shades of gray.


The first time Cynthia sees him, they are college students studying at Sinnoh University in Hearthome, the most prestigious school in the whole region. She notices a strange young man sitting in the desk next to hers in math. He has hair of a bizarre blue color and eyes that are far too wise and serious for his age.

"I'm Cynthia," she says, offering her hand. "Nice to meet you." He takes it after a second's hesitation, and his fingers are rough, calloused.

"Cyrus," he replies.


He is twenty and a dedicated student, intent on seeking answers to the most eccentric questions. Even his name is interesting, as well as mysterious. When they bump into each other at the Hearthome Café the next week, Cyrus offers to help her in history, a subject she has always struggled with. And he's a genius, she realizes. No one else has his analytical nature and careful, thoughtful ways.

"How do you know so much about Pokémon?" Cynthia has to ask at last.

He shrugs. "I've always been interested in creation. How life is made and destroyed. Frankly, it fascinates me."

She nods and takes a sip of her coffee, noticing that there is an intensity in his eyes she's never seen before. It's almost...scary. And then he asks, "Cynthia, do you believe in the Creation Trio?"


Most of the time, Cyrus acts aloof and distant like he's drifting away from the world. He shuts himself in his room most of the time and when Cynthia asks about him, his roommate says he's busy. Always busy. They hardly see each other at all after that encounter, let alone talk. In class, he's always hunched over his desk, not making conversation with anyone.

She's worried, but whenever she tries to talk to him, he comes up with an abrupt excuse to leave. Most times, he mutters that he's busy, or doing homework, or studying for another test.

"Okay, what have you really been doing?" Cynthia finally confronts him at the entrance to the school campus, fuming. She expects him to give her another pathetic excuse, but surprisingly, Cyrus makes direct eye contact with her, something he hasn't done in a while.

His eyes look crazed, and he chuckles without humor. "I'm changing the world, Cynthia. You'll just have to wait and see for yourself."

The next day he's gone.


She doesn't see him for several years. After she graduates from Sinnoh University as valedictorian, Cynthia begins years of training to become a venerable, world-renowned Pokemon Trainer. She almost forgets about him until one day, when she happens to catch sight of his face on TV. He looks old beyond his years, with dark circles around his eyes from lack of sleep and the worry lines of constant stress.

"Cyrus, boss of Team Galactic, a wanted criminal," says the news reporter.

She clenches her fists.


Their last meeting takes place on top of Spear Pillar with the world at stake, and she marvels at what they have become. The Champion of Sinnoh and the boss of Team Galactic. They've both come a long way since their college days. She has her trusted, powerful Pokémon team at her side, who have fought with her through storm and fire, but then again, so does he.

There's so much she can say to him, but all that comes out is one word. "Cyrus."

He just laughs.


Author's Note:

for some reason, I'm not too satisfied with this... ehh I don't know if this could actually be canon or not, but hope you enjoyed it anyway! :)