After enjoying a full day of rest, the next day marked the beginning of intense and stimulating training once again.
After more than ten days of frenetic battles, most of the Pokémon had already participated in countless fights. Now they needed time to slowly digest everything they had learned in order to grow.
There was still one month left before the showdown against Steven.
Although Steven had the full support of the Stone family, Cain couldn't guarantee victory, so this month was crucial for him.
But that day, he still had something important to do.
He called Diancie over, and while the rest of the Pokémon trained, he brought her alone into a room.
"Diancie, I think it's time. Lately, when you create diamonds, your speed and success rate have improved a lot. Besides, during our time in Meteor Falls, our coordination also advanced greatly. I can feel it—today is the day," said Cain.
Upon hearing that, Diancie's red eyes locked onto him. Within them was a hint of admiration, but even more of closeness.
When Carbink had first mutated into Diancie, she looked at Cain with more respect than affection, perhaps due to the impression carried over from her previous form.
But as time went on, always remaining by his side and spending more time together, Diancie discovered that Cain wasn't as strict and demanding as she had once imagined.
Though his training requirements for his Pokémon were high, as long as they completed their tasks, he would always show careful attention and meticulous care toward them all. They could all feel that clearly.
Thus, even though daily training was harsh, the bond between Cain and his Pokémon only grew stronger.
Pokémon are very sensitive creatures—they can tell who truly treats them with kindness and sincerity.
That heart-to-heart connection was the best way for a Trainer and Pokémon to strengthen their bond rapidly.
And on top of that, Cain's psychic powers allowed him to make contact even more directly and deeply, which greatly accelerated the process.
"Diaaancieee~!" Diancie nodded sweetly.
In fact, Diancie and Magearna had somewhat similar personalities; the main difference was that Diancie desired to fight, while Magearna preferred to provide support.
Fortunately, Magearna's passive ability, Soul-Heart, was extremely valuable.
"Then let's give it a try," said Cain, taking out a Key Stone.
Attempts at Mega Evolution with Diancie weren't new. However, unlike Tyranitar and Blaziken, the process always failed at the critical moment.
After several attempts, they were getting closer and closer. Cain had a strong feeling that today, they would finally succeed.
"Diancie, Mega Evolve!" he commanded, gripping the Key Stone tightly.
He focused all his attention, willpower, and psychic energy into the stone, connecting it with Diancie's Mega Stone.
Mega Evolution was a communication between the souls of a Trainer and their Pokémon—a true test of their bond. Both could clearly sense each other's most sincere thoughts and emotions.
From Diancie, Cain felt a change: where there was once respect, now affection prevailed. She no longer viewed him as a superior, but as a partner.
The Key Stone in his hand released multicolored threads of light, wrapping around Diancie's Mega Stone like the silk of a cocoon.
Within that cocoon, mysterious and incomprehensible transformations took place.
The first Mega Evolution always took longer.
But thanks to that spiritual connection, Cain was certain—this time, they would succeed.
Sure enough, when the energy was fully absorbed by Diancie, a fleeting signal of success appeared.
Diancie had achieved Mega Evolution!
She had always been beautiful, like a small princess. But after Mega Evolving, that beauty was displayed to its fullest.
The pink diamond on her head changed shape—from a circle into a heart.
Her lower body, which once resembled that of a Carbink adorned with scattered gems, now transformed into a grand skirt that covered her entire waist. It was composed of eight enormous pink crystals interlocked together, forming a dazzling gown.
Two white ribbons descended from her head like a bridal veil, with tiny pink diamonds hanging from their tips.
She had transformed from a young princess into a mature bride, radiating nobility and elegance.
This was how Diancie truly embodied her title as the Princess of Diamonds.
As her Mega Evolution completed, far away in the Kalos region, deep within an ancient forest, a majestic blue stag wandered gracefully. Suddenly, as if sensing something, its antlers spread like a peacock's fan, and from them sprouted multicolored shoots.
Its X-shaped eyes gazed into the distance, as though trying to witness this new phenomenon.
Upon sensing the successful Mega Evolution of Diancie, a surge of life energy erupted from Xerneas' body. The vegetation around it grew wildly, doubling in size within moments.
"So, Mega Diancie has appeared? The Fairy-type energy in this world has increased by two levels. Only one more remains... and it will depend on when she builds the Kingdom of the Carbink," said Xerneas in a melodious voice, as if explaining to someone—or perhaps speaking to herself.
Then she turned and disappeared into the forest.
All of this was unknown to Cain and Diancie in Hoenn.
Although Cain already knew what Diancie's Mega form looked like, seeing it in person still left him astonished.
"Come on, go out and show everyone your new form," he said with a smile.
Mega Diancie floated gracefully in the air, nodding shyly with a faint blush.
When she stepped out into the yard, the sunlight bathed her, making her shine even more brilliantly.
Immediately, every Pokémon's gaze turned toward her. Even Kommo-o, who had been dozing in the corner, opened his eyes in surprise.
Florges, Kirlia, Magearna, and Mismagius were the first to approach, their eyes sparkling with admiration brighter than the sun itself.
For female Pokémon, Mega Diancie represented a lifelong dream.
Diancie gave each of her companions a pink, heart-shaped diamond as a symbol of eternal friendship.
Meanwhile, Tyranitar and Aggron also had their eyes gleaming... but unlike the others, their gazes were simply those of two gluttons.
(End of Chapter)