Sometime before Snivels's birth, a Shiny female Delphox by the name of Spellcaster was infected by Eel Pox, and disease fatal to Pokémon. As a reward for his father's kindness, Spellcaster placed the last remnent of her magic into Snivels's unhatched egg, resulting in immunity to dark magic, as well as enhancing his abilities, including running at extreme speeds and a incredible sense of smell.