Pokémon: My Name is Lucario

Chapter 21: Foreseeing the Future from the Past

Riding on Lapras's sturdy shell, Riolu and Machoke drifted across Moonlit Lake, where numerous Water-type Pokémon peeked curiously at the two unfamiliar visitors.

Having secured Golduck's promise to help, Machoke visibly relaxed, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

"By the way, Riolu, did you know that this lake is where I first met Squirtle's leader?" Machoke said in a nostalgic tone.

"When I got separated from the Professor in this forest, I searched everywhere for clues. That search eventually led me here to Moonlit Lake, where I ran into Squirtle's leader negotiating with Golduck. I think it had something to do with Poliwags at the time? I don't quite remember. But I do recall one thing—Squirtle and Vileplume are incredibly kind Pokémon. The moment they heard my situation, they agreed to help me look for the Professor."

Machoke sighed. "Unfortunately, even after all this time, I still don't have a single lead…"

Riolu frowned. "Wait… isn't Golduck's Future Sight a prophetic move? Couldn't he use it to find the Professor's whereabouts?"

Before Machoke could answer, Lapras's soothing voice interjected:

"Golduck's Future Sight isn't something that can be used so casually. To foresee the future, there must be two essential elements: 'The Past' and 'The Present'—only then can one glimpse 'The Future.'

'The Past' refers to a memory related to the future you seek.

'The Present' refers to a physical object connected to that future event.

With these two conditions met, the past can be traced, and the present serves as an anchor, allowing one to peer into the future."

Lapras continued, "Additionally, Future Sight cannot look into the past, nor can it foresee a future that is too distant. If there are no immediate clues in the near future, the ability may not provide any useful insight."

Riolu pondered over this. So even a move as powerful as Future Sight has its limitations. If it worked without restrictions, it would be an outright broken ability, capable of altering fate itself.

But now he was curious… Are there other moves in this world that require similar conditions to be activated?

Lost in thought, Riolu remained silent, while Machoke reminisced about his past, and Lapras focused on their smooth journey.

---

As they approached the waterfall…

The mighty cascade of Moonlit Falls came into view—a towering wall of rushing water, crashing down like a silver curtain onto jagged boulders below. Mist swirled in the air, reflecting the moonlight like shimmering diamonds.

But then, something caught Riolu's eye.

A flicker of gold.

A small golden silhouette was struggling against the powerful current of the waterfall, thrashing upstream.

At that moment, a group of Water-type Pokémon swam past Riolu and noticed what he was looking at.

"Pfft, don't mind that one. He's the shame of Moonlit Lake," one of them sneered.

"Yeah, all the other Magikarp evolve into Gyarados, but he just flails around pathetically," another chuckled.

"Look at him, struggling to climb the waterfall. What a joke!"

"Just because he's gold-colored, he thinks he's special."

The golden Magikarp, covered in scrapes and bruises, continued swimming upstream with unwavering determination.

Then, some of the Water-types deliberately disrupted the current, sending rough waves crashing into Magikarp, forcing him to tumble back down into the lake.

Still, Magikarp didn't give up. He readjusted his posture and tried again.

Seeing this, Riolu clenched his fists.

He had spent so much time in Sunrise Valley, where every Pokémon lived harmoniously, regardless of strength. Even the aloof Scyther—who always acted tough—would secretly help weaker Pokémon gather berries.

But now, he was seeing the reality of the Pokémon world.

Not all Pokémon were kind. Prejudice against the weak existed here, just like in the human world.

"…You guys don't do anything about this?" Riolu asked, trying to suppress his frustration.

Lapras responded indifferently, "Weakness is a sin in the natural world. The strong survive, and the weak perish."

"But—"

"It's fine," Machoke interrupted with a glance, signaling Riolu to drop the subject.

Clearly, the peace of Sunrise Valley was an anomaly.

Riolu didn't say anything further. Instead, his mind drifted to Squirtle's leader, who had never evolved despite being at Level 36.

Why?

Lapras, oblivious to their thoughts, continued moving forward.

---

Arriving at Moonlit Falls…

Lapras stopped at the base of the waterfall. Channeling its Water-type energy, the cascading torrent suddenly parted, revealing a hidden cavern behind it.

"We've arrived. This will be your resting place until the leader is ready," Lapras announced.

As Riolu gazed at the mystical waterfall cave, he chuckled.

"Whoa… is this Flower Fruit Mountain's Water Curtain Cave?" he joked.

Machoke blinked. "Water what? Fruit Mountain?"

"…Forget it," Riolu sighed. Obviously, this world wouldn't have stories about Sun Wukong.

Still, he smirked. But if Infernape existed, maybe there really was a "Monkey King" out there somewhere.

Would he need to prepare a Golden Staff for him?

As Riolu snickered at his own thoughts, Machoke gave him a concerned look.

"Hey… you sure you didn't get hit in the head too hard by Gyarados?"

"Nah, just ignore me," Riolu waved it off.

Settling down in the cavern, the two Pokémon took out some berries and ate while waiting for nightfall.

---

Under the moonlight…

The lake shimmered as Lapras ferried Riolu and Machoke back to the central rock, where Golduck awaited.

"Let's begin," Golduck said simply.

As soon as the words left his mouth, the red gem on his forehead ignited, pulsating with radiant psychic energy.

A soft hum resonated in the air as two pink beams shot forth—one connecting to Machoke's mind, the other linking to Snorlax's fur.

Riolu watched, eyes wide. This was his first time witnessing Psychic-type abilities up close.

Unlike the visible, raw power of Fighting- or Fire-type moves, Psychic moves carried an eerie mystique—an unseen force bending reality itself.

Then, the vision appeared.

A hazy mirage materialized above Golduck:

Dark silhouettes filled the sky, their wings beating ominously.

A small, trembling figure lay collapsed in the undergrowth.

And then… a massive, monstrous shadow emerged from the darkness.

Snap!

Suddenly, the entire vision shattered, the pink beams vanishing instantly.

"Hmm?" Riolu frowned.

Did I just see… something strange?

For the briefest moment, just as the vision collapsed, a faint blue aura flickered around Golduck's body.

But it was so fast—was it just his imagination?

Golduck slowly opened his eyes.

"The answers lie in the future you must investigate," he declared. "Go, and continue your search."

Machoke quickly bowed. "Thank you for your assistance, leader."

Grabbing their things, he gestured for Riolu to follow.

As Riolu turned to leave, Golduck's eyes glowed slightly.

A small, pink energy pulse shot toward Riolu—but the moment it touched him, it dissipated into nothingness.

"…What?" Riolu shivered slightly, feeling a strange itch on his back.

Golduck narrowed his eyes.

"I cannot foresee his past or future?"

For the first time, Golduck felt an undeniable sense of mystery surrounding Riolu—

An unknown existence full of limitless possibilities.