Around twenty minutes after picking Diantha up from the airport, Cynthia passed the sign that stood at the edge of Celestic Town, welcoming their visit.
Diantha looked around while they drove through the town, taking in the new environment, "So, this is where you live?"
"It's also where I was raised." Cynthia added, a hint of pride to her voice. She glanced out through the passenger seat window for a moment, "The ruins are that way, right in the center of town nearby the Research Center. When I'm not at the League, that's where I spent most of my time."
"That's right…" Diantha turned back to Cynthia, "You're a Champion, aren't you?"
Cynthia's semblance of pride before now was on complete display, a smug grin now on her lips, "Undefeated for two years. I'm approaching my third year of reigning as Champion, too."
"That's incredible!" Diantha was surprised at first, but quickly that soon turned into excitement, "You must do me the honors of battling me someday. I want to witness this for myself."
"No way…" Cynthia laughed a bit and looked Diantha over for a bit, "You're a Trainer too? I must say, I'm pretty impressed. I didn't think a blockbuster actress as successful as yourself had the time to raise Pokémon!"
Diantha laughed too, fiddling with her necklace as she spoke, "Yes, well… It's not easy, though I do try my hardest. I only hope it's enough for my little darlings… I would hate for them to feel as if they've been neglected by their Trainer."
"Aww, come on. I'm sure they don't feel that way at all. They're smart creatures. I'm sure they know and appreciate all the work you do put in."
Diantha smiled and ducked her head bashfully, but eventually she placed her hand on Cynthia's shoulder in thanks, "Thank you, Cynthia. I needed that."
Cynthia sent a smile Diantha's way, "I've been told I'm quite wise for my age."
Diantha laughed at that, covering her mouth with a hand, "That you are!"
Cynthia turned and pulled into her driveway then, and she put the car in park and climbed out. Diantha stepped outside as well and closed the door, leaning against it while looking at Cynthia pull her luggage out of the trunk.
"This may seem a out of the blue, but…" Diantha had to suppress a grin, "You're a bit of a terrible driver."
Cynthia froze in her tracks and frowned, blinking a few times in shock, "I only swerved once or twice!"
"That's one or two times too many." Diantha teased, "You don't drive much, do you?"
"...No. I fly...or just don't go anywhere." Cynthia sighed, reaching into her coat to get her keys.
Diantha couldn't fight that grin any longer as she pushed off of the car and walked towards Cynthia's door, "I figured. But, if it makes you feel any better… I would've swerved at least seven times. Probably more."
Cynthia turned around as she opened the door, a smile on her face now too, "Oh, so you don't drive much either?"
Diantha shook her head and took a step up onto Cynthia's porch. Cynthia cracked the door open the bare minimum to set Diantha's things inside before instantly closing it again- something which caught Diantha's attention.
"What?" Diantha looked between the door and Cynthia, confused, "Don't want me seeing inside?"
"Heavens no." Cynthia sighed, "The place is a mess. My research papers are strewn about literally everywhere. I'm trying to write a book, you know."
"You take your research quite seriously." Diantha commented, impressed.
Cynthia regained a bit of her confidence after that embarrassing confession, placing a hand on her hip, "Well, I wouldn't be the consultant for such a high-budget, high-name film if I slacked off in my work, now would I?"
Diantha laughed and shook her head, "No, I suppose not."
Cynthia grinned for a moment, and she then moved to step off the porch and head towards the sidewalk path, "Let's start lesson one of this crash course now, shall we? We have ruins to visit!"
"Of course!" Diantha followed in Cynthia's stead, and once she reached Cynthia's side, she offered her arm for the other to take, "So…tell me, Cynthia… How did a researcher like yourself suddenly become interested in gaining the title of Champion?" She asked, looking for a way to pass the time as they walked to the ruins.
Cynthia laughed fondly at the memory as she looped her arm with Diantha's, and she clicked her tongue before starting her story, "Well, it all started when a Gible stole my notebook when I was visiting Sandgem Town…"
The ruins composed of numerous stone structures, some looking like shrines, some looking like weathered pyramids, and some looking like sundials. Cynthia's family line had preserved the ruins as well as they could, and they still looked to be in incredible shape, even if the countless years had taken its toll on the stone fixtures. Diantha was certainly impressed, and she took her time to observe each unique structure and soak it all in. The most notable part of the ruins would be the fact that there was a cave constructed in the side of a plateau, and surrounding the cave entrance were many drawings which Cynthia was sure to explain to her guest.
Using her free hand, Cynthia gestured to the drawing carved on blue stone, "The picture to your left is of the Ruler of Time, Dialga." Then she focused on the other drawing, done on a pink slab, "And then the one to your right is of the Ruler of Space, Palkia. These two Pokémon are the reason why matter exists in the universe…or…at least that's what the legends say. While the two of them were paramount to the creation of matter within the universe together, they have been known to clash with one another. It's said that if Dialga's Roar of Time and Palkia's Spacial Rend moves collide, it has the power to wipe out dimensions in its wake. They nearly destroyed Alamos Town a few months back because of a fight they had."
Diantha's eyes widened at that, and she looked between the drawings of the two Legendary Pokémon, "Such power… What keeps them from destroying the world as we know it?"
"I'm getting there." Cynthia offered a smile, and she let go of Diantha's arm, "Pardon me for a second. I'll be right back."
Diantha simply nodded and took more time to look over the large drawings on the side of the plateau, whereas Cynthia turned around and walked back. She placed her thumb and index finger by her teeth and whistled, her other hand rummaging through her pocket.
"Lucy!" Cynthia called sweetly, "I could use your help right about now, and I brought treats!"
In a few moments, a Luxray came sprinting from near the Research Center, and it had a special plate hanging from its neck. Lucy ran towards Cynthia, ecstatic to finally see her again.
Cynthia visibly brightened upon laying eyes on Lucy, but soon she realized that as she got closer, Lucy was not slowing down in the slightest. Cynthia's eyes widened slightly and she started taking a few steps back, "Lucy… Lucy, you're going too fast. You're going way too fast!"
Lucy tackled Cynthia to the ground, purring loudly. Cynthia just laughed after the pain subsided, shaking her head, "I missed you too, Lucy!" Then Cynthia noticed how Lucy was only sniffing her clenched hand, batting a paw at it a few times, which made Cynthia's smile vanish, "...You only wanted the Poffins, didn't you?" With a sigh, Cynthia opened her hand to give Lucy access to the Poffins, which Lucy ate right up. Once Lucy finished eating, though, she licked Cynthia's face a few times.
At that point, Diantha was still looking over the drawings in more detail, and a question popped into her mind, "Cynthia, darling." She began, turning around, "Do you have any idea if these drawings happen to be drawn to scale?" Then she spotted Cynthia and a Luxray playing together, "Oh? What do we have here?"
Cynthia turned her head to see Diantha, and she just smiled and pushed Lucy off of her before standing up and brushing herself off, "This is Lucy! She's one of the guides we have here for exploring the inner caves. I thought I'd bring her along. And as for your question…" Cynthia looked at the drawings for another moment and furrowed her brow, thinking it over, "I'd say that the actual Dialga and Palkia are about twice the size of the drawings, roughly. They made me feel quite small in comparison to them, so I'd say that's about right."
"Wow…" Diantha was astounded by that, and she looked back at the drawings, "I don't know whether to call you lucky for encountering the legends or lucky for surviving them…"
"I know I said that they have the power to destroy dimensions, but they're not malevolent creatures. They were only misguided in their actions, and most of that was caused by one vile man…" A sour taste rose in Cynthia's mouth, and she shook her head to move on, "They're good at heart, truly. There's many balances in place that would prevent them from bringing harm to the universe, anyways."
Diantha just nodded, still going through some shock. Cynthia turned to Lucy and scratched the Luxray's head, "Okay, Lucy. Let's head inside. Flash, if you'd please."
"Luxray!" Lucy shouted, and she walked inside the cave ruins, and suddenly a light poured out of the cave opening. She came out a few moments later and sat down, purring loudly and staring at Cynthia.
Diantha tilted her head, "What is Lucy doing? She's blocking the way in."
Cynthia just sighed, "She wants another treat…" She muttered, balling her fists and gritting her teeth comically, "But she ate them all already!"
Lucy's tail twitched. She was growing impatient.
"I think I may have a solution to this…" Diantha opened a case, pulling out a Poké Puff and holding it out for Lucy to eat, "I would say it's safe to bet Lucy has never had one of these before! They're found exclusively in Kalos!"
"That is one big cupcake…" Cynthia crossed her arms, "She's never going to leave your side after this. I hope you realize that."
Lucy was purring as she ate the Poké Puff and while Diantha scratched behind her ear. Diantha just laughed softly, "She's welcome to stay by me if that's what she wants. She's adorable."
"She's a leech…" Cynthia growled, glaring at Lucy, who got back at her by nuzzling Diantha's hand and side.
"Lucy, dear." Diantha kneeled down to get on Luxray's level, "Would you mind guiding us the way inside? I'd love to see more of the ruins."
Lucy turned around and walked into the cave, and Diantha motioned for Cynthia to stop pouting and start walking.
"You know…" Diantha began with a playful tone, "For someone who acts like such a dark, cool, mysterious woman, you're a tad nerdy."
Cynthia just scrunched her face and tried to fight the flustered warmth rising in her cheeks, "...Let's head inside. I have a role to prepare you for."
Diantha gestured towards the cave and bowed, "After you, then."
Cynthia stuck her tongue out at Diantha as she walked past and walked inside. Soon she stopped though, and she reached behind her for Diantha, "The terrain here is pretty rugged, so you should watch your step. Flash lit up the cave pretty well, so you should be able to see where you're going, but just in case...stay close to me and you'll be fine."
Taking Cynthia's hand with a smile, Diantha let Cynthia lead her into the ruins. There was a narrow passageway at first before the cavern widened and turned into a circular room. At the center of the room was a pit, something which Diantha was about to discover the hard way by being so engrossed in the atmosphere and nearly stumbling inside if Cynthia hadn't pulled back on Diantha's wrist at the right time. Diantha looked back at Cynthia with a guilty smile, to which Cynthia only shook her head with a laugh.
"I told you to watch your step…" Cynthia chastised in a sing-song voice.
Diantha scratched her cheek, and she was about to apologize before she was taken back by what was in front of her at the back wall of the cave. Cynthia picked up on this and walked in front of her, approaching the large painting that stood twenty feet tall and covered the entire wall of the cave.
"This…" Cynthia began, placing her hands on her hips and taking in the sight, "...is Celestic Town's pride and joy. Do pardon me, as this tale may drag on quite long…"
Diantha just nodded and shot Cynthia a reassuring smile, "I'm listening."
Alright, so it goes a little like this…
Surely you've noticed just how immensely powerful Dialga and Palkia are. I must say, I've never encountered anyone as astonished by the legends as you are, so in a way, this actually gives me a good gateway to start talking about this. To answer your question, there are three forces to counteract the power of Dialga and Palkia and keep them in line, should any of them fall astray. All born from the same egg, the three Pokémon were tasked in watching over the beings of time and space. They reside in the three lakes of Sinnoh that surround Mount Coronet, which is said to be the birthplace of Sinnoh.
To the southwest is Lake Verity, near Twinleaf Town. That lake is said to be the homeplace of Mesprit, the bringer of emotion. It is said to have taught humans and Pokémon alike how to experience emotion.
To the southeast lies Lake Valor, which sits between Pastoria City and Veilstone City. At the bottom of the lake is where Azelf, the bringer of willpower, dwells. It is responsible for maintaining balance within the world, and it instilled the feeling of determination in human life.
Lastly, at the northernmost part of Sinnoh is Lake Acuity, which is nearby Snowpoint City. Uxie resides there, and it is the bringer of knowledge. It brought wisdom and wit into the lives of humans to improve their quality of life.
These three Guardians of the Lakes, Mesprit, Uxie, and Azelf, are the ones responsible for keeping Dialga and Palkia in control. The root of their power lies in the red jewels encrusted on their foreheads and on each of their two tails. These jewels comprise the Red Chain, which can control and immobilize Dialga and Palkia. However...the jewels can be extracted from their bodies, which can put the power of the Red Chain into the hands of humans… That is why, despite how benevolent they are, the Guardians of the Lakes are dangerous, dangerous creatures…
You are not to look Uxie in the eye, lest you wish to lose all memories and all sense of self. It keeps its eyes closed at all times to avoid this.
You are not to touch Mesprit, lest you wish to have your emotions slowly drained away. It flees if encountered by humans to avoid this.
You are not to hurt Azelf, lest you wish to lose all free will and be rendered immobile for all eternity. It has the ability to enter another being's body to avoid this.
Sinnoh, as I've come to discover, is the pinnacle of maintained balance. Many measures were put in place so that no one Pokémon could rule over the others. Dialga is neutralized by Palkia and the Guardians of the Lakes alike, and the reverses are true for Palkia and the lake trio. Every aspect of this puzzle cancels another out, and balance is maintained. Similarly, removing one piece of the puzzle would throw this world into chaos as we know it.
This painting captures the essence of the balance within Sinnoh. The top figure represents Uxie, the lower-left figure represents Mesprit, the lower-right figure represents Azelf, and the sphere in the center represents both Dialga and Palkia. The lake trio surrounds the two other Pokémon of lore to keep them in check, and being at the center of the picture shows how paramount Dialga and Palkia are to maintaining the universe. It is said that time flows whenever Dialga's heart beats, and that space becomes more stable with every breath Palkia takes. Every Pokémon of this legend plays a crucial part in keeping this world alive. It's only natural that they possess immense power, but as I've demonstrated, there is no way imaginable that this power can ever be used for naught within the natural order. There are too many checks and balances put into place to keep these beings in line, so breaking the natural order is futile.
As Cynthia was talking, Diantha was giving Cynthia her undivided attention. The more Cynthia went on, the more Diantha noticed the great passion with which Cynthia speaks. Cynthia had a look in her eyes, one of absolute amazement and determination- something which Diantha picked up easily. Cynthia was so devoted to her words, and she was masterful in describing the legends in full detail. Diantha couldn't help but sport a small grin as she watched Cynthia talk. It was so refreshing to see someone with such passion for history and lore, and Diantha was completely enthralled throughout the duration of Cynthia's speech.
"So...that about covers everything…" Cynthia finished, tapping her chin and turning to Diantha, "Was that alright?"
With Cynthia's attention finally back on her, Diantha snapped out of her thoughts and met Cynthia's eye, "...Hm? Oh, my apologies.. It was marvelous, dear." She flashed a smile.
Cynthia's expression dropped for a moment and she placed her hands on her cheeks out of worry, "I'm sorry…! Was I boring you while talking so much?! I'm so sorry! I get really carried away with this stuff… Agh! This always happens!"
Diantha's eyes widened, and she placed her hand on Cynthia's arm and shook her head, "No, not at all! I was listening the entire time, I promise! You weren't boring me in the slightest!" She calmed down a bit, and she grinned softly, "You're quite passionate as you speak… I was just taken aback, that's all. You once said that you were writing a book?" Diantha took Cynthia's hands off of her face, holding them between her own tightly, "You have a way with words. I'm sure that your book will be as brilliant as the impassioned speech you just gave to me."
Cynthia relaxed at that, and she returned the grin Diantha gave, "Heh… Sorry about that. I can't help myself sometimes… Thanks for the pep talk, though."
Lucy decided to let out a loud, obnoxious yawn at that moment, only adding insult to injury. Cynthia growled at that, "Hey! Watch it, Lucy!"
Diantha just chuckled, covering her mouth with a hand. Cynthia just placed her hands on her hips and shook her head with a sigh.
"Say." Cynthia changed topics, tapping her foot, "Filming starts in three days, right?"
Diantha nodded, "Yes. We film on site in… Sunyshore City, I believe?" She checked her phone to make sure, "Yes, that's it… That's where my character's hometown is. We're mostly shooting the scenes in chronological order, so our filming locations follow the plot."
Cynthia nodded along with that, hand on her chin as she thought something over, "Alright… Well, I'm mostly finished with my crash course lesson of Celestic Town. The only thing I need to show you now before filming is Eterna City, and the rest I want to show you can wait… Here's an idea. How about I take you back to your hotel now, and you can rest a bit, then for the next two days you can go explore Sinnoh for yourself? You can check out all the hot tourist attractions, and I can even recommend you some places. Just stay away from Eterna City and the lakes. I'll show you Eterna City the day before filming, and then I'll show you the lakes some other time. How's that sound?"
"Sounds wonderful to me." Diantha raised an eyebrow and flashed a playful grin, "At Eterna City, do you think we could fit that battle in? And I want a full battle, six-on-six. I want to see Sinnoh's Champion at her finest."
Cynthia smirked at that, leaning down to reach Diantha's level and tilting her head, "Shall I take this as a challenge or a friendly exhibition? Either way, you'll receive no mercy from me."
"I'll settle for the friendly exhibition." Diantha bit her lip, and she placed her hand upon her necklace, "And that's exactly what I wanted to hear. I won't hold back either."
"My, my… Someone's confident." Cynthia straightened herself out and glanced towards the exit of the ruins, "Where's your hotel?"
Diantha shrugged innocently at that, a bit of a secretive grin on her lips, "I trust my team, of course. Oh, and that's Sunyshore City as well."
Cynthia nodded, "That's a three-hour drive from here. Looks like you'll be showing me that Kalosian music sooner than I thought." With a wave of her hand, she motioned for Diantha and Lucy to follow her outside.
Diantha followed Cynthia outside, and something popped into her head at that moment, "Oh! Do you like musicals? I have the album of this one musical I starred in. I feel like you would enjoy it, considering how you're a rock fan."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow at that, curious, "A rock musical, huh? Well, I'm listening…"