[attr="class","danny"]while he would normally prefers fighting from distance, grimmsnarl's moveset is...limiting, to say the least. they'd need to get up close and personal, and when the FLATTER takes effects, it provides them the perfect opportunity.

"go, go, go! one-two combo!"

it's clear danny's been training with this one a little bit longer than with the exeggutor. grimmsnarl nods, then picks up into a run as it approaches the somewhat levitating steelix.

it throws a POWER-UP PUNCH, then bends down low to swing its HAMMER ARM into steelix's large body.

[attr="class","noodles"]Greyson Connors

DANNY HALL

the confusion doesn't last long, however. the massive steel serpent shakes her head free of the conflicting thoughts and narrows massive eyes onto her opponent.

he was to blame.

her large form and low-speed made her the perfect target for physical attacks. she knew that better than anyone. she also knew that, without a doubt, one of these attacks were going to land. it was just a matter of deciding which.

pushing her chest out, she catches the POWER-UP PUNCH, feeling the vibration course through her; her fortified form taking the attack better than it would've moments ago.

chlo pushes down the painful grunt that threatens to leak out.

when the HAMMER ARM comes crashing down next, she contorts her body to DODGE, at the same time, her tail lashes out in a DOUBLE-EDGE strong enough that could crumple a small car, aimed directly at the grimmsnarl's side.

[attr="class","danny"]the DOUBLE-EDGE comes crashing, though it doesn't crumple the grimmsnarl. it cries out in pain but brings both arms to wrap around steelix's tail, making sure not to get sent flying.

"again!"

they use their close proximity to their advantage. grimmsnarl keeps one arm tight then brings the other for a POWER-UP PUNCH.

and then another.

"hell yeah!"

[attr="class","noodles"]Greyson Connors

DANNY HALL

"that's a good catch!"

greyson yells out, complimenting danny and his pokemon. not many could say they've held onto the tail of a massive steel snake feared by many inhabitants of arid landscapes.

but the grimmsnarl could. even if it's just for a few seconds.

"but maybe a bit too forward thinking."

the first POWER-UP PUNCH makes contact with the hardened steel of her tail, and she feels it dent beneath the force. despite being made of a material harder than most cars, buildings, or even planes, the pain of the attack still vibrates up her spine to the sound of windchimes. with it, came a boiling rage. but it was directed at more than just the pain.

it was the grimmsnarl's audacity.

to think it could hold onto her and pummel away without thought or care. it was a strong pokemon, without a doubt; built like an isekai raid boss. but like those creatures in thevmanwhas— it would be felled today.

weighing nearly nine time as much as the goblin pokemon, chlo puts all her strength into lifting it upwards into the air, even at the risk of taking the second attack. once that was done, she brings her tail downwards at gut-wrenching speeds, SLAMING both it and her opponent into the dirt.

for good measure?

she drops another SLAM right on top of it, should it have worked.

[attr="class","danny"]grimmsnarl's expression quickly contorts as it's lifted into the air. it doesn't take a genius to see the SLAM coming, but for whatever reason, it holds on, soon finding itself being slammed into the ground.

and then again.

"alright that ain't great, but we still got this!"

words of encouragement seem to do enough for grimmsnarl to get off the ground. it stands, flexes, then closes the distance to swing both HAMMER ARMS towards steelix.

[attr="class","noodles"]Greyson Connors

DANNY HALL

the grimmsnarl's determination is rewarded as his HAMMER ARMS come down on the steelix. using her tail as a bulwark, chlo absorbs the blow, hissing out air in pain as the steel crumples inwards by the impact.

"retaliate!"

the steelix does her best to repair the damage, a CURSE hardening the damaged area further. it was a band-aid on a bullet wound — but it would have to be enough.

deciding it best to protect her center, she whips her already vulnerable tail outwards in a DOUBLE-EDGE. it would hurt like hell, but with luck, it would damage him more.

[attr="class","danny"]hoping the confusion from earlier would be enough of a hindrance, grimmsnarl continues the assault, staying close to meet the DOUBLE-EDGE with a well-timed HAMMER ARM.

the impact causes dust and debris to scatter, forming a cloud that soon surrounds them.

"grimster!"

[attr="class","noodles"]Greyson Connors

DANNY HALL

the smoke clears around steelix first, revealing her heavily damaged form along with slow, deep breaths. she was on her last legs, but for now, she was standing.

only thing left was to determine the fate of the grimmsnarl.

[attr="class","danny"]eventually, the smoke clears around grimmsnarl, revealing it curled up on the ground like a baby, clearly unconscious.

"damn...that was a close one."

tching, danny approaches it, then bends down to a knee to recall it back into its pokeball.

"you did good, buddy."

[attr="class","noodles"]Greyson Connors

DANNY HALL

greyson returns the steelix, it's bruised, and dented form disappearing beneath scarlet light.

"that was a good battle."

his lips turns upwards into a friendly, but competitive smirk.

"but, you're gonna have to try a bit harder to take me down, danny."

[attr="class","danny"]standing back up, danny turns to his bestfriend with a bright smile. despite losing, he's still happy, because how long has it been since they were last out here?

"don't you worry, grey boy, i'll be sure to work on it."

it'll be too long until the next time.

"next time won't be as easy."

[attr="class","noodles"]Greyson Connors

DANNY HALL

eyes narrow, though not in suspicion, but of challenge.

"make sure it isn't. or else you'll never catch up. come on, lets get something to eat."

their last meal, for a very long time.