Valeria's influence must have been stronger than she had expected, because the moment this Vulpix showed herself, Umbre's resolve weakened. Hostile intent was evident, but despite that she found herself saying "There's no need for a fight, you can just..."<br/><br/><em>Give up.</em>That clearly wasn't going to happen, though. Blue fire streaked from the Vulpix. Umbre darted aside a moment too late, flames licking across her chest and shoulder. She screeched as her fur ignited, and she fell to one knee, brushing the flames with her other hand in an attempt to extinguish it. "This is only making it hard on yourself! You can't win!" she hollered, her shoulder still smoldering as she stood back up and charged forward. The shadows seemed to grow deeper, being drawn into her as she channeled her dark powers. "Just give up and I won't hurt you!"<em>Won't hurt you more, at least,</em>she mused, her dark pulse blasting outward towards the Vulpix.