Chapter 21: Conclusion

The Steven cleared his throat. "I hope that everyone has now understood why we should not reproduce the devices needed for the warping of asteroid to another dimension. Now, let's proceed to the next topic. As I have told you, there is a more reliable method according to the lore of the Draconids. Summoning Rayquaza and allowing it to Mega Evolve gives it enough power to destroy the approaching asteroid." Steven turned his face towards Petalburg City's Gym Leader, "Norman, you used to control Rayquaza during the previous crisis. Will you tell us how you managed to control such an aggressive pokémon?"

Norman folded his arms, crossing them over each other, "It is difficult. I trained myself for five years to be able to do so and I dare say that I barely survived the consequences," he looked directly at Eclaire, causing her to flinch. "My body has been weak for several days and standing for too long would exhaust me, even today, though I've been doing my best to recover. To control Rayquaza, a person needs a strong mind and heart. Even if one's mind is firm but has a weak heart, it'll eventually cause death. One's systems will fail to function due to the immense power of Rayquaza."

"What if we try to communicate to Rayquaza instead of controlling it?" Roxanne, the Gym Leader of Rustboro City recommended.

"Ahem," Wallace cleared his throat, "communicating to an unwilling legendary pokémon still requires a strong mind. Your voice alone won't reach Rayquaza unless you communicate directly in his mind. That's what the ancient books of the Sootopolitans say."

Eclaire raised her hand, and received Wallace's attention, "Are you perhaps referring to telepathy?" she asked.

"That's most probably the main idea," Wallace turned his face to her.

"Then, are pokémon capable of using telepathy an option?" Eclaire inquired.

"It could be," the twin Gym Leaders of Mossdeep City spoke in unison. "The pokémon who can use telepathy are mostly psychic types and their states of mind are far firmer that those of humans," Liza spoke while Tate nodded along.

"I-In that case, we can ask my Gardevoir and Gallade for that task," Eclaire suggested.

"They won't have any problems with that, I assume," Steven spoke.

"If I may speak," Elite Four's Glacia raised her hand. "According to what Gym Leader Norman has said, controlling Rayquaza requires both a strong mind and heart, or rather, a strong body as a whole. Even if your pokémon manage to communicate to it, it will still take away their strength. Are you willing to risk your own pokémon for that?"

Steven cleared his throat once again and everyone's attention turned to him. "Perhaps if everyone takes part in the process, we could lessen the burden. I'd like to ask you, Norman, will it be possible for multiple people to control Rayquaza?"

Norman nodded, "It is, only if our minds are united."

"Then, could you perhaps—"

"I get it already," Norman interrupted Steven. "Alright, those who are willing to take part shall undergo into training. I shall supervise the procedures. May I request for the assistance of Gym Leaders Tate and Liza and Gym Leader Brawly?"

Brawly shrugged, "As if we could object."

"Just when I'm missing my old days of physical training. Kiddo, it better be tough," Elite Four's Drake spoke, facing Brawly.

"Now, what's left is the Hoenn Pokémon Association's Director's approval," Steven faced the Director. "What will be your statement, sir?"

"Hmm," the Director folded his arms. "I'll inform the media that the temporary absence of Elite Four and Gym Leaders of Hoenn from their primary duties is because they are undergoing a special training for the improvement of their skills. That would suffice to keep this activity from the public."

Steven felt glad, "It's a yes, then. Now, I just want to remind everyone that we only have seven days left to prepare ourselves," he spoke, "and Prof. Cozmo, I'd like you to keep on monitoring the asteroid," he turned to face the professor.

"Y-Yes, Steven," Prof. Cozmo replied and fixed his glasses.

Steven stood up from his seat, "The training must begin as soon as possible."

"I'll let everyone have their lunches for now. We'll head out to Victory Road and proceed with the training in the afternoon," Norman spoke.

"That's all for this morning, thank you everyone," Steven placed a palm over his chest and made a slight bow.

Everyone stood up from their seats and stepped out of the Conference Hall, leaving Steven and Eclaire. Ruby approached his father instead of going with Sapphire and Mr. Stone.

"Dad, shall we have lunch together?" Ruby asked.

Norman patted his son's shoulder, "Not today son, I still have a few matters to discuss with Steven and that girl. Go dine with Sapphire. She'll be glad for sure."

Ruby's face flushed, "O-Okay dad. I'll see you later." He dashed out to catch up with Sapphire and Mr. Stone.

Norman sighed, "That boy…" He went back to the Conference Room and found Steven and Eclaire conversing with each other.

"I hope you two wouldn't mind if I join you," he said as he approached them.

Steven faced him, "No, not really. Is there something you need?"

"Apparently, I was totally intrigued by this girl. I find it hard to believe that she came from another dimension," Norman looked directly at Eclaire.

Eclaire felt uneasy. She was about to speak when Norman began talking once again.

"Your voice… I find it very familiar," Norman said.

"That was my first impression as well, during the first time I met her," Steven spoke as he glanced at Eclaire. He figured out she'd be nervous around Norman since he was also revived by her.

"Norman, I'd like to ask you something," Steven said while giving the Gym Leader a serious face. "Her voice… Have you heard it in a dream? No… I mean, after Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre ceased their clash and Rayquaza has left the scene, I'm sure you felt it. The sensation of dying, you felt it too, am I correct? And you heard her voice afterwards."

"From the start, I already knew that I was going to pass away from controlling Rayquaza. I felt it. I know I died… But then I woke up in the clinic of Pokémon Association's Headquarters after hearing a voice… This girl's voice."

"Honestly, I also predicted my own death and I was confused after waking up in the clinic as well. That is after hearing her voice." Steven looked at Eclaire, "Eclaire, I think he's more than willing to hear the truth from you."

"That voice was indeed mine," Eclaire replied, "although the story behind it is quite complicated. I don't think I should tell you about it."

"There's no need for you to tell me whatever reason you have for doing that," Norman replied. "I want to thank you for allowing me to live again. You see, I've been wanting to make up with Ruby for so long and I finally made it because of you."

Eclaire felt relieved that she wasn't bombarded with too many questions by the Gym Leader. "You're welcome, sir."

Norman finally dropped his serious face and smiled, "You two better have your lunch now and have a short rest. Remember, we have a lot of things to do later." He turned to walk away. Eclaire and Steven were left alone once again.

"Eclaire," Steven spoke, "My house is here in Mossdeep so—"

"I'll cook for you then," Eclaire interrupted and faced him with a gentle smile.

"Th-That's not a bad idea," Steven lightly scratched his head. "I can cook our lunch but… Fine, I guess I'll let you since I was the one who made the pancakes this morning."

They both stepped out of the Space Center and headed to the former Champion's house.