do to block the voices from his mind before they even got to the point where he heard them failed. I’m trying to use my power to not hear something, he said. It’s...quite the interesting sensation.

Mewtwo sighed again. Alright, that’s not working... try this instead, I want you to form a bubble around your own mind, imagine the stray thought bouncing off of it and back into the void around you before they even reach your mind.

Vincent nodded, he could do that. It would be like a Protect for his mind. He envisioned the concept and hoped it was working this time. Okay, let’s try it.

Mewtwo nodded and released the voices again. This time, Vincent perceived them as nothing more than impacts on his mental shield. I...think that worked, the Alakazam said softly.

Good, I’m going to add a few more voices, if you feel like it’s breaking add a little more strength to the shield.

Vincent nodded and mentally braced himself again.

This time, Mewtwo released a few dozen random chains of thought and waited to see if Vincent’s shield would hold. The boy strained a little, but while the shield bent a little under the assault, it didn’t break.

I’m worried, Vincent said. If I’m straining to hold out so few voices now...when I go home, it’ll be worse...

Mewtwo nodded. Which is why we need to train, it took me several weeks to learn to block everything aside from what I wanted to hear.

Diantha’s Gardevoir gave me a temporary metaphor, Vincent said, sharing the image with Mewtwo. I was thinking of using something like it.

Hmmm... Mewtwo considered this for a moment. Set aside a large enough portion of your subconscious and you could reroute them there so you don’t have to focus on blocking them as much.

A room just filled with screens, each one attuned to one voice. And the best part is, Vincent said even as he began to work. Televisions come with remotes. And they typically have a MUTE button.

Indeed they do, Mewtwo nodded, testing the idea in the confines of his own mind. Vincent had already constructed a room with two dozen screens, ready to test it on a larger scale himself.

Alright, same amount of voices as last time, Mewtwo said, releasing the voices once again. Each one occupied a screen, and Vincent constructed a remote and pointed it at the wall in front of him before dramatically pushing the MUTE button.

And instantly, there was silence.

Imagery was a powerful weapon in the realm of the mind.

Mewtwo smiled. Wonderful, now, are you ready for the final test?

I can build on this room with time, Vincent said with a nod. What would you have me do?

Just to be sure, Mewtwo began preparing. When people think about you, they can subconciously push their thoughts at you without even meaning to, I found this out the hard way when I attacked a Team Rocket base... he shook his head. I’m going to project a small crowd of voices at you directly.

Two seconds, Vincent said, before looking at his small wall of screens. Then doubling the amount. And then doing it again. He felt a little strain already, but it wasn’t too bad. He could likely handle making even more before he started noticing. It was more...the preparing, that strained him. Keeping the channels open and empty. Likely every voice would force a screen into existence, like they had out in the city, clamoring for his attention. I think I’m ready.

Mewtwo nodded and projected roughly a hundred voices directly at Vincent. There weren’t enough screens, so more did come into existence, and he heard each one shouting his name for roughly a second. Then the Alakazam conjured up a few more remotes and depressed the Mute button on each one. Most of the screens fell silent. A few voices still trickled through, though, and he took care of them one by one.

Mewtwo smiled again. I think we’re done here.

Vincent sighed, sagging in relief. I suppose I can practice hearing one at a time on my own time, now that I have a metaphor that actually works...and getting used to the amount of power I have is going to be...interesting. I’m going to have to be so very gentle picking things up again, aren’t I?

Mewtwo nodded and pulled a book from his shelf, looking over it for a few seconds, he tossed it in Vincent’s direction. Catch.

The Alakazam reacted on instinct, deflecting the book with his power and sending it flying for a second. Then he reacted to his reaction, and stopped it before it hit the wall. Barely. He looked sheepishly at Mewtwo. Eheh...I just came from a battle, sorry. My reactions are still a little high-strung.

It’s fine, just an empty journal, he explained, floating it back to its place on his shelf. You reacted better than I thought you would, I was expecting it to get crushed or shredded.

I’m still feeling the strain from beating Ignis. I need a good night’s rest. Then maybe you’ll get a shredded book, Vincent teased back.

Mewtwo smirked. Just don’t pick anybody up psychically until you’re sure you’re not gonna crush them.

I can do that, the Alakazam said. ...Though, my kids will wonder for a little bit, I’m sure.

It’ll give you a reason to practice, Mewtwo said, teleporting them back to Canterlot castle and startling the guards who’d just retaken their position. Vincent grimaced a bit at the simply huge amount of screens that had come into existence in his subconscious, already working on tuning them out and muting them.

Mewtwo...thank you. Thank you for teaching me how to deal with my new strength, or at the very least, putting me on the right path.

You’re very welcome Vincent, Mewtwo said with a small smile. It was... nice, to be the one teaching someone something.

And I’m glad we could make up from our last meeting, Vincent said. Now if you’ll pardon me, I have a Luxray to go stop before he tells Lucy something that isn’t quite true anymore.

Mewtwo nodded and teleported back inside the castle. Vincent himself vanished as well, homing in on Seth’s mind and willing himself to appear near the Luxray in question.

He could sense his mind… in Las Pegasus?

He worked fast.

Maybe if he chained several teleports together, and kept them all small and followed the rail line...that sounded like a workable plan. That way, he wouldn’t likely end up inside something else or in the air.

Seth knocked on the apartment door belonging to Vincent and Lucy. Hopefully the Lucario was in an amicable mood. He liked his bones in one piece.

The door opened to reveal a Lucario carrying a Riolu and wearing a curious expression. The Riolu was simply elated to meet a new vic- person.

“Heya Lulu,” Seth nodded and smiled. “Long time no see.”

Before Lucy could speak up, the Riolu babbled something and held his hands out towards the Luxray. “Apparently Richard wants to say hello,” she said. “I wouldn’t-”

“Aw, that’s alright,” Seth smiled as he held out a paw. “Heeey there little guy~”

The Riolu grabbed a hold of Seth’s paw with one of his own...and then the other one came slamming down. Seth yelped as his face met the floor and he just blinked.

“What...just happened?”

“Richard said hello,” Lucy said over the smaller Riolu’s giggles.

“H-Hi?” Seth groaned. “I was expecting you to do that, not your kid.”

“That’s just how he says hello,” Lucy said as she gave him a quick adjustment in her arms. “Those that can withstand it, he likes.”

“Good to know,” Seth said as he picked himself up and rubbed his head. “Quite the punch you got there kiddo.”

Richard just giggled at the silly Pokemon, and Lucy looked at Seth curiously. “So, ah...why are you here? I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’re a good friend and all, but...I can’t help but feel there’s a reason behind your sudden visit.”

“There is,” Seth nodded. “Ah, mind if I come in? Unless it’s a bad time…”

“It’s fine,” Lucy said as she stood to one side, to allow the Luxray access. Once inside, he took a spot on the rug and sighed. He’d been on his feet all day, this was the first time he’d gotten to relax in a while.

“So… I should start from the beginning,” the Luxray said. “Were you aware that Ignis and Vincent had a battle today?”

“Vincent did say he wanted to give your Charizard a battle,” Lucy said. “If only so he could see where he stood. He didn’t expect to win, but he did promise me he’d do his best to come back soon. That was a few days ago.”

“Well, suffice to say, Ignis was defeated,” Seth said. “Narrowly, but he conceded to your husband.”

That was about when Seth gained a passenger. A little Abra on his back.

“Ah, your other son?” Seth asked as he glanced back. “Don’t tell me this one’s going to punch me as well.”

The Abra giggled before the image of the Luxray wearing a clown’s nose came into Seth’s head.

“Ah… someone’s learning from their Dad huh?” Seth shook his head and chuckled. “Let’s hope they never meet their Aunt Rika.”

“Loki can teleport and talks in images, while Richard likes punching people to determine if they’re worth his time,” Lucy said. “So, if Vincent won the fight, then where is he?”

Loki echoed the sentiment with the image of a Kadabra in Seth’s head.

“Well, about that,” Seth coughed. “The little one just showed me a Kadabra… let’s just say that’s not entirely accurate anymore…”

“He evolved?” Lucy questioned softly. The feeling of confusion came from Seth’s passenger.

“Right after the battle, he was too exhausted to fight against it apparently,” Seth shifted a little and sighed. “His seal was utterly destroyed, so he’s receiving training from Mewtwo to get his new powers under wraps. He said… he said that he won’t be back until he knows he won’t accidently hurt you or the kids.”

Lucy took a few calming breaths, as Loki just sent the same picture of the Kadabra over and over. He clearly wanted to know where his dad was.

“Daddy will be back real soon, I promise,” Seth said, taking the Abra and rubbing his head. The Abra was not buying it though, and crossed his arms and pouted up at the Luxray.

“Aw come on kid, I’m not lying,” Seth said. “Cross my heart, hope to fly.” He made the motions and wiggled his nose. Loki giggled a little at the wiggling nose bit and beeped it with one of his hands.

“Your optimism is refreshing, but we are talking about a human-turned-mon here, Seth,” Lucy pointed out. “It might take him far longer to get his power under control, as he wasn’t exactly born with it.”

“True, but I have faith in him,” Seth said with a wink. “Trust me, he’ll be back before you know it.”

Just then, a familiar Scizor walked into the room. “I am beat,” he proclaimed. “We had way too many ponies and ‘mon today.” Sam collapsed on the couch before raising a claw in greeting to the Luxray in the room. “‘Sup Seth.”

“Hey Sam,” Seth said. “Rough day huh? I know that feel.” He leaned down and touched noses with Loki, a little static spark jumping between them.

“Everybody wanted a pizza, it seemed like,” the Scizor said as he just relaxed into the couch. “And carrying those all day can get heavy.”

Loki giggled and gave Seth a hug, now finally believing that this Luxray meant well. Sam, on the other hand…

“So what’s the occasion? Normally we only see you around for some sorta reason.”

“Why is everyone under that assumption? Can’t a friend just visit?” Seth sighed dramatically. “But yeah, you’re right. Vincent beat Ignis, evolved and is having power issues. So he’ll be out for a little bit is all. So he doesn't hurt anyone accidentally.”

“Huh. Little bro’s all grown up?” Sam said. “Awesome.”

“Can’t you take this seriously?” Lucy said with a sigh.

“I am,” Sam replied. “This is Vincent. I know he’ll pull through.”

Seth suddenly found his arms empty, as Loki teleported over to his Uncle Sam and was sitting on the Scizor’s head.

“Yeah, he’ll be fine,” Seth nodded, placing his paws back on the floor. “So uh... yeah.”

That was about when Richard made it known he wanted to be put down, and Lucy obliged him. The little Riolu walked slowly over to Seth and stared at him for a moment. The Luxray braced himself in case the Riolu decided to sock him one again.

Then the Fighting-type did something he normally didn’t do to anybody that wasn’t his family.

He hugged Seth.

“Uh...okay?” Seth returned the hug as he looked at Lulu. “Friendly tyke isn’t he?”

“He normally doesn’t hug others all that much,” Lucy said. “He must really like you.” The Riolu confirmed this with a nod.

“S’at so?” Seth chuckled. “Heh, you’re still not as bad as Keira, I think this is the longest I’ve gone without her clinging to me.”

Richard just tightened his hug for a moment before backing up and nodding at the Luxray. And with that, he was off to see about playing with his brother. Uncle Sam was a fun playground.

“So, life with kids is interesting huh?” Seth said. “And I still got two more on the way.”

“Yeah, the tykes love playing on me,” Sam said as he just laid there and took it. “Mostly because I can’t really feel it.” Richard climbed up into Sam’s lap and began looking for a way up to Loki. The Abra giggled at his brother’s antics.

“Keira likes sleeping in my fur. Fluffy Dad is fluffy apparently,” Seth chuckled and yawned. “Ah, ‘scuse me. Been working two days straight now without sleep.”

“I gotcha,” Sam said before taking firm hold of Richard and getting up off the couch, ambling over to a nearby armchair and sitting down there. “Couch’s free if you wanna nap, kittycat.”

“Naah, I should be getting home soon… soon as I figure out how…” He smirked and looked at the Scizor. “Besides, Christine is somewhere in this building. If I fall asleep here, she’ll prank me somehow.”

Lucy walked over to the Luxray and gave him just a little shove, to demonstrate how weary lack of sleep had made him. The Luxray stumbled and teetered over.

“Yeah, okay, point made,” he said as he climbed onto the couch. “Tell Chrissie if she pranks me, I’ll eat her.”

“I think you’ll be fine,” the Lucario said with a smile. Still, she was concerned about her husband…

A short while later, Seth awoke and noticed that his fur was unshaven and he seemed to be lacking any other evidence of a Christine prank.

He yawned loudly as a crackle of electricity raced across his body to jolt him awake. “Urrghh, cooffeeeeee…”

Sad to say we don’t have any right now, but give me a minute and I can make some, a familiar voice said in his head.

“Heeeey, Vince,” Seth said sleepily. “Wait… where are you?”

Kitchen, the psychic replied. Making you some coffee as I speak.

Seth grunted as he lowered his front half, stretching and extending his large claws. His back gave a satisfying crack and he shook himself before walking into the kitchen.

“Wasn’t expecting you back so soon… unless, how long have I been asleep?”

A few hours, the Alakazam said. At least. My training in how to shut out the voices with Mewtwo didn’t take so long. Getting back on my own did. I am going to need to rest something fierce after chaining so many Teleports together just to get back.

“You were training with Mewtwo yeah?” Seth asked as he waited for his coffee.

We came up with a suitable metaphor and way for me to shut out all the voices in my head. It didn’t take long, my powers do it subconsciously. The effort I need to extend to stop hearing them is minimal. But yes, that is what I did. Why?

“Well, Gardevoir was able to teleport me here. Why didn’t you just ask her or Mewtwo to send you here?”

The Alakazam paused for a moment before performing a facepalm. Because that would have made sense, he muttered.

“All grown up and you still haven’t changed,” Seth chuckled. “IQ of 5000 my fluffy butt.”

That’s probably something I have to grow into, Vincent replied. Though on the other hand, I probably qualify for a degree in medicine, specifically in genetic manipulation. Because I can tell you right now, that perfect recall thing...it works.

“Well, then I shall endeavour to never do anything foolish around you, Seth chuckled.

Well then, permit me to tell you I already remember quite a few foolish things you did...and I thank you for them, Vincent said with a smile as the coffee maker finally stopped sputtering. I believe your coffee is done now. A glow of psychic manipulation saw it poured into a cup and placed before the Luxray.

“Ahh!” Seth moaned as he sipped at the bitter drink and hummed appreciatively. “Thaaaaat’s better~” He finished half the cup before he spoke again. “I met your little tykes. Friendly kids.”

Loki already has some of his father’s tricks, and Richard has his mother’s strength, Vincent sighed. And were it not for you and your team getting us together back in Canterlot, they likely wouldn’t exist. So really, getting that greeting at the door was entirely your fault.

“Meh, I think I’m used to causing relationships blossom since coming here. Actually, that didn’t seem to happen until after I met you and got you and Lucy together. So I guess you're to blame here.”

We could just keep blaming each other forever, Vincent chuckled. Ah well. It’s the mark of a good friendship when we do that and remain friends nonetheless. Like, I could blame you for how you raised Ignis, which resulted in the battle that lead to my evolution. Or you could blame me for being stupid enough to accept it.

“I’m still impressed you actually beat him,” Seth said as he drained his coffee. “I’ll need to re-train him now. I think he’s been getting lazy lately.”

You and me both, I expected to come out of that battle with a burn at least. The worst thing that happened was he trimmed my mustache a little. Indeed, one end looked...uneven.

“Huh? You’d have thought evolution would have fixed that,” Seth mused. “Ah well, guess it’ll grow back in eventually.”

I can only hope so, Vincent agreed with a nod. So...yes. I’m just a bit better than I was before. I’ll have to train all over again, so I know what the lightest touch will do, and maybe one day I can learn some of the neater tricks a high-level Psychic can do...but thank you for all you’ve done for me, Seth. And tell Ignis I said hello again when you see him next?

“Sure,” Seth nodded. “I wonder how I’m going to get-” with a blue light, Seth vanished into thin air, Vincent could read Gardevoir’s psychic signature.

I’m going to have to learn that one day, the Alakazam wistfully mused. It would make getting around Equestria to see my friends so much easier.

“I’ll teach you sometime,” Gardevoirs voice resonated in his mind.