Darkness. For most, it was simply the absence of light, but for Diancie, it had been her reality for what felt like an eternity. She couldn't remember how long it had been since she had regained consciousness, but ever since that moment, darkness had been her only companion... well, darkness and the memories of a girl she had once called her friend.
******
It had been a stormy afternoon the day Diancie first ventured into the human forest. Her usual grace and elegance were gone, replaced by exhaustion and pain. A fierce battle with a wild Pokémon had left her wounded, her vibrant pink gems dulled, her body trembling from fatigue. The rain poured down relentlessly, each droplet feeling like it weighed a ton as it fell against her battered form. The soft light that Diancie emitted flickered weakly as she stumbled through the trees, desperately seeking refuge from both the storm and the dangers of the wilderness.
She pressed on for hours, her body pushing past its limits until she could go no further. Finally, she collapsed under the shelter of a large oak tree, its branches shielding her from the worst of the downpour. Her vision blurred, and the exhaustion pulled her closer to unconsciousness with every passing second.
And then, amidst the storm, she heard it... the soft, sweet voice of a child.
"Are you okay?" the gentle voice asked, filled with concern.
Diancie struggled to lift her head, but her strength was gone. Instead, she felt a pair of tiny hands touch her shoulder, and through half-closed eyes, she saw the girl kneeling beside her. The child's bright, curious eyes were wide with worry, her small frame drenched from the rain. But despite her fear and confusion, she didn't run. She didn't leave.
"You're hurt," the girl whispered in a trembling voice. "But don't worry. I'll help you."
The girl knelt beside Diancie, gently placing her small hand on the largest pink crystal embedded in Diancie's chest. At first, Diancie had no idea what the child intended, but something incredible happened. A soft, green glow emerged from the girl's hand, radiating warmth through Diancie's body. The cracks in her crystals began to heal before her very eyes, and the overwhelming pain dissolved as though it had never been there.
Diancie's eyes widened in astonishment. This human... she had healed her. No potions, no magic stones—just a gentle touch and a warmth that flowed from the girl's heart.
The girl smiled softly, clearly proud of her efforts. "See? All better now." She stood up, brushing off the wet leaves stuck to her dress. "Do you want to come with me? I live nearby—in a castle! My father says I can be friends with whoever I want."
Diancie hesitated. She had spent most of her life alone, wandering from one place to the next. Yet, the kindness in this girl's eyes, the warmth of her touch, beckoned her to trust. For the first time in a long while, Diancie wanted to believe in the possibility of companionship. With a quiet nod, she accepted the offer.
The girl's face lit up with joy. "Great! Come on, I'll take you home!" She extended her hand toward Diancie, who took it hesitantly, finding comfort in the gesture.
The journey wasn't long, but for Diancie, it felt like a new beginning. As they emerged from the forest, the towering walls of a grand castle came into view, nestled at the edge of a vast meadow. The castle was beautiful, with tall spires that reached toward the sky and windows that sparkled in the light of the setting sun.
When they arrived at the castle gates, the girl hurried inside, leading Diancie through the ornate hallways until they reached the grand throne room. There, a tall, regal man sat on the throne, dressed in luxurious robes, his expression one of intrigue as his daughter approached, her new companion in tow.
"Father!" the girl exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "Look! I found her in the forest. She was hurt, but I healed her! Can she stay with us? Please?"
The King studied Diancie carefully. His gaze was sharp, but there was no malice in his eyes—only curiosity and wonder. Diancie stood still, her heart racing, unsure of what to expect.
After a moment, the king smiled. "If she wishes to stay, then of course. But remember, it is her choice."
The girl turned to Diancie, her eyes brimming with hope. "Will you stay with me? We can be best friends forever."
Diancie, moved by the girl's kindness and sincerity, felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She bowed her head, the diamonds on her crown shimmering in the light.
"Then it's settled!" the girl cheered. "Oh, I forgot to tell you my name! I'm Ziva Axel Kalos, and from now on, we're going to be best friends for life!"
******
As the years passed, Ziva and Diancie's bond only grew deeper, blossoming into something stronger than either could have imagined. They had experienced countless moments together—days filled with laughter, nights spent sharing secrets under the stars, and even times when they supported each other through sorrow. It wasn't long before they realized that what they shared was more than friendship. They had become sisters in spirit, inseparable.
On Ziva's eighteenth birthday, the day dawned with a radiant sun, casting golden beams across the castle grounds. It was a day of celebration, and the castle was abuzz with preparations. But Ziva, now a young woman, didn't care much for the grandeur. What mattered most to her was spending this special day with Diancie, her lifelong companion.
That afternoon, Ziva and Diancie decided to leave the festivities behind and venture out into the forest where they had first met so many years ago. As they walked together, side by side, a sense of peace settled over them. The bond between them was unspoken, yet it pulsed like the heartbeat of the earth beneath their feet.
Then, as they entered a clearing bathed in sunlight, they saw something extraordinary. A magnificent stag-like Pokémon stood before them, its presence both majestic and serene. Its antlers shimmered with vibrant rainbow colors, glowing softly as if they held the light of a thousand sunsets. Ziva gasped in awe, instantly recognizing the Pokémon from stories recorded in the Kalos family's history.
"Lord Xerneas..." she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.
Diancie stood still, her sparkling pink crystals glowing faintly in response to the aura of the legendary Pokémon. Xerneas gazed at the pair, its deep eyes wise and ancient, as if it could see into their very souls. Slowly, it lowered its head, and the brilliant colors of its antlers intensified.
A wave of warmth and light enveloped Ziva and Diancie, filling them with a sense of harmony and connection that went beyond words. In that moment, it felt as if the bond they shared was being acknowledged by the universe itself, blessed by the life-giving force that Xerneas represented. The sensation was overwhelming, but in the best possible way—like a promise that they would always be together, no matter what.
When the light faded, Xerneas lifted its head, its eyes soft with approval. Without a sound, it turned and disappeared into the trees, leaving Ziva and Diancie standing in the clearing, with their hearts filled with awe and wonder.
Later that evening, back at the castle, the grand hall was filled with the soft glow of candlelight as Ziva and Diancie entered the throne room. King Axel, Ziva's father, stood waiting for them, his face proud but warm. Ziva could see that he had been expecting them.
"Father?" Ziva asked, curiosity in her voice.
King Axel smiled, gesturing for them to come closer. In his hands, he held two small velvet boxes. "Ziva, Diancie," he began, his voice filled with solemnity, "I have something for both of you."
Opening the first box, King Axel revealed a necklace. Its chain was delicate but strong, and set in the center was a breathtaking pendant—rainbow-colored gemstones arranged in a circular pattern, each stone catching the light and reflecting the colors of Xerneas's antlers.
"For you, Ziva," he said, fastening the necklace around her neck. "This necklace has been in our family for generations, said to have been blessed by the Lord Xerneas itself. It is a symbol of unity and trust between our family and the Pokémon of Kalos."
Then, King Axel opened the second box and turned to Diancie. Inside was a single earring, designed with elegant precision. It was adorned with pink-colored gemstones that gleamed as brightly as the diamonds on Diancie's own body. Ziva took the earring and helped Diancie wear it in her ear. "
"And for you, Diancie," he said with the same respect in his voice, "this earring holds the same meaning. These stones have been passed down as a test of the bond between human and Pokémon. Only those whose connection is true can wear them."
Ziva glanced at Diancie, her hand reaching up to touch the necklace now resting against her skin. She smiled, her heart filled with love for the Pokémon who had been by her side through every step of her life.
"Father," Ziva said softly, "we don't need a test to know how strong our bond is. Diancie is more than just my partner. She's my sister."
Diancie's pink crystals shimmered as she looked up at Ziva, her eyes reflecting the same emotion. Though she couldn't speak in human language, the feeling of gratitude, love, and unbreakable friendship radiated from her in waves.
King Axel nodded, his eyes softening as he watched the two. "I know, my dear. But these treasures are not just a test. They are a reminder of the strength that comes from such a bond. May they guide you both in the years to come."
Ziva and Diancie exchanged a knowing glance. Though neither felt the need for proof of their relationship, they accepted the gifts with gratitude and a smile.
As the night wore on, Ziva and Diancie sat together by the window, looking out over the moonlit forest. "Forever," Ziva whispered, placing her hand gently on Diancie's. Diancie's crystals warmed at the touch, glowing in response.
******
Two years after that magical encounter with Xerneas, Ziva's life took a new and exciting turn. She married Prince Dorion of the Hoenn region, a nobleman whose love for Pokémon and adventure mirrored her own. Their union was celebrated with great joy in both Kalos and Hoenn, and the people of both regions looked forward to the new chapter that lay ahead for their royal families.
For Ziva, though the joy was immense, it meant leaving behind her childhood home in Kalos and starting a new life in the Hoenn region with her husband. Of course, she wasn't alone—Diancie, her faithful companion, came with her.
A year and a half after their marriage, the palace was once again filled with celebration and happiness. Ziva had given birth to a healthy baby girl, whom they named Diana, in honor of Diancie. The name was a reflection of the unbreakable connection Ziva and Diancie shared—a bond that had been there through every stage of her life, and now carried into the next generation.
From the moment Diana was born, Diancie became utterly devoted to the child. More so, even, than to Ziva. Diancie spent hours by Diana's crib, her gentle presence radiating warmth and peace. Her pink crystals would shimmer faintly as she hovered protectively near the baby, as though she was guarding Diana from the world with her very essence.
Ziva often smiled as she watched Diancie and Diana together, their bond growing stronger by the day. It filled her heart with joy to see Diancie care for her daughter with the same love and loyalty she had always shown Ziva. It brought joy to her heart to see her daughter and her best friend sharing the same closeness she and Diancie had known all their lives.
******
One peaceful afternoon, Ziva decided to take a walk through the nearby village with Diancie and little Diana cradled in her arms. It was a perfect day, the air warm with the gentle touch of spring. Flowers bloomed along the cobbled streets, their fragrance mingling with the scent of fresh bread baking in the nearby bakery. Villagers smiled warmly as Ziva passed, greeting their beloved queen and princess with respect and admiration. Diancie floated close beside her, her radiant pink gems catching the sunlight and making her look even more regal.
But as they ventured deeper into the village square, the peaceful afternoon was shattered. A dark shadow suddenly loomed over the village. The sky darkened as a horde of wild Hydreigon appeared from the clouds, their roars echoing through the air like a terrible storm. Panic erupted in the village as people screamed and ran for shelter, the ground trembling under the thundering wings of the dragon Pokémon.
Ziva's heart raced. Her first instinct was to run, to get her daughter to safety. She clutched Diana tightly to her chest, her mind spinning with fear. But before she could move, one of the Hydreigon swooped down with terrifying speed, its multiple heads snarling as it dove straight for them.
Diancie sprang into action, her crystals flaring to life as she moved to protect Ziva and Diana. She stood her ground, her pink gems glowing as she prepared to unleash a powerful blast. But there were too many Hydreigon. Diancie fought valiantly, her energy focused on keeping the child safe, but it was clear her power was waning. For every dragon she repelled, another took its place. She was being overwhelmed.
Then, as the danger reached its peak, something extraordinary happened.
The necklace around Ziva's neck—the same rainbow-colored gemstone necklace her father had given her on her eighteenth birthday—began to glow with an intense light. At the same moment, the pink gemstones in Diancie's earring shimmered with the same radiant energy. The light spread, swirling around them both, as if the bond between Ziva and Diancie had activated.
In an instant, Diancie's entire form began to shift. Her pink crystals expanded, and her body glowed with an otherworldly brilliance. Her appearance transformed—her small, floating form grew taller, more elegant. She was now adorned in what appeared to be a heavenly white gown, some of her pink crystals now glowing with pure white and gold. Her new form was regal, almost ethereal, and she looked every bit like a true princess—no, a queen, a guardian of legend.
At that time, neither Ziva nor Diancie knew that Diancie had undergone Mega Evolution.
In her new, more powerful form, Diancie's very presence commanded the battlefield. She raised her arm, and beams of radiant light shot from the crystals that adorned her gown, cutting through the sky like arrows. The wild Hydreigon roared in defiance, but they were no match for Diancie's newfound strength. With a wave of her hand, she unleashed a dazzling array of diamond-like energy, sending shockwaves through the air. The dragons, unable to withstand her power, fled one by one, retreating back into the clouds from which they had come.
The Hydreigon, overwhelmed by the sheer force of Diancie's new power, scattered and fled, defeated and beaten back from the village.
The village fell silent. The danger had passed. Ziva clutched Diana, her heart pounding in her chest, unable to fully comprehend what had just occurred. Diancie—her faithful, gentle Diancie—had become something so much more. She had saved them all.
But as the last of the Hydreigon disappeared over the horizon, Diancie's radiant form began to flicker. The power she had summoned so magnificently had drained her. Her crystals, once gleaming with strength, now dimmed, and her body slowly reverted to its original form. She faltered, her energy spent, and then collapsed to the ground, completely still.
"No!" Ziva cried, rushing to her side. She knelt beside Diancie, her hands trembling as she touched her Pokémon's delicate form. Diancie's body had returned to its usual shape, but she was motionless, as though she had fallen into a deep sleep. Tears welled up in Ziva's eyes as the realization dawned on her. Diancie had used nearly all her life force to protect them.
******
After that day, Diancie remained unconscious, in an endless sea of darkness for what felt like an eternity. But then one day, when a flicker of consciousness returned, she felt Ziva's emotions, as if tethered to her very soul. Pain, anger, helplessness... it all surged through her, filling Diancie with a gnawing sense of dread. It was as if a piece of Ziva's soul was being torn apart, and Diancie, despite all her power, was helpless to stop it.
In that darkness, a voice broke through, soft yet filled with sorrow. It was Ziva's.
"Diancie… I am sorry… but please find… and save…"
Ziva's words trailed off into the void, and then silence returned. Diancie wanted to respond, wanted to reach out, but her mind slipped back into the unconscious darkness before she could act.
When her consciousness returned, Diancie once again found herself surrounded by darkness. It remained like that for a long time. Diancie didn't know how long had passed in the outside world—days, months, or maybe even years. Time had no meaning there. All she knew was darkness and silence, haunted by the final fragments of Ziva's voice.
However, one day, she felt something... a familiar sensation, like a presence she had once known, a warmth she hadn't felt in so long. She tried to reach out to it, but before she could grasp it, it slipped away, leaving her alone once more.
But then the feeling returned, and this time it was close and approaching her. And then, after an unknown amount of time, for the first time, Diancie saw glimpses of light. Then she approached the source of the familiar feeling, however, she was surprised by what she found. Instead of Ziva, the one person she had always expected, there was a young boy standing before her. He looked as confused as she felt, his wide eyes staring at her with a mixture of awe and uncertainty. Diancie didn't recognize him, but there was something familiar about his presence, something that called out to the deepest part of her soul.
Before Diancie could make sense of it, she heard footsteps approaching. A group of people appeared behind the boy, and unlike him, their presence felt wrong. There was something malicious about them. Leading them was a woman with lilac hair and a cruel smile, her eyes gleaming with cold intent.
"Well well well, what do we have here?" the woman said, her voice dripping with sadistic amusement. "Boy, why don't you move aside so I can have a closer look at it?"
The boy clenched his fists, stepping in front of Diancie protectively. "In your dreams!" he snapped. "There is no way in hell that I am allowing you anywhere near Diancie while I'm here!"
At his words, something stirred within Diancie—an echo of memories. She saw Ziva in her mind's eye, standing before her, offering the same fierce protection. The warmth and loyalty radiating from the boy mirrored what she had once felt from Ziva.
A calm washed over Diancie. She didn't understand everything that was happening, but the boy's presence made her feel safe. Somehow, she knew that everything would be all right.
To be continued...
******
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