When he woke the next morning, Taren and Mara were outside the house, watching the sun rise together. Hunter, dressed, came out onto the porch. He looked at Taren. "I'm going into town for a while. Don't leave the house unless it's an emergency."
Taren nodded. I understand, Master.
Hunter knelt down and rubbed Buizel's head. "Keep an eye on them, buddy."
He walked down the hill and then started running.
When he came to the Veilstone city limits, he slowed to a walk and went to the gym. As he arrived, he met Maylene and her Lucario, who were walking out. He smiled as he walked up to them. "Mind if I join you?"
Maylene smiled. "Of course not."
Lucario grinned and gave an affirmative grunt.
In the area in the back of the gym, Hunter watched Maylene and Lucario training with one another.
Maylene turned during a break to look at him. "So, how's Taren doing?"
"He's fine. He met another Lucario yesterday. She used to be owned, but we don't know who she used to belong to. She says her old trainer used to call her Mara."
Maylene toweled her face dry and her Lucario looked at Hunter and grunted. Hunter cocked his head and grinned. "You wanna take me on? Okay, but don't get mad if you lose."
Lucario rose from where it was sitting, then growled.
Standing across from it, Hunter nodded.
Lucario conjured a Bone Rush, then charged at Hunter.
Conjuring his own weapon from Aura, Hunter counter-charged, colliding explosively with Maylene's Lucario. Twirling away, both circled each other, watching warily. Lucario finally dissipated its staff and used Metal Claw, charging at Hunter once again. Hunter blocked the attack with his weapon; tackling Lucario and making them both fall to the ground. Lucario struggled to get up, but couldn't.
It looked up at Hunter, its face set. Hunter smiled. "Sorry."
Getting up and helping Lucario, he looked at Maylene. "So, expecting any challengers today?"
Maylene shook her head. "Nope. What are you suggesting?"
"You two could come back to my place. I'm sure the gym will be fine."
Maylene looked at Lucario. "Are you okay with that?"
Lucario smiled and nodded.
Hunter looked towards the fence, then ran at it and hopped over. Maylene and Lucario soon followed.
They returned to Hunter's house, Hunter closing his eyes as they walked up the driveway. That house had better be standing when I get at the top of the hill, Taren.
It is, Master. Don't worry.
And, indeed, the house was standing. Hunter knocked on the door, which Taren promptly answered. He stopped and looked at Maylene and her Lucario. Who is this, Master?
Oh, come on. You remember Maylene. Remember? Day after you hatched? I took you to the Pokémon Center to get checked up on, then we talked for a bit? Or were you too busy playing with Buizel?
Ooooh. Taren said. That girl.
He stood aside and extended an arm inside. Please, come in.
As Hunter walked in, he patted Taren on the shoulder. That's my boy.
Maylene and Lucario walked in, both looking around. Hunter headed for the kitchen, talking as he went. "So, can I get you anything? Drink, snack?"
Maylene waved a hand. "We're fine."
Hunter immediately turned and stopped. Maylene's Lucario was staring at Taren, its eyes suspicious.
Walking over to it, Hunter looked it in the eye. "There's nothing wrong with him."
Maylene's Lucario shrugged then joined its owner.
They all watched TV together for a time.
As the sun was going down, Maylene got up and her Lucario followed suit. "Well, we'd better get going."
"Stop by anytime," Hunter replied.
They shook hands and Maylene left.
Please don't complain this was a weak chapter. I know it is. I was just stuck and I needed something to fill in the time. And to those of you who are already thinking of pairings for a pair of characters, you might take this as a thing to broaden that. R and R anyway! Please!