"Tank it, then use Payback."
"Quaa!"
As Grey's words fell, Farfetch'd clenched the leek in both wings; the leek's green leaves burst with a brown, fighting-type spiral.
Croconaw, wrapped in a waterfall surge, slammed in—
the "ordinary" leek bowed into an arc under the pressure!
Clang!
A ringing twang filled the arena.
Just as the stalk was about to jab its belly, Farfetch'd's eyes flashed.
Fighting energy spiraled down the shaft; the bent leek snapped perfectly straight!
Boom!
A visible shockwave detonated at the point of contact.
Croconaw's snarl froze—the quake from the leek blasted it off its feet!
Its bulk tumbled midair several times before crashing to the floor!
"I know you wanted to use Aqua Jet to get in close—but there's one mistake."
Grey watched Croconaw pick itself up and dust off, then offered Silver a note:
"When you're up against most Fighting-types, avoid head-on collisions. Croconaw's close power is good, but it's still a bit short against Farfetch'd."
"Cro!" (Don't talk nonsense—my strength is number one! No one can beat me up close! That was… that was just a fluke!)
Before Silver could answer, Croconaw sprang up, jabbing a claw at Farfetch'd in protest.
Using a weapon in a fight? What kind of brave warrior is that?
If you've got guts—drop the leek!
"…"
Understanding Croconaw's grumbling, Grey fell silent.
So that's why they insisted on ramming straight in…
Because the Pokémon wanted to.
Still, Grey held his ground.
Knowing you're outgunned up close and doing it anyway— that's overestimating yourself.
"Got it. Thanks for the tip, Leader Grey."
Silver took the advice, adjusting immediately.
What Croconaw thought… was another matter.
"Croconaw, use Water Gun!"
If brawling won't work, pester from range.
Even a close-combat specialist like Farfetch'd can be forced to adjust.
"Let's go!"
Croconaw's round belly heaved; its cheeks ballooned.
A razor jet knifed from its sawtoothed jaws; the blue stream plowed shallow grooves across the floor.
"Close in while evading."
"Quaa."
At Grey's order, Farfetch'd flipped the leek across its shoulder, webbed feet pattering through the wet floor.
It lowered its center, each step threading the gaps between the jets; the leek leaves hissed in the wind as it tried to cleave the side-streaming spray in two!
Swish!
Where the duck's blur passed, severed droplets still refracted a tiny rainbow in midair.
Farfetch'd pressed in, its grip tightening on the leek, its footfalls growing heavier.
Catching a timing window, Silver called: "Watch that leek—Ice Punch, in a string!"
"Let's go!"
Croconaw dug in; frost crackled between its toes.
Knotted muscles swelled along both arms; visible white chill climbed its forearms, gathering a rime-blast at each fist.
The temperature plunged; even its breath froze into glittering dust that drifted down.
Ice Punch!
Silver's Croconaw didn't lean on its famous jaws—its real edge was those hands.
Cold washed over Grey's face as the punch came in; he snapped an order: "Fury Cutter!"
"Quaa!"
Emerald light flowed along the leek; the whole stalk became a gleaming blade.
Farfetch'd vaulted, twin wings on the hilt; the leek-blade keened as it split the air and crashed down toward Croconaw!
KRAK!
Ice shards and green light burst midair.
At the instant Croconaw's frigid fist met the leek-blade, frost and leaf-sparks flew.
Where the energies met, a ring-shock rolled out, the puddles on the floor hammered into drifting ice-mist!
"Heh…"
Seeing them dead even, Silver's eyes brightened; a small arc tugged his lips.
"Now! Use Thief!"
"Let's go!"
Croconaw's right claw was already primed; black Dark-type energy coiled around its talons.
On command, it shot a hand out and hooked the bright green leek right out of Farfetch'd's grip!
"Quaa?!" (What—?!)
A chill ran up the stalk; Farfetch'd's wing-grip went numb like it'd touched a live wire.
Before it could react, the weapon that had stayed by its side was gone!
Croconaw swung its prize with relish. Bug-type traces lingering on the leaves crackled against the claw's black aura, spitting sparks.
With Farfetch'd disarmed, Silver's smile spread.
Without its weapon—how would it stand up to Croconaw?
[Whoa, that Croconaw's shady! Looks solid but uses dirty tricks!]
[What're you on about? That's Pokémon battling. Farfetch'd failed to secure its weapon first—how is that "shady"?]
[True. Wonder what Grey's counter is. Farfetch'd's whole kit revolves around that leek.]
[Now that Croconaw's got it, a counterattack's gonna be tough.]
[Agreed.]
"Croconaw, throw the leek far and keep the Ice Punch pressure!"
With the steal done, Silver cut loose.
"Let's go!"
Croconaw whipped its thick right arm; the stolen leek traced a high arc and sailed toward the edge of the field.
Then the loaded Ice Punch came screaming in!
Thud!
A heavy thump echoed.
Weaponless, Farfetch'd crossed both wings to guard—but still got driven back step after step by the crashing fist.
Each retreating footfall dented the floor.
Leftover spray beaded its legs; frost crawled up from Farfetch'd's webbed feet.
Whoosh—
Wind from the punches lifted Silver's bangs, exposing the sharp eyes beneath.
In his mind, the scales had tipped—now.
"Again—Ice Punch!"
The move was getting addictive. Judging Farfetch'd nonthreatening, Silver had Croconaw press in.
"Good idea. But who told you a leekless Farfetch'd has no power?"
Grey lifted his eyes and tapped the air. "Rock Smash!"
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