Pokémon: No Way! The Golden Finger Only Comes When I'm About To Die!?

Ash and Diancie hadn't gotten far when Yveltal's attack struck.

A pillar of dark energy tinged with crimson swept across the area.

"Pikachu!"

Pikachu cried out, launching a thunderbolt that shielded Ash and Diancie just in time.

"Run!" Ash shouted.

Diancie glanced back at the forest. Nearly the entire expanse had been reduced to rubble, and her eyes welled with tears.

Meanwhile, Jessie, James, and Meowth were scrambling through the forest in a panic.

"Faster, faster! That thing's catching up to us!" Jessie urged.

Meowth fretted, "Forget about Meowth coins—my life's worth more!"

James gasped between breaths, "What is that thing? It's terrifying!"

Jessie yelled, "Didn't you hear what that little Carbink said? It's the God of Destruction, the God of Destruction!"

No sooner had Jessie spoken than Yveltal soared overhead, unleashing a beam of energy that swept across their path.

"Help!" James screamed.

"I don't wanna die!" Jessie wailed.

Meowth added, "I haven't even earned Giovanni's love yet!"

The trio clung to each other in terror, only to be struck by the dark energy beam, turning into gray stone statues in an instant.

Elsewhere, Xerneas, strolling through the forest with Aromatisse and Charcadet, seemed to sense something amiss.

It turned its head toward Yveltal's direction, its expression grave.

"Oinkologne~"

"Charcadet~"

Oinkologne and Charcadet looked at Xerneas in confusion as it halted abruptly.

"Something's happened. It seems we'll have to go back," Xerneas said.

It had been planning to leave Allearth Forest with Oinkologne and Charcadet, but now that plan would have to wait.

"Oinkologne~"

"Charcadet~"

A wave of Vivillon and Fletchling fluttered overhead, frantic to escape the forest.

Taking in the scene, Xerneas leapt forward, racing toward the site of the disaster. Oinkologne and Charcadet quickly followed.

On an ancient tree, a Passimian watched the distance with a serious expression. The direction it faced was where Yveltal wreaked havoc.

A Dusknoir appeared beside Passimian, urging.

"Dusknoir~"

Let's go! We can't stay here!

"Passimian~"

If we leave, where can we go?

Without hesitation, Dusknoir replied.

"Dusknoir~ Dusknoir~"

To our good friend, of course! I visit it daily on the plains; I know where it lives.

Passimian glanced at the dark energy swelling in the distance and eventually nodded.

"Passimian~"

They had no choice but to leave.

Yveltal's ability, Dark Aura, spread relentlessly in its fury, dyeing rivers and land in ominous black hues, creating a horrifying spectacle.

Having made their decision, Passimian and Dusknoir hurried home to pack their belongings. They leaped from the treetops into a hollowed-out tree trunk—their home.

The ancient tree's interior was spacious, not only housing Passimian and Dusknoir but also a family of ten Shuckle.

Inside, Passimian began gathering a stash of berries and its homemade wine, while Dusknoir fetched a vine and used it to tie the Shuckle together.

The Shuckle were notoriously slow, barely faster than a crawling snail. Without Dusknoir's help, they'd never make it out of the forest in time.

Once the Shuckle were secured, Dusknoir saw Passimian still packing wine and berries and couldn't help but urge.

"Dusknoir~ Dusknoir"

Forget those! Your life's more important!

Passimian hesitated.

"Passimian~ Passimian~"

But I've worked so hard to collect these.

It couldn't bear to leave them behind.

Even those cherished brews were the result of much effort, crafted based on samples brought by a dear friend. If left behind, Passimian would face uncertainty about replicating them in the future.

They were its pride and joy, intended to age over the years before offering its friend a taste. Only with time's magic could these become true masterpieces. Pokémon who enjoyed such drinks were rare, making its friend a kindred spirit.

Dusknoir pulled Passimian firmly.

"Dusknoir~ Dusknoir~"

Come on, forget it! As long as we're alive, there'll be another chance!

Dusknoir burdened with the Shuckle it carried, clasped the reluctant Passimian and soared skyward, escaping the forest's impending doom.

Meanwhile, Ash darted through the woods with Diancie, narrowly avoiding Yveltal's wrath. Each near-miss felt like a miracle, thanks in part to Pikachu's efforts.

"Pikachu~!!"

A sudden blast threw Pikachu backward as Yveltal's next strike closed in. Acting on instinct, Ash shielded Diancie, bracing for the worst.

At the last moment, the Carbink servants intercepted the attack and they immediately crystallizing into grey statues.

Before turning into gray statue, Merrick shouted, "Sir Ash, Princess... take care of her!"

"Dace! Merrick!" Diancie cried out in despair, attempting to rush to them, but Ash pulled her back.

"Diancie, stay strong!" he urged, continuing to flee with her in tow.

Reaching the cliffside, Ash regrouped with Serena and the others. Diancie, overwhelmed by grief, gazed at the devastated forest and her frozen friends, tears streaming down her face.

Yveltal loomed menacingly overhead, preparing another devastating attack.

"Everyone, get down!" Ash yelled.

But before the others could act, Diancie stepped forward with a determined look, her hands glowing as Fairy-type and Rock-type energies converged rapidly before her.

With a deafening crash, Yveltal's attack collided with a massive pink diamond that materialized just in time.

"It's the Sacred Diamond!" Clemont exclaimed.

"She did it!" Serena cried, relief flooding her voice.

Yet the victory was short-lived. The diamond fractured under pressure, dissolving into shimmering light as the attack shattered it. The resulting explosion knocked Diancie to the ground. Pikachu managed to neutralize the remnants with Thunderbolt, but at the cost of being thrown violently.

Determined, Diancie rose again, her resolve unshaken. She vowed to protect everyone—this time, she wouldn't hide behind their efforts.

Yveltal launched another attack, and Diancie faced it head-on, eyes fearless. Suddenly, a diamond in Bonnie's pocket began to glow brilliantly.

It was a keepsake Diancie had made for Bonnie during their journey—a symbol of their friendship. Though Diancie believed it would soon disappear, she gifted it to Bonnie at her insistence.

Friendship is a pearl.

Friendship is a diamond.

As the diamond gleamed, Diancie's entire being radiated a brilliant light. Her form shifted, transformed by the glow.

When the light faded, a new Diancie stood before them.

"It's Mega Evolution!" Clemont exclaimed.

Yveltal's next attack descended, but Mega Diancie extended her arms, effortlessly forming a Sacred Diamond to counter the assault, shielding everyone behind her.

Undoubtedly, Diancie had gained the ability to create Sacred Diamonds.

However, creating Sacred Diamonds was an exhausting task, forcing Diancie to immediately revert from its Mega Evolution form.

Yet, Yveltal's assault was far from over. Another black energy beam came hurtling toward them.

Diancie instinctively shut its eyes.

"Charcadet~ Charcadet~"

At that moment, a cry rang out, and a towering pillar of fire appeared out of nowhere, colliding with Yveltal's black energy beam.

Ash and his companions turned toward the source of the fire and saw two Charcadets standing atop a hill.

It was the Clcrybaby Charcadet that had launched Flamethrower.

At their feet was a pile of charcoal. The goodboy Charcadet sat amidst the flames, absorbing energy from the burning wood, its body glowing with fire.

All of this Fire-type energy was then channeled to the Clcrybaby Charcadet, empowering it to launch such a formidable attack.

Ever since discovering the crybaby Charcadet's unique ability, the two Charcadets had taken to carrying specially bought charcoal in a pouch whenever they went out—just in case.

And sure enough, it came in handy!

Of course, Flamethrower wasn't enough to neutralize Yveltal's attack entirely—it merely bought them a bit of time.

As Flamethrower dissipated, a seven-colored beam shot forth from behind the Charcadets, shattering Yveltal's attack.

Standing on the hill was a majestic, deer-like Pokémon gazing at Yveltal from afar.

It was Xerneas.

"Yveltal~!"

Yveltal let out a furious roar, its rage still unquelled.

Xerneas looked calmly at the airborne Yveltal, its entire body beginning to radiate a vibrant green glow that enveloped it.

It had used its signature move, Geomancy (a charging move that significantly boosts the user's Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed).

After a brief standoff, Yveltal launched another assault on Ash's group and Diancie, raining down a black-and-red energy beam.

Buzz!

A hum resonated as Xerneas countered with another multicolored beam, effortlessly intercepting Yveltal's attack.

The multicolored beam was Moonblast.

The black energy beam was Yveltal's signature move, Oblivion Wing.

Oblivion Wing drains the life force of its target upon striking.

This was the truth behind Yveltal's Great Destruction phenomenon.

In terms of raw power, the Life Pokémon and the Destruction Pokémon were roughly equal. However, with the power boost from Geomancy, Xerneas gained the upper hand.

Once Yveltal awakens from its cocoon, it must absorb sufficient life energy to sustain itself. Xerneas's interference redirected Yveltal's fury entirely onto it.

"Yveltal~!"

With a flap of its wings, Yveltal unleashed another pitch-black energy beam, this time directly targeting Xerneas.

Xerneas stood its ground. The antlers on its head glowed with seven colors before releasing another multicolored beam.

The two attacks clashed in midair. At first, they seemed evenly matched, but Xerneas's beam soon overpowered Yveltal's and struck it.

"Yveltal~!"

Yveltal's rage intensified. Just as it prepared to launch yet another attack, Xerneas began glowing green again. Fragrant waves emanated from its body, spreading outward and enveloping Yveltal.

It was attempting to calm Yveltal's anger.

"What a lovely scent!" Bonnie exclaimed.

"It's Aromatherapy," Clemont explained.

After what felt like an eternity, the flames of rage in Yveltal's eyes gradually subsided, replaced by a cold, calm demeanor.

Yveltal and Xerneas locked eyes for a long while. At last, under Xerneas's resolute gaze, Yveltal relented. Letting out a cry, it flapped its wings and soared into the distance.

"Is it over?" Serena collapsed onto the ground. The release of tension left her feeling utterly drained.

Suddenly, Ash cried out, "Pikachu, what's happening to you?"

Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and Diancie all turned to see Pikachu's body rapidly turning to stone.

"Pikachu…Pikachu…"

Pikachu weakly called out before completely transforming into a grayish-white statue.

"Could it have been from back then?" Clemont speculated, suppressing his grief.

When Diancie had first created a Sacred Diamond to block Yveltal's attack, Pikachu had been grazed by the black energy beam.

"How could this happen?" Serena's eyes brimmed with tears.

"Pikachu, please don't let anything happen to you!" Bonnie pleaded, her voice choked with emotion.

At that moment, Xerneas had moved closer without anyone noticing. Its body suddenly sprouted countless branches, while roots extended from its feet into the earth.

The antlers on Xerneas's head grew skyward, and its roots dug deep into the ground.

In a burst of light, Xerneas transformed into a massive tree that radiated light, bathing the entire forest in its glow.

Everyone and every Pokémon touched by the light were freed from their petrified states—including Pikachu.

As for the withered trees and plants, Xerneas left them be. Yveltal's Great Destruction often heralded the eventual rebirth of lush forests.

Years later, this place would undoubtedly thrive with vitality once again.

"Pikachu, you're okay!" Ash joyfully hugged Pikachu.

"Pikachu~!"

Pikachu cheerfully embraced Ash in return.

"Xerneas has turned into a tree!" Bonnie exclaimed in disbelief.

Dace hopped over energetically with Merrick and the others in tow after being awakened.

Looking at Xerneas, Dave said, "Xerneas has shared its life energy with everyone."

"Did Xerneas die?" Bonnie asked sadly.

"How could this happen…" Serena said with a sorrowful expression.

Hearing this, Diancie lowered her gaze, visibly upset.

At that moment, Charcadet and Oinkologne came running over. They dashed to the foot of the tree Xerneas had become and clung to it, wailing uncontrollably.

"Charcadet~"

"Oinkologne~"

Then, Xerneas's gentle voice echoed in everyone's hearts.

"Do not be sad."

"This is not death."

"This is the prelude to a rebirth and the beginning of hope."

"Rebirth…"

"Hope…"

Hearing this, smiles began to reappear on the faces of Ash and his friends, as well as on Diancie and her companions.

Dace said thoughtfully, "It seems Xerneas has chosen to slumber here to protect the laws of nature. Perhaps, many years from now, Xerneas will awaken once again."

However, Charcadet and Oinkologne didn't seem to accept this outcome. They cried so much that they were utterly inconsolable. Especially the crybaby Charcadet, who was now sobbing and hiccuping uncontrollably.

Suddenly, the goodboy Charcadet stopped crying. It quickly flipped onto the back of the male Oinkologne.

"Oinkologne~"

The crybaby Charcadet looked at it quizzically.

"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"

Let's go home to find Angie.

The goodboy Charcadet's words made the crybaby Charcadet and the two Oinkologne's eyes light up.

That's right! Let's go home to find Angie!

The crybaby Charcadet wiped its tears and swiftly climbed onto the back of the female Oinkologne.

Then, the four Pokémon dashed in the direction of their home.

"Oinkologne! Charcadet! Where are you going?" Ash shouted.

"Oinkologne~"

We're going home!

The Charcadet, now far in the distance, shouted back.

"What did the Charcadet say?" Ash asked Diancie in confusion.

Diancie translated, "They're going home."

Dace hopped to Diancie's side.

"Your Highness, it's time for us to leave too."

Diancie nodded.

With one last glance at the tree Xerneas had become, the group left the Allearth Forest.

Team Rocket's trio, still staggering from exhaustion, continued to follow Ash's group.

As for Merilyn and Riot, after surviving this ordeal, they both decided to turn over a new leaf. They found a place where no one knew them and began a quiet life.

Eventually, the two of them developed feelings for each other, and Riot proposed to Merilyn.

Of course, that's a story for another time.

After leaving the Allearth Forest, Ash and his friends accompanied Diancie to the Diamond Domain, where they witnessed the birth of a new Sacred Diamond.

With the new Sacred Diamond in place, the Diamond Domain quickly regained its vitality. The corrupted diamonds also began to shine anew.

With the crisis in the Diamond Domain resolved, Ash and his friends bid farewell to Diancie and resumed their journey.

Before parting, Bonnie suddenly felt the diamond she had in her bag. After a moment's thought, she decided to return it to Diancie.

On the Nebel Plateau,

Dusknoir and Passimian were each carrying several Shuckle, with more strapped to their backs. They stood outside a fenced area, gazing at a quaint three-story building in the distance.

"Is this the home of our dear friend?"