When the mention of a psychic-type Pokémon being helpful caught Josh's ears, he spoke up. "I can bring Janus, my Espeon, to the rifts if you think he would be helpful." Furthermore, it seemed either photography or video footage would work well for Illeana's research. "I'll make sure to use both where appropriate."

There was also the question of which rifts Josh would explore first, but he already had his decision made when he got the call in the first place. "I'm going to be heading to Mount Pyre to pay my last respects to a Doublade that died not too long after Meteno. The death was completely unrelated to Meteno, but it is still painful all the same. May as well take a look at the rift there while I'm in the area. After that, I'm planning on heading to the one in the Great Desert, as it's the threat closest to Mauville, the city I'm responsible for." He didn't seem to want to budge on those two. "After that, I'm open to go wherever the League needs me to."

Josh took mental notes of Illeana's brief description of The Border. "Got it. Will stay vigilant. Everything you've told me about both rifts has been helpful. I'll bring six of my best Pokémon to each." He had been exposed to enough danger against his terms that his combat skills had been galvanized in the few short months he had been in Hoenn. "Will get you as much information on the desert rift as I can. Once I'm done with those two, I'm down to go into whichever ones you need the most information on, but I can't promise it will be soon. It largely depends on how busy the Gym gets in the spring. Plus, the racing season will be starting up again in March soon, and the opener is being held at Fortree's Gym. I don't want to miss it."

And with that, their meeting would be coming to a close. "I'll get you as many details as I can about the rifts. Will stay in touch. Next time I see you near your lab, would studying my Eeveelutions help you learn more about distortions and Alpha Pokémon?" He sent out Janus, his saddled Espeon, and mounted up, looking like he was going to take off at a moment's notice. "They're all about his size." He gently pat the psychic-type on the back of the head. "I'd like to learn more about them, too. Alpha Pokémon are so fascinating."

"I look forward to it," Josh smiled back. "With my chase of Raikou running cold, I've gotta help out another way, right?" he shrugged. Stranger things have happened in Hoenn; after hearing Laurence Anderson 's story of how he stumbled into Articuno, it really did seem like if the two were going to meet, Raikou would seek him rather than what he had tried to do for so long. The one run he got on the Johto Beast's back also resoundingly showed that there was no physical training he could do to truly ready himself to ride that thundercloud.

When questioned about the link between Josh's Eeveelutions and Distortions, he explained his theory further. "Ever since the distortions started showing up, I've noticed an increase in wild Pokémon that are really big for their species. It makes me wonder if there's a link. If you have the time to, can I stop by your lab in the near future so you can take a look at them?"

"Awesome," Josh breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks so much. When I get the chance I'll bring all of Janus' cousins to your lab so you can obtain some insight and share it with me." With that, the Leader stood up. "In a strange way, I look forward to helping you out. Anything to help make sure those Rocket blankers burn." He, of course, knew better than to use foul language in front of the scientist. "I'll give you a call once I find a break in my schedule. My Gym's still booked out solid, after all."

"Will do!" Josh answered, waving goodbye to Illeana. "See you soon, hopefully with some good reports for you!" With that, the Gym Leader would leave and book lodging at a nearby hotel. He was far too tired to make the journey all the way back to Mauville so late in the day.