The next morning, after Hunter had eaten, he walked to the door of the cabin, fully clothed. "I'm leaving. Thank you for having me, Luna."
She smiled. "You're welcome. Feel free to drop by any time."
He nodded back and then walked out the door. Sliding down the slope he jumped over the river then started walking the short distance to the mountain, drinking in the sounds of nature as he walked. He felt the weight of the backpack Luna had put together for him on his back. It was filled with both Pokémon food and human food for when he found Riolu. Finally, he exited the forest to come face to face with a large rock face.
Turning his face skyward, Hunter saw trees poking over the edge hundreds of feet in the air.
Hunter smiled, then, spotting a large rock about ten feet up, jumped.
He landed perfectly on the outcropping, then began jumping, higher and higher as the wind started to blow.
Riolu took shelter in Mewtwo's dwelling as a storm started to rage outside. Mewtwo sat in a chair in front of a large screen, which flicked through several scenes of the valley before focusing on someone climbing the cliff face like a flea.
Riolu walked over to the screen, its face bathed in the soft blue light. The view zoomed in, and as the human turned his face to shield it from the wind, Riolu recognized him.
"Ri!" it shouted, recognizing Hunter.
Mewtwo looked down at it, one eyebrow raised in curiosity. That's your trainer, isn't it?
Riolu nodded, then looked out worriedly at the storm.
On the screen, Hunter cannoned up towards another outcropping twenty feet above the last. As he set down part of the rock face gave way. Mewtwo's eyes widened appreciatively as he front-flipped towards the rock wall. Impressive, he thought to himself.
As a large boulder, loosened by the wind, tumbled down the slope, Hunter saw it, raised a hand, and fired a pulse of Aura.
The hillside in front of him exploded, raining debris and rock shards towards his left and right sides, pushed away by an invisible force.
Most impressive, Mewtwo remarked.
The human jumped again, never pausing unless it was necessary. Finally, he reached the top of the mountain and entered the forest.
Mewtwo switched the screen off and Riolu finally released its held breath. Mewtwo floated past Riolu, then, picking it up with its powers, deposited it on its bed. Try to sleep. I'll go to meet him.
Riolu looked at him worriedly, but pulled the vine blanket over itself. After a time, its breathing became easy.
By the time that time came, Mewtwo had teleported away.
Hunter took shelter from the wind in the forest. The trees swayed around him, blown by the fierce weather. He was staring towards the mountain in the center of the lakebed. Riolu was there. He was sure of it.
He felt an Aura approaching before Mewtwo teleported almost directly in front of him.
To his credit, Hunter showed no surprise. He didn't think surprise either. He raised an eyebrow."What kind of Pokémon are you?" he asked, crossing his arms.
I am Mewtwo. I understand that you lost a Riolu recently?
"What would you know about that?"
Riolu is with me. It is safe, and it's waiting for you.
"Will you take me to it?"
I think it would be best to wait until the morning. Until then, I can give you a place to sleep.
Hunter shrugged. "Fine. But I expect to see Riolu as soon as I wake up."
I will do everything within my power to make sure that becomes a reality. From your Riolu's memories I've gathered that you are very devoted to it.
Hunter gave a little smile and nod. "You got that right."
Mewtwo placed a paw on Hunter's shoulder. There was a flash of light, and they both disappeared.
Yep, he's really close. Really, really, really close. There's going to be a nice reunion in the next chapter, and Mewtwo keeps his promise. R and R, please!