Chapter 9

7:00 PM arrived as Cynthia finished her studies for the day. Tobias had showed up a little earlier than expected, but Cynthia decided to welcome him early.

"Welcome, Tobias. I expected you to arrive, but not this early."

Tobias stepped into the entryway, after taking out… something… from his bag.

"Champion Cynthia, it is so nice to see you. I have this for you."

He pulled out a fresh batch of Gracidea flowers. These were associated with Shaymin, and Tobias had obtained them very recently. These were special red and light pink flowers connected to green stems and leaves. They grew in a small pot with some soil.

He spoke, "These are some Gracidea flowers, and they are connected to the Mythical Shaymin. I wonder if there is anywhere to plant them… maybe outside near the left statue, just left of this building? They are also related to gratitude. I am giving these to you as thanks for all the support you have given me, and the good times we have together. I remember so well these experiences: defeating the Godslayers, saving Sinnoh from the Bittercold, catching Dialga and Palkia, and even smaller moments like having ice cream together and meeting up after tournaments. Thank you, Cynthia."

Cynthia responded, "I also have to thank you too, Tobias. Your help was instrumental in the Bittercold and Godslayer incidents. Using the Z-move on the Bittercold did so much to heavily weaken it and allow me to destroy it. I was impressed by your tournament results and your connections with the Legendaries and Mythicals on your team. I also have need to thank you for helping me catch Dialga and Palkia. We did have so much fun studying the myths and legends of the regions of this world, too.

She walks up to him with her arms outstretched, and they both hug. This heartfelt embrace was probably the first time Tobias felt… loved by another person. He was respected by many other Trainers for his ability in battle and prowess with Legendaries and Mythicals, but little more than that. Cynthia closed her eyes wistfully, appreciating his companionship. He was so useful, and he would always come if she needed help. They both felt like they would want to spend far more time together. This went on for over a minute.

Tobias spoke first, "Cynthia, I have to tell you something concerning how I feel."

Cynthia answered, "Yes?"

"I remember how important love is. Not just my memories, but Darkrai's as well. I remember Darkrai giving itself up to stop a conflict between Dialga and Palkia due to Darkrai's love for this world, despite almost everyone distrusting it due to its Bad Dreams ability. I also remember how one reason I became as effective as I am now, was to impress you. Your kindness towards others and your immense capability in league battles—those traits inspired who I am today. I should ask you this: Can I go where you go? May I take a place at your side forevermore?"

Cynthia pondered a moment, and then stated her response.

"Yes, Tobias. You can do this. I think this is a fun idea. As you well know, I am fascinated with the myths and legends of this world—and I very much appreciate your assistance in these topics. Your own myth and legend are very intriguing. Truth be told, I wanted someone who I can have fun with, and perhaps settle down with too. Yes, I will let you be with me, and if all goes well, you can be my lover. Just keep this a secret from the entertainment media if you can."

Tobias jumped, smiling as he did so.

He thought to himself, "This is the best day of my life."

They both walked into Cynthia's chambers, as Tobias put his right hand behind Cynthia's back, to which she smiled softly.

She explained, "This is my room. It isn't very large, but I have addresses elsewhere which are more impressive."

Tobias looked at the black tile floor, the small mattress on it, and a desk with a laptop computer and several pages of notes and records on it. Some of these records included information about the Regi trio and the lake guardians.

He spoke up.

"I have been finding more about the last creation trio member, Giratina. This renegade rules over the Distortion World, and I can find my way into it. Darkrai has the capability of generating a dimensional hole to get there. I can send the both of us through it and into Giratina's metaphorical front lawn. I have tested this out before in case you have safety concerns. How goes the research into Dialga and Palkia? I hope it is going well. The league conference tomorrow should not be much of an issue for you. I looked at the files of the challengers, and I do not expect any of them to pose much difficulty. If it's okay with you, I will be recording these battles and explaining them?"

Cynthia walked towards him. "I trained with them for some time. They are as impressive as the ancient legends claim. Professor Rowan is finding out very much about them; their morphology and biology, for instance. Master trainers such as we also have difficulty finding a good challenge, and I would like to catch Giratina as well. Learning more about the Distortion World would also be a great discovery since so little is known about this dimensional space."

Tobias responded, "You are very special indeed. Very few people have our affinities for Legendaries and Mythicals. I am the manifestation of Darkrai and its human form; I am a myth and legend unto myself. Where did you come from, Cynthia? What is your past? How did you become one of the greatest Trainers of all time? I would like to know more about you since I am so impressed by what you have done."

Cynthia thought to herself, and then answered.

"Thank you. Buckle up, Tobias. This will take a while."