Ashley stood at the edge of the Fuchsia City Gym's training grounds, the cool morning air tingling against her skin as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the treetops. She shifted on her feet, the faint rustle of fabric catching her attention. She still couldn't get over how awesome the ninja outfit felt—sleek, flexible, and surprisingly comfortable. The deep purple fabric clung snugly without restricting her movements, and the dark sash tied at her waist made her feel like she belonged in one of those old martial arts movies.

She tugged at the fingerless gloves Koga had handed her earlier, flexing her fingers to test the grip. Not bad. The soft fabric moved with her, perfect for scaling walls or—hopefully not—throwing kunai. She grinned at the thought.

Proserpina stood beside her, swaying slightly as if mirroring the motion of the grass around her. The Gloom tilted her head up at Ashley, despite her usual droopy appearance, Proserpina looked alert, her petals twitching as she caught faint scents carried by the breeze.

"Look at you," Ashley teased, crouching down to give Proserpina a light pat on the head. "Already getting into the ninja mindset. You're gonna rock this."

Koga's voice cut through the morning calm, sharp but calm. "Compliments won't get her far. Training will."

Ashley flinched and shot upright, turning to see Koga approaching with his arms folded behind his back. He was already dressed in full ninja garb—his outfit blending perfectly with the shadows cast by the Gym's high walls and surrounding trees. His movements were nearly soundless, and Ashley briefly wondered if he'd just materialized out of nowhere.

"Right," she said, straightening her back and giving a mock salute. "Ready when you are, sensei."

Koga arched an eyebrow but smirked faintly. "We'll see how ready you are soon enough." He stepped closer, inspecting Proserpina with a critical eye before gesturing for Ashley to follow him toward the center of the training ground.

Ashley exchanged a quick glance with Proserpina and followed her steps quietly against the packed dirt. She couldn't help but notice how the training area had transformed since yesterday. Bamboo poles lined one side, a rope net hung from another, and several large logs sat stacked in a corner. On the far end, a shallow pit filled with sand and stones suggested some kind of agility course—or a very unpleasant obstacle course.

"So," Ashley said, looking around. "We're... not just focusing on Pokémon moves?"

Koga turned slightly, his sharp eyes glinting in the morning light. "Training a Poison-type Pokémon requires more than brute strength. You need precision. Control. Adaptability." He stopped in front of the rope net and tapped the edge with his foot. "This training will sharpen both your mind and your body. Proserpina must learn to harness the subtlety of toxins, and you must learn to think like a Poison-type trainer—patient, calculating, and resourceful."

Ashley nodded, her grin widening despite the weight of his words. "Got it. Stealth, strategy, and poison. Like a ninja."

Koga's smirk returned. "Exactly." He motioned toward a small rack of weighted training kunai. "You'll also need to understand timing. We'll start there."

Ashley's eyes lit up, but Proserpina let out a low hum, clearly less thrilled by the idea of weapon practice. Ashley knelt down and scratched behind Proserpina's leaves.

"Don't worry," she whispered. "You're the star here. I'm just your backup."

The Gloom let out a soft chirp, her petals puffing slightly as she straightened.

Koga observed the interaction but said nothing. Instead, he held out a kunai to Ashley, his expression sharp. "Catch."

Ashley's hand shot out instinctively, and she snatched the kunai by the handle before blinking at it in surprise. "Oh. Hey, not bad."

"Not bad," Koga echoed, though his tone carried a hint of amusement. "But not good enough, either."

Ashley rolled her eyes but smiled, feeling the weight of the kunai in her hand. It wasn't just about looking cool; she could already tell balance and precision were going to be key. She turned it over, her fingers tracing the smooth edge before glancing up at Koga.

"So... what about Proserpina?"

Koga crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Proserpina will learn to control her toxins—to use them as weapons without wasting energy. She'll train in accuracy and timing, just like you. But for now, we'll start with the basics—understanding how to control her powders and status moves."

Ashley gave Proserpina a thumbs-up. "You hear that? You're getting ninja training, too."

Proserpina swayed her leaves confidently, though Ashley could've sworn the Gloom looked just a little smug.

"First," Koga said, stepping toward the sand pit, "we'll test her ability to spread her spores efficiently. The wind, terrain, and distance will all play a role." He gestured toward a row of target dummies lined up on the opposite end of the pit. "The goal is precision. She'll need to hit only the targets I specify, and nothing else."

Ashley blinked, her excitement building. "Alright, Proserpina. Looks like we're kicking this off ninja-style." She pointed toward the targets, her voice steady. "Let's make them regret ever underestimating a Gloom."

Koga's faint smirk returned as he folded his arms, watching them closely. "We'll see."

Ashley turned back toward Proserpina and grinned. "Ready?"

Proserpina chirped, her petals trembling slightly as the sunlight glinted off them.

Ashley crouched beside Proserpina, her fingers brushing the Gloom's petals as if to ground them both before the training officially began. "Alright, girl. You heard him—precision is the name of the game." She pointed toward the first target dummy, a faded wooden figure wrapped in straw and patched-up cloth. "Let's start with Stun Spore. Just the left one. We need pinpoint accuracy."

Proserpina hummed softly, swaying her leaves as if rolling her shoulders before a battle. She planted her stubby feet into the sand and closed her eyes, focusing. Ashley felt her own breath hitch as golden spores began to shimmer from Proserpina's petals.

"Easy," Ashley said softly, her voice low but steady. "Aim... now!"

Proserpina whipped her head to the left, releasing a concentrated puff of golden mist. The spores floated lazily at first, then swirled in the breeze, homing in on the target. For a split second, Ashley thought they'd missed—until the spores clung to the dummy's straw arms, coating them in a glittering haze.

"Yes!" Ashley pumped her fist, but Koga's voice cut through her excitement.

"Don't celebrate yet." He stepped closer, his eyes sharp as he examined the target. "Effective, but notice the spread." He gestured toward the faint trail of spores that had drifted off to the right, catching the edge of another dummy. "Sloppy. You wasted energy and risked catching unintended targets."

Ashley frowned, rubbing the back of her neck. "Alright, alright. We'll tighten it up." She knelt beside Proserpina, lowering her voice. "Okay, girl, let's try again, but this time, control the release. No cloud bursts—short, quick sprays."

Proserpina nodded—well, swayed—and turned back to the targets. This time, her petals quivered for just a second before releasing a short, focused puff of golden spores that hit the center dummy dead-on, leaving the others untouched.

"Better," Koga said, his tone neutral, but Ashley caught the slight lift of his brow. She knew that was ninja-speak for impressed.

They ran the drill several more times, switching between Sleep Powder and Poison Powder. The Sleep Powder created a soft, shimmering mist that settled gently like snowfall, while the Poison Powder hit the targets in sharp bursts, the purple haze swirling aggressively before clinging to the dummies like smoke.

By the time Koga raised his hand to call a halt, Proserpina was panting softly, her petals drooping slightly, but Ashley could see the improvement. Her attacks were tighter, faster, and more precise.

Ashley crouched down, giving Proserpina a gentle pat. "You crushed it, Prose. Take five." She pulled out a bottle of water, misting the Gloom lightly before offering her a sip. Proserpina leaned into the water bottle gratefully, letting out a happy chirp.

Koga cleared his throat, drawing Ashley's attention. "You're adapting quickly," he said, his gaze fixed on Proserpina. "But precision is only part of the skill set. Control also means knowing when not to attack."

Ashley tilted her head. "Meaning…?"

Without answering, Koga tossed something small and dark into the air. Before Ashley could react, it exploded in a puff of smoke, obscuring their view of the targets completely.

Ashley coughed, waving her hand in front of her face. "Okay, what was that for?!"

Koga's voice came calmly through the haze. "Battlefields aren't perfect. Smoke, wind, distractions—everything works against you. Proserpina needs to be able to release spores in unpredictable conditions and hit targets she can't always see."

Ashley bit her lip, glancing at Proserpina, who was shifting nervously. "You hear that? Looks like we're leveling up already."

Proserpina puffed out her chest—or the leafy equivalent of a chest—and chirped determinedly.

"Good," Koga said, stepping back into view as the smoke cleared. "We'll focus on blind targeting next. Proserpina's instincts will sharpen the more you push her."

Ashley grinned, rising to her feet as she tossed the kunai Koga had given her earlier, flipping it in her hand before pointing it toward the targets. "Alright, Prose—ready to train like a real ninja?"

Proserpina let out a sharp cry, her petals flaring as if ready for battle.

Koga smirked. "Let's see what you've got."

The drills that followed were tougher. Koga introduced moving targets, forcing Proserpina to adjust her timing as dummies swung unpredictably. He added obstacles—ropes, wooden beams, and hanging cloths that disrupted visibility—and even had Ashley toss smoke bombs into the mix, creating clouds Proserpina had to work around.

Each drill left Proserpina stronger and sharper. By the end of the day she was exhausted, but she could pinpoint targets through the smoke with near-perfect accuracy, adjusting her aim even as the air shifted.

Ashley wiped her brow, crouching beside her exhausted but triumphant partner. "You're unstoppable," she whispered, brushing Proserpina's petals with pride.

Koga stepped forward again, his gaze sharp but approving. "You've proven yourself—and so has she. Keep pushing her limits. With enough discipline, Proserpina will be worthy of her evolution."

Ashley smiled, her fingers brushing the Leaf Stone tucked in her pouch. "Soon," she promised softly, looking down at Proserpina, who swayed contentedly beside her. "But not yet."

Koga gave a nod and turned, his robes swirling as he walked toward the exit. "Rest up. Tomorrow, we'll move into advanced tactics."

Ashley groaned but smiled as she stood, rolling her shoulders. "Guess we're not done yet, huh?"

Ashley left the gym that evening with sore muscles and a head full of strategies, but her steps were light as she made her way toward the Pokémon Center. The cool evening air was a welcome relief after the heat of training, and Proserpina waddled beside her, swaying slightly but humming contentedly despite her exhaustion.

"You were amazing today," Ashley said, crouching down to rub Proserpina's petals. "Seriously, all that precision work? You're going to make Koga eat his words when you evolve."

Proserpina chirped and leaned into her trainer's touch, her leaves rustling softly.

Ashley straightened up and pushed open the doors to the Pokémon Center, the familiar jingle welcoming her as she stepped inside. Nurse Joy glanced up from the counter and smiled warmly.

"Rough training session?" she asked, eyeing Ashley's slightly disheveled hair and the bits of dirt clinging to her ninja outfit.

"You could say that." Ashley gave a sheepish laugh and unclipped Proserpina's Poké Ball, handing it over. "Proserpina really pushed herself today. Can you make sure she's ready for round two tomorrow?"

Nurse Joy nodded, already calling out Chansey to assist as she placed Proserpina's ball on the healing machine. "Of course. She'll be good as new by morning. And you should get some rest too—you look like you need it."

Ashley smiled. "Believe me, I plan to."

After thanking Nurse Joy, she headed to her room upstairs, tossing her ninja gear onto a chair before collapsing onto the bed with a groan. Vulcan, who had been resting in his Poké Ball all day, immediately popped out and jumped up next to her, letting out a low bark as he curled up against her side.

"Yeah, yeah, I missed you too," Ashley murmured, burying her fingers in his thick fur. Within minutes, she was out cold, the day's training finally catching up to her.

Ashley woke up before her alarm, the first rays of sunrise streaming through the window. She stretched, wincing slightly at the soreness still clinging to her muscles, but the excitement buzzing in her chest drowned out any thoughts of hitting snooze.

"Alright," she said, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Day two. Let's do this."

After a quick shower and a rushed breakfast, Ashley collected her Pokémon from Nurse Joy, who assured her that everyone was in top condition. Proserpina's Poké Ball was still warm from the machine, and Ashley grinned as she clipped it back onto her belt.

But today, she wasn't coming alone.

Ashley stepped outside and released her entire team—Mars the Charmeleon, Vulcan the Growlithe, Neptune the Lapras, Apollo the Dratini, Venus the Eevee, and, of course, Proserpina. They stretched and yawned, still waking up, but their eyes brightened as they saw the determination in Ashley's stance.

"Alright, everyone. Today's going to be tough, but we're here to learn and get stronger—together." She crouched down, meeting their eyes one by one. "We're not just a team anymore. We're a unit. And we're going to train like one."

Mars let out a low growl, his tail flame flaring higher in anticipation. Vulcan barked, his tail wagging furiously. Venus bounced on her paws, her ears twitching, while Neptune gave a calm trill that sent ripples through the puddle left behind by his earlier hydration. Proserpina swayed proudly, and Apollo curled around Ashley's arm, looking ready for anything.

"Good," Ashley said, grinning. "Let's move out."

By the time she reached the gym, the morning sun was high enough to warm the dirt underfoot. Koga was already waiting in the training yard, his arms crossed as he observed their arrival.

"You're late," he said, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward in what might have been approval.

Ashley bit back a retort, straightening up and meeting his eyes. "Or maybe we're just dramatically on time."

Koga gave her a dry look but gestured for her team to spread out. "Let's see if yesterday's lessons stuck."

Ashley stood tall, her Pokémon quickly pairing up as Koga barked out instructions.

"Listen up!" Koga's sharp voice cut through the air, snapping everyone's attention toward him. Even Vulcan, who had been sniffing at the edges of the sandpit, sat straight with his ears perked. Koga's gaze swept over the group, lingering on each Pokémon before he turned back to Ashley.

"The move Toxic isn't just an attack. It's a weapon. A technique. A promise." He extended his arm dramatically, the sleeve of his ninja garb fluttering slightly. "When you use it, you're telling your opponent they're on borrowed time."

Ashley smirked. "No pressure, right?"

Koga's lips twitched, but he kept going. "Toxic is about control, patience, and precision. It's not flashy, but it's devastating. If your Pokémon use it correctly, they can wear down even the strongest opponent. But—" He raised a finger, his sharp eyes locking on Ashley. "It's only as effective as the user's ability to read the battlefield. Poor timing? Missed opportunity? Then you've wasted a move and given your opponent an opening. And we don't do openings."

Ashley nodded, feeling a familiar spark of determination light up inside her. She glanced at her team—her Pantheon—who were all watching her intently. Mars stood with his claws flexing, his tail flame burning brightly. Vulcan sat beside him, tail wagging slowly but focused, while Proserpina swayed slightly as though already absorbing every word. Apollo coiled lightly on the ground, his scales catching the light, and Neptune rested calmly nearby, exuding quiet confidence. Venus sat prettily by Ashley's feet, her large brown eyes glinting with curiosity.

"Alright, team," Ashley said, clapping her hands. "Let's do this. Toxic training starts now."

She turned to Koga, who nodded and gestured to the field, where wooden dummies shaped like different Pokémon were set up at various distances. Some were close enough to touch, others far enough to test range and accuracy.

"Proserpina goes first," Koga instructed. "Let her set the standard."

Ashley crouched beside her Gloom, resting a reassuring hand on her leaves. "You ready for this, Proserpina? You're leading the charge."

Proserpina hummed softly before stepping forward, her petals trembling with energy.

Koga's voice cut through the moment. "Focus her energy. Toxic isn't just an attack—it's venom concentrated into its deadliest form. She needs to visualize it, pull the toxins from within, and deliver them in a way that's deliberate. No scattering, no guesswork."

Ashley nodded, then looked at Proserpina. "You hear that? Picture it like a poison arrow—sharp, fast, and straight to the point. You got this."

Proserpina's eyes narrowed as she inhaled deeply. Her petals glistened faintly as a sickly purple glow began to radiate from her leaves. Ashley held her breath as the energy built, swirling until Proserpina suddenly flung her head forward. A concentrated glob of purple liquid shot out, hitting the dummy dead center.

"Yes!" Ashley pumped her fist, but Koga immediately cut in.

Koga's sharp tone sliced through Ashley's celebration like a kunai through paper. "No. Not yet." He stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Proserpina as the Gloom wobbled slightly, her petals still faintly glowing from the attack.

Ashley blinked, lowering her fist. "What? That was a direct hit!"

Koga shook his head. "It was a hit, but Toxic isn't about accuracy—it's about intent." He crouched down, his voice quieter now but no less intense. "Toxic is a move that gets under your opponent's skin—literally. It builds, layer by layer, becoming more dangerous the longer it lingers. That wasn't venom—it was spit."

Proserpina let out a small hum of protest, her leaves drooping slightly, but Ashley immediately knelt beside her. "Hey, don't listen to him—well, actually, do listen to him, but don't take it personally." She gave her partner's petals a quick, reassuring rub before turning back to Koga. "Okay, sensei, how do we fix it?"

Koga gave a slight nod of approval at her attitude before standing and gesturing to the training dummy again. "She needs to focus. Poison-type moves are about more than physical effort—they require control. Proserpina must direct her toxins, not release them blindly." He glanced down at the Gloom. "Picture it pooling—like venom collecting in fangs—until it's ready to strike."

Ashley mirrored Koga's stance, kneeling again and placing her hand gently on Proserpina's petals. "You hear that? Focus it—like it's bubbling under the surface, waiting to burst out. But not yet. Not until you're ready."

Proserpina's leaves twitched as if understanding. She closed her eyes, swaying lightly as her body seemed to gather itself. A faint, purple mist began to rise around her, swirling at her feet. Ashley's pulse quickened.

"That's it," Koga said quietly. "Now channel it."

Proserpina opened her eyes, sharp and determined this time. She inhaled deeply, her petals trembling as the mist thickened, becoming denser and darker. Ashley could feel the change in the air—heavier, more charged.

"Now!"

Proserpina snapped forward, unleashing a concentrated burst of venom that cut through the air like an arrow. The glob of poison struck the target with a sharp hiss, and this time, instead of dripping harmlessly, the liquid spread outward, sizzling as it sank into the dummy's surface and left a faint, corrosive mark.

Ashley's eyes went wide. "That was—whoa. That was awesome!"

Proserpina wobbled slightly but straightened up, her petals still glowing faintly as if proud of herself.

Koga nodded, but his expression remained serious. "Better. But not perfect. Toxic isn't just about raw strength—it's about lingering effects. The venom needs to stay, infect, and worsen with every second."

Ashley stood, brushing the dirt off her knees and planting her fists on her hips. "Okay, so what's next? Do we keep practicing that buildup?"

Koga's lips quirked slightly, almost forming a smile. "We practice until it's second nature. Until she doesn't think about it—she just strikes. And when we're done, no opponent will stand their ground against her toxins."

Ashley grinned, glancing down at Proserpina, who was already straightening up and swaying slightly, clearly eager for another attempt.

"Alright, Prose," Ashley said, crouching beside her again. "You heard him—let's make this attack perfect. Think venom. Think precision. Think ninja."

Proserpina hummed and planted her feet, already gathering energy as Koga stepped back, folding his arms to observe.

"Again," he said, his voice sharp but steady.

Ashley pointed at the target. "Let's show him how it's done."

Proserpina inhaled, her petals trembling with effort as the purple glow returned, stronger this time, more refined. Ashley didn't take her eyes off her partner, her heart pounding with anticipation.

And when Proserpina fired, the venom struck dead center, sizzling instantly as it seeped in deeper, spreading like wildfire across the dummy's surface. Ashley let out a whoop, pumping her fist in the air as Proserpina gave a triumphant chirp.

"Now that," Koga said, finally allowing a small smile, "is Toxic."

As Proserpina continued practicing, the rest of the team lined up. Mars went next, his claws sparking slightly as he focused, but the glob he fired fell short. He grumbled, tail flame flaring, but Ashley stepped in.

"Breathe, Mars. Focus. This isn't Dragon Rush—no brute force. It's all control."

Mars exhaled through his nose and tried again, this time landing the Toxic hit but with slightly uneven spread. Vulcan followed, his attempt quick but messy, earning a sharp correction from Koga. Neptune's turn was next—his calm demeanor made his attacks smooth, but the move lacked the punch Koga was looking for.

"Neptune, more pressure," Ashley called. "Picture the rain gathering before a storm and then let it loose."

Venus struggled the most, her attempts cute but ineffective, the poison dispersing like harmless mist rather than a concentrated hit. Ashley crouched beside her, scratching behind her ears.

"It's okay, Venus. You're new to this. Think of it like a wish—except instead of sparkles, it's poison. Deadly, dangerous sparkles."

Venus blinked up at her before trying again, this time managing to at least hit the base of the dummy. Ashley gave her a high-five, even as Koga shook his head and muttered about needing more discipline.

By the end of the session, Proserpina stood tall, her Toxic attacks landing every single time with deadly precision. Mars and Vulcan had improved, their moves faster and more controlled, though still needing polishing. Neptune showed promise, his long-range delivery steady, and Apollo's focused blasts hinted at hidden potential. Venus was clearly the weakest with the move, but Ashley promised herself that they'd work on it.

Koga crossed his arms as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the field. "Not bad for a first day," he admitted, though his tone remained sharp. "But you're not done yet. Mastering Toxic isn't just about learning the move—it's about knowing when and how to use it. That comes with experience."

Ashley wiped sweat from her brow, grinning as she glanced at her team. "Good. We'll get it."

The following morning sun barely peeked over the horizon when Ashley arrived at the Fuchsia Gym's training yard, stretching out sore muscles and wincing as she rotated her shoulders. Every joint felt stiff, every muscle heavy after the previous day's training. But there she stood, dressed once again in the sleek purple ninja outfit Koga had given her, the fabric surprisingly light but durable. It made her feel ready—dangerous, even—like she could take on anything.

Until Koga arrived.

He appeared silently, stepping out from the shadows as if he'd been there the whole time. Ashley flinched, stumbling back a step before she caught herself. Vulcan barked beside her, his ears perked.

"Still too easy to catch off guard," Koga said, not even a hint of humor in his voice. "You'll need sharper instincts if you want to train like a ninja."

Ashley straightened, trying to look more confident than she felt. "You try being sharp at sunrise after two days of hard work!"

Koga arched a brow. "A ninja does not complain."

Ashley opened her mouth to fire back but immediately shut it when Koga's sharp eyes pinned her in place. Fine. No complaining. She could handle that. Probably.

"Good," Koga said, stepping back and gesturing to the obstacle course now set up in the training yard. Wooden beams crisscrossed like scaffolding, rope ladders hung from posts, and narrow balancing logs stretched over pits filled with water.

Ashley swallowed hard. "Is that… for me?"

Koga smirked. "It's for both of you," he said, glancing at Proserpina, who swayed eagerly beside her. "She trains her mind and venom, and you train your body and instincts. You'll only grow stronger by pushing your limits."

Ashley glanced at Proserpina, who hummed confidently as if this whole thing was already in the bag. Ashley, on the other hand, felt sweat forming on the back of her neck. But there was no backing out now.

"Alright," she muttered, tying her hair back into a tighter ponytail. "Let's do this."

Koga didn't waste time. "First—agility." He stepped onto the balancing beams with the ease of someone walking down a sidewalk, barely making a sound as he moved. "Follow me."

Ashley climbed onto the first beam and immediately wobbled, her arms flailing. Proserpina paused to watch, tilting her head as if silently judging her trainer.

"I'm fine!" Ashley hissed, catching herself before she fell and setting her jaw. Vulcan barked encouragingly from below.

Koga, already several steps ahead, barely glanced back. "Bend your knees. Lower your center of gravity. Think like a predator, not prey."

Ashley grumbled but followed his instructions. Slowly, she steadied herself, moving across the beam in careful steps. Her confidence grew until—

"Duck!" Koga barked.

Ashley instinctively dropped into a crouch just as something whizzed overhead. She looked up to see a kunai embedded in the post beside her.

"What the—did you just throw that at me?!"

"Not at you," Koga said flatly. "Near you. Learn to anticipate danger, not react to it."

Ashley glared but forced herself to keep going. Her arms shook as she reached the end of the beam, dropping down to solid ground with a relieved sigh.

Koga didn't let up. "Again."

Ashley groaned, but Proserpina clapped her leaves together, clearly enjoying the chaos.

By mid-morning, Ashley had run the course so many times she lost count. She tumbled, dodged, and stumbled her way through rope ladders and climbing walls. She nearly face-planted twice while trying to leap between narrow beams but managed to stick the landing—barely. Her legs felt like jelly, and her arms trembled whenever she reached the next obstacle.

Meanwhile, Proserpina practiced firing Toxic blasts at moving targets. Koga called out commands as she trained, pushing her to aim faster, sharper, and with more precision. At one point, he threw three targets into the air at once, and Proserpina nailed all three before they hit the ground.

"Showoff," Ashley panted as she hung upside-down from the rope net, she'd gotten tangled in for the second time.

Proserpina chirped happily, clearly thriving under Koga's praise.

By noon, Ashley collapsed onto the grass, her arms spread wide as sweat soaked through her ninja outfit. Vulcan padded over and flopped down beside her, panting just as hard from running laps around the field.

Koga stepped over her, his shadow falling across her face. "Not bad for a first day."

Ashley peeked up at him, groaning. "You mean this is just the warm-up?"

Koga actually smiled—barely. "Of course."

Ashley let out an exaggerated whimper before sitting up, brushing dirt off her sleeves. "Fine. What's next?"

Koga crouched beside her; his expression suddenly became more serious. "Next, we push harder. Today was about learning balance, agility, and control. Tomorrow, we test your reflexes and endurance. And Proserpina?"

Ashley looked over to see her Gloom standing tall, her petals trembling with energy.

"She'll learn the art of deception," Koga said, eyes glinting. "Poison isn't just about brute force—it's about subtlety. And I'll make sure she masters it."

Ashley grinned, already feeling the excitement bubbling up despite her exhaustion. "Good. Because we're not backing down."

Vulcan barked in agreement, and Proserpina twirled in place, as if already picturing her next victory.

Ashley pushed herself to her feet, legs wobbling slightly, but her determination never faltered. She was sore, exhausted, and covered in dirt, but she was ready for whatever Koga had planned next. And from the way he smirked, she knew it was going to be intense.

Unfortunately, Koga was still a Gym Leader and that came with its duties. So, the following morning, Ashley's training was handed over to someone else as the Poison Master handled challengers.

Ashley sat cross-legged on the training field, her fingers tugging at blades of grass as Proserpina stood a few feet away, focused and determined. The morning sun cast a soft glow over the arena, but the heat of the day was already settling in. Janine, Koga's daughter, stood off to the side, arms crossed and eyes sharp as she appraised Proserpina's form. Her purple ninja uniform matched Ashley's but with darker accents, making her look even more intimidating. Her Crobat hovered silently above her, its wings barely making a sound as it observed the session.

"Again," Janine ordered, her tone brisk but not unkind. "Channel it properly this time. You're not siphoning energy; you're stealing it. Own that."

Proserpina let out a determined hum and shifted her stance, her petals trembling as faint green energy began to pulse around her leaves. Ashley leaned forward, gripping her knees as she called out encouragement. "You got this, girl! Just like we practiced—deep breaths and focus!"

Proserpina's glow flickered, and a beam of green light shot toward the training dummy across the field, latching onto its target. The leaves shimmered, and the tendrils of energy wavered slightly before fizzling out. Proserpina slumped slightly, looking disappointed.

"Better," Janine said, stepping closer, her sharp eyes narrowing as she knelt beside the Gloom. "But you're hesitating. You're too cautious. Giga Drain isn't polite—it's relentless. You don't give your opponent a chance to catch their breath." She turned to Ashley, smirking. "Your girl's got guts, but she's still too nice."

Ashley grinned despite herself. "Hey, we're working on it. She's already tougher than most."

Janine straightened, her hands on her hips. "Tough's good, but ruthless wins battles. Now, let's try this again." She gestured to her Crobat, which swooped down and hovered in front of Proserpina, its wings flaring outward menacingly. "You need to practice under pressure. Crobat's not holding back. Ready?"

Proserpina's leaves stiffened, her petals twitching as her eyes hardened with focus. Ashley felt her own pulse quicken but resisted the urge to call out instructions. She knew this was as much Proserpina's battle as it was hers.

Janine snapped her fingers. "Crobat, Air Cutter!"

Crobat moved fast—too fast—and the sharp arcs of wind shot toward Proserpina before Ashley even had time to react. But Proserpina stood her ground, digging her feet into the dirt as the attack sliced toward her.

"Dodge!" Ashley finally shouted, but Proserpina didn't move. Instead, her leaves began to glow, bright and vivid green, just as the Air Cutter connected.

"Wait—what's she—" Ashley's words caught in her throat as tendrils of energy shot out from Proserpina's leaves, wrapping around Crobat before it could retreat. The beams pulsed, draining energy and glowing brighter as Proserpina absorbed the attack's force and used it to fuel her own strength.

"Yes!" Ashley yelled, jumping to her feet as Proserpina's glow intensified. "That's it, girl! Don't let go!"

Crobat screeched, flapping its wings frantically, but Proserpina held firm. The Giga Drain attack was steady this time—focused, sharp, and unrelenting. Janine's lips quirked upward as she raised a hand. "Crobat, fall back."

The bat Pokémon broke free, its wings wavering slightly as it retreated, clearly winded. Proserpina straightened, her petals glowing with restored energy, and let out a triumphant hum.

Ashley rushed forward, dropping to her knees and throwing her arms around her Pokémon. "You did it! You really did it!" Proserpina hummed happily, swaying her leaves and bumping her head against Ashley's shoulder.

Janine approached, her Crobat landing beside her, looking slightly disgruntled but otherwise fine. "Not bad," Janine said, her tone casual, but the faint smile tugging at her lips gave her away. "She's got the hang of it now. You just need to keep practicing so she can hit faster targets without hesitation."

Ashley stood, brushing dirt off her knees. "We'll make it happen. Right, Proserpina?"

The Gloom nodded firmly, already looking ready for another round. Ashley glanced at Janine, tilting her head. "So, what's next? Or do I get five minutes to catch my breath first?"

Janine smirked. "You get one minute. After that? We're working on combos."

Ashley groaned, but she couldn't stop the grin spreading across her face. "Of course we are."

As Janine turned to reset the training dummies, Ashley crouched beside Proserpina and gave her a quick scratch under her petals. "You're amazing, you know that? We're going to make Koga proud."

Proserpina hummed, leaning into her trainer's touch before straightening again, her eyes sharp and ready for more.

Janine didn't waste any time. The moment the dummies were back in place, she clapped her hands sharply, drawing Ashley and Proserpina's attention. "Alright, you two. Let's see if you can handle layered tactics. Combos are all about creating momentum—setting up one move to make the next one even stronger." She gestured toward the lineup of dummies. "This time, we're not just working on raw power. We're focusing on disruption and control. Think you're ready?"

Ashley stood, brushing off the dirt from her knees as she gave Proserpina a quick nod. "We were born ready. Right, Prose?"

Proserpina swayed confidently, her leaves shimmering as she hummed in agreement.

"Good," Janine said, stepping to the side with her arms crossed. "We're going to start with your powders—those are your foundation. Build from there and control the field. And if you miss even once…" She let the words hang ominously.

Ashley smirked, cracking her knuckles. "Don't worry. We won't."

Janine's eyes sparkled with approval. "Then let's begin. Start with Sleep Powder!"

Ashley was quick. "Proserpina, hit them with Sleep Powder!"

Proserpina's petals quivered before she shook them, releasing a shimmering wave of blue-green spores that danced through the air. The fine mist spread quickly, settling over the dummies like a blanket of fog.

"Now layer it—Poison Powder!" Janine barked.

Ashley didn't hesitate. "Prose, follow it up!"

Proserpina spun, her petals glowing faintly as a cloud of purple spores joined the haze. The combination created a swirling, toxic mist that made the air shimmer ominously.

Janine raised a brow. "Not bad. But let's see how you handle pressure. Crobat, Air Cutter!"

Crobat shot forward, wings glowing as it unleashed slicing gusts of wind aimed straight for Proserpina and the mist.

"Counter it! Fire Swift through the haze!" Ashley shouted.

Proserpina reacted instantly. She inhaled deeply, her petals glowing a sharp gold before launching multiple stars through the cloud. The Swift cut through the Air Cutter like a blade through paper, hissing as it struck the dummies and slashing through the surface.

"Yes!" Ashley grinned, pumping her fist. "That's what I'm talking about!"

Janine didn't let up. "Not bad, but you need to keep up the pressure! Set a trap—Stun Spore, now!"

Ashley caught on quickly. "Prose, spread it wide!"

Proserpina's petals trembled again, releasing golden spores that mixed into the already toxic haze. The mist pulsed, sparkling like fireworks as it thickened.

"Crobat, evade!" Janine called, but the thick cloud slowed the bat Pokémon's movements.

"Giga Drain!" Ashley yelled.

Proserpina locked on, her leaves glowing bright green as tendrils of energy shot through the mist, snaking toward Crobat. The bat flapped desperately, trying to retreat, but the haze dulled its reflexes just enough for the energy to connect. The draining tendrils latched on, pulling energy away as Proserpina glowed brighter.

Janine raised a hand. "Enough!"

Crobat pulled back, wings drooping as it settled onto the ground, looking annoyed but not seriously hurt. Janine walked forward, her arms crossed but a glimmer of pride in her expression.

"Well," she said, nodding at Ashley, "that was better than I expected."

Ashley beamed, crouching beside Proserpina to rub her leaves affectionately. "You were amazing out there. Totally unstoppable."

Proserpina hummed happily, swaying from side to side.

Janine stepped closer. "You're not done yet, though. Combos like these are only useful if you can keep them up under pressure. The powders can layer and control, but you'll need to practice timing—any hesitation and a faster opponent will rip right through your setup."

Ashley stood, brushing dirt from her pants again. "Got it. We'll work on the timing. And maybe add a few surprises."

Janine smirked. "Good. Because tomorrow, you're facing me directly. And I don't plan on holding back."

Ashley froze mid-stretch, her grin faltering slightly. "Wait—what?"

Janine turned on her heel and started walking away, Crobat following her. "You've got one day to sharpen your tactics. Don't waste it."

Ashley blinked, then turned to Proserpina with a shaky laugh. "Guess we're pulling an all-nighter."

Proserpina let out an exhausted hum, but even through the tiredness, Ashley saw determination in her eyes.

"Let's do this," Ashley said, crouching beside her Pokémon. "We're not just winning tomorrow—we're showing everyone what you can really do."

Proserpina swayed, ready to face whatever came next.

The next day, Ashley stood and stretched, already feeling the soreness in her muscles but pushing it aside. She glanced up at the sky, where the sun had risen higher, heating the field and casting long shadows. It was going to be a long day, but as Ashley watched Proserpina square off with yet another, Crobat, she knew they were ready for it.

Koga stood with his arms crossed, his sharp eyes locked on Proserpina as she swayed in place, her leaves trembling with anticipation. Ashley knelt beside her Gloom, brushing a few stray leaves from Proserpina's petals before standing up and clapping her hands to get their attention.

"Alright, girl," Ashley said, her voice steady despite the slight flutter of nerves in her stomach. "We've got this. You ready to add some edge to your arsenal?"

Proserpina hummed in response, her petals bobbing up and down. She looked focused—determined even—but Ashley could see the slight twitch in her leaves, that flicker of hesitation that always came when they were about to try something new.

Koga stepped forward, his hands moving in precise, fluid gestures as he spoke, like every word was part of a kata. "Acid is more than just an attack. It's intimidation. Control. Poison is not about brute strength—it's about erosion, weakening the opponent piece by piece until they can't fight back."

Ashley nodded along, her arms crossed as she considered his words. "So… basically, it's about wearing them down, not going for the knockout punch right away?"

Koga gave her a sharp nod. "Exactly. It's a slow burn. Acid isn't about flashy power—it's about persistence. The trick is precision. If Proserpina's aim is sloppy, the attack will lose its potency. But if she strikes with focus, the damage will stick, lingering with every hit."

Ashley crouched down to meet Proserpina's gaze, resting her hands on her knees. "You hear that? This is all about focus. We need to make every hit count. No holding back."

Proserpina let out a soft hum, her leaves stiffening in response.

"Good," Koga said, stepping back and gesturing toward one of the training dummies. "Start with a small burst. Don't aim for power yet. Just control."

Ashley straightened, pointing toward the target. "Alright, Proserpina—let's give this a shot. Use Acid!"

Proserpina planted her feet and closed her eyes. Her petals began to tremble, glowing faintly as a strange purple liquid started to form at their edges. Ashley watched closely, her fists clenching at her sides.

The glow intensified, and Proserpina released a spray of shimmering, corrosive liquid that arced through the air like a whip. It splattered against the dummy, sizzling faintly as the liquid seeped into the material. Ashley's eyes widened.

"Whoa," she breathed, stepping closer. "Did you see that? It's like—"

Koga interrupted, his voice sharp. "Again."

Proserpina flinched slightly but straightened immediately, her petals trembling as she prepared another attack. This time, the acid hit slightly off-center, landing closer to the dummy's base and leaving a smaller splash.

"Too wide," Koga said, pacing closer as Proserpina sagged slightly. "You're scattering your energy. Narrow your focus. Picture a single point. Breathe into it."

Ashley knelt beside Proserpina again, resting a hand on her petals. "Don't worry about messing up," she said softly. "You're still learning. We'll figure it out."

Proserpina hummed, her leaves rustling as if shaking off her earlier misfire.

Ashley stood, her voice stronger this time. "Let's go again, Proserpina. One target. Right in the center!"

Proserpina closed her eyes, her petals trembling as the purple glow returned. This time, Ashley could feel the shift—the focus Koga had been talking about. The energy condensed, sharper and more concentrated, before bursting forward in a thin, controlled stream. It struck the dummy dead center, sizzling loudly as it ate away at the material.

"Yes!" Ashley pumped her fist in the air, her grin splitting wide. "That's what I'm talking about!"

Koga gave a small nod, his expression unreadable, but Ashley caught the faintest hint of approval in his eyes.

"Better," Koga said. "But we're not done yet. Acid is only useful if you can fire it under pressure. We'll test that next."

Ashley blinked. "Wait, under—"

Before she could finish, Koga snapped his fingers, and Janine's Crobat swooped down from above, circling the arena. Ashley barely had time to shout before the bat let loose a gust of wind, scattering dust and leaves across the training ground.

"Defensive practice," Koga said simply, crossing his arms. "Proserpina needs to hit a moving target—and she needs to hit it before it strikes first."

Ashley bit her lip, but Proserpina was already stepping forward, her petals trembling but steady.

"Alright, girl. You heard him. We're not backing down now!" Ashley pointed toward Crobat. "Wait for the opening—then Acid!"

Crobat dived, its wings slicing through the air as it aimed for Proserpina. The Gloom held her ground, her petals glowing faintly as she tracked the movement. At the last second, just before Crobat could close the distance, Proserpina fired.

The Acid shot out in a sharp arc, and Crobat barely dodged, a few droplets grazing its wing and leaving faint, sizzling marks. The bat hissed and retreated to the rafters.

Ashley pumped her fist. "That's it! Keep that aim steady!"

Proserpina straightened, her glow fading as she let out a soft hum of triumph.

Koga stepped forward, his sharp gaze settling on the Gloom. "She's improving. But don't get comfortable. You'll need more than accuracy to handle opponents that fight back."

Ashley smirked, wiping sweat from her forehead. "Don't worry. We're just getting started."

Proserpina swayed proudly, her petals lifting in the light as if ready to keep going. Ashley couldn't help but grin. They were definitely going to ace this training.

Ashley stood at the edge of the training arena, arms crossed and eyes sharp as Proserpina prepared for yet another round of drills. The sun had dipped low, casting long shadows across the polished floor, but Ashley didn't call it quits. Not yet. Not until they nailed this. Proserpina swayed slightly, petals trembling with energy as she focused on her next shot.

"Alright, Proserpina," Ashley said, her voice steady but encouraging. "One more time. Focus everything you've got—no holding back."

Proserpina let out a determined hum, her eyes narrowing as she rooted herself to the ground. Her leaves began to glow faintly, the same vibrant purple hue that had become more controlled with every attempt. Ashley watched carefully, her heart pounding as the attack formed.

"Steady..." Ashley murmured, watching Proserpina's stance. "Aim for precision. Not too wide, not too sharp. Just like we practiced."

Proserpina's petals quivered as droplets of corrosive liquid began to form along their edges, glowing faintly in the dimming light. Then, with a sharp flick of her leaves, the Gloom fired the stream of Acid.

The attack shot through the air like liquid lightning, arching gracefully before splattering directly onto the target dummy. This time, it wasn't just a hit—it was a perfect strike. The acid sizzled on impact, eating into the material and leaving behind a deep, smoldering scorch mark.

"Yes!" Ashley jumped in the air, pumping her fist. "That's it, Proserpina! You nailed it!"

Proserpina swayed happily, her petals shimmering as she let out a cheerful hum. Ashley couldn't help but laugh, stepping closer and crouching down to give her Pokémon a quick pat on the head.

"Look at you!" Ashley said, grinning as Proserpina leaned into the touch. "You didn't just hit the target—you melted it! That's what I'm talking about!"

Behind her, Koga stood with his arms crossed, his usual stern expression softened by a hint of approval. He stepped forward, his quiet footsteps echoing in the near-empty gym.

"She's mastered the technique," he said simply, his gaze flickering to Proserpina. "Her control has improved significantly, and her aim is precise."

Ashley straightened, brushing dust off her pants before flashing a proud grin. "Told you she had it in her."

Koga nodded but kept his tone even. "Mastery of Acid is only the beginning. Poison-types are versatile, but they require adaptability. The next step is learning how to combine Acid with her other techniques—to control the flow of battle."

Ashley tilted her head, curious. "What do you mean?"

"Watch," Koga said, stepping back and gesturing for Proserpina to prepare again. "Proserpina, Acid—followed by Stun Spore."

Proserpina perked up at the command and quickly readied herself. She fired another stream of Acid, this one just as precise as the last, but before the attack even landed, she shook her petals, releasing a fine golden mist of Stun Spore that swirled through the air. The spores clung to the corrosive droplets, dispersing in a wide arc as they drifted toward the target.

Ashley's eyes widened. "Whoa... that's—"

"A layered assault," Koga finished, nodding. "The Acid forces an opponent to evade, leaving them vulnerable to the secondary effect of the spores."

"That's genius!" Ashley turned back to Proserpina, who beamed proudly at the praise. "Did you see that? You're a natural at this!"

Proserpina let out an eager chirp, bouncing on her stubby legs. Ashley couldn't help but laugh, brushing back a loose strand of hair before focusing again.

"Alright, let's keep going," Ashley said, her grin returning. "We're not stopping until we've perfected this combo."

Koga smirked faintly, stepping back to observe as Ashley and Proserpina dove back into their drills. They practiced the combination over and over—Acid, then Stun Spore—tightening the timing, refining the arc of the attack, until the transition between the two moves was seamless.

Hours passed, but Ashley barely noticed. She was too focused, too energized by the steady progress they were making. Proserpina's accuracy sharpened with each attempt, and by the time the gym's torches were flickering low, they had the combo down to an art form.

They tried many combination, and what fun they were!

First came the Stun Spore—her petals quivered before a cloud of golden dust exploded outward, sparkling in the dim light of the gym like glitter. Ashley's eyes locked on the spread, noticing how the particles drifted evenly instead of scattering wildly. It was faster this time, too, blanketing the air in seconds.

"Good! Now Sleep Powder!"

Proserpina barely hesitated, already shaking her petals again. This time, a soft, silvery mist rolled out from her leaves, weaving through the golden haze like a phantom. It drifted low, pooling toward the floor and creating a shimmering layer that seemed to pulse as it mixed with the Stun Spore.

"Now Poison Powder!"

Proserpina's petals flared, releasing a deeper, violet-colored dust that swept through the air like smoke. Ashley tensed, watching as the cloud darkened, layering on top of the others until the arena looked more like a toxic fogbank than a training room.

Koga raised his hand sharply. "Hold!"

Proserpina froze mid-motion, her breathing heavy but steady as the powders slowly began to settle. Ashley couldn't stop her grin—Proserpina had done it. She'd layered all three powders in seconds without losing focus.

Ashley rushed forward, crouching beside her Pokémon and brushing her fingers gently over Proserpina's petals. "You're amazing, you know that? Look at you—you just turned this whole gym into a status nightmare!"

Proserpina let out a soft chirp, swaying as if she were trying to look modest, but the pride radiating off her was impossible to miss.

Koga stepped closer, nodding thoughtfully. "She's fast, but more importantly, she's efficient. Notice how little powder she used?"

Ashley blinked, glancing at the faint traces of dust still lingering in the air. He was right. Proserpina hadn't emptied her stores like she used to—she'd released just enough to coat the field without wasting any energy.

Ashley's eyes widened. "Wait... is that why she's still standing? Her attacks are stronger, but she's not burning through all her stamina to pull them off."

Koga allowed himself the faintest of smiles. "Exactly. Efficiency and control go hand in hand. With enough practice, she'll be able to overwhelm her opponents before they even realize what's happening."

Ashley looked down at Proserpina, her grin returning. "You hear that? You're on your way to becoming a status queen."

Proserpina hummed happily, her petals practically glowing with pride.

"But," Koga said sharply, pulling Ashley's attention back. "It's not just about spreading powders. It's about what comes after. She needs to capitalize on that opening. Whether it's locking the opponent in place, sapping their energy, or setting up a finisher—you need to think ahead."

Ashley nodded, already running through combinations in her head. "So... pair Stun Spore with Acid to trap them, then Giga Drain to recover health while they're paralyzed?"

Koga nodded approvingly. "A solid strategy. But you'll need variations. Don't get predictable. Surprise is a ninja's greatest weapon."

Ashley smirked. "Guess we'll just have to keep get creative until we're unpredictable."

Koga crossed his arms again, his tone serious but not unkind. "I'll expect nothing less." Finally, he gave a slight nod, stepping forward with the kind of precision that made Ashley wonder if his feet even touched the floor. Koga cleared his throat, drawing their attention back. He reached into the folds of his uniform and pulled out a small pouch tied shut with a black ribbon. "For you," he said, holding it out toward Ashley.

She blinked, stepping forward carefully and taking it with both hands as if it might explode—which, honestly, wasn't off the table given who it was coming from. The pouch felt light, but when she untied the ribbon and peeked inside, she let out an audible gasp.

"Smoke bombs?" Ashley looked up at Koga with wide eyes, barely able to keep from grinning. "Are you serious?"

Koga gave the faintest smirk. "You've proven you can handle the basics of misdirection and strategy. Consider these tools a symbol of your progress—and a reminder to keep practicing."

Ashley held the pouch close, already imagining the kind of tricks she could pull off with these. "You have no idea how much I'm gonna overuse these."

Koga's smirk deepened. "I think I do."

Proserpina let out a curious hum, nosing at the pouch before Koga stepped forward again. This time, he held something smaller—smooth, green, and faintly glowing. A Leaf Stone. Ashley froze, her breath catching.

"For her," Koga said, extending the stone carefully, but he locked eyes with Ashley. "But only when you're both ready."

Ashley stared at the Leaf Stone, her fingers brushing against the smooth surface before curling around it gently. The glow seemed to pulse faintly in her palm, like it was alive. She swallowed hard, then looked down at Proserpina, who was watching the stone with wide eyes and trembling petals.

"Not yet," Ashley said softly, crouching so she was eye level with Proserpina. "You're strong—crazy strong—but we're not there yet, are we?"

Proserpina blinked, then slowly shook her head, letting out a soft sound that was almost like a sigh of relief. Ashley smiled.

"But when we are?" Ashley lifted the stone slightly, making sure Proserpina could see the light bouncing off it. "This is ours. You're gonna bloom into something amazing, I know it."

Proserpina chirped, brushing her petals against Ashley's hand before stepping back and straightening up again, her confidence returning.

Koga watched the exchange quietly, then gave another nod. "You're learning to trust each other. That bond is what makes a team strong—not just moves and stats."

Ashley pocketed the Leaf Stone carefully, making sure it was secure before standing again. "Thanks, Koga. Seriously. For everything."

He waved her off, turning sharply on his heel. "Don't thank me yet. This is only the beginning. You'll need more than powders and toxins to survive the League."

Ashley grinned, her energy renewed despite the exhaustion weighing on her limbs. "Good thing I've got time—and the best training partner ever."

Proserpina let out a proud hum, and Ashley laughed, reaching down to scoop her up in her arms as the Gloom let out a happy squeak. She twirled in place, ignoring how tired she was and making Proserpina's petals flutter wildly in the motion.

"Now let's go celebrate," Ashley said, hugging Proserpina close. "You totally earned it."

As they left the gym, the pouch of smoke bombs jingling lightly at her waist and the Leaf Stone safely tucked away, Ashley couldn't help but feel the weight of the day settle into her bones—not the exhaustion, but the thrill of progress.