To Tobi, From Dia

It had been difficult, of course. They had been with each other for nearly three years now, and things had slowly started to get rather more serious between them. From that sunny day in the forest and the entertainment of the Battle Frontier tournament which lasted roughly a year, two years had passed.

Progressing from cinema dates to watch animated childrens' movies for a laugh to cinema dates to watch soppy romantic films. Boxes of novelty chocolates to boxes of luxury chocolates. Spending odd days together to spending weekends together.

But Tobias had decided to accept that Dia wanted to join the PDL, even if it did mean her leaving for a long time. She had promised to return to him one day, but even so, he had hated the thought of her leaving for any amount of time. Ever since what Harley had done to him, he had felt reluctant to let his heart rule his head again, but Dia had changed that. She had gained a special place within him.

But he knew how she felt. She was young, excitable. There was a world out there to explore, and she wouldn't be satisfied until she had challenged herself. As much as they adored each other, there was a wanderlust that could not be ignored. And the thought of denying Dia the chance to satisfy this was just too much for Tobias.

Before she boarded the boat, he had handed her a small photo they had taken on a date to the beach, and given her one last hug, telling her not to look back.
He was worried, of course, that she would find someone else, or she would get hurt, or she would simply decide not to return.
But he figured that he couldn't hold her back from going to new places or meeting new people. His worries were chances that he would have to take. To make her happy was all he wanted.

Returning home, he had been surprised to find a small package on the doorstep, and he frowned. Taking it indoors, he unwrapped it, and found a small notebook, and a letter. He unrolled the letter, and began reading.

Dear Tobi
    Well, it's been quite the three years, hadn't it? Ever since that fateful day on the path next to the sea, our relationship has been something special. I can remember your nervous demeanor as if it was yesterday. The way you stuttered and stumbled over your words. The battle I won. The ice cream you bought me. I can never forget that.
    I am sorry that I have to leave like this, even if it for only a while, but I hope you can understand that there is a whole world of adventure out there, and I simply not ready to settle down yet, even with you. There are people to meet, challenges to take, Pokemon to talk to, and I cannot ignore these thoughts. It would be unfair for both of us to do so. A restless relationship is not healthy. In fact, I know you understand.
    But I do not want you to spend the coming months thinking all about me, fretting about me. I know what a worrier you are! I want you to have an adventure as well, so when I return to you, you'll have just as many tales to tell me as I will to you.
    Enclosed is a notebook I made for you. What I want you to do is explore the regions of the Pokemon world, and take as many pictures as you can and write as many stories as you can and meet as many people as you can. You may think this is a strange request, but, even if I'm busy with other people and forget to think about you every once in a while, I want to be safe in the knowledge I have not simply left you behind. And I can't hog all of the fun in this relationship can I?
    Maybe soon you can come and watch me compete, but, first, I want you to fill that notebook, and then, and only then, will I want you to come. And I'm sure you will enjoy yourself. Even if you don't feel like it currently, I can sense that you will. And one day I will come back to you, that I can sense too.
    And, please, stay safe in the knowledge that, even if it feels like the end for us, which I pray it is not, you'll always have a place in my heart for you, and, when I return, we will carry on together.
   
    Go take on the world, my little mad scientist! It's waiting for you.
    Remember me. Love, Dia.

    Tobias had never been one for getting tearful, but even now he could feel his eyes filling. But not because he was sad, but because, even when she had left, she had thought of him. He picked up the notebook, and opened it, and found a small picture of them two on their last date, which had been to watch the stars.
    He cleared his eyes, and began to laugh. He didn't know why, but he felt like laughing for an eternity. Someone had remembered him for once. The strange boy with the musical instrument and chemicals had been remembered! Not because of his family's reputation, or because he had blown something up, or because he had won or lost a battle, but because of him.

    Later that night, Tobias was busy packing up his bag, preparing to 'take on the world'. He grabbed a small glue stick from his cupboard, and glued Dia's note into the notebook, before placing it in its own small pocket in his bag. He then placed the camera in there, and zipped it up, all ready but for one thing.
    He entered his living room, and found his Pokemon waiting for him, looking puzzled. Dubstep moved over to him, and Tobias grinned. Even when it came to understanding Pokemon, Dia had helped him. He would never have talents quite like hers, but he could guess what they were thinking now.
    "Guys... I think it's time we had another adventure," he said quietly, and his Pokemon grinned in response.

    He left his house, locking it behind him, his Pokeballs fixed to his belt, and placed a small envelope in the postbox for his family, just to explain where he was going.
    He headed down to the docks of Castelia, and looked around at all of the boats. Three years ago, he never would have done anything like this. But things had changed. And he would be letting Dia down if he didn't go out and adventure. And, like she had said, she couldn't go hogging all of the fun in this relationship, could she?
    He moved down to the centre of the docks, and one of the sailors of a smaller barge, noticing that he had been stood around for a little while, called over to him. "Are you wanting to go anywhere, son?"
    Tobias frowned for a moment. Where would he even start? The world was a big place! But then he remembered Dia's words.
    Go take on the world, my little mad scientist! It's waiting for you.
    He grinned, before hopping aboard the boat. "I'm going wherever you are going friend!"