Epilogue, Part 3: Courtship Duel

-Hogan's POV-

I was going in for some training at Marowak Dojo when somebody called out to me, "Hey, Hogan!"

I turned around and saw Cathy running towards me. Moving one of my upper arms to be ready to block my face, I asked her what she wanted.

"I just wanted to recommend a training spot for you. It's a great place for practicing new moves, since there are rocks and dead trees everywhere." I raised an eyebrow, "Really? Where?"

"It's just north of Mystifying Forest."

I nodded, "All right! Thanks!" Leaving for the crossroads, I started making my way to this training spot. It'll be perfect for practicing my improvised combinations. And I won't have to hold back like I do with the maze Pokémon.

As I passed Mystifying Forest and continued north, I started hearing noises. Was somebody already training here?

"Hyaah!" Another loud crashing noise, along with a tremor, came from up ahead, and I paused. Is that them hitting one of the objects around here?!

Deciding to wait and see behind one of the rocks, I climbed up one of the taller ones to peek over the top. I looked around and saw some cracked and split rocks and one of the dead trees had some dents in it, like it had taken some punishment over a long time.

Why didn't Cathy tell me that somebody already trained here? I can't just barge in, I ought to lea-

My thoughts stopped short as I saw Rose teleport into the center of the area, panting slightly. I nearly lost my grip and fell over, but I caught myself further down and then climbed back up. She was the one I heard earlier?! I mean, I know that she said she trained her ability, but I never thought she got this far! Judging from the damages, I'd say she's as good as any Fighting-type!

I heard Rose speak, "One more try. I felt it give a little…"

She took a deep breath and leaned forward looking ready to run. I was curious to see how she trained, so I stayed quiet and watched.

Rose's eyes glowed blue, and she dashed forward in a white and green blur. I blinked in surprise, and by the time my eyes were open again, there was another huge crashing sound followed by a tremor. I looked and saw that Rose had kicked the center of the tree with both feet, putting a new dent in it. Soon, there was a massive cracking sound, and Rose jumped off the dead tree as it split, leaving a jagged stump as the top half fell to the ground.

My jaw dropped, and this time I really did lose my grip and fell off the rock, grunting as I hit the ground with a thud.

Next thing I knew, I heard, "Who's there?!" and Rose teleported next to me with a hand held out, probably for a psychic attack, but she stopped when she saw it was me.

"Hogan? What are you doing here? How did you find this place?"

I let out a nervous laugh, "Uh, hehe, I was told that this was a great spot to practice new moves."

She raised an eyebrow, "By whom?"

"Cathy."

Rolling her eyes, Rose said, "Figures. She must have followed me once."

So Cathy knew that Rose trained here? I bet she's having a laugh right now. But that's not important right now!

I said, "By the way, I saw that last move you used. It was awesome! I couldn't even see you move, and you took down that tree!"

Rose blushed and said, "It took me several tries. You or Rio could probably smash it to pieces with one hit."

I stood up and said, "Don't downplay your skills; you've gotten really strong! You've come a long way with your ability, and trying to deny that is just insulting yourself and the work you put into it."

Blinking in surprise, Rose smiled and said, "Thank you Hogan."

I smiled back and then said, "Well, I'll leave you to your training. I guess I'll head back to Marowak Dojo."

Rose held up her hand, "You don't have to go; we can train together. You said you had some new moves to practice? I don't mind sharing the space with you."

"Okay, thanks." I had another thought and said, "Hey, maybe we can have a sparring match?"

Rose seemed nervous, "Um, Hogan, no offense, but… you'd be at a bit of a disadvantage…"

I waved my hand, "I live for a good challenge! Besides, I know we'll both be fine; it's just sparring. Plus, I have a little something to counter psychic attacks. I never used it before because I didn't have to. With Levi, Vlad, Savage and Damus on the team, and Meowth's moves, I was never pitted against a Psychic-type."

She tilted her head in curiosity, "What is it?"

I crossed both sets of my arms and raised an eyebrow, "Why would I tell you what trick I had before the fight?"

She clasped her hands and her eyes seemed to sparkle as she said, "Pleeeeease tell me?"

I found myself blushing at the sight. Now she's using Captivate?! She's been spending too much time with Cathy!

I quickly walked over to one of the undamaged boulders, trying to get away from that gaze, "No time to talk! It's time to warm-up!"

-Rio's POV-

I was on my way back from my mission. Today, a Charmeleon had sent us a challenge letter and all but demanded that one of Team Righteous' leaders fight him. Meowth was busy leading a mission to retrieve the Grass Cornet from Mystery Jungle with Siltram and Levi, so I decided to take on the challenge.

To be honest, I could tell right away from the Charmeleon's stance that he had never been in a serious fight in his entire life. I knew it wasn't going to be much of a fight, but I decided to humor him anyway. As I predicted, my new Bone Rush attack took him out in short order.

With that thought, I took a good look at my evolved form. The first few weeks, I had problems adjusting to the new level that my senses reached. If I concentrated, I could see the auras of the plants and Pokémon. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but I learned to use it to my benefit after I learned to focus solely on other Pokémon.

With this new ability, I can fight at my full capacity, even with my eyes closed. I can also tell what someone is thinking just by reading their aura, but I try to keep that to a minimum, for privacy's sake. Coupled with my ability to sense malevolent intent from quite a distance away, it would be extremely difficult for anybody to catch me by surp-

My thoughts were cut off as I sensed someone coming right for me from above and to the left. I jumped to the right and fired an Aura Sphere where they were going to land. I heard my would-be assailant cry out as they landed right on top of my Aura Sphere. Idly, I noted that it was quite a feminine cry. Regardless, I kept my guard up and had my senses alert.

The voice spoke, "Owowowow… Hehe… You've gotten even better than when I last saw you. And evolved too? A lot can change in a short time."

I raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me? I'm afraid I didn't have a chance to take a good look at you while you attacked me out of the blue. Have we met?"

The dust started clearing and a figure was walking out. It was a Medicham. She said she knew me? But the only Medicham that I met was…

I smiled, "Medicham! I haven't seen you since that celebration at Spinda Café a year ago! How've things been going with Team Char-"

Medicham cut me off as she ran towards me and had her hand out for a Force Palm. Quick as a thought, I used Detect (I learned that too with the evolution) and sidestepped the attack, and then used Extreme Speed to put about twenty yards of distance between us.

Calling out, I said, "What are you doing? We're friends here, aren't we?"

Her fists lit on fire as she charged forward. Fire Punch?! Uh-oh, Meowth said that I'm weak to Fire-type moves now! And, unlike the Charmeleon, these will hurt if they connect!

Thinking fast, I conjured up a bone staff and used it to guard against the assault. Strange thing was that Medicham actually seemed happy that I was blocking her attacks, even though I could tell she wasn't pulling any punches.

She jumped as I tried to sweep her feet, and I followed up by hitting her in the gut with the end of the staff to knock her away and, hopefully, give me some time to try reasoning with her while she gets her breath back.

Medicham held her stomach as she caught her breath, and I said, "What is this about?! Did I do something to offend you? Can't we talk about this?"

She stood up straight again, "There's nothing to talk about! I have my reasons; now, fight! And stop holding back already; it's annoying!"

As she thrust her hand out, I felt a wave of psychic energy slam into me. It wasn't as effective with my new typing, but it still hurt. I managed to flip and land on my feet. Shaking off the temporary disorientation, I looked back up to see Medicham charging again.

I sighed. Whatever the reason, it seems that I could lose this if I'm not careful. And, weirdly, it seems like she wants me to win, even though she's not holding back…

Standing up, I held out my hand and trapped Medicham in a Rock Tomb. Being as strong as she is, she started breaking it apart in a matter of seconds. But those seconds were all I needed to do a Swords Dance to raise my strength, covering my body in an orange aura before it faded into my body.

As Medicham blasted apart the Rock Tomb with a Force Palm, she said, "That's more like it! But it wasn't all that smart. Psych Up!" Her eyes glinted, and the orange Swords Dance aura covered her body too. (AN: Psych Up copies all stat buffs and debuffs of the opponent.)

I bit back a curse and conjured another bone staff. If she can copy any of the advantages I try to give myself, then I just need to try to overpower her the old-fashioned way. I charged forward, but Medicham just clasped her hands with a smirk. As she glowed multicolored, she yelled, "Power Trick!"

I continued my assault, but she didn't seem the least bit fazed when my blow connected solidly with her shoulder. I tried again and again, but she didn't even flinch while the attacks connected.

Her eyes glinted again, "Psych Up." The orange aura appeared again, and she put her hand on my chest. I used Extreme Speed again to get away right before the energy blasted the spot where I was.

She got into her stance again, "So now you're just going to run away all the time? Pathetic. Take this seriously already!"

I growled in frustration as she charged forward. Fine. I'll fight her like I'd fight any other opponent! Physical attacks won't work very well anymore, so how about this?

I put the spikes on my hands together, and a high-pitched ringing sound shot out in the form of silver sound waves. My Metal Sound should disorient her for a bit, giving me time for this.

While Medicham was still stunned, I held my hands out, "Dark Pulse!" The attack was a direct hit, and sent her reeling. I pressed my advantage and shot an Aura Sphere for good measure. The second attack caused a dust cloud to rise up. Tracking Medicham by her aura, I charged in and used Close Combat. Or rather, I tried to; Medicham's aura started moving around, inexplicably dodging all of the attacks.

When the dust cleared, I was left panting from the exertion, my arms trembling, and a green glow was fading from Medicham's eyes. She had been using Detect to dodge every last one of my attacks.

She smirked, even though she had some nasty bruises from my other two attacks, "Good." Then her body became encased in a golden glow, and a majority of the wounds healed, "But not great." (AN: Recover)

As she moved to attack me, I moved back and set up an Endure. If I can't take her out conventionally, then it's time for my last resort. As Medicham put her hand on my chest, I quickly activated Counter. I felt the impact of the Force Palm and barely held on with the help of Endure, and my Counter aura flared and blasted Medicham back with double the force she just used.

She was sent skidding on the ground, and she sat up, saying "Nice try, but did you think that would be enough?"

I had already put my hands out as she started glowing gold. This is my only chance. That move can't heal all of her injuries. I need to hope that this will be enough, or I'm through.

I fired Reversal while she was still on the ground healing. The beam enveloped her, and blasted the ground that she was sitting on too. I kept it going for as long as I could, but then fell to my knees after I dispelled it.

Looking up, as I caught my breath, I saw Medicham laid flat on the ground, unconscious. I let out a breath of relief. I still don't know what her problem with me was, but I managed to win somehow. Sitting down and crossing my legs, I used Rest to restore my energy.

When I woke up again, I saw that Medicham was conscious again and staring up at the sky. Gingerly walking over, but still keeping my distance, I reached into the Treasure Bag and tossed an Oran Berry at her.

From my position a few yards away, I spoke up and said, "Are you going to tell me why now?" She ate the Oran Berry, and then jumped to her feet. Dusting herself off, she said, "The answer's very simple. I like you."

I raised an eyebrow, "What…? I'm afraid you've lost me…"

She crossed her arms, "Did I stutter? I like you. As in, 'want to get to know you better.'"

Crossing my arms, I said, "And you attacked me, because…?"

She laughed, "It's because I like you that I attacked you. A long time ago, I swore to myself that I would only mate with a Pokémon that was stronger than me. How do you think that's been going?"

I thought back to the arm-wrestling tournament a year ago and mentally conceded that she had a point. And then the full meaning of her statement sunk in, and I took a step back in surprise, "Hold on, what?! Wait, wait, wait, that's why you were attacking me? And you didn't let me have any say in it?"

"I'm giving you a say in it now, aren't I? Besides, you're not the first one I've fought. You're the first one that's passed my test. The ones who fail, I don't even consider. So, what do you say?"

"Um, uh…" How am I supposed to just answer a question like this out of the blue?! Not even two minutes ago, she was trying to crush me, and now she wants me to decide whether I want to be her mate?! "I, uh… I need some time to think about it!"

Medicham raised an eyebrow, and then sighed, "Fine… I guess that it's no small thing I'm asking you about. Meet me back here in three days. Is that enough time?"

I nodded, and then Medicham turned and left. After standing there for a while, I made my own way back to Treasure Town. I made it back at around sunset, and the rest of the team asked where I had been.

"And where'd you get those injuries?" Hogan asked, "Was the Charmeleon actually stronger than he sounded in his letter?"

Still half out of my mind, I answered, "Medicham from Team Charm picked a fight with me right before she asked me to be her mate."

There was complete silence around the table. After I realized what I just let slip, I started blushing.

As the recruits immediately bombarded me with questions, I heard Meowth laughing next to me and saying, "Rio, ya lucky dog! Ha ha ha!"