Aoki and Lance stayed in the Balfam Incense Hall for two days.
The mission was not completed until Flint appeared.
Flint recognized Aoki the first time he saw him. After all, Aoki had left a deep impression on Flint during the Sinnoh League Tournament.
After exchanging a few pleasantries and handing over the task of guarding the Balfam Incense Hall, Aoki left with Lance.
They rode on flying Pokémon to Lumiose City.
Next, Lance and Aoki would complete their investigation of the Lysandre Research Institute before returning to their respective regions.
But halfway through the flight, Aoki suddenly said to Lance, "I have something to take care of. You should go to Lumiose City first. I will meet you at the Pokémon Center in two days at most."
Without waiting for Lance's reply, Aoki flew off in another direction on his Flygon.
Lance watched Aoki leave, unsure of what had happened.
But everyone had their own urgent matters, so he didn't dwell on Aoki's sudden departure.
He patted his Dragonite's neck. Without Flygon slowing them down, Dragonite's speed increased significantly.
Flygon carrying Aoki away finally breathed a sigh of relief.
There was no harm in comparison.
Flying alongside Dragonite had been mentally exhausting.
Being a flying mount was difficult enough without the added pressure.
Once Aoki was sure Lance hadn't hesitated, he commanded Flygon to land in a secluded part of the forest between Balfam Temple and Lumiose City.
He opened a spatial rift near a large tree and stepped inside.
When he emerged, his appearance had completely changed.
Not only had he reverted to his original look, but he also wore a large black hood.
Moments later, his face twisted, his features obscured by a psychic veil.
Then, he released his Honchkrow.
"Let's go," Aoki said, his voice now slightly hoarse.
Honchkrow nodded, flapping its wings as it took off. Aoki grabbed one of its feet, using his psychic powers to lighten his weight.
After determining the direction, Honchkrow flew at full speed—much faster than Flygon.
The only downside was that Aoki couldn't ride on its back, making the journey less comfortable.
His destination was the location locked onto by his system two days prior through the Akobi glasses.
Staying at the Balfam Incense Hall for two days had been a good cover—now, his visit wouldn't raise suspicion.
Lysandre's secret base wasn't far from Lumiose City, hidden deep within the mountains.
With Honchkrow's help, Aoki quickly pinpointed the coordinates.
Landing silently, he released Gengar.
One advantage of a Pokémon like Gengar was its elusive nature. Unless someone knew Gengar intimately, they wouldn't recognize it as the same one Aoki used in official League battles.
"Inside this mountain? Well-hidden. They've prepared thoroughly," Aoki mused.
To be safe, he released Slowking and left a psychic marker for an instant retreat.
"Gengar, scout the entrance," Aoki ordered.
Gengar nodded before vanishing into the shadows.
Now that Gengar had reached Champion-level strength, detection was nearly impossible.
At the same time, Aoki's shadow twisted slightly as his Mismagius emerged beside him.
Aoki patted its head. "I'll need your help again."
"Mismagius~" It purred, eyes narrowing in contentment.
Mismagius's ability to conceal its presence surpassed even Gengar's. With enough focus, it could remain undetectable—even to something as powerful as Professor Oak's Dragonite.
Unless an exceptionally perceptive Pokémon was present, its disguise was flawless.
Gengar soon returned, signaling the way.
Aoki followed, his psychic energy cloaking his entire body to prevent any trace of his presence from leaking.
Scent-sensitive Pokémon could be problematic, and his Aura—particularly distinct—needed to be suppressed.
They reached a massive boulder. Without Gengar's intangibility, the entrance would've been impossible to find.
Hidden behind thick bushes was a keypad.
Aoki smirked, placing his hand on it.
Click.
No electronic lock could resist his system.
The boulder slid aside, revealing a high-tech corridor.
Two guards stood inside, startled. Before they could react, Gengar's Hypnosis dropped them unconscious.
Further in, another electronic door triggered an alarm.
The base's surveillance had detected Aoki.
He glanced at the security camera, then placed his hand on the door. It opened as if recognizing him.
The monitoring room staff froze.
Whoever this was, he operated the door like he owned the place.
The alarm brought a tall man in a red-and-black suit, his wild orange hair resembling a lion's mane.
The two staff members snapped to attention. "Mr. Lysandre!"
Their voices trembled with fanaticism.
Lysandre nodded. "Report."