Seeing that Rex and Carbink weren't dissuaded by her words, Diancie nodded to herself in approval.
For a Carbink to truly evolve into Diancie, external conditions weren't enough—it also required inner resolve and unwavering pursuit.
If it turned back at the first sign of hardship, then its path to evolution would have already ended.
Diancie slowly floated down from her throne and came to stand before Rex's Carbink.
Being this close to the figure revered like a goddess among its kind, Carbink couldn't help but grow nervous. Despite its own growing strength, in front of Diancie, it felt like a youngling facing its mother.
"Don't be afraid, little one."
Sensing Carbink's tension, Diancie gently reassured it.
Her voice was like a spring breeze, instantly calming the waves inside Carbink's anxious heart and restoring a quiet peace within.
Then, Diancie extended her right hand and lightly tapped the pink diamond on Carbink's forehead.
At that touch, an immense aura spread outward. A soft pink energy appeared on Diancie's fingertip and slowly flowed into Carbink's gemstone.
It lasted several moments before Diancie pulled her hand away—and staggered slightly, retreating a few steps.
Rex could feel that something was wrong. Diancie's presence had diminished drastically, as though she had been drained of her power.
Then Carbink's body lit up with soft, glowing pink light. Within seconds, its entire form was enveloped in it—like it had been sealed inside a cocoon of pure crystal light.
When the light faded, what remained was a massive, radiant pink diamond resting in the place where Carbink once stood. And inside that gemstone, Rex could faintly see Carbink's form—like it was now part of the diamond itself.
"What happened to Carbink?!"
Rex, Korrina, and Mai were stunned.
"Princess Diancie, what's happening to it?"
Though Diancie looked weak, Rex still voiced his concern.
"I gave it a portion of my origin power," Diancie replied, her voice faint in their minds. "It's undergoing transformation—if all goes well, it will emerge from that cocoon having completed its metamorphosis into a Diancie."
Rex exhaled deeply, relieved—but also shocked. He hadn't expected Diancie to give away part of her very essence.
"Thank you, Princess Diancie... But will losing part of your origin hurt you?"
He had to ask. Even a fragment of something so sacred as origin power had to be significant—and Diancie's waning aura showed just how much it had cost her.
"I'll be fine. But... it will take me a long time to fully recover."
She spoke lightly, but the trio understood. Her idea of a "long time" likely meant decades—perhaps even centuries.
Receiving a gift like this for nothing felt wrong. Rex's pride wouldn't let him walk away without giving something back.
"How long will Carbink stay like this?" he asked next. "I can't remain here too long—I still have my farm and other Pokémon to care for."
"Don't worry," Diancie replied. "The power of origin transforms quickly. I believe your Carbink will emerge in no more than three days."
That was a relief. Rex could wait three days.
"In that case... Princess Diancie, I also possess a healing ability. If you'll allow it, I'd like to try treating your injuries."
He no longer felt the need to hide this skill. He was strong enough now to defend himself even if word got out.
"You may try," Diancie agreed after a moment's pause. "Though I doubt it will help—origin damage is difficult to mend."
"I understand."
Rex didn't expect much either—but he had to try.
Mai and Korrina watched curiously as Rex stepped forward and placed a hand gently on Diancie's shoulder.
With a thought, a vibrant, life-filled green light flowed from his palm into her body.
"Mmm—!"
The instant the energy entered her, Diancie's entire form trembled, and she let out a soft, involuntary cry. The sensation was almost dreamlike.
Rex had poured all of the life energy he had stored for the day into her—just as he had once done for Celebi when removing Yveltal's dark energy.
The lush, verdant power went to work immediately. Diancie's pale complexion regained its glow, her depleted aura began to stabilize.
It was the first time Mai and Korrina had witnessed Rex use this ability—and they were shocked. They knew about psychics among Trainers, but not that Rex was one of them.
And they understood why he had kept it secret. This kind of power would attract attention—not just from the League, but from organizations far more dangerous.
With a glance at each other, both girls silently agreed:
They would keep his secret.
Because trust deserved to be protected.