Noticing Yveltal's movements, Diantha's expression shifted to panic.
Earlier, Elias had only managed to save Ralts because their opponent had been caught off guard.
Now, however, Yveltal had clearly locked onto them.
And Elias wasn't just protecting himself—he had to shield Diantha and Ralts while holding Diancie close.
Under these conditions, could they really dodge the attacks of a Legendary Pokémon?
Even if they could… how long could that last?
Diantha's thoughts raced, her heart sinking deeper with unease and guilt.
If she'd kept a closer eye on Ralts, Elias wouldn't have been forced to flee into these woods with them.
"Elias, the passageway isn't far ahead."
Beside him, Diancie patted his shoulder with her tiny hand, her voice tight with worry.
She, too, understood the gravity of their situation.
The moment her words fell, Yveltal's attack finished charging.
BOOM—!
A pillar of light, thick as a tree trunk, split the sky and crashed straight toward Ralts—its chosen prey.
The furious energy ripped through the air with a shriek that pierced the ears.
Perched against Elias's shoulder, Ralts saw it coming and instantly understood the sheer difference in power.
If that hit landed… not even ten Nurse Joys could save her.
But—
"Ralu~"
Despite her fear, Ralts gently pushed at Elias, signaling for him to let her down.
She knew Yveltal was after her—if she stayed behind, maybe the others could escape.
But Elias didn't respond.
Instead, he turned toward Diancie.
"Diancie—[Diamond Storm]!"
The command came without hesitation.
"Eh?"
Diancie froze, startled. Was he really… asking her to block that attack?
She wasn't strong. She knew that much. Fragile by nature, with almost no battle experience, she'd always been a princess, not a fighter. Her gift was crafting diamonds, not wielding them.
So when Elias suddenly ordered her to attack, she hesitated for half a heartbeat.
But with Yveltal's strike less than two meters away, Diancie grit her teeth and thrust her hands forward anyway.
Elias trusts me. I can't let him down.
And even if she failed…
At worst, she'd turn into a statue alongside him.
Pink energy flared between her small palms, glittering like a heap of diamonds.
Then—
Whoosh—!
Unlike Yveltal's violent blast, Diancie's Diamond Storm carried a quiet grace.
With a sound like wind through leaves, a cluster of dazzling gems shot forth.
BOOM!
The two attacks collided midair, exploding with a thunderous roar.
The shockwave rippled outward, knocking Yveltal off balance and propelling Elias and the others forward.
Ahead of them, the entrance to the passageway finally came into view.
"Diancie, great job!" Elias called out.
He'd only meant for her to buy them time, never expecting her to perform this well.
But he also understood why.
Through Aura, he could see what the eye couldn't—Yveltal was in bad shape.
Compared to their last encounter, it was barely holding itself together.
The forest around them bore signs of devastation, and Elias could almost picture what had happened.
Another powerful Pokémon must've fought Yveltal here—a deadly clash, not a mere sparring match.
Yveltal had survived, but only barely.
No wonder Diancie's attack had worked.
Still nestled in Elias's arms, Diancie believed it was all thanks to him and her own effort.
Right before releasing Diamond Storm, she'd felt a surge of power flow into her—coming from Elias himself.
Her eyes curved with delight, pride blooming quietly inside her.
That's Elias for you—always full of surprises.
She was just about to speak when Yveltal, furious beyond reason, unleashed another beam.
BOOM!
This one was thicker, brighter, far more destructive.
It had gone all in.
Diancie's expression turned grave—she knew she might not withstand this one.
Elias's eyes, however, were fixed on the now-visible passageway. His voice was calm.
"Diancie, [Diamond Storm] again."
"Ralts—[Dazzling Gleam]."
He could amplify the power of Fairy-type Pokémon.
If both Diancie and Ralts struck together, maybe—just maybe—they could endure it.
Diantha and Ralts both froze in surprise.
Ralts had almost no real battle experience. Diantha opened her mouth to warn him—but Ralts was already moving.
Her tiny fist clenched, and she launched Dazzling Gleam just as Elias commanded.
Twin bursts of shimmering light—Diamond Storm and Dazzling Gleam—met Yveltal's beam head-on.
KABOOM—!
The explosion this time was even more terrifying than before.
---
Diancie: Since I blocked Yveltal's attacks—and Her Highness couldn't—doesn't that mean I'm stronger than her now?
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