Aoki and Lysandre stayed within the dreamscape for what felt like an extended period of ti.
Yet to outside observers, only re seconds had passed.
However, during these monts, Lysandre's entire deanor underwent a dramatic shift.
The aggression had faded completely, replaced by a newfound lack of hostility toward Aoki.
The two Pokémon standing beside Lysandre exchanged confused glances, uncertain of their trainer's sudden change in attitude. The opposing Dragalge appeared far too powerful, and victory seed nearly impossible for them.
"Reverend, why don't we continue our discussion inside?" Lysandre offered with a polite smile.
Aoki gave a silent nod in response.
He retrieved the Poké Ball and recalled Dragalge, who had maintained his battle stance for long enough. Prolonging the display any further risked exposing Aoki's true intentions.
"Mismagius..."
The Mismagius circled Aoki playfully, as if seeking praise for her role in the illusion.
Through Telepathy, Aoki comnded her efforts warmly before rewarding her with a handful of flavorful Pokéblocks.
Guided by Lysandre, Aoki, Gengar, and Mismagius proceeded into the most secure chamber at the heart of the hidden base.
"Reverend, tell —what must be done to achieve our shared vision? And how might I contribute to this cause?" Lysandre inquired eagerly.
Aoki exhaled slowly, recognizing that Lysandre stood at a critical juncture in his life—one that made him susceptible to manipulation.
He feigned deep contemplation, allowing the silence to stretch.
Lysandre waited without interruption.
"Locate the Ultimate Weapon. Command Zygarde. Fulfill the purification." The words erged hoarsely from beneath Aoki's concealing robes.
"The Ultimate Weapon... Zygarde?" Lysandre repeated, testing the weight of the nas.
"The Ultimate Weapon grants us the power to cleanse this corrupted world. Zygarde provides the force necessary to uphold our righteous authority once the purification is complete," Aoki elaborated.
In truth, these objectives had always been destined for Team Flare. Aoki had rely accelerated their revelation. Even without his interference, Lysandre would have pursued these very goals in ti.
But now, the organization known as Team Flare might never bear that na.
If anything, it would remain an extension of the Lysandre Institute's shadow operations.
Lysandre gave a slow, approving nod, his conviction solidifying.
Within the dream, he had witnessed Zygarde's overwhelming might—especially in its Complete For, where neither Xerneas nor Yveltal could rival it.
"However, we currently lack leads on both the Ultimate Weapon and Zygarde," Lysandre admitted.
Aoki inclined his head. "Patience. The hour has not yet co. First, your faction requires a na—one that will unite its mbers under a shared ideal."
"Of course! Yet Reverend, this inspiration ca from you. To claim sole ownership feels..."
Aoki raised a hand, cutting him off. "This is your undertaking. I rely guide its course. Beyond offering direction, I will not involve myself in its governance or expansion. That is the nature of our partnership."
With those words, the last remnants of Lysandre's hesitation vanished.
"Then, Reverend, I ask that you bestow a na upon this organization."
The two n lapsed into montary silence.
Aoki took a deliberate sip of water before speaking. "The Ultimate Weapon's radiance shall ignite the world's rebirth. Let it be called... Team Flare."
"Team Flare... Team Flare..." Lysandre murmured, the na kindling sothing within him.
The blazing light of purification—the first spark of a renewed world.
Aoki himself paused, struck by the realization.
Had he just christened Team Flare?
But after a brief hesitation, he dismissed the thought.
He had simply exploited an existing path. Even without him, Lysandre would have uncovered Zygarde, unearthed the three-thousand-year-old legends, and learned of the immortal king AZ. Team Flare's ergence was inevitable.
"Then it is decided! From this mont, we are Team Flare. I shall lead as its head, with you, Reverend, serving as both vice-leader and spiritual guide—ranking above all other executives." Lysandre declared, striking the table decisively.
Aoki did not refuse the title.
Having already declined co-leadership, accepting an honorary position carried no risk.
And Lysandre would undoubtedly seek his counsel frequently in the days ahead.
After all, Aoki had planted a seed deep within Lysandre's psyche—one now taking root.
"The security systems here are inadequate. I will reinforce them to prevent intrusion. Additionally, I shall leave encrypted files regarding the Ultimate Weapon and Zygarde within the database. The rest falls to you." Rising, Aoki prepared to depart.
His current strength remained insufficient. He would return when truly ready to assu the role of vice-leader in full.
"One more thing." He produced a custom communicator from his cloak, placing it on the table. "This device links exclusively to . Should you require assistance, use it to make contact."
The communicator had been ticulously modified—its signals untraceable, yet embedded with a hidden chip allowing Aoki to pinpoint Lysandre's location whenever activated.
"Understood. I'll have an escort take you to the central terminal imdiately." Lysandre summoned an attendant, who entered and saluted them both respectfully.
Team Flare's rise was imminent. As its vice-leader, Aoki's authority would be absolute—a fact Lysandre would ensure his subordinates recognized.
Following the attendant, Aoki arrived at the base's primary control hub—the future nerve center of Team Flare's operations.
Lysandre remained behind, lost in thought.
Aoki smiled faintly. Everything was proceeding smoothly.
Dismissing the technicians present, he seated himself before the main console and placed both hands upon the interface.
"System, initiate protocol override. Install the subsidiary module concurrently."
The command was given softly, a smirk playing across his lips.
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