The morning sun sparkled over the waves as Ash and his friends boarded a sleek ferry bound for Orsay City. The salty breeze carried the cries of Wingull overhead, and Pikachu perched at the railing, sniffing the sea air with delight. Diancie stood near the bow, her gemstone body gleaming in the sunlight, her eyes wide with awe.
"This is... marvelous," she said, her voice soft yet filled with wonder. "Never have I felt such joy. Ever since I joined you all, I have experienced the most fun I can recall."
Bonnie leaned over the railing beside her, grinning. "That's because we're your friends now!"
"Friends...?" Diancie repeated, tilting her head.
Serena smiled warmly. "Friends are people who care about you, share moments with you, and stay by your side no matter what."
Ash nodded. "Yeah. No matter what happens, you can always count on us."
Diancie's gaze softened, touched by their words. A faint glow sparked at her fingertips, and to everyone's surprise, a diamond shimmered into existence. Bonnie gasped and darted forward, catching it carefully in her hands.
"Wow! It's beautiful!" Bonnie exclaimed, holding the gem close to her chest.
Diancie, however, frowned faintly. "Do not grow too attached. My diamonds are temporary. They will disappear in time."
"Then let me keep it until it does!" Bonnie pleaded with wide eyes.
After a moment of hesitation, Diancie dipped her head in approval. "Very well, Bonnie. I grant you permission."
Bonnie cheered, hugging the diamond like a treasure. Pikachu chimed happily, tail flicking as if in agreement.
The ferry ride continued with laughter and chatter, until a sudden swell sent a splash of seawater across the deck, soaking everyone. Ash sputtered and shook his head like a Rockruff, while Serena clutched her dripping hat with a groan. Diancie squealed, her gemstone surface glistening even brighter under the fresh spray.
By the time they arrived at Orsay City, their clothes had dried, but their spirits were still full of energy. The city gleamed ahead, modern and bustling, its tall glass buildings reflecting the morning sun.
They wandered into the heart of the city, where a massive structure loomed ahead—a sprawling shopping mall, its windows glittering like jewels. Diancie stopped in her tracks, her eyes sparkling with awe.
"Such grandeur!" she gasped. "Is this... a castle? Who is the ruler of this magnificent stronghold?"
Ash chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Uh, it's not a castle."
Serena laughed softly. "It's a shopping mall, Diancie. A place where people come to buy things."
Before Diancie could process that, Bonnie grabbed her hand. "Then let's go shopping! C'mon, Serena!"
The two girls practically dragged Diancie through the glass doors, leaving Ash and Clemont standing in the mall's hallway.
Ash groaned, hands stuffed in his pockets. "Shopping, huh? Guess this'll take a while."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, sighing. "If they're trying clothes, it may take... quite a while."
Inside the clothing store, Diancie's wonder grew with every rack of dresses and display of accessories. Serena picked out a frilly gown with shimmering fabric, while Bonnie held up a cute ribbon. "Try this one, Diancie! You'll look like a real princess!"
When Diancie emerged from the fitting room in a dazzling dress, both Serena and Bonnie's jaws dropped. She looked every bit the royal figure she was destined to be, poised and radiant under the store lights.
"You're perfect!" Serena exclaimed.
"Like a princess straight out of a fairy tale!" Bonnie added with stars in her eyes.
But Diancie's delight faltered. Her gaze darted past them, through the glass storefront. Her smile vanished, replaced with alarm.
Standing at the far end of the mall, their gemstone eyes scanning the crowd, were Merrick, Bort, and Allotrope.
"My attendants..." Diancie whispered, panic rising in her voice. "They've found me."
Bonnie and Serena finally rejoined Ash and Clemont, Serena holding a bag with a new scarf and Bonnie still grinning from ear to ear.
"Sorry we took so long," Serena said, a little sheepishly.
"Yeah, sorry!" Bonnie chimed in. "But Diancie looks sooo amazing in her new dress!"
Ash crossed his arms, shaking his head playfully. "Well, let's hurry it up next time. We don't want to spend the whole day shopping, do we?"
But before anyone could respond, Diancie froze. Her eyes widened in fear as she spotted Merrick, Bort, and Allotrope descending the opposite staircase, their gemstone bodies glinting under the mall's lights.
"They... they've found me!" Diancie gasped.
Without warning, she bolted, her dress fluttering as she dashed through the open atrium of the mall. "Ash! Serena! They found me!"
"Wait! Diancie!" Serena called, reaching out.
Ash frowned. "Those are... Carbink?"
Bonnie clutched Dedenne tightly, alarm flashing across her face. "Are they with the thieves from before?"
Clemont adjusted his glasses quickly. "That's possible! They could be trying to capture her!"
Chaos erupted as Diancie zigzagged wildly between shops, weaving through confused shoppers. Merrick, Bort, and Allotrope pursued with determined expressions, their small gemstone bodies surprisingly quick as they vaulted over benches and bounced off walls to keep up.
Ash sprinted after them, Pikachu clinging to his shoulder. "Hang on, Diancie—we'll help you!"
The group struggled to keep pace until Clemont pulled a contraption from his backpack. "Ash! Use this! My Stretchable Rescue Ladder!"
He slapped a button, and the ladder shot outward, extending upward toward the second floor where Diancie was now cornered. Ash grabbed it without hesitation, climbing rapidly.
"Let's go, Hawlucha!" Ash released his partner mid-run. Hawlucha spread its wings and soared up alongside the ladder, swooping near Diancie as she tried desperately to dodge her attendants.
"Diancie!" Ash called, reaching out as he clambered onto the railing.
Diancie stumbled, glancing back at him, her eyes wide with desperation.
"Jump—I'll catch you!" Ash urged.
For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Then Diancie leapt, and Ash lunged forward, catching her in his arms with Hawlucha circling protectively.
They landed safely on the extended ladder, Ash holding her firmly. Diancie blinked up at him, her panic melting into a trembling smile.
"You... came for me," she whispered.
Ash grinned. "Of course I did. I told you—you can count on us."
They shared a moment of relief, their eyes locking, the noise of the mall fading around them.
On the floor below, Merrick stopped short, his face tightening with dismay. "No... Lady Diancie..."
Bort and Allotrope exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how to proceed, while Ash and Diancie descended the ladder together, their bond shining clearer than ever.
Outside the mall, Ash and his friends huddled together, still shaken by the chaos. The streets bustled with shoppers and vendors, but their little group stood apart, tension lingering.
"What even were those Pokémon?" Ash asked, his brow furrowed. Pikachu's ears twitched, still alert from the chase.
Clemont adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. "They were Carbink. Rare Rock- and Fairy-type Pokémon. It's... astonishing to see them here, especially in such a crowded place."
Diancie's gemstone body dimmed faintly, and her voice wavered. "They finally found me..."
Her words hung heavy in the air, but before anyone could ask what she meant, a mocking laugh cut through the crowd.
"Well, well... what a picture you all make."
Marilyn sauntered forward, her Delphox padding gracefully at her side, its eyes smoldering like embers. She smirked, her gaze locking on Diancie. "So tell me, princess—how was your first shopping trip? Did you find anything shiny enough for your tastes?"
Diancie froze, instinctively stepping back.
"Stay away from her!" Ash shot back, stepping forward protectively.
"Pika!" Pikachu's cheeks sparked, ready for battle.
Marilyn chuckled. "So fiery. But you'll only singe your fingers if you play with me." She snapped her fingers, and Delphox's staff flared with fire.
Ash didn't hesitate. "Pikachu, let's go!"
Pikachu leapt into action, lightning flashing against Delphox's flames. The crowd scattered in panic as battle erupted in the street.
Meanwhile, Serena spotted a Rhyhorn ranch just beyond the square. A cluster of sturdy Rhyhorn were lined up, ready for training or racing. Serena's eyes lit with determination.
"Over here!" she called, sprinting toward the ranch.
The handler barely had time to react before Serena mounted a Rhyhorn, her movements confident from her experience back home. "Ash, Clemont, Bonnie! Come on! We'll get Diancie out of here!"
Clemont lifted Bonnie up, then climbed on himself while Diancie clung nervously to the saddle. Serena snapped the reins, and the Rhyhorn charged forward, nearly colliding with a track where racers were practicing.
"Hey! Watch it!" the announcer's voice blared, but Serena guided the Rhyhorn past, focused only on keeping Diancie safe.
Diancie's voice trembled as the wind rushed around them. "This is all my fault... I've dragged you into danger again..."
Clemont shook his head firmly, his glasses flashing in the sunlight. "Don't ever think that. Friends support each other! That's what it means to be one of us!"
Bonnie puffed her cheeks. "Hey! That was supposed to be my line, Clemont!"
But the lighthearted moment vanished when a shadow dropped from the trees ahead. Riot landed smoothly, his cloak swirling, with Greninja crouched beside him, blades of water forming in its hands.
"Well, look at that," Riot sneered. "The princess comes delivered to me on a silver platter."
Serena pulled the Rhyhorn to a stop, her eyes fierce. Clemont leapt down, standing beside her. "We won't let you take her!"
Greninja dashed forward, its movements sharp and lethal. Clemont's and Serena's Pokémon intercepted it, sparks and bursts of energy clashing in the road. Ash soon caught up, Pikachu bounding back onto his shoulder, Ash's face set with determination.
But things worsened as Marilyn circled back, Delphox joining Greninja to press their attack. Together, their combined power blasted toward Diancie like a tidal wave of fire and water.
"No!" Diancie cried out—only for Merrick, Bort, and Allotrope to suddenly leap in front of her. The Carbink took the attacks head-on, their small bodies quaking with effort but refusing to yield.
"Lady Diancie!" Merrick shouted, his voice strained.
Tears welled in Diancie's eyes. "You're hurt because of me..."
Gathering all the courage in her heart, she raised her hands and summoned her power. Light erupted around her, brilliant crystals spiraling outward in a breathtaking storm, Diamond Storm. For a moment, it looked as if the dazzling wall would shield them all.
But then the diamond fragments cracked, splintered, and fell apart like fragile glass. The barrier shattered, leaving Diancie trembling in despair.
Marilyn smirked. "So much for that."
Greninja readied another attack, when suddenly, glittering Pin Missiles rained down from above, exploding across the battlefield and forcing Greninja to retreat.
"Wha—?!" Riot snarled, shielding his face.
A strong, steady voice rang out. "That's far enough."
All eyes turned. Standing on the hillside was the mysterious girl from before, Millis Steel. Her Chesnaught loomed beside her, eyes narrowed, ready for battle.
"Diancie, get away while you still can," Millis called firmly. "I'll handle them."
Marilyn's eyes widened, then narrowed in recognition. A sly smile curved her lips. "Millis Steel... Then that must mean Argus Steel is lurking nearby as well."
Diancie's heart raced as Ash instinctively stepped closer to shield her. The storm of enemies, allies, and mysteries swirled tighter, and the path forward only grew more uncertain.
[Line Break]
The road stretched long and winding, the afternoon sun dipping low behind the trees. Ash, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Diancie, and the three Carbink walked together, the earlier battles still heavy on their minds. Diancie hovered close to Ash, her gem reflecting the fading light in soft hues of pink and gold.
Merrick, leading with steady composure, finally broke the silence. His voice was firm, yet carried the weight of responsibility. "It is our sworn duty—mine, Bort's, and Allotrope's—to protect Lady Diancie at all costs. That is why we will never leave her side."
Bonnie's eyes widened, sparkling with admiration. "Wow! That means Diancie really is like a princess!"
Serena smiled warmly, nodding. "And that would make you three her bodyguards, wouldn't it?"
Bort puffed up with pride, his gem-like body glinting, while Allotrope gave a subtle nod, though his gaze never left their surroundings.
Merrick, however, turned his sharp eyes toward Ash and the others. "If that is the case... who exactly are you? Strangers often bring danger, and danger is the last thing Lady Diancie needs."
Ash opened his mouth, ready to defend himself, but Diancie floated forward, her voice soft yet resolute. "They are not strangers. Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie... they are my friends."
The three Carbink blinked in surprise. Bort tilted his head. Allotrope let out a faint "hmm." Even Merrick faltered, his stoic mask cracking as he glanced back at Diancie.
"Friends?" Merrick repeated, his tone uncertain.
"Yes," Diancie said firmly. Her gaze lingered on Ash, her expression gentle. "They've cared for me, protected me, and shown me kindness... something more precious than any diamond."
For once, the loyal Carbink were speechless.
Ash scratched the back of his head with a grin. "Well, y'know, that's just what friends do." Pikachu nodded in agreement with a cheerful "Pika!"
Merrick cleared his throat, regaining composure. "Very well. If Lady Diancie wishes it, we will respect this bond." His gaze softened just slightly, though his words remained steady.
Then, almost as if to shift the subject, Merrick sighed. "We have been searching for Xerneas for many months... and yet we have not succeeded. Every trail fades, every lead proves false."
Diancie lowered her head, her gem dimming. "That was... my fault."
Merrick tilted his head. "Your fault?"
She hesitated, then admitted, "I saw a city in the distance. It looked so lively, so fun... I wanted to see it with my own eyes. So I left, while you were all asleep."
Bort gasped, while Allotrope's gem flickered in disapproval. Merrick's eyes widened before he gave a long, slow nod, his tone heavy with worry. "I feared as much. You must have felt trapped by our presence. We did not mean to burden you, Lady Diancie, but..." He trailed off, visibly struggling with the thought.
Diancie floated closer, her small hands clasped. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to run away. I didn't mean to worry you all."
Merrick studied her for a long moment before his expression softened, his stern voice breaking with quiet relief. "Never do it again. Promise me that."
Diancie's eyes shimmered, and she gave a small nod. "I promise."
Ash smiled at the sight, and Serena, watching quietly, thought to herself how Diancie truly was growing. Not just as a princess, but as a friend.
[Line Break]
The path curved downward into a cavern that shimmered faintly in the distance. For Ash and his friends, it was like stepping into a dream—the walls glowed with veins of crystal, their pale light bouncing across the stone. Even the air seemed to hum softly with an otherworldly vibration.
Diancie gasped, her face brightening. "We're here... The Diamond Domain."
Bonnie twirled in place, her eyes wide. "Wow! It's like a giant treasure cave!"
But as the group walked deeper inside, the wonder slowly turned to unease. The crystals no longer shone brightly; instead, their luster was dulled, streaked with cracks that crawled up the walls like veins of shadow. What should have been a dazzling kingdom of jewels looked lifeless, fragile, and dim.
Diancie's smile faltered. "N–no... This isn't right." She floated quickly ahead, her voice quivering. "The Domain... why is it so dark?"
From the depths, a steady, weary voice echoed. "Lady Diancie..."
An older Carbink emerged, his gem weathered and cracked, but his bearing dignified. His name was Dace, the eldest guardian of the Domain. His eyes softened at the sight of her.
"The Heart Diamond," Dace said gravely. "It has died."
Diancie froze in place, her body trembling. "What... what did you say? The Heart Diamond... gone?"
Serena stepped forward gently, her brows furrowed. "Diancie... what exactly is the Heart Diamond?"
Diancie turned toward her friends, eyes glassy with tears. Her voice shook as she spoke. "The Heart Diamond is the source of all life here. It powers the Diamond Domain... our home, our people. Without it..." She looked around at the dimmed crystals, the crumbling walls, "...everything will wither away into nothingness."
Bonnie's hands balled into fists against her chest. "That's awful..."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, his voice hushed but serious. "So the entire Domain depends on it. That means—"
"Only you, Lady Diancie, can create a new Heart Diamond," Dace interrupted, his words carrying both hope and weight.
The princess's face crumpled. "No! I—I can't! I've tried, but every diamond I make fades. They're weak, temporary... They are nothing like the Heart Diamond."
Her voice broke, and she lowered her gaze. "I am not strong enough."
Dace shook his head, his eyes steady. "Not yet. But one day, with the power of Xerneas and its Fairy Aura, you will awaken your true strength. You alone have that destiny."
Ash and his friends exchanged quick, understanding looks. Serena whispered, "So that's why... That's why she's been searching for Xerneas."
Diancie clutched at her chest, tears falling freely now. "I've failed everyone... my people, my duty. What kind of princess am I if I cannot save my home?"
The chamber fell silent, her words echoing off the crystal walls. Even Merrick and the other Carbink lowered their gazes, their usual unwavering loyalty shaken by the sight of their princess despairing.
Then Ash stepped forward. His shadow stretched across the dim floor, his expression firm. "Hey, Diancie."
She looked up through her tears, startled.
Ash crouched slightly, his hands on his knees so his eyes met hers. Pikachu leaned forward on his shoulder, nodding in support. "Crying won't fix anything. You haven't failed. Not yet."
Her lips trembled. "But... I can't..."
"You can," Ash said firmly. His voice carried the same fire it always had when speaking of battles and dreams, and it cut through the gloom like sunlight. "You've been doing your best even when it's tough, even when you're scared. That's what matters. If you keep moving forward, you'll get stronger—I know it."
Diancie stared at him, her tears slowing. Something in his words, that unshakable certainty, struck deep in her heart.
"You... believe in me?" she whispered.
"Of course!" Ash grinned, raising a fist. "We all do."
Bonnie bounded forward, her voice bright. "That's right! You're our friend, and friends stick together no matter what!"
"Hey, that was my line," Clemont muttered under his breath, but there was a small smile on his lips.
Serena stepped beside Ash, her voice soft but warm. "A true princess doesn't give up. And I know you won't either, Diancie."
The princess floated silently for a moment, her gem pulsing faintly with light. Slowly, she wiped her eyes and lifted her chin. "You are right. I... I cannot give up. Not now."
Her voice steadied as determination replaced her fear. "I will try again. I will not let my people down."
A faint glow shimmered through the cavern, her gemstone crest radiating the beginnings of renewed strength.
Dace, who had stood in silence through Ash's words, finally allowed a small smile to crease his aged face. "Lady Diancie... You truly are our princess. And perhaps, your true power is closer than we ever imagined."
The Diamond Domain was still dim, its lifeblood gone. But as Ash and his friends stood with Diancie, a new light had begun to flicker, the light of her resolve, and the bond of her newfound friends.
[Line Break]
The group stepped out from the cavern into blinding daylight, and as their eyes adjusted, the sight before them stole their breath away.
A sea of green stretched out endlessly. Massive trees with trunks wider than houses, their crowns glittering with emerald leaves. Colorful flowers spread across the ground in rolling carpets, and the air shimmered with the songs of wild Pokémon. Vivillon danced in the breeze, Scatterbug clung to leaves, and a herd of Gogoat grazed peacefully in the distance.
"It's... so beautiful," Serena whispered, almost afraid to disturb the tranquility.
"Like something out of a dream..." Clemont added, adjusting his glasses as his eyes darted across the vibrant wildlife.
Even Diancie paused, her gaze wide and full of wonder. "I never knew... the world outside could be like this."
But Dace did not share their awe. He floated forward, his gem catching only the faintest glimmer of sunlight, and his voice dropped low with weight.
"This is the Allearth Forest."
Bonnie tilted her head, blinking. "Allearth? I've never heard of it."
"That," Dace said gravely, "is because it is forbidden. Few dare to tread here." His eyes, ancient and tired, swept the lush expanse before them. "For this forest cradles something darker than any jewel... the Cocoon of Destruction."
Ash frowned, his fists clenching. "Cocoon of... what?"
"Yveltal," Dace said, and the name seemed to chill the very air. Even the Pokémon songs quieted, as though the forest itself was listening. "The Pokémon of Destruction. It slumbers here, hidden deep within. And if its sleep is disturbed... the world will know its wrath."
Serena shivered, pulling her arms close. "Wrath... what do you mean?"
Dace's gaze grew distant, his voice taking on the cadence of memory. "Long ago, when I was young... the forest did not look like this. It was green, yes, but one day... the sky turned black."
The Carbink elder's eyes darkened as he recalled the scene.
"The winds howled. The trees withered before our eyes. I remember fleeing with the others, my gem dimming with each passing moment. Pokémon collapsed around us, their bodies frozen, drained of life. I could feel it too—my strength slipping away, as if my very soul was being pulled from me."
Bonnie whimpered, hugging Dedenne tightly as Clemont placed a hand protectively on her shoulder.
Dace's voice quivered, but he pressed on. "I thought it was the end. That destruction would claim me, as it had claimed so many. But then... light pierced the darkness."
The Carbink elder's eyes softened, shimmering faintly.
"It was Xerneas. The Life Pokémon. Its Fairy Aura washed across the land, restoring what Yveltal had taken. My eyes opened again, though I had felt them close forever. I was alive... because Xerneas willed it so."
He lowered his head, the glow of memory fading. "And since that day, I have lived with gratitude. And fear. Gratitude for life, and fear of Yveltal's shadow."
The clearing fell silent, the weight of his words pressing upon Ash and his friends. Serena's hand drifted to her chest, her face pale with the thought of such devastation. Clemont's brows knit in troubled calculation. Even Ash, usually unshaken, wore a more serious expression than usual.
"So Yveltal's really here...?" Ash muttered.
"Yes," Dace confirmed. "Buried deep. Resting, but never gone. That is why this forest is forbidden. To awaken Yveltal is to invite calamity."
Bonnie gulped. "Then we have to be really, really quiet..."
Ash placed a hand on her head, steadying her, and looked back at Diancie. "We'll be careful. But... if Xerneas is here too, then this is where we need to be, right?"
Diancie's gem pulsed faintly, as though answering his words. She gazed into the forest with determination rising through her nerves.
"Yes," she said softly. "I can feel it... I can feel the aura."
And before anyone could stop her, she rushed forward, driven by the pull in her heart.
"Wait, Diancie!" Ash called, sprinting after her. Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and the Carbink followed close behind.
Diancie stumbled over a mossy log and fell to the ground with a gasp. She quickly pushed herself up, and froze.
There, bathed in radiant light, stood Xerneas.
Its antlers blazed with shifting colors, spilling brilliance across the clearing, casting the forest in hues of pink, blue, and gold. Every flower leaned toward it as if in worship, and the air thrummed with a hum that made even Ash's heart skip a beat.
"Xerneas..." Diancie breathed, trembling.
Ash, his friends, and the Carbink all stopped short, their mouths agape.
Then, as before, a voice resonated, not through sound, but within their hearts, soft yet commanding.
"Diancie. You have followed me for some time. I know what you seek."
Diancie clutched her chest. "Please, Xerneas... I must create a new Heart Diamond. My people... my home depends on it. But I have failed again and again. I... I am not strong enough."
Xerneas's gaze softened, its aura pulsing brighter. "The strength you lack does not lie outside you. It lies within."
The Fairy Aura swelled, engulfing Diancie in brilliant light. Merrick, Bort, Allotrope, and even Dace shone alongside her, their gems sparkling as if renewed. Dedenne squeaked, startled, as its tiny body glimmered with light as well.
Ash shielded his eyes, but grinned through the glow. Serena whispered, awestruck, "It's... it's beautiful..."
Finally, the light receded, leaving Diancie radiant, her gem blazing with newfound brilliance.
"The power to nourish life lies within you, Diancie," Xerneas said. "Remember this."
And with that, the majestic Pokémon turned, vanishing into the forest, its light trailing until the clearing dimmed once more.
Diancie hovered silently, her hands trembling—but this time, not with fear. With gratitude. "Thank you... Thank you, Xerneas."
Dace bowed deeply, tears glimmering in his weathered eyes. "Once again... the Life Pokémon saves us."
Ash stepped forward, his voice strong. "See, Diancie? You've got the power inside you now. And we'll be with you every step of the way."
Bonnie grinned, pumping her fist. "Yeah! You're our princess, and our friend!"
Diancie smiled through her tears, her resolve solidified. "I will not fail. For my people... and for my friends."
And together, they stepped forward into the forest, their journey forever changed.
Before Diancie could even begin to test the new radiance pulsing within her gem, the tranquil air was shattered by the low rumble of engines. A sleek black ship glided down a nearby river, its steel frame glinting ominously against the sunlight. The vessel cut through the water like a blade, its insignia unfamiliar to Ash and his friends.
From its deck emerged two figures: a tall man with a sharp gaze and dark cloak, and a younger woman with flowing auburn hair, her eyes cold yet calculating.
Diancie's heart clenched. "You? But... you helped me escape. You told me to run!"
Millis smiled faintly, but there was no kindness in her eyes. "Yes, Princess. We helped... because we knew you were seeking Xerneas. And now that you've gained its blessing..." Her gaze hardened, eyes locking on Diancie's radiant jewel. "...we want that power. Right here. Right now."
Ash stepped protectively in front of Diancie, fists clenched. "You're not taking her!"
Before the standoff could deepen, movement flickered in the shadows of the trees. Team Rocket crouched behind the bushes, binoculars trained on the Steels. Jessie's jaw dropped. "Those two, aren't they the master thieves who've stolen priceless treasures all across the regions?!"
James nodded quickly, sweat trickling down his temple. "Millis and Argus Steel... the worst of the worst!"
Meowth's claws flexed nervously. "If they're after Diancie, we're in way over our heads."
As if the situation weren't chaotic enough, Marilyn and Riot suddenly emerged from the underbrush, their Pokémon at the ready.
"Well, well, looks like everyone wants a piece of the princess," Marilyn smirked, flipping her hair. "Too bad. She's mine."
Riot cracked his knuckles, his Greninja stepping forward menacingly. "Not if I take her first."
Team Rocket, sensing an opportunity, leapt from their hiding spot with dramatic flair. "And not if we take her first!" Jessie declared.
"Prepare for trouble!"
"And make it double!"
Ash groaned. "Not now..."
Within moments, the clearing exploded into chaos. Energy beams, flames, and water jets streaked across the sky as Marilyn's Delphox clashed with Riot's Greninja, while the Steels' Chesnaught crashed through the melee with earth-shattering force. Team Rocket scrambled in the middle, their nets and traps snapping uselessly against the seasoned thieves.
Amid the struggle, the fight spilled toward a shimmering lake bordered by jagged cliffs. The water rippled as attacks blasted across its surface. In the chaos, Ash lunged to grab Diancie but was shoved by an errant strike, sending him tumbling into the water. The Steels, Marilyn, Riot, and even Team Rocket were pulled in after him, their bodies plunging into the depths.
The water was strangely cold, unnaturally still beneath the chaos above. As Ash fought to regain his bearings underwater, a strange sensation prickled at his skin, an oppressive, suffocating aura that seemed to drain the warmth from his body.
"What is this...?" Ash thought, bubbles streaming from his mouth. Even the thieves, normally ruthless, paused as the sensation washed over them.
And then... they felt it. A pulse. A slow, dreadful heartbeat rising from the bottom of the crater.
The lake trembled.
On the shore, Diancie and the Carbink gasped as ripples surged outward in violent waves. Clemont clutched Bonnie to steady her, while Serena called desperately to Ash.
"ASH! Hang on!"
Dace's eyes widened with horror. His body trembled, his gem glowing faintly as though trying to resist the aura swelling from the lake. "No... it cannot be... not again..."
The water erupted in a whirlpool of darkness. From the center, a shape began to emerge, massive, pulsating, and cocooned in jagged, crimson energy. Its very presence seemed to choke the life out of the air, the trees wilting at the edges of the clearing, the sky darkening as though the sun itself recoiled.
Ash surfaced, gasping for breath as he clung to the edge of a rock, his eyes widening at the sight.
"What... what is that?!" Serena cried, shielding Bonnie behind her.
Dace floated forward, his voice breaking with despair. "The Cocoon of Destruction..."
The Cocoon pulsed again, and a wave of malevolent energy rippled outward, forcing even the thieves to stagger back in terror. Pokémon across the forest fled, their cries echoing into the distance.
Dace turned sharply toward Ash and Diancie, his voice urgent and commanding in a way they had never heard before. "We must leave! Now! If Yveltal awakens... nothing in this forest will survive!"
The Cocoon of Destruction cracked open with a thunderous boom, the air splitting with a sound like shattering glass.
From within, a monstrous form unfurled, its wings stretching wide, blood-red against the darkened sky. Its body radiated an aura of dread so heavy that even the wind seemed to falter.
"Yveltal..." Dace whispered, his voice trembling. "The Destruction Pokémon..."
With a piercing shriek, Yveltal's Dark Aura ignited, spreading like a storm cloud. The light dimmed across the forest as shadows deepened unnaturally. Its crimson eyes glared at every intruder that had dared disturb its sleep.
The villains didn't need convincing. Marilyn, Riot, and the Steels scrambled from the crater, fear clawing at their hearts. Even their hardened bravado could not withstand the crushing presence of the Legendary.
Yveltal roared and launched skyward, its wings sending shockwaves that toppled trees. It wheeled through the forest like a harbinger of doom, and its gaze locked onto Riot first.
"W-what?!" Riot gasped, clutching Diancie tighter as Greninja leapt to his defense. But Yveltal's maw opened wide, and a torrent of dark, life-draining energy burst forth. Oblivion Wing.
The forest lit with eerie crimson light as trees and earth blackened, crumbling into lifeless stone. Greninja cried out before its body stiffened, frozen mid-motion, petrified by Yveltal's curse. Riot's two Ninjask spiraled helplessly before crashing, their fragile wings turned to stone as well. Riot himself collapsed, Diancie tumbling from his grasp.
"NO!" Diancie cried, scrambling away as Riot's hands stiffened into rock, his face twisted in horror.
But before she could rejoin Ash, Marilyn swooped in, scooping her up with desperate hands. "You're mine now, Princess!" she snarled.
Her Delphox and Yanmega tried to shield her, but Yveltal descended again, another Oblivion Wing streaking across the land. The blast engulfed them. Trees withered into stone statues. Delphox's final cry echoed before her fiery form calcified. Yanmega froze mid-wingbeat, crashing lifelessly to the earth.
"No..." Marilyn whispered, staring in horror as her partners—her lifelong companions—were stolen from her. Tears welled in her eyes. She loosened her grip just long enough for Diancie to wriggle free and flee into the forest.
The Jewel Pokémon stumbled toward Ash and the Carbink, but her escape was cut short once more. From the treeline came Millis and Argus, riding Aegislash and Doublade. With precise swings of their blades, they cornered Diancie.
"Enough running," Argus growled. "Your power belongs to us!"
But Yveltal wheeled above them, its talons flexing. Another Oblivion Wing rained down, a beam of crimson despair. Chesnaught roared and threw up a Spiky Shield, bracing with all its strength. For a moment, it seemed the shield might hold, until cracks split across its surface. The wave burst through, engulfing the Pokémon.
Millis cried out as her beloved partner stiffened. Honedge and Doublade fell beside it, frozen mid-swing. The forest floor glittered with lifeless stone. Only Argus, Millis, and Aegislash survived, coughing in the dust.
Yveltal's wings flared again, preparing another volley. Ash saw it coming—his body moved on instinct. "Pikachu, now!"
"PikaCHUUU!" Pikachu cried, unleashing a brilliant Thunderbolt. Lightning arced against the descending wave of darkness, creating a violent clash of sparks and shadows. The air crackled. For one brief heartbeat, the attack was held back, buying them precious seconds.
"Diancie, GO!" Ash shouted.
She darted into his arms, trembling, but safe for the moment. Ash's eyes were blazing with determination.
Meanwhile, panic spread through the rest of the forest. Pokémon fled in all directions, only to be caught mid-stride, their bodies petrified in an instant as Yveltal's energy swept the land.
Team Rocket's balloon wobbled desperately through the trees. "We're getting out of here before that oversized buzzard—" Jessie began, but the sky above them glowed red.
"Uh-oh..." James whimpered.
With a final shriek, Yveltal fired Oblivion Wing at them. The forest lit with crimson once more. Their balloon shredded, the trio clutching each other as the blast hit. Jessie, James, Meowth—frozen solid, their comical expressions preserved in stone. Even the trees around them stood like a graveyard of petrified life.
Elsewhere, Marilyn sank to her knees in the ruined forest, staring at the stone form of Delphox. Her breath came in ragged sobs.
"She... she's gone..." she whispered.
Riot, still conscious despite his petrified Pokémon, stumbled toward her. His usually cold voice softened. "Forget about Diancie. None of that matters now."
For once, Marilyn didn't argue. She collapsed into his arms, and for a fleeting moment, the two found comfort in each other's presence, bound by shared loss.
But Yveltal had no mercy for grief. It shrieked again and unleashed another Oblivion Wing. Crimson light bathed the couple. Their embrace froze in stone, their last moment sealed forever.
[Line Break]
Ash held Diancie close as the crimson glow of Oblivion Wing lit up the night sky behind them. The sound of stone cracking and forests collapsing echoed through the Allearth Forest like a funeral march.
"We've gotta move!" Ash shouted, his voice urgent but steady. Pikachu perched on his shoulder, ears flat, sparks still dancing from its cheeks.
Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and the Carbink scrambled to his side. Dace floated near the rear, his gem reflecting the fading light, his expression grim.
Behind them, Yveltal's silhouette loomed against the red-stained sky, its wings cutting arcs of destruction across the forest. Pokémon fled in droves, only to be silenced mid-run, their bodies petrified in terrible stillness.
"Why is it destroying everything?" Serena gasped, her hand clutching her chest as she ran.
Dace's voice was grave. "This is Yveltal's curse... its awakening purges all life around it. It does not hate, nor does it choose, destruction is its nature."
They darted beneath trees, weaving through roots and boulders as tremors shook the ground from each beat of Yveltal's wings.
Diancie looked up at Ash, her eyes wide and glistening. "It's my fault... if I hadn't come here, if I hadn't awakened Xerneas's aura, none of this would have happened!"
"No," Ash cut her off firmly, skidding to a halt just long enough to meet her gaze. His determination blazed like fire. "This isn't your fault. Yveltal was going to awaken eventually. But you. You're the one who can stop all this! You have to believe in yourself!"
Bonnie tugged on Diancie's arm, her small voice trembling but earnest. "You're our friend, Diancie. Friends don't give up on each other. So you can't give up, either!"
Pikachu cried in agreement, its cheeks sparking defiantly at the darkness around them.
Dace watched silently, his old heart swelling. He remembered Xerneas's light long ago, how it had brought him back from the brink of Yveltal's purge. And now, perhaps, that same light rested in the little princess at his side.
The ground shook violently as another Oblivion Wing tore through the treeline, showering stone fragments where lush trees once stood. They stumbled forward until they reached a clearing near the forest's edge.
Ash's group paused, panting. In the distance, the forest was falling silent—one section after another, petrified into lifeless stone. And high above it all, Yveltal circled, shrieking its cry of ruin.
Serena shivered. "If this keeps up... the whole forest will be gone."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, his voice low but urgent. "And if it spreads beyond here... it could engulf all of Kalos."
Diancie clenched her fists, her gem glowing faintly in response to the Fairy Aura still lingering in her. For the first time, she felt it—not just the fear of destruction, but the faint thread of life pulsing in her core.
Ash noticed and nodded. "Diancie... remember what Xerneas said. The power to nourish life is inside you. We just have to find it. And together, we will."
Behind them, Dace's gaze hardened as he floated closer. "Ash is right. This is your test, Lady Diancie. You are not alone; you have your friends, and your people. Stand tall, as a princess must."
Diancie swallowed her fear, staring into the crimson sky where Yveltal circled like a vulture over prey. For the first time, she did not turn away.
"I... I'll try," she whispered, her voice shaky but growing stronger. "For the Diamond Domain. For all life."
Ash smiled, determination matching hers. "That's all we need."
The shriek of Yveltal pierced the night again, closer this time. The shadow of its wings fell over them. The battle against destruction itself was about to begin.
The forest quaked under Yveltal's furious cry. Its wings blotted out the sky as it loomed over Ash and Diancie, shadows stretching long and suffocating across the ruined ground.
"Pikachu, let's go!" Ash shouted, charging forward with Diancie beside him. Pikachu leapt from his shoulder, sparks blazing from its cheeks, while Diancie summoned a swirl of glittering energy.
"Diamond Storm!" Diancie cried, releasing a cascade of radiant crystals. For a moment, they spun in dazzling brilliance, clashing against Yveltal's descending Oblivion Wing.
But the dark energy overpowered them. One by one, the diamonds cracked, then shattered into fragments of fading light.
"No!" Diancie gasped as the attack surged toward them.
Ash grabbed her hand and ran, pulling her through the debris as the earth behind them petrified into cold stone. But Yveltal's wrath followed. With a chilling shriek, it launched another Oblivion Wing, streaking crimson across the sky.
Suddenly, three familiar shapes darted in front of them—Merrick, Bort, and Allotrope.
"Protect... the Princess!" Merrick cried as the three Carbink took the full brunt of the blast.
Diancie's scream echoed through the clearing as she reached for them, but it was too late. Their bodies stiffened, their gleaming crystals dulled. The three loyal guardians froze in mid-flight, their last expressions locked in defiance.
As Merrick's eyes hardened to stone, he managed one final plea:
"Protect... Lady Diancie!"
And then, silence.
Ash's fists tightened. "No!" He didn't have time to grieve. Yveltal roared, the ground splitting beneath its wings as another shockwave sent Ash and Pikachu tumbling back. They were hurled against the cliffside, Pikachu slipping from his grasp.
"Pikachu!" Ash cried, lunging desperately, his hand just brushing Pikachu's paw before the little Pokémon fell. Ash caught himself on the cliff's edge, his body dangling precariously, one arm straining to reach Pikachu.
"Pika...!" Pikachu whimpered, clinging to a jagged rock below, its eyes wide with fear.
"Hold on, buddy!" Ash groaned, refusing to let go.
"ASH!" Serena screamed. She, Clemont, and Bonnie rushed to the edge, Bonnie's hands trembling as she reached down. Clemont anchored her with one arm while stretching his other hand toward Ash. Serena's eyes brimmed with fear, but she too leaned out, calling his name again and again.
Dace floated nearby, his old heart heavy. His gem reflected the forest's decay, his voice a whisper. "The forest is dying... again."
Above them all, Yveltal shrieked, gathering another devastating Oblivion Wing, its wings glowing with crimson death.
Diancie froze in place, her vision blurred by tears. She saw the ruined Diamond Domain, her failed Heart Diamond, her guardians petrified one by one. The weight of her failures pressed down like the sky itself.
"I'm... useless..." she whispered, collapsing to her knees. "I couldn't save Merrick... or Bort... or Allotrope. I can't save anyone. I don't deserve to be a princess..."
Her sobs cut through the chaos, raw and aching. The world seemed to close in around her.
But then, faintly, she remembered.
Xerneas's serene voice echoed in her heart: "The power to nourish life lies within you."
And another voice—Ash's, full of fiery conviction: "You're not a failure. If you keep moving forward, you'll get stronger. I know you will."
Her eyes widened. The despair in her chest cracked, and through it, a spark of light flickered. Her gaze fell to the small diamond glowing in Bonnie's hands—the one she had made earlier, the one Bonnie had insisted on keeping.
It pulsed with radiant light.
"Diancie..." Bonnie whispered, clutching it tightly. The glow intensified, wrapping around Diancie in a dazzling aura.
The jewel on her forehead shimmered brilliantly, splitting into facets of pure rainbow light. Diancie's small body lifted off the ground as her tears crystallized into energy. Her voice steadied, her heart pounding with newfound strength.
The diamond transformed, it was no ordinary gem, but a Diancite.
"Mega... Evolution..." Clemont breathed in awe.
The aura flared, enveloping Diancie in radiant light. Her form reshaped—her jewels sharper, her gown of crystal more regal, her presence majestic. Mega Diancie descended gently, her eyes gleaming with resolve.
"Lady Diancie..." Dace whispered, tears welling in his old eyes.
Yveltal's Oblivion Wing descended again, a roaring beam of crimson destruction. But this time, Diancie did not falter.
"Diamond Storm!" she cried, her voice clear and strong.
The diamonds she conjured shone brighter than ever, swirling into a radiant shield. The blast collided with it, but the diamonds held firm, radiant against the darkness. The energy splintered harmlessly around them, leaving Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and Dace untouched.
Ash looked up in awe. "She... she did it!"
Serena clasped her hands, her eyes wide. "She protected us..."
The shield sparkled brilliantly, unyielding even as the air still hummed with Yveltal's rage.
Dace, his voice choked with pride, whispered, "At last... she has awakened. She has the power to forge a true Heart Diamond."
Diancie floated forward, radiant as a princess reborn. She no longer trembled. She no longer cried. Her eyes burned with determination.
"I will not fail again," she declared. "I will protect my people... my friends... and this world."
The sky was a churning storm of black and crimson as Mega Diancie held her diamond shield firm. Ash and his friends clung together, their hearts racing in the chaos.
Then, with a piercing roar, a massive airship cut through the clouds—the Steel family's vessel, battered but still airborne. The engines strained as Argus gripped the controls, his jaw set, while Millis stood beside him with Aegislash at her side.
"Father!" she shouted over the blaring alarms. "We can't just run, we owe them our lives!"
Argus nodded. "For once... you're right. That boy and his Pikachu saved us. Now it's our turn!"
The ship's hidden missile bays opened with a metallic groan. One after another, explosive warheads launched into the sky, trailing smoke as they locked onto Yveltal.
"Take this, you demon bird!" Argus roared.
The missiles streaked toward their target, detonating in violent bursts of fire and shrapnel. For a moment, the blasts lit up Yveltal's shadowy figure, swallowing it in smoke.
But Yveltal was no ordinary foe.
With a shriek that split the air, it burst free of the smoke, weaving through the explosions with terrifying grace. Its wings carved through the sky like blades, dodging missile after missile. The few that struck only glanced off its dark aura, leaving it unharmed.
"Impossible..." Argus muttered, his eyes wide.
Yveltal turned its gaze on the ship. With a single powerful beat of its wings, it soared above the vessel, its form blotting out the sun.
"Millis! Brace—!" Argus shouted, but he didn't finish.
Yveltal slammed down, its talons raking across the ship's hull. The steel plating groaned and split. The top of the ship shattered, sparks and debris raining down as alarms screamed across the control panels.
And then—
"OBLIVION WING!"
At point-blank range, a beam of crimson death erupted from Yveltal's wings, tearing through the ship's interior. The blast ripped straight through the engines, igniting them in a cataclysmic explosion.
"FATHER!" Millis cried, shielding herself as fire engulfed the control deck.
The ship lurched violently, smoke and flame trailing from its sides as it spiraled downward. Argus wrapped an arm around his daughter, shielding her with Aegislash's blade.
Below, Ash and his friends watched in horror as the massive ship plummeted, crashing into the waters of a nearby lake with a thunderous splash. Waves surged outward, the wreckage vanishing into the mist.
"Millis... Argus..." Serena whispered, clutching her chest.
Ash clenched his fists. "No..."
The Aurora Beam cleaved through the sky, intercepting Yveltal's Oblivion Wing, scattering its darkness.
Above, the forest quieted. The clash of auras subsided as Xerneas stood before Yveltal. The two legendaries locked eyes, ancient wisdom and power crackling between them.
Through the Fairy Aura, Xerneas' voice rang clear, calm, regal, undeniable:
"Yveltal... you have awakened prematurely."
The Dark Pokémon's crimson eyes narrowed. Its voice, deep and resonant, rumbled like distant thunder.
"Do not mistake me for reckless, Xerneas. My awakening was not by choice. It was forced, my slumber disturbed by human greed and conflict."
Its wings unfurled, shadow energy curling around them, though it no longer attacked.
"Yet still... my presence brings only death. This forest, these mortals... I have already overstepped."
Xerneas' antlers glowed brighter, its aura weaving through the air like a gentle breeze.
"The balance teeters, but not beyond repair. Rest again, Yveltal. The world does not yet require your judgment."
Yveltal gave a low growl, glancing toward Ash, Diancie, and the others.
"If I linger, Zygarde will come. It tolerates no disruption to the natural order. Even I do not wish to draw its wrath."
It beat its wings once, the wind rippling across the lake.
"So be it. I shall return to slumber... until the time balance demands my retribution once more."
With a final, piercing cry, Yveltal ascended into the heavens, its shadow dissolving into the clouds until it vanished beyond sight.
The darkness lifted. The forest breathed again. And peace, fragile but real, settled upon the land.
Ash and his friends sank to the ground, their bodies heavy with exhaustion but their hearts relieved.
Yveltal had vanished into the distance, its dreadful cry fading like a storm finally passing. The forest was scarred, the air still thick with the residue of its Dark Aura, but at last, the terror seemed over.
"Finally..." Clemont exhaled, adjusting his glasses. "It's gone."
Bonnie clung to Dedenne, shaking slightly but trying to put on a brave face. Serena brushed sweat from her brow, her eyes darting to Ash, who was still holding Pikachu.
But something was wrong.
Pikachu stirred weakly, its body trembling. "Pika... pi..." The electricity in its cheeks flickered, weaker than ever.
"Pikachu?" Ash's voice cracked with worry. He lowered his partner into his lap, holding him gently. "Hey, buddy... it's okay. We made it through. You're safe now."
But then, before his eyes, a faint gray sheen began to creep up Pikachu's tail.
Ash froze. "No..."
The gray spread slowly, steadily—up its tail, over its back legs, inch by inch turning his partner to stone.
"P-Pikachu?!" Ash shook his head in disbelief. "No, not now, not after everything!"
Serena gasped, tears springing to her eyes. "Ash... it's—it's Oblivion Wing. Pikachu must've been hit at the edge of it!"
Clemont's voice trembled as he analyzed, his hands clenched at his sides. "Yes... even the slightest contact can spread... it's only delayed!"
"Pikachu!" he cried, his voice cracking.
At first there was no answer. Just silence.
"No..." Ash staggered forward, his knees hitting the ground beside Pikachu. He lifted the small Pokémon into his arms, holding it close, shaking as if to rattle life back into it. "Pikachu! Come on, buddy, wake up! You... you can't leave me, not like this!"
Tears burned in his eyes, spilling down his dirt-streaked face. Memories rushed back to him—meeting Pikachu on his very first day, all their battles, all their victories and failures, the times they laughed together, the times Pikachu had stood by his side when no one else would.
"You've always been there for me," Ash whispered, his voice trembling. "Through everything. If I didn't have you... I... I wouldn't even be me anymore. Please... don't go."
For the first time in his journey, the boy who never gave up felt a hollow despair gnaw at his chest. His grip tightened around Pikachu, refusing to let go.
Bonnie covered her face, sobbing. "Not Pikachu... not Pikachu!" Even Dedenne whimpered, sensing the grief.
For a few agonizing moments, the world was silent except for Ash's cries. Then—light.
A radiant glow enveloped the clearing, warm and soothing, as if the earth itself was breathing life back into the air. Xerneas stepped forward, its antlers blazing with rainbow energy, its body aglow like the dawn.
"Xerneas..." Diancie whispered, her voice trembling in awe.
The Life Pokémon closed its eyes. Energy surged from its hooves into the earth, spreading across the forest in shimmering waves of light. Its body shone brighter still, preparing its ultimate gift.
"Geomancy!" Clemont exclaimed, shielding his eyes from the brilliance.
The Fairy Aura cascaded outward, wrapping around Pikachu first. The stone across his body cracked, splintered, then dissolved in radiant sparks. Pikachu gasped, color rushing back into his fur, his cheeks sparking brightly once more.
"Pika...CHU!"
"Pikachu!" Ash cried, pulling him close again, tears streaming freely down his face. "You're back! You're really back!" Pikachu nuzzled him, weak but alive, and Ash laughed through his sobs, his heart overflowing with relief.
"Pika... pi..."
Ash's tears fell harder, but this time from relief. "Pikachu! You're really back!"
He hugged Pikachu tightly, burying his face in its fur as the little Pokémon weakly nuzzled his cheek. His friends rushed to his side, smiles breaking through their exhaustion. Even Dace wiped his eyes, deeply moved.
The boy and his partner were whole again.
The waves of Geomancy didn't stop there. One by one, life returned. Merrick, Bort, and Allotrope broke free from their stony shells, gasping in shock but quickly rushing to Diancie's side. Team Rocket blinked in confusion as their petrification reversed, Jessie clutching Wobbuffet, James patting Inkay with relief, Meowth staggering as though from a nightmare.
Even Marilyn and Riot's Pokémon were restored, their eyes wide and alive once again. Around them, the forest pulsed with new energy, the trees regrew, the flowers bloomed, the rivers sparkled as if freshly born.
Ash and his friends stood in awe as the miracle unfolded, the entire world around them reborn in light.
But then... Xerneas' body began to shift. The brilliant glow dimmed slightly as its form solidified, its legs rooting into the earth. Its antlers shimmered one last time before stilling. Before their eyes, the great stag transformed into a majestic, crystalline tree, its branches radiating faint light like captured starlight.
Diancie gasped, clutching her chest. "No... Xerneas!"
Serena stepped forward, her face pale. "Did it... did it just...?"
Bonnie's voice shook. "Is... is Xerneas gone?"
Dace bowed his head deeply, tears welling in his eyes, though his voice was steady. "No. Do not despair. This is not death. This is Xerneas' choice, its slumber. It has become one with this forest, a guardian rooted in place, to preserve the balance of nature."
"But..." Serena whispered, her voice tight. "Does that mean... we'll never see it again?"
Bonnie hugged Diancie's hand. "That's so sad... it gave everything to save us."
Diancie, however, suddenly froze, her gem-like eyes glowing faintly. Xerneas' Fairy Aura pulsed through her, and when she spoke, her voice echoed with another's.
"Do not weep."
Everyone gasped. It was Xerneas, speaking through Diancie herself.
"This is not the end. I am not gone. I am the promise of life... the beginning of hope. As long as life stirs in this forest, in this world, I endure. This form is simply my rest... my vow to Kalos."
Diancie clutched her chest as the aura faded, then looked to Ash and her Carbink with fresh tears glimmering in her eyes. "Xerneas... is still with us."
The group fell into silence, the weight of what they'd witnessed sinking in. The fear, the grief, the destruction, all of it had been replaced by renewal, by the reassurance that life, fragile and precious, always found a way to endure.
Ash held Pikachu close, his partner's warmth a reminder of that truth. "Thank you, Xerneas..." he whispered.
And in the heart of the forest, the crystal tree shimmered softly, a beacon of life everlasting.
[Line Break]
Ash and his friends stood beneath the crystalline tree, the air alive with the lingering glow of Xerneas' aura. The forest was vibrant again, every leaf and flower thrumming with renewed energy. Pikachu, perched once more on Ash's shoulder, chirped happily, alive, whole, and safe.
Diancie floated forward, her jeweled eyes shimmering with resolve. She closed her eyes, and the Diancite on her tiara glowed brilliantly. Light enveloped her small form, her body transforming once more into her radiant Mega Evolution. Diamonds spun outward in a radiant cyclone, glimmering with the promise of hope.
"Diamond Storm!" Diancie's voice rang clear, but this time, the storm did not shatter. The fragments swirled together, condensing into a blinding sphere of light that pulsed with warmth. Slowly, carefully, she shaped it, compressing, refining, and giving it form.
Before Ash and his friends' astonished eyes, the dazzling brilliance hardened into a massive, perfect jewel: the new Heart Diamond. Its glow spread outward, flowing across the landscape as if carried on the wind. Far away, the once-crumbling Diamond Domain resonated with the light. Towers of crystal shimmered, walls reforged themselves, and the great crystal palace rose once more in its restored glory.
The Carbink cheered and danced in delight, their tiny voices echoing like chimes. Dace's eyes filled with tears as he gazed at the glowing horizon. "At long last... the Heart Diamond has returned. The Diamond Domain lives again."
Ash grinned, clenching a fist with pride. "You did it, Diancie!"
Serena placed a hand over her chest, smiling warmly. "All your courage, all your determination... it led to this moment."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, his voice steady despite the emotion in it. "Not only did you create a Heart Diamond, you surpassed every expectation. This one is proof that you are ready to lead."
Bonnie stepped forward, holding out a smaller, glittering diamond in her hands, the one Diancie had given her before, as a symbol of trust. She smiled brightly, though her eyes brimmed with tears. "Diancie... here. You gave this to me before, but now I want to give it back. Because... this will forever be the mark of our friendship. I'll treasure it always."
Diancie's jeweled eyes glowed as she accepted the gift. She pressed it against her heart, her voice trembling. "Bonnie... thank you. You will always be precious to me."
The Carbink gathered around their princess, their chiming voices rising in joy. Dace stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Ash and his friends. "Words cannot express the gratitude of the Diamond Domain. Because of your bravery, we have a future once more."
Ash rubbed the back of his head with his usual grin. "Aw, don't mention it. We're just glad Diancie's safe." Pikachu echoed with a bright "Pika!"
Bonnie ran up to hug Diancie tightly one last time, while Serena bent down to stroke her gently, whispering, "Be strong. You'll make a wonderful ruler." Clemont nodded in agreement, his smile soft.
Finally, Diancie floated back, her Carbink companions gathering close. She gave Ash and his friends one last radiant smile. "Thank you... all of you. I will never forget this journey, or the friends I have made."
Ash raised a hand high. "Good luck, Diancie! We'll see each other again someday!"
"Yeah!" Bonnie waved, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Promise you won't forget us!"
The princess of diamonds nodded, clutching Bonnie's keepsake close. With a final sparkle of light, she and the Carbink turned toward the horizon, the newly reborn Diamond Domain shining in the distance.
Ash and his friends stood together, watching until she disappeared from sight, the light of the Heart Diamond reflecting in their eyes.
For them, the journey would continue. But for Diancie, a new chapter had just begun.
THE END
The days that followed the rebirth of the Heart Diamond passed quietly.
In a small Kalos town, Argus and Millis Steel had shed their past as thieves. A quaint storefront had appeared along the main street, its glass windows displaying rows of colorful sweets. The sign above read Steel's Chocolaterie. Inside, the shelves brimmed with confections shaped like Pokémon, Pikachu, Eevee, and even a line of signature treats resembling Honedge, Doublade, and Aegislash. Millis greeted customers warmly while Argus carefully crafted each chocolate with surprising patience. Their lives of crime were behind them, replaced by the sweeter taste of creation.
Elsewhere, in Lumiose City, Merilyn had traded her glamour of thievery for genuine fashion. She worked at a chic clothing boutique, her Delphox now serving as a gentle assistant, steaming fabrics and adjusting displays. Riot often visited her, still rough around the edges but softened by her presence. One evening, beneath the glow of Lumiose's lamps, he knelt with an uncharacteristic gentleness, holding out a small ring. Merilyn's eyes widened, then softened, and she accepted with a smile. Their new life was only just beginning.
For Ash and his friends, the road continued. They trekked along Kalos' winding paths with renewed vigor, the memory of Diancie and the brilliance of the Heart Diamond still fresh in their hearts. Pikachu perched proudly on Ash's shoulder, sparking with energy, while Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie talked excitedly about the next city, the next Gym, the next adventure.
Deep within the Allearth Forest, Xerneas stood silent in its tree form, its Fairy Aura pulsing gently, ensuring life and balance thrived. The Pokémon gathered around it peacefully, as though basking in its eternal promise.
High above a distant mountain range, Yveltal soared, wings outstretched against the dying light of sunset. Its Dark Aura had receded, and its movements were slow, restrained. Though it had returned to solitude, its power had not fully recovered after the clash with Xerneas. It drifted, weakened, yet proud.
Then—
A roar split the sky. Flames streaked upward, and a jet of fire blazed past Yveltal's wing. The Destruction Pokémon snapped its head to the side, its crimson eyes narrowing. From a jagged cliff stood a lone trainer, his coat billowing in the wind, his expression hard with anger.
Alain.
Beside him, his partner hovered, a Charizard cloaked in the blazing energy of Mega Evolution. Its wings glowed with power, its fangs bared as it let out a furious roar. Alain's eyes narrowed, his voice cold and sharp.
"You've taken enough lives. I won't forgive you for what you've done!"
Yveltal screeched in defiance, its wings glowing with dark power, and the battle began.
Charizard launched forward with Flamethrower, the flames cutting across the sky in a roaring stream. Yveltal twisted upward, dark energy gathering in its beak before unleashing Dark Pulse, colliding with the fire in an explosive clash of light and shadow.
Alain's jaw clenched. "Don't back down, Charizard! Push through with Dragon Claw!"
Charizard's claws gleamed green, and it slashed across Yveltal's wing. The impact forced Yveltal back, but the Legendary retaliated with Oblivion Wing, the black aura lashing out, grazing Charizard's side and sapping its energy. Charizard grunted, wings faltering for a moment before stabilizing.
Alain's fists tightened. "No matter what... I'll bring you down!"
Charizard roared and surged with speed, diving through the air in a spiral. Dragon Claw and Flamethrower combined, creating a fiery, clawed strike that hammered into Yveltal's chest. The Destruction Pokémon cried out, countering with a devastating Hurricane that sent Charizard spiraling backward through the air.
The two titans clashed again and again, Oblivion Wing tearing at Charizard's strength, Flamethrower and Dragon Claw burning through the shadows. The mountain shook beneath the force of their attacks, sparks and embers raining down like falling stars.
But Yveltal was faltering. Its flight wavered, its energy reserves nearly spent. Without the chance to absorb enough life force since its awakening, its body trembled under the strain of battle. Alain saw it. His eyes hardened with determination.
"Now, Charizard! Finish this! Blast Burn!"
Charizard's entire body ignited with a searing inferno, wings flaring wide. It roared, unleashing a cataclysmic torrent of flame that consumed the sky. Yveltal screeched, its Dark Pulse collapsing under the sheer intensity of the attack. The flames engulfed it, forcing it downward.
With one final cry, Yveltal's wings folded around its body. Darkness coiled tightly, and it began to transform, its form condensing into a hardened shell. Slowly, the aura around it faded, leaving behind the familiar, ominous Cocoon of Destruction.
The battlefield grew quiet. The wind howled through the mountains, carrying away the last embers of Charizard's flames. Alain stood at the cliff's edge, breathing heavily, his fists trembling. His anger had driven him, but as he stared at the cocoon resting in the valley below, his eyes softened with something more complicated.
Charizard descended beside him, panting but proud, its flames flickering against the darkening sky. Alain reached out, placing a hand against its side.
"We did it... but this isn't over." His gaze remained fixed on the cocoon, his voice low and resolute. "Not until I am strong enough."
Above them, the stars began to appear, silent witnesses to the uneasy calm that had settled once more over Kalos.
[Line Break]
The mountain wind still howled as Alain stared down at the Cocoon of Destruction resting in the valley below. Charizard stood silently at his side, its flames still burning bright, though its breathing was heavy. The battle was over, but Alain's heart was not at peace.
Footsteps crunched over the rocky cliffside behind him. Alain turned sharply, his guard still up, until a familiar, deep voice echoed through the dusk.
"Well done, Alain. That was... impressive."
From the shadows stepped Lysandre, tall and imposing, his crimson hair glowing like fire in the fading light. His eyes locked on Alain with an intensity that felt both approving and commanding.
Alain's fists clenched. "Lysandre..."
The older man approached, his gaze briefly sweeping toward the cocoon below. "Yveltal... contained once more. And you—" he gestured toward Alain and Charizard, "—proved yourself against the embodiment of destruction itself. You've grown stronger than I could have imagined."
Alain looked away, his jaw tight. "I didn't fight for strength alone."
Lysandre's expression softened slightly, though the sharpness in his eyes never left. "I know. I heard what happened. Yveltal's rampage did not only destroy the forest, it endangered Serena and her friends."
Alain's face darkened, anger flashing in his eyes at the memory. Serena's frightened expression, Ash and his companions struggling against overwhelming odds, it all burned in his mind. He grit his teeth. "I swore I'd protect them. Especially Serena... and Professor Sycamore. That's why I can't allow myself to be weak. That's why I have to become the strongest trainer in the world."
Charizard gave a low growl of agreement, its flames flaring as if echoing Alain's vow.
Lysandre nodded slowly, placing a firm hand on Alain's shoulder. His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable weight. "And you will. Every battle you fight, every Mega Evolution you push to its limits, it all builds the energy we need. That energy won't only help us understand Mega Evolution... it can also be the key to restoring balance. To undoing the scars Yveltal left behind."
Alain's eyes widened slightly. "You mean... my battles could help reverse the damage?"
"Exactly," Lysandre replied, his voice low and persuasive. "You saw the despair Yveltal left in its wake. Families torn apart, forests withered, Pokémon reduced to stone. You have the power to ensure that never happens again. With your strength, and the strength of Charizard,you can protect Serena, protect Professor Sycamore, and protect all of Kalos."
Alain's chest tightened, but then he nodded, his expression firming into steel resolve. "Then I'll keep going. I'll battle stronger opponents, push Charizard beyond its limits, and gather all the power I can. If it means protecting them... I won't stop until I'm the strongest."
Charizard roared into the night sky, wings flaring with a fiery brilliance, as if to seal the oath.
Lysandre smiled faintly, though his eyes gleamed with something darker. "Good. I'll be watching, Alain. And when the time comes... your strength will change the world."
Alain turned back toward the horizon, the stars beginning to dot the vast night above. His heart was still heavy, but his path had never been clearer. He would carry on; for Serena, for Professor Sycamore, and for his own unshakable vow.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
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