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Fenelle and Mo- Grimmsnarl have made quite some progress with battling, even if the commanding devices leave much to be desired still. However, that confidence is slightly shaken as dee recognises der battle partner for today instantly.

Minib---- Underboss Beckett-

Dee freezes up for a moment, before relaxing, and realising- oh uh. Fumbling for a screen that is already resting in der hand, dee hastily types into the Rocket TTS app: "Sorry, I'm deaf, could you please repeat that again? I'm Mille, Underboss Beckett," dee lets that synthetic voice introduce demself, and points at Grimmsnarl. "This is Grimmsnarl, name pending. He will mostly act independently."

At least Grimmsnarl, not understanding the situation, makes a good impression with a calculating look, appearing calm and ready to battle.

THEO BECKETT

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Fenelle belatedly realises that dee forgot to hand Theo a screen to type with (whenever dee enters HQ, the number of der technological gadgets multiplies mysteriously), but ... huh! The surprise only lasts for a moment on der face, as dee already moves to respond, the signs coming in fast before dee remembers to slow down.

We have trained a lot, but not much outside of these halls, dee signs. Grimmsnarl catches their conversation now, and snarls, his hair flexing. Grimmsnarl disagrees.

THEO BECKETT

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The pressure's on, and quite literally. There's some signs Grimmsnarl would recognise immediately. Normally, Fenelle would let him act on his own, but there's something unexpected. Dee claps once loudly, getting Grimmsnarl's attention before he can lunge forward. No Fake Out.

It might give the Dusknoir an opening, as Grimmsnarl needs to adapt from his usual routine. Bite, dee signs quickly, giving him the first step to move on from there.

THEO BECKETT

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Grimmsnarl notices something amiss, but still goes in for the attack fully - and almost is the one that flinches away, seeing that the Dusknoir is entirely unfazed. He keeps his composure, however, until the Fire Punch hits. The air fills with the smell of burning hair as Grimmsnarl retreats with a hiss. He does Stomping Tantrum immediately, his irritation made tangible.

Fenelle's pausing in observing Grimmsnarl for a moment, then does a big wave movement. Did you give a non-verbal command? How? dee signs, curious to see someone else working with non-verbal attacks. It does appear to be sound-based, as dee would've picked up on anything visual, but dee couldn't figure out what Theo's just done with his mouth.

THEO BECKETT

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Grimmsnarl's Stomping Tantrum proves more effective, and he's seeking to reverse now - while he's been pulled in before for a trick, he doesn't back away, being hit square in the hair by Brick Break, wincing as he feels some strands cut loose. But as quickly as he can, he replaces those strands manifold, wrapping his opponent's arms in hair tightly to Leech Life off him. He snarls, grits teeth - maybe he'd need to break, or he feels like he'd suffocate with this pressure.

Fenelle's attention is split between the battle and Theo's signs, but dee manages to catch both - and focus on Theo as he signs a reply. Slow, and very appreciated. Ohhhh, I understand. That's really impressive, they must be very precise, dee signs back with a nodding head and a comprehending expression, before being motionless for a moment. Eventually, dee signs back.

I mostly ... don't, I prefer if he acts independently, and instruct on general pathways before and after. But I can't calculate for all, so I'm working on a light-based system ... since signs don't work in the usual setting, unless I have mirrors set up which is inconvenient. I'm also thinking about maybe using Psychic capabilities of some pokémon, as Mr Amor Rose suggested to me.

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Fenelle looks confused for a moment, not following the thought pattern - but dee signs back, I'm a cracker, and stochastician occasionally. Is this what Theo's been asking? Since they've talked about strategies before. There's also the other approach that comes to mind now, making dem frown slightly. Did he ask for a reason-reason?

As Leech Life takes effect, it seems like more hair's growing. Grimmsnarl hisses as he recovers- only to be dragged to the ground by the Gravity shifting, promptly followed by a Fire Punch that lifts him into the air. Again, the stench of burning hair seems to be everywhere as he's sent flying, crashing on the floor.

For a moment, he meets Fenelle's gaze, who blinks.

He winces, stands up. He forces his head high, he raises his fists again. Flicking strands of hair, curled into burned ends. Then he drops onto his knees.

THEO BECKETT ooc. setup for False Surrender!

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Fenelle only hesitates for a moment before signing none of the given options - Family. Both in reference of der (adoptive) parents, but even moreso now with Sailor de Laurierwylle 's genuine belief that dee has come to share, even a little bit. And it's not like dee could've passed the recruitment just by being a nepo baby either. And I wanna see what comes out the other side. When Rocket's successful - beyond the war, maybe like Kanto? Or maybe entirely different, as the Hoennian stage is more complicated indeed ...

Grimmsnarl has fully fallen, his demeanour utterly pitiful and broken. Waiting for the last, final hit to end it properly ... Fenelle regards der pokémon, joining in his acting as dee huffs, and turns away in disappointment.

(Dee still glances - waiting for the Dusknoir to either catch onto them or approach, closer, closer ... if he'd come close enough, dee'd clap again for Grimmsnarl to finish his False Surrender - his hair suddenly emerging into spikes, piercing his opponent.)

THEO BECKETT