"Ash, you were amazing!"
Serena couldn't hold back any longer. She suddenly rushed forward and threw herself into Ash's arms.
Ash instinctively held her, gently patting her shoulder.
"Yeah, that was incredible! I still can't believe you actually defeated Yveltal. That's the legendary Destroyer God of Kalos! And you even managed to capture it!"
Clemont and Bonnie looked at Ash like he was their ultimate idol now.
"Human, you truly continue to surprise me. Because of you, even I benefit from this outcome."
Xerneas trotted gracefully toward Ash, its antlers glowing faintly.
It was right—since Ash had taken Yveltal with him, Xerneas no longer needed to remain in Allearth Forest, standing guard over Yveltal's Cocoon of Destruction.
"Ash, thank you… and congratulations."
Diancie, who had now learned to access her Mega Evolution form, also floated over and bowed politely.
"Alright, let's head to the Diamond Domain first. Diancie should finally be able to create the new Heart Diamond now."
Serena, cheeks flushed, slowly released Ash. Ash gave her a reassuring smile before turning serious again.
Under Xerneas's guidance, the Allearth Forest had completely returned to normal.
As for the people who had disturbed Yveltal's slumber—they had all gone through a true life-and-death ordeal. That experience had opened their eyes. From now on, they resolved to abandon thievery and banditry, choosing instead to live meaningful lives.
With Xerneas watching them from afar, Ash and his companions followed the mountain path leading back into the core of the Diamond Domain.
In the end, Diancie succeeded. She condensed a brand-new Heart Diamond with her own power.
The princess of the Diamond Domain bid farewell, but not without watching Ash and the group off until they had left the kingdom far behind.
She glanced at the pinkish-violet diamond in her hands—the very same one she had once gifted Bonnie.
Never in her wildest dreams had she thought that the first diamond she had forged for the sake of friendship would become the key that allowed her to overcome her final barrier.
This diamond was proof of their bond. Proof that true friendship would never fade with time.
------
"Everyone, once I finish the Shalour Gym battle, our new home should finally be ready to move into," Ash said with a grin, seated inside the Pokémon Center.
"That's awesome! I can't wait! Bonnie wants the biggest, biggest bed—no more camping outdoors anymore!"
Bonnie twirled happily in circles with Dedenne in her arms.
Clemont and Serena chuckled softly at her antics.
That was right—today, the group had finally arrived at Shalour City, home of Ash's third Gym challenge.
Korrina had already been notified, and she was now making her way toward the Pokémon Center.
"I wonder if Korrina has fully mastered Mega Evolution with her Lucario?" Serena wondered aloud.
Just as the words left her mouth, the doors to the Pokémon Center swung open.
A blonde-haired girl on roller skates zipped inside, with a Lucario faithfully following behind.
"Hey! Ash, everyone! Sorry to keep you waiting!"
"Luuuu-cario!"
It was none other than Korrina and her Lucario.
"Korrina, you and Lucario look full of energy! So? Have you two fully mastered Mega Evolution yet?" Serena asked eagerly.
"Of course we have! Lucario and I have been waiting for you, Ash. To show you our thanks, we're going to give this battle everything we've got. Let's make it a great one!"
"Lucario!"
Korrina and Lucario locked eyes with Ash, sparks of determination burning between them.
"Haha, now this is what gets my blood pumping."
"Same here—even I'm fired up!" Clemont added.
Bonnie pointed excitedly out the window toward the ocean. "But… the Shalour Gym is in that big tower out there on the island, right? There's no bridge or boats—how do we even get across?"
Sure enough, just off the coast stood a towering spire that reached into the clouds: the Tower of Mastery, home to the Shalour Gym.
"Don't worry," Korrina laughed, patting Bonnie's head and tickling Dedenne with her finger. "This place is special. At sunset, the tide goes out, and a pathway reveals itself across the seabed."
As promised, the sun began to set, painting the waves gold.
With a soft rumble, the seawater receded, and a hidden road of stone stretched all the way to the island.
"Alright, let's head for the Tower of Mastery!"
"Wow… it's beautiful," Serena whispered in awe.
Led by Korrina, the group made their way across the path and up to the tower.
The Shalour Gym, a Fighting-type Gym, was not only a battleground—it was also a place where many martial artists came to train and refine their skills.
At the gates of the tower, an elderly man already awaited them: Gurkinn, Korrina's grandfather.
He personally pushed open the grand doors.
"Ash, at last you've come. I too am eager to see this battle unfold," Gurkinn said warmly.
He knew Ash must be a remarkable trainer, but he also assumed Ash wouldn't rely on his most powerful Pokémon to challenge his granddaughter.
------
Ding! [Congratulations, host—arrival at the Shalour Gym detected. Initiating system sign-in…]
Ding! [Sign-in successful. Rewards distributed…]
Ash's system space expanded once again, along with a huge pile of Poké Coins.
(Author's Note: At this point, Poké Coins and minor system rewards aren't crucial for Ash anymore, so we won't spend time detailing them.)
Soon, they reached the battlefield inside the tower.
Korrina and Ash stood across from one another as Gurkinn took his place as referee.
"The official Gym challenge between Ash, the challenger, and Korrina, the Gym Leader, will now begin!" Gurkinn announced. "Each side may use three Pokémon. When all of one side's Pokémon are unable to battle, the match is over. Only the challenger may switch Pokémon. Now… begin!"
As the words echoed through the hall, Korrina tossed out her first Poké Ball.
"Come on out—Mienshao!"
"Shaoo!"
"Fletchinder, I choose you!" Ash countered, hurling his Poké Ball forward.
"Fletch!"
"Strike first, Fletchinder—Flame Charge!" Ash commanded instantly.
Back in the original timeline, Ash had struggled badly here, even trying out 'battle dance' styles before he finally found a way to win.
But this Ash? He wouldn't make the same mistakes again.
Fletchinder soared forward, fiery energy trailing behind it as it shot at Mienshao.
"Not bad!" Korrina smirked. "Mienshao, use Detect—then Bulk Up!"
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T/N:
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