Chapter 386: Orus Forest
Rio set off with Diancie toward Orus Forest.
He didn’t ride Charizard—instead, he traveled by bus and ferry, gradually making his way closer to the forest with Diancie. Over the course of two days, they grew much closer, and Diancie’s friendship rose to 13 points.
But on the afternoon of the third day, three Carbink blocked their path.
"Who are you? Why are you with the Princess?" The lead Carbink’s voice echoed in Rio’s mind. Though it was an ordinary Pokémon, this Carbink could also use telepathy.
"He’s my friend." Before Rio could explain, Diancie spoke up for him. "He saved me when I was in danger."
"Is that true?" The Carbink studied Rio, then turned its gaze back to Diancie. "Princess, please don’t abandon us again. Protecting you is our duty."
"I’m sorry—I was being selfish." Diancie bowed apologetically.
"We understand you might get bored staying with us all the time, Princess. Just please don’t do it again." The Carbink said. "Now, please follow us—something has happened in the kingdom."
"Alright." Diancie nodded, then signaled Rio to come along.
Rio followed Diancie and the three Carbink. About half an hour later, they reached a small cave entrance that required Rio to crouch to enter. He followed them inside. The cave started small but grew larger the deeper they went, with diamonds embedded in the walls.
"This is one of our kingdoms, scattered throughout the world." Diancie proudly introduced to Rio once they were inside. "All the kingdoms are connected by these Diamond Roads."
"So, any of these Diamond Roads can lead to your kingdom?" Rio asked.
"Yes, exactly." Diancie nodded.
After half an hour of walking through the cave, Rio and Diancie arrived at a much larger cavern. Inside, two rows of Carbink stood in formation, as if they had been expecting Diancie. As Diancie approached, they all bowed.
"I appreciate your hard work, everyone." Diancie acknowledged them.
But just as she finished speaking, a sound came from above. Rio looked up and saw a diamond embedded in the wall crumble into dust. Then more diamonds began to follow suit, one after another, disintegrating.
"What’s happening...?" Diancie stared at the scene in confusion.
"Princess." Just then, the Great Elder of the underground kingdom approached. Diancie turned to face it.
"Princess, the Sacred Diamond’s life has finally run out." The Great Elder said apologetically.
"What do you mean, Dai?!" Diancie was shocked.
"Princess, I’m not lying. The Sacred Diamond exhausted its life yesterday. It’s now dim and beginning to crumble." The Great Elder explained. "That’s why I came to see you, Princess."
Diancie collapsed to the ground in despair. "Diancie?" Rio asked with concern.
The Great Elder’s gaze turned to him. "Who are you?"
"Dai, he’s my savior—please don’t be rude." Diancie spoke up.
"Your savior?" The Great Elder’s scrutiny intensified. Diancie explained how Rio had rescued her from the magician and the masked ninja. Upon hearing this, the Great Elder’s gaze softened.
"Thank you." It said.
"It’s nothing—I did what anyone should do." Rio smiled, then turned back to Diancie. "Diancie, is there anything I can do to help? What is this Sacred Diamond? If it’s within my power, I’ll definitely help you."
[Diancie’s friendship has increased]
[Friendship: 14 (0 → 14) ]
"Rio..." Diancie looked at him with tear-filled eyes. "The Sacred Diamond is the source of energy that powers all our kingdoms across the world. And now... it’s gone."
"Only Princess Diancie can create a new Sacred Diamond to restore light to the kingdom." The Great Elder said.
"But I don’t have that ability yet." Diancie said guiltily.
"Xerneas’s Fairy Aura will surely awaken your true power." The Great Elder assured her.
"I understand." Rio nodded, then puffed out his chest. "Leave it to me—I’ll make sure Xerneas uses its Fairy Aura on Diancie so she can awaken her true power."
"You?" The Great Elder was skeptical.
"Yes—trust me. If Xerneas refuses, I’ll make it agree." Rio said confidently.
The Great Elder’s skepticism only deepened. "Young man, don’t boast. That’s the legendary Xerneas—no one can force it to do anything. I understand you want to help the Princess, but if you’re planning to attack Xerneas, you’d better think about how you’re going to escape."
"Just wait and see." Rio smiled and shrugged. "I’m very confident in myself."
"Thank you, Rio." Unlike the skeptical Great Elder, Diancie was deeply grateful, tears streaming down its face.
"You’re welcome—it’s the least I can do." Rio crouched down and looked Diancie in the eye. "Besides, crying won’t help, right? As long as you believe, what you wish for will come true."
Diancie looked at him, then nodded. "You’re right, Rio. Crying won’t help." She turned to her subjects. "Everyone—I will find Xerneas and use its power to restore light to the kingdom."
"That’s the spirit." Rio nodded.
"Princess, I’ll accompany you this time." The Great Elder added.
And so, the Great Elder joined the journey to Orus Forest. With its guidance, Rio and Diancie walked for another two days before finally arriving at a vast, vibrant forest that stretched as far as the eye could see.
"I can feel it—I can feel Xerneas’s Fairy Aura. Xerneas is inside. Dai, is this Orus Forest?" Standing at the edge of the forest, Diancie closed her eyes and sensed the energy within.
Rio noticed that Diancie could detect Xerneas’s location on its own—he raised an eyebrow. That suited him perfectly—no need to search.
"Yes, Princess—this is Orus Forest." The Great Elder answered. "I remember it well. A great disaster once occurred here—a destruction that snuffed out all life. After that, this place became a forbidden land. And the Pokémon that caused that disaster... I must tell you, Princess—it was Kalos’s other legendary guardian, Yveltal."
"Yveltal?" Diancie turned to look at Rio, who had mentioned wanting to challenge both Xerneas and Yveltal.