Cyrus
The main antagonist of Pokemon Diamond/Pearl and Pokemon Platinum. His motives have been debated. I'm collecting here a corpus of his quotes, interactions he has with other characters, and what other characters say about him.
Diamond/Pearl
Cyrus has much less dialogue in D/P than he does in Platinum, appears differently, and his motivations seem slightly different. Quotes taken from Bulbapedia.
Mt. Coronet
Cyrus: "According to one theory, Mt. Coronet is where the Sinnoh region began. In a newly created world... A world where only time flowed and space expanded.. There should have been no strife. But what became of that world? Because the human spirit is weak and incomplete, strife has appeared... This world is being ruined by it... I find the state of things to be deplorable..."
Team Galactic HQ
Before battleCyrus: "...I see. You must be the Trainer I've been hearing about. The foolhardy one that's trying to stand up to Team Galactic. Although I'd hardly expected to see that the Trainer is a mere child. I'd heard that our Commanders had a rough time with you..."
Cyrus: "I know why you're here, I can sense it in you. It's about Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, correct? You want to save them... I no longer have any need for them. I am finished with them. If your heart aches to save them, go right ahead, I could care less. It will save me the trouble of disposing of them. But I must say... You are a remarkable specimen. Those Pokémon have nothing to do with you, do they not? But still you came to rescue them out of pity? Such pitifully useless emotions... It's illogical and irrational. Pity and compassion are products of the weak and lacking human heart. You were compelled to come here by vacuous sentimentality! I will make you regret paying heed to your heart!"
After sending out last Pokémon
Cyrus: "My last Pokémon."
During battle (last Pokémon with less than half HP)
Cyrus: "I see... I may lose if this pace continues..."
Being defeated
Cyrus: "Interesting. And quite curious."
After being defeated
Cyrus: "I see. You are indeed strong. And the basis of your power is your compassion toward Pokémon. ...How wasteful... Such emotions are but mere illusions. And, like all illusions, they fade over time until death banishes them forever. That is why I have abandoned all emotions as useless sentimentality. ...But that doesn't matter. I doubt you will ever understand my position. That said, I recognize that you are strong and courageous to come alone. This is your reward."
Cyrus: "The Master Ball is the ultimate Poké Ball. It will unfailingly catch any Pokémon in the wild. But it is not anything that I require. Unlike you Trainers, I do not make Pokémon my friends or partners. Unlike other Team Galactic members, I don't use Pokémon as tools. Instead, I make the power of Pokémon my own. If you wish to save the Pokémon from the lakes, take the warp panel ahead. I am off to Mt. Coronet. That's correct. Mt. Coronet. Where you and I first met. I will ascend the mountain to its peak and put an end to everything... No. I will bring about a new beginning for everything..."
Spear Pillar
Cyrus: "Now all will end. And everything will begin. With this Red Chain I will pry open the portal to another dimension. I command that you unleash all your power for me... DialgaD/PalkiaP the mythical Pokémon and the master of timeD/space and dimensionsP! This will bring about the destruction of all things. With everything gone, there will be no fighting and no strife. Can you feel time distorting? Only I can choose to stop itD/Feel the dimensions distorting... Only I can stop itP. This is the mythical Pokémon that created Sinnoh! DialgaD/PalkiaP the ancient deity of timeD/space and dimensionsP! This world cannot be molded into the ultimate world I seek! It's far easier to create an entirely new world than to change this one! A new world in which I am the ruler of all things! I shall become a deity!"
Cyrus: "Oh! Dialga (D)/ Palkia (P)... This is... Fantastic! Beautiful! It's the creating of a new galaxy! My new world! ... Wh-what?!"
Before battle
Cyrus: "The Red Chain! It crumbled away to nothing?! But why? Why would Mesprit, the Pokémon of Lake Verity, appear by your side? But never mind that! It's all destroyed! My galaxy is gone! I won't allow this... I will capture those three again and craft another Red Chain! But before I even think about that, I'm going to completely crush you!"
After sending out last Pokémon
Cyrus: "I admit that you have pushed me to this extreme."
During battle (last Pokémon with less than half HP)
Cyrus: "This... this cannot be! It's not possible that I lose!"
Being defeated
Cyrus: "I won't accept this! The power spoken of in mythology... I didn't just make it obey me, I made it my own!"
After being defeated
Cyrus: "What is truly ultimate to you? What do you consider perfection? The most important thing... What shines the brightest... Telling you is meaningless. But I will not give up. I will become a deity one day... And I will make the ultimate mine..."
Platinum
His dialogue is much expanded here.
Lake Verity (Mesprit’s Lake)
Cyrus: "...The flowing time... The expanding space... I will make it all mine one day... Cyrus is my name. Remember it... Until then, sleep while you can, legendary Pokémon of the lake bed...." "Allow me to pass. Step aside."
Eterna City
Cyrus: "...So, this is Eterna's Pokémon statue... Shaping our world are time and space in an intertwining spiral. Revered in Sinnoh are the Pokémon of time and space... Sinnoh's myth... Its truth needs investigation..."
Cyrus: "...Pardon me. Stand aside."
Cyrus: "..."
Mt. Coronet
Cyrus: "According to one theory, Mt. Coronet is where the Sinnoh region began. In a newly created world... A world where only time flowed and space expanded... There should have been no strife. But what became of the world? Because the human spirit is weak and incomplete, strife has spread... This world is being ruined by it... I find this state of affairs deplorable..."
Celestic Ruins
Before battle
Elder Woman: "The cave painting's meaning seems to be this... There existed beings... Beings so powerful, they were considered deities at the time. There were three Pokémon with power to match either being. The three kept balance with either being, as if they formed a pyramid. It's an ancient legend of Sinnoh that is still told in Celestic Town."
Cyrus: "I would like to know more about that legend, if you will."
Elder Woman: "Who might you be?"
Cyrus: "My name is Cyrus. I want to put an end to pointless strife and hostility. I am seeking the power to create the ideal world. Thus, I want you to answer. The world today can't change because the three Pokémon keep it in balance. Is that what you are saying?"
Elder Woman "I wouldn't know. I do know the world is in balance. I'm quite satisfied with the world the way it is. I'm not interested in your question."
Cyrus: "...Plead ignorance, will you? What a pointless attitude. You fail to appreciate that the world is incomplete. I will change the world. As the first step, I will destroy this cave painting that you've protected all these years. A new legend of a new world will take its place. Am I wrong? If you feel that way, challenge me."
Cyrus if player says no: "...You chose to be a coward. How sensible of you. Stand aside and watch as I change the world."
Elder Woman if talked to after refusing to battle: "That cave painting isn't protected simply because it's old. We've preserved it because we value the memories that it represents. It is a legacy of people and Pokémon beyond measure. A man who fails to understand that... What world could he dream of?"
Cyrus if player says yes: "...I know you, Trainer. We've met at Mt. Coronet. Why would you want to protect this incomplete world? As the boss of Team Galactic, I will show you the error of your ways."
After sending out last Pokémon
Cyrus: "You've forced my hand this time!"
Being defeated
Cyrus: "Impressive. Your prowess is notable."
After being defeated
Cyrus: "...Remarkable. But, Elder, your attitude told me what I needed to know. If the beings of time and space are brought together, they can't be stopped..."
Elder Woman: Elder After defeating Cyrus: "Such a strange, strange man. Spouting such nonsense. The time and space of Sinnoh are filled with memories and thoughts of countless people and Pokémon. This is a wonderful world. What need is there to change it? Oh, yes. I found something useful. You should take this. It belonged to my granddaughter, but she doesn't use it anymore. If a Pokémon learns Surf, it can carry you across water and the sea. You've been a great help. That's my thanks for it."
Team Galactic HQ
Cyrus: "Fellow members of Team Galactic! Hear me! My name, as I appear to you today, is Cyrus. This world of ours is a crude one. In a word, it is incomplete. It has been, and always will be, a struggle to survive in this world. We humans and Pokémon are likewise incomplete. Because we are all so lacking, we fight, we maim... It is ugly. I hate the incompleteness. That we are all incomplete, I hate it with my entire body and being. The world should be complete. The world must change. Then, who will change it? Me, Cyrus. And Team Galactic. Yes, all of you. Together we pored over myths and exposed their secrets. Together we captured legendary Pokémon. And now, Team Galactic has obtained the energy to change the world! The power of dreams is within our grasp! Understand it, fellow members! My long-held dreamworld is on the verge of becoming reality. All those headed to Mt. Coronet, and those who remain here... Though our missions may differ, our hearts beat as one. Let there be glory for Team Galactic!"
Before battle
Cyrus: "...So you've come. You heard my speech, I take it. Snicker... A big lie, of course. It's true, insofar as my intention is to create a new world. But that world isn't for the likes of Team Galactic. I seek an entirely new world solely for myself. If not, it could never be the complete and perfect world. You've seen my minions of Team Galactic. You yourself must know that they are uniformly useless and incomplete."
Cyrus: "I know why you're here. I can sense it in you. It's about Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, correct? You want to save them... I no longer have any need for them. I am finished with them. If your heart aches to save them, go right ahead. I couldn't care less. It will save me the trouble of disposing them."
Cyrus: "But, I must say... You are a remarkable specimen. Those Pokémon have nothing to do with you, do they? But still you come to rescue them out of pity? Such pitifully useless emotions... It's illogical and irrational. Pity and compassion are products of the weak and faulty human heart. You were compelled to come here by such vacuous sentimentality! I will make you regret paying heed to your heart!"
After sending out last Pokémon
Cyrus: "My last Pokémon."
During battle (last Pokémon with less than half HP)
Cyrus: "I see... I may lose if this pace continues..."
Being defeated
Cyrus: "Interesting. And quite curious."
After being defeated
Cyrus: "I see... You are indeed strong. And the basis of your power is your compassion towards Pokémon."
Cyrus: "...How wasteful... Such emotions are but mere illusions. And, like all illusions, they fade over time until death banishes them forever. That is why I have abandoned all emotions as useless as sentimentality."
Cyrus: "...But that doesn't matter. I doubt you will ever understand my position. That said, I recognize that you are strong and courageous to come alone. This is your reward."
Cyrus: "The Master Ball is the ultimate Poké Ball. It will unfailingly catch any Pokémon in the wild. But it is not anything that I require. Unlike you Trainers, I do not make Pokémon my friends or partners. Unlike other Team Galactic members, I don't use Pokémon as tools. Instead, I make the power of Pokémon my own."
Cyrus: "If you wish to save the Pokémon from the lakes, take the warp panel ahead. I am off to Mt. Coronet. I will ascend the mountain to its peak where destiny awaits me. It is there that I will create my new world..."
Spear Pillar
Cyrus: "... ... Everything is ready for the creation of a new world. Now, all will end. And everything will begin. With this, the Red Chain made from the crystals of the three lake Pokémon. And this, the Red Chain I replicated with technological means... With these Red Chains I will pry open the portal to another dimension. I command that you unleash your power for me..."
Cyrus: "Dialga, the mythical Pokémon, and the master of time! ...And the other. Palkia, the mythical Pokémon, and the master of space and dimensions!"
Cyrus: "I've waited so long for this moment, Dialga and Palkia. Shaping this world is a double spiral of time and space. Yes, the very things that you have the ability to control! You will do my bidding! I will have your abilities as mine! With the power I wield, I will create an entirely new world! The incomplete and ugly world we have now can disappear. I am resetting everything to zero. Nothing can remain. It is all for making the ultimate world. A world of complete perfection. Nothing so vague and incomplete as spirit can remain."
Cyrus: "...I should have expected as much. Uxie, "The Being of Knowledge." Azelf, "The Being of Willpower." And Mesprit, "The Being of Emotion"..." "The Pokémon have come to protect Sinnoh? Pathetic and worthless. It takes the three of them, the three lake Pokémon that symbolize spirit, to balance either the Pokémon of time or space. But they can't maintain balance against the two. Not when both Dialga and Palkia are here. Their coming here is in vain. So much meaningless drama. Now, [player]. You've constantly interfered with my plans, but you will be forgiven. After all, there will remain no spirit for all time when I am done. All spirit will disappear. It will be ripped away... From you! From your Pokémon! From those precious to you...! It is time! My dream will be my reality!"
Cyrus: "What is this pressure I feel...? Something...is enraged?"
Cyrus: "Interesting. So, there is a Pokémon that can only appear as a shadow."
Cyrus: "Regardless, the effort is rash and foolish. I have harnessed the powers of Dialga and Palkia..."
Cyrus: "I, Cyrus, won't have any more interferererererere...!"
[Giratina appears, sends Cyrus to the Distortion World. Then Azelf, Uxie, go into distortion world and Mesprit looks at you before going in]
Distortion World
Cyrus: "...The shadowy Pokémon isn't here. It abandoned me here, then disappeared somewhere farther down... Was it content to merely interfere with my plan...? Incidentally, do you understand the concept of genes?"
Cyrus if player says Yes: "...If it's true, you've impressed me."
Cyrus if player says No: "...No, of course, you wouldn't."
Cyrus: "Genes can be considered the blueprints of all life-forms. That includes humans and Pokémon alike. Genes are contained in a DNA strand. A DNA strand consists of 2 chains of opposing characteristics in a spiral. If one of the chains were to be broken, the other could replicate it. One or the other cannot exist without its opposite."
Cyrus: "Do you understand where I am going with this? This is a bizarre world. Time doesn't flow. Space isn't stable. Only that shadowy Pokémon lives here. This world is the opposite of our world-- our world I wish to change. It is like the two chains composing the strand of DNA. The two worlds must be balancing each other to remain in existence. Without one, the other cannot exist. The shadowy Pokémon must play a role in keeping the worlds in balance. That is why it must have interfered and brought me here. The shadowy Pokémon must have made this bizarre world. That's why trying to change our world disturbed it and made it reveal itself. But that is all irrelevant. What matters is defeating that Pokémon and making this world disappear. I won't allow it to interfere with me again. With it gone, neither world will be able to revert to its original state..."
Cynthia:"...So you were already here. Why do you seek to change the world? If you hate our world you should just go off somewhere alone. Find somewhere where you can live without seeing others."
Cyrus when met again: "Why should I run and hide from the world and have to wait quietly? My aim is to rid our world of the vague and incomplete thing we call spirit. By freeing ourselves of that, our world can be made complete. That is my justice! No one can interfere!"
Before battle
Cyrus:"I won't lose! Not to that shadowy Pokémon! Not in any worthless world!"
After sending out last Pokémon
Cyrus: "I admit that you have pushed me to this extreme."
During battle (last Pokémon with less than half HP)
Cyrus: "This... this cannot be! It's not possible that I lose!"
Being defeated
Cyrus: "I won't accept this! This can't be! Not after all the sacrifices we've made to get this far! What of my new world?! Of my new galaxy?! Was this all a dream to be swept away by your reality?!"
After being defeated
Cyrus: "... Don't think that you can defeat or capture that Pokémon. This bizarre world is none other than that Pokémon itself! Capturing it or defeating it will make this world disappear! Very well! Do what you will! Rather than repairing the world, you're going to destroy it for me! Do it. You inherit my legacy."
Cynthia After you defeat Cyrus: "Don't believe his lies. It's not possible that a Pokémon can make the world disappear. The world awaited your birth. Not only yours, either. The Pokémon with you. The people close to you. All the Pokémon and people were born because they have a part in the world. I'm convinced of that. Giratina won't go out of existence. The Distortion World won't disappear. Our world won't disappear, either. Let's go meet Giratina. ...Oops. I should do something about your hardworking Pokémon first. Now let's go meet Giratina!"
Cynthia: "Giratina is enraged because the two worlds are endangered. It has merged the Distortion World and our world at the Spear Pillar. That's why both worlds are becoming distorted. But there's nothing to fear. You can defeat Giratina and show the tight bond you share with your Pokémon. Or you can demonstrate how much you want it to join you. If you succeed in doing either, Giratina will understand. The distortion of the two worlds will stop!"
Cynthia if talked to again: "I know that the bond you share with your Pokémon is strong!"
After battle with Giratina
Cynthia: “Giratina seems to have understood us!”
Cyrus: "That Pokémon... That shadowy Pokémon was captured/defeated?!/That shadowy Pokémon... You quelled its rage by refusing to battle it?! Your doing so means that this irrational world will remain in existence! Does that make it impossible for me to create a new world? Even if I made new Red Chains, the new world can't be made! Why?! What compels you to protect the two worlds? Is spirit, a vague and incomplete thing, so important to you?!"
Cynthia "...The places we are born. The time we spend living... The languages we speak... We are all different. But the presence of Pokémon unites us. We share our lives with our Pokémon and our happiness grows as we all become greater than we were alone. That is why we can battle and trade with anyone we choose..."
Cyrus: "Silence! Enough of your blathering! That's how you justify spirit as something worthwhile?! That is merely humans hoping, deluding themselves that they are happy and safe! The emotions roiling inside me... Rage, hatred, frustration... These ugly emotions arise because of my own incomplete spirit! ...Enough. We will never see eye to eye. This, I promise you. I will break the secrets of the world. With that knowledge, I will create my own complete and perfect world. One day, you will awaken to a world of my creation. A world without spirit."
Cynthia "... ... Since there is sadness, we can feel joy. When there is anger, compassion is born... Let's go back home. The portal where Giratina was should lead back to our world. Giratina was written as being on the other side of our world. It stands to a reason that it has a link to the other side."
Third-party descriptions
Old Couple in Sunyshore
Old woman: “A long time ago, there was a boy named Cyrus who lived here. He seemed to shun others, and he preferred the company of machines. He was a brilliant student, I recall. I often wonder what became of him.”
Old man: "I’d heard that Team Galactic was up to no good. But here in Sunyshore, we’ve never even seen any of them around. Of course, our Gym Leader Volkner is invincible in every way."
Man on Route 228 (Platinum Only)
Old man: "That Badge... It's from Sunyshore's Gym? You've been to that port town, then... Would... Would you lend an ear to this old man's talk?"
Old man if yes: "No... I shouldn't burden you with this. My grandson grew up in that city by the sea. Worn down by trying to live up to his parents' expectations, he found refuge in tinkering with machines. I wonder even now if I should have taken him in and raised him myself. Though I'm not certain if that would have been a good choice or not... I don't think anyone could say. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said any of this to you..."
Old man if no: "Ah... Pay me no heed, then. I only hoped to unburden myself of some guilt..."
Old Notebook
Note that it is not clear who wrote the old notebook and fans debate this. However, I am including this as an uncertain with a lean for Cyrus for a few reasons.
"Our encounter was a sudden one. It was when I found my toy robot, one that I had earlier misplaced. At that instant, a Pokémon startlingly emerged from the lawn mower's motor! Clutching my robot, I stared, transfixed by the peculiar Pokémon."
"The Pokémon hovered in the air, held aloft by a power unseen. As if curious and unafraid of my presence, it floated toward me. Crackling sounds accompanied it, as if from static electricity in the air. Remarkably, it seemed the Pokémon was the source of this power! In alarm, I flinched, certain that my face would be subjected to a shock. Much to my surprise, the Pokémon seemed to favor me with a smile."
"Finally, I came to realize that the Pokémon only wished to be friends. I have decided to name this most wondrous Pokémon 'Rotom.' Simple though it may be, Rotom emerged to me from the motor of a lawn mower. Motor and Rotom... Surely the link is obvious?"
"Rotom is a Pokémon that is simply sensational. The fact that it can turn invisible is simply the beginning. What makes Rotom unique is its ability to enter and operate machinery!"
"Rotom and I became fast friends. We were perpetual companions. The electricity from its body forbade contact, however. We could not touch, let alone hug or hold hands, but we cared not. For we were bonded on a much deeper, incorporeal level."
"A feeling of mischief got the better of me one day. Seeing Rotom hovering, I decided to startle it--normally I would not. Perhaps frightened, Rotom discharged power beyond its usual range. I fell, stunned, into the arms of unconsciousness..."
"When I came to, to my horror I realized that Rotom had disappeared. I searched high and low for my friend in dismay and desperation. 'Don't chastise yourself.' 'The fault is mine. No harm done.' 'Let us play as we always have.' Though my words poured out, my friend could not be found to hear them..."
"My search for Rotom carried me far from home. It was in the town's rubbish heap that I again found my old toy robot. Curiously, our eyes met, then the robot waved a hand as if in greeting. I knew then that I had found my lost friend. I ran to and hugged Rotom tight, talking on and on."
"The robot's eyes lit up happily as I held it. I'm certain that, within it, Rotom was emitting lots electricity. Somehow, I felt I could understand Rotom's thoughts better than before. Also, I realized that we would remain friends throughout our lives..."
Cynthia in Snowpoint City brings up Cyrus, though mostly to say she doesn't want to live in his world.
Cynthia: I think it’s good that our world is constantly changing. Of course, I don’t want it to become what only one person wants. A world like Cyrus envisions...No one would want that.The kind of world I want to see is where everyone can share their joy. Where Pokémon and the people around them can be happy for each other. I want the world to become a place where everyone is smiling. The world could be so much better if we all tried to make it that way.
Charon laments that Cyrus is so popular.
Charon: Sigh... So impressionable and impetuous. What do they see in Cyrus? Immature, overthinking buffoon. He goes through the trouble of assembling Team Galactic for what? Ultimately, he destroys his own creation for his ludicrous vision. It’s no thanks to him that I have to struggle with the pieces.
Saturn sounds mildly perplexed about Cyrus's plan despite going along with it.
Saturn: So, it’s you... I’ve heard about you and what took place at the Spear Pillar. Our leader, Master Cyrus, hated the very idea of spirit. He hated spirit for being incomplete. And yet, using fiery exhortations, he rallied the spirit of others. What he hated most, he used to control others. Isn’t that ironic? That fascinated me. I wanted to see what he would do. And I did. At his side. But it’s over. A world without spirit... Who would want such a thing?! So, what now...? What to do with Team Galactic? But I’ve learned that extremism is never the solution... Perhaps we should really be searching for new sources of energy. Instead of lying about it through our commercials.
Looker drops the detail that Cyrus is in his late twenties.
Looker: ...Whew. So, that was Cyrus, the boss of the Team Galactic. Quite the performance, no? Mesmerizing for one only 27 years old. ...But to make a world for Team Galactic and none other? It is preposterous. So much so that it makes my head spin. A new world? What is that? And what is this incomplete world? Very well. To investigate such matters is the job of the International Police. Of which I am a member in good stead. And it is my job, therefore. We shall part ways here. Take extra care, my friend!
Pokemon Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon
In this game, a version of Cyrus is time-traveled to the present? I don't know, I haven't played this one.
Before battle"Who are you...? It seems you are not a member of Team RR."
"...My name is Cyrus. I would like to ask you one question. Is this world the new world?"
Regardless of answer: "I can sense in you the strong desire to protect... something. You have a powerful spirit. ...That must mean this isn't the world I desired. I used the power of the Pokémon that control time and space to create a perfect world, where the human spirit does not exist. That was when a great shadow appeared and engulfed me... And brought me to this world.
"Is that a Pokédex...? May I have a look?"
"Interesting... In this world, even the Pokédex is..."
"... ... ... ... ... ... ...I see. So you have a spirit, as well. But it's too late... All too late. I cannot stop now. I must remove the weak, incomplete human spirit from this world and bring it perfection!"
"How foolish..."
"I will not let anyone get in my way..."
Being defeated
"Impressive. Your prowess is notable."
After being defeated
...Why are you able to create such strong bonds with your Pokémon? And how are you able to turn those bonds into strength?"
"...I see. ...You need not worry, Rotom. I will not do anything to this world. I believe I shall return to the perfect world I created. But before that...take this key."
"Use it to activate the machine on the wall behind me. That should open the mirror door."
"Had I met you sooner...would things have been different for me...?"