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Deciding he needed to do more to get his mind off of things the Dark One decided to fire up the Super Training Room and get some training in with one of his recent staple Pokemon, Hemlock. He has had the little Weed Pokemon for some time now and grown attached to the critter in spite of it lacking his favorite typing but he had to admit the Pokemon didn't see as much field action as he would like, thus it was lacking the needed experience to evolve. Figuring it should be close by now Sub decided it was the prime candidate to get some training in.

"Okay, Hemlock, you ready? As soon as the targets appear use Razor Leaf to destroy them, but only one leaf per target. If you miss that's it. We need to push ourselves some times." He explained to the Oddish. With a nod the Grass Pokemon would begin to focus straight ahead of its self.

Without warning a target would materialize out of thin air, floating several yards in front of them in the form of a circular disc with a bull-eye's pattern on it. Immediately Hemlock flicked a Razor Leaf at it, destroying it, the pieces of the target disappearing into thin air. The Pokemon smirked, thinking how easy that was, that was until another quickly appeared, Hemlock quick to fling another leaf at it and destroy it. But it wasn't soon after that a third was conjured.

Almost missing the third Hemlock found its passing and hit the fourth and fifth, but it was when the targets started moving that things got harder. The Oddish would hit two more squarely before just clipping the eighth and completely missing the ninth. "Eight, not too bad." Sub said as he stopped the targets from appearing. Hemlock didn't seem content with that score. "Let's try something else."

[Evo Points: 21.3 + 1]

For their next session Sub figured they would work on teaching Hemlock Dazzling Gleam again. He had tried to teach the Pokemon it before, though with minor success. For this round he had the room conjure up an Ampharos dummy with very specific requirements which he had to explain to GRAY to get. The dummy was unique in that it would detect the levels of light Hemlock was putting out and would reflect those levels in the markings of its body glowing progressively until it reaches its tail gem and if that lit up then Hemlock succeeded.

"So, you got it?" He asked his Pokemon after explaining to the Oddish how this would work. With a nod Hemlock took its place and prepared its self. "Alright, start off small and slowly try to turn the brightness up. And remember, it's a Fairy move so it runs off your emotions. I'm told the easiest ones to focus on are happy thoughts so thing bright and cheerful things." He instructed his Pokemon.

With that said Hemlock began to use Dazzling Gleam, starting off with just a faint glimmer in its leaves, the Ampharos responding with just the line on the tip of its ears glowing. Next Hemlock would put a little more strength into it and increase the brightness, both lines on the ears of the dummy and the first ring from the top now glowing. With a huff and baring down Hemlock gave it even more juice and now every line on its neck was glowing. However this is where Hemlock noticed a problem, Sub as well. Its Dazzling Gleam was not all that bright yet, certainly not blinding, and t couldn't find anymore energy to put until it. Disappointed Hemlock was ready to give up but that was when it looked at its trainer and remembered.

That weird boy found it in the woods, the one that said he was Sub's cousin. Hemlock was very young then, hatched not even a month ago, and scared. The wild was rough for its species, it wasn't unusual for Oddish to not survive the first month, but he did, somehow. When Hemlock crossed paths with that guy, Toren, he thought for sure his luck had ran out when he faced his Foretress. One minute he was fighting for survival the next he was in a Pokeball all alone. But then, the next time he saw light, he met his trainer, Sub. It was him that taught him he didn't have to be afraid anymore, not of Pidgeotto or anyone else. At first Hemlock hid behind the Black Glasses he gave him, afraid of the world. But now he wore them as a mark of strength. Strength...that was it!

Taking out his Black Glasses from his leaves and putting them on Hemlock thought of Sub and all the good times they had together. With a shout Hemlock would allow these memories to empower its move and with a bright flash of pink light it pulled off a true Dazzling Gleam. Recoiling from the bright flash Sub rubbed his eyes and when his vision returned he noticed the dummy Ampharos's tail gem was glowing bright red.

"You did, Hemlock!" Sub cheered for his Pokemon, kneeling down to give the Oddish a high five...er, leaf. It didn't matter though, Hemlock was thrilled to celebrate with his trainer.

[Evo Points: 23.3 + 1]

The next day Sub was once again in the training room, electing to get another one of his much used but not exactly there Pokemon up to the point of leveling. Today's Pokemon of choice was none other than Bohdan the Koffing. The gas bag had been a very clingy Pokemon since the day he caught him in that Safari Contest, sometimes much to his chagrin what with how noxious the loving creature's smell was. But it was one of those things you just had to overlook for the sake of his friend.

"You ready for this, Bohdan? It's going to be pretty simple. As a target appears hit it with Sludge. With each one try to put a little more force and goop behind your attack. Eventually we'll see if you can't make it into a true Sludge Bomb." He explained to the Pokemon. Bohdan could use Sludge Bomb but not very well, often times too weak to be a proper one so he figured a good place to start training is to master the move.

Deciding to finally stop orbiting his trainer, like usual, and focus at the mater at hand the Koffing now floated in front of Sub and stared straight ahead as he awaited his first target. He wouldn't have to wait long as the first one materialized and without having to be told Bohdan launched a glob of liquid sludge at the target, the goop splashing against the hologram and 'dissolved' it. Seconds later another appeared just to the right in front of Bohdan and promptly he spat another Sludge at it, dissolving it.

Seeing this was too easy Sub decided to have one appear to the side of Bohdan, out of his range of site, however Bohdan was more clever than he figured. The Koffing let out a 'koff', as if scoffing, and launched a Sludge from one of its 'pores', hitting the target to his side with ease. Sub grinned, pleased with his Pokemon. "Okay, you think you're good, huh? Let's try this." Sub said, four targets appearing and bobbing up and down in front of Bohdan.

The Pokemon fired off a Sludge at one, hitting it as it moved down, and then went to hit another but noticed it was moving faster than before and missed. He then tried to hit the next one over but that one he missed worse than the last as they moved even quicker. Frustrated he kept firing off Sludge after Sludge but they all missed. Noticing that Bohdan had stop trying to make his Sludge attacks stronger, and making a Sludge Bomb all together, Sub stopped the session for a moment and called out to his Pokemon.

"Bohdan! You're stressing yourself out. Come over here." He called out to the creature.

[Bohdan Evo Points: 24/25]

With Hemlock and Bohdan now evolved the Snagem leader turned his attention to a third Pokemon long overdo for evolution, Hans the Eevee. Hans was a curious situation though, he tried to evolve back during the World Champion Cup and just...stopped. Sub didn't even plead for the Pokemon to cease its evolution, which trainers do at times and Pokemon are capable of ending it prematurely, some call it 'holding down B', whatever that means. However even Hans himself was confused as to why his evolution was cut short. It came at a time when Sub was very unsure of himself and his place in everything so perhaps Hans was feeding off his emotions and somehow that affected the evolution, an evolution that is admittedly fueled by emotions, happiness towards the trainer, in the first place.

Looking down at Hans, the Eevee wagging his tail, Sub was still leery about this. He can't say he had gotten over his rut just yet, still feeling mixed emotions of his place in life, however he wanted nothing more than to help Hans achieve evolution, something he knows the Eevee so desperately wants. So for Hans he would try his best to put his own inner conflicts aside. "You ready boy?" Sub smiled at the Eevee who responded with a bark and a wag of its tail.

"Good, in that case let there be...uh...darkness?" Sub chuckled as he tapped on the screen which controlled the room, their surroundings instantly changing into a grassy field shrouded in darkness, their only source of light being the artificial crescent moon and stars hanging above. He had a talk with Hans about this before, explained and showed the Eevee all his possible evolutions, and as far as Sub could tell the Pokemon settled on Umbreon. Wasn't too surprising though, Pokemon often take after their trainers the more time they spend with them so what better Eevee evolution than Umbreon for the Dark One?

"You're going to be facing some Dark type Pokemon, Hans. The symbolic goal here is to prove your rightful place as a fellow Dark type. The actual goal is to just knock them out, heh. Ready?" He asked the Pokemon who gave him a confirming nod. With that Sub manipulated the room once more to conjure up a Poochyena, standing on all fours with its hair standing up in the grass in front of them, growling at Hans. He figured they would start out small.

"Hans! Use Quick Attack!" Sub commanded. With a bark Hans began to run towards the Poochyena, picking up speed as he did, quickly closing the gap between them. Once he was in range the little Eevee would kick off the ground and go for a flying tackle, ramming into the virtual Poochyena, sending them both tumbling onto the ground, however Hans was prepared for this and was quick to bounce off the ground and right its self as he landed on his feet. "Vee!" He barked at the downed Poochyena.

The fake Poochyena would roll over and onto its own feet and begin to retaliate as it ran at Hans, the Eevee trying to run out of the way only for the pup to Bite down on its tail and snatch him back, releasing his tail once Hans rolled over onto his back, the Poochyena preparing another Bite upon the defenseless Eevee.

"Hans! Fake Tears!" Sub called out to his Pokemon. In response to the command Hans' eyes would well up with tears and then he would begin to wail, tears running down his face. This would catch the Poochyena off guard as it stopped its Bite short and just cocked its head to the side in confusion.

"Now, use Swift!" His trainer ordered. With a devious grin Hans would kick the Poochyena off it with its back legs and roll onto his own feet, then releasing from his neck turf a barrage of stars made of energy, the star shaped disc assaulting the Poochyena. Thanks to the Fake Tears it took a considerable amount of damage and promptly fainted.

"That's how you do it!" Sub cheered for his Pokemon.

The moon was now waxing, close to a full moon, a symbolic indication that Hans was ever closer to evolution. Tapping away at the screen he prepared a third foe, having healed Hans up before this one, figuring he would need the strength for a tougher enemy. Soon his new sparring partner would be revealed in the form of a Galarian Linoone, the weasel sticking its tongue out at Hans mockingly. Hans growled in return.

"Don't worry, you'll get your revenge." Sub assured his Pokemon. "Let's get right to it. Hans, use Swift!" Deciding to keep some distance this time Hans would unleash a flurry of discs of energy in the shape of stars, the Swift constructs flying through the air straight for Linoone. To their surprise however the Linoone made a move already. Rushing towards Hans in a straight line, faster than the Swift stars. Before anyone knew it the Linoone rammed into Hans head first, delivering a Headbutt and knocking the Eevee off his feet. As Hans tumbled backwards the target seeking stars finally made impact and slammed into the Linoone and while it hissed pained it didn't seem too bothered.

"Faster than it looks." Sub commented as his Pokemon got back on his feet. "New plan, Hans. Use Focus Energy." The trainer ordered. Now back on his feet Hans would brace himself against the ground and begin to charge up energy in his body, focusing his strength as he prepared to make future attacks hurt more, hopefully.

The Linoone wouldn't wait though and prepared another attack, Rushing towards Hans the Linoone would jump the Eevee and begin racking away at it with its sharp claws, executing a fierce Fury Swipes. The swipes just kept coming one after another, Hans letting out pained cries as the Linoone relentless scratched away at it.

"Hang in there, Hans! Focus everything you got and get that thing off with a Double Kick!" Sub called out to his Pokemon.

With eyes closed Hans began to focus inward, on the energy he had built up and stored earlier. Finding the strength within him Hans would open his eyes and let out a defiant back before kicking the Linoone with both of its hind legs, empowered with Fighting energy, and sent the Linoone flying across the field. Both the Linoone and Sub had a look of shock on their faces by the strength behind that attack but only one of them would get to see Hans' victory as the Linoone fainted upon hitting the ground. Hans landed a Critical Hit!

"That's my boy!" Sub celebrated.

"You can do this Hans! I'm with you! We'll win together!" Sub shouted as his Pokemon. Upon hearing those words Hans thought back to their time together. The nights they snuggle up, the battles they partook in the tournament, the disappointment they both felt when he failed to evolve. He wanted to spend much more time with Sub but hated to disappoint him, never wanted to again, not after that day. With a pained groaned Hans got back up and stood at attention, staring down the Umbreon again with his clones. He was not going to give up, his trainer wasn't and neither would he.

"Go Hans, give it your all! Quick Attack!" Sub ordered.

With a fierce bark all five Hans began to rush towards Umbreon, all of them coming at it from different angles. The Umbreon might have thought to use Swift again but they were just too fast and it couldn't use Quick Attack its self considering it had no idea which one would be the real. Before it could deduce a strategy all five Hans 'connected' at the same time, knocking the Umbreon off its feet and sending it rolling back.

"Now Iron Tail!" Sub ordered.

With a shout all five Hans would rush and leap up into the air, preparing to flip over and bring their Iron Tails down at the Umbreon. The Umbreon however would retaliate by unleashing a Dark Pulse which spread outward from its body. The pulse would hit each of them, dispelling the clones and hitting Hans, however the Eevee did not stop, it fought through the pain and brought its Iron Tail down upon the Umbreon as it laid on its back, hitting it in the stomach. The Umbreon would let out a pained shout before kicking the Eevee off of it.

"Don't let up! Bite down on its tail and hold on!" Sub ordered.

Doing just that Hans would clamp down on the tail of the Umbreon and bear down as hard as it could. While the Bite its self didn't hurt too much the Umbreon now had an Eevee stuck to it. Getting back onto its feet the Umbreon would begin to flick its tail around, trying to get it off. When that didn't succeed the Umbreon's tail began to glow as it prepared an Iron Tail, flipping around and slamming its tail, and Hans, into the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Now unable to see them both Sub could only look on and wonder what happened. He thought the worse did however that notion was quickly gone as the dust settled and saw Hans latched onto the face of the Umbreon and repeatedly kicking it in the neck with Double Kick. The Umbreon was shouting in pain as it tried to buck around and get it off but Hans did not let up. With one final kick with everything it had Hans would let go and bounce off the Umbreon, or rather lost its grip. Sent flying Hans would hit the ground tumbling but land on its feet, panting and exhausted but still hanging in there.

Both of them now staring down the swaying Umbreon they waited to see what it would do as it took two steps towards them and then...fainted. Neither one of them could believe it, Hans took it down. Looking at each other in disbelief a grin would slowly appear on their face. The two would move to embrace each other but not before the moon gave off a bright glow and Hans responded in kind. Hans was evolving!

Grace didn't listen. Instead, she increased the energy she was putting off and rushed at Brian with a Shadow Rush, but he sidestepped, only barely missing the attack. He frowned again; that was a little faster than the first time they'd met, when she'd used Shadow Rush on him back in Mauville. As her first attack missed, Grace stumbled to a halt and turned, glaring at this person who dared to dodge her attack. Brian could almost see the rage coming off the Ralts, and that worried him. Normally, Ralts were quite shy, or at least the ones he'd met were. This one, though, being affected by the Shadow Virus as she was, was far more aggressive than any of her species he'd ever seen.

"Come on, is that the best ye can do?" he said, going for a different approach. If just telling her different attacks wasn't going to work, then perhaps taunting her would. "Even the weakest Pidgey can land an attack on someone that can't fight back!" he said. "Show me what ye can do. Hit me with yer best shot!" Grace gave a growl of annoyance and made to use Shadow Rush again, but one of the balloons shot a ball at her right at that moment, interrupting her concentration and stopping the attack. "Nice try, but that won't work a second time," he told her. "Try something else."

Letting out a scream of anger, Grace sank into the ground. Surprised by this, Brian had no idea what was going to happen. He'd never seen a Ralts that was able to do that, and as far as he knew, only Ghost-types could do that, and that was when using... Shadow Sneak, he thought, realizing that Grace must have a Ghost-type parent. It was rare for a Ralts to have Shadow Sneak as an egg move, but apparently, Grace had it, and had just utilized it. He had no way of knowing where she would pop up, so he stayed where he was, waiting to see what she was going to do. It took a few moments, but she appeared suddenly, popping out of the ground to attack his legs. He gave a slight grunt as she made contact; it hurt slightly, though nowhere near what her first Shadow Rush had.

"Better, but still not good enough!" he said, right as another ball struck her in the back. "Don't just attack, Grace; ye need to dodge the balls, as well." Grace ignored him, trying to fix him in place with a move he'd only ever seen Ghastly and Misdreavus use: Mean Look. "That won't work on me, Grace," he said. "I'm not a Pokemon like ye are; ye can't pin me in place with that." Grace definitely had a Ghost-type parent if she had two egg moves that were commonly used by Ghost-types. Seeing that this move failed, Grace instead switched to letting out a loud cry. Brian covered his ears at the volume of the move. It wasn't Disarming Voice, and Ralts couldn't learn Echoed Voice, so Hyper Voice was the only other move it could be.

"Gah, that's loud!" he said, uncovering his ears when the noise stopped. By the time he looked up again, Grace had vanished, and before he could move, she struck him in the legs again, though from the back this time, causing his knees to buckle a bit. He stumbled from the hit, then turned to face her, a slight grin on his face. He could see her panting a bit, and he knew that using so many attacks back-to-back like she had been was starting to wear her out. "Is that all ye've got?" he asked again. "Come on, Grace, ye can do better than that. Don't tire yerself out too quickly."

Again, the shiny Shadow Ralts ignored him, and before he could stop her, she used Shadow Rush again, this time landing the hit before he could dodge. He let out a grunt of pain; that had hurt worse than the first time. Seeing Grace breathing heavily now, he took out her Pokeball and returned her. The Ralts was too tired to try and dodge the beam, and Brian sighed in frustration. He couldn't risk her entering Hyper Mode, because when that happened, he wouldn't be able to stop her from trying to destroy everything around her. Better to end it now than let it get out of hand.

[Grace Purification Points: 6 (1+2 Excite Scent) Hyper Mode: 6/10]

Monique then decided to take another tack, one she hoped would toughen up the Pokémon.

"Rain Dance!"

The harsh sunlight faded as a mist cascaded from the roof, despite the dryness of the air.

"Reduce height targets," Monique instructed GRAY. The clouds came down to half their preceding height at two, three, and four meters. Lua Pele looked frustrated. That rain really had to sting for a Fire/Ground type that had a quadruple weakness to Water.

"Come on, now!" Lua Pele moved toward each target. The bursts of lava were shorter, cut in half, but the Pokémon was struggling. It was angry and snorting occasional fire.

Suddenly, she felt like she couldn't move. What was this feeling?

Camerupt. Shadow Meter. 10. The SNAG started beeping. Hyper Mode. Hyper Mode. Hyper Mode.

A pit formed in her stomach from the Shadow Pit that had just taken place.

Purification Points: 15 → 16 of 30