Seeing Magearna nod, Aoki felt a surge of internal elation, though his outward expression remained perfectly composed. He retrieved a single Premier Ball from his belt, one he had specifically prepared for this moment, intended for either Magearna or Volcanion. His initial plan had been to capture both legendary Pokemon, but the moment the thought of capturing Volcanion solidified in his mind, a distinct and inexplicable sense of danger had washed over him. The subconscious warning from his psychic senses was not something he could ignore, and subsequent events would prove this feeling correct, as Xerneas itself had been observing the area. Therefore, the Pokemon would have to remain here for the time being. He instructed Slowking to place a subtle psychic coordinate on Volcanion's body, ensuring they could locate it again later. Then, he gently tapped the Premier Ball against Magearna's metallic form.
The ball opened, drawing the Artificial Pokemon inside in a flash of red light. There was no resistance; after a single, definitive click, the ball locked shut, signaling a successful capture. Magearna was his! Aoki could not suppress a triumphant wave of his arms. Magearna was successfully captured! With the addition of Diancie, he had now acquired two Pokemon that, while not classified as Legendary beasts, were certainly their equals in rarity and power. However, these two Pokemon didn't seem suited for direct combat. Diancie might manage, but the gentle-natured Magearna would likely be frightened away at the first sign of a real battle. Compared to the formidable Florges, Magearna was far more of a support-oriented Pokemon, both in terms of its disposition and its movepool. That said, there was no denying the excellence of Magearna's base stats. The most crucial element, however, was the existence of the Soul-Heart.
Aoki tossed the Premier Ball, releasing Magearna back into the open. Upon materializing, Magearna's hands immediately transformed into two beautiful bouquets of flowers, a gesture celebrating its new status as a officially trained Pokemon and its newfound home. Aoki's other Pokemon all gathered around, expressing their warm welcome to Magearna, with Diancie staying particularly close by its side. The bond between the two Mythical Pokemon had already grown strong. Aoki smiled warmly. "Magearna, welcome to the team."
"Weng weng—" Magearna nodded repeatedly, its mechanical voice humming with happiness. It was deeply touched by the sincere welcome from its new companions, and for now, it set aside its past. As Aoki observed Magearna's lifelike, joyful movements, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Nikola. To single-handedly create a Pokemon comparable to a Mythical being was an astounding feat. One had to remember that Team Rocket had spent an incalculable amount of time, vast resources, and the collective effort of countless scientists working day and night to even approach such a level of creation.
Aoki gestured for Magearna to come closer. It danced happily over to him. "Don't be alarmed later," Aoki said gently. "I may need to conduct a brief examination of your systems." Hearing this, Magearna showed no suspicion and simply nodded its understanding. Aoki placed his hand on Magearna's back, his palm directly over the Soul-Heart located within the center of its metallic body. "System, collect data and analyze the principles and operational mechanisms of the Soul-Heart," he commanded internally.
"Mission established!" the system's voice confirmed in his mind. A stream of minute electrical currents, invisible to the naked eye, flowed from his hand into the Soul-Heart. Magearna felt little more than a faint tingling sensation, but Aoki perceived a subtle, refreshing energy flowing back along his arm and into his body. It was invigorating, as if he had just awoken from a perfectly restful sleep. Did the Soul-Heart possess this effect as well? After a short while, Aoki removed his hand. The system had collected the necessary data; the next step would be simulation and analysis. With that complete, Aoki prepared to depart with his Pokemon.
As for Volcanion... arrangements had already been made. Since it would only listen to Magearna, Aoki had used a dream suggestion to inform it that Magearna needed to leave for a while and that it should remain here and move freely.
...
After finding a suitable place to rest for the night, Aoki packed up his camp at dawn. He recalled Diancie and Magearna, along with his other Pokemon, into their Poké Balls. This expedition to the Nebel Plateau had not only achieved its primary objective but had far exceeded his initial expectations. If the system could successfully analyze the advanced mysticism and technology behind the Soul-Heart, it would be of immense benefit to both Aoki and his entire team. Furthermore, Diancie had successfully completed its transformation, and Xerneas, watching from somewhere, had even bestowed upon it a Diancite Mega Evolution stone. Forming an Eternal Crystal Diamond should not be an insurmountable challenge now. The most crucial component for the future Diamond Kingdom was already secured. This harvest was, in a word, excellent!
Yet, he felt a nagging sense that he had forgotten something. Sitting atop his Flygon as it soared through the air, Aoki mentally reviewed the gains from this trip. It seemed like something important was missing from his tally. At that very moment, deep within its Poké Ball, the Goodra he had recently captured could only feel a wave of profound sadness. Was it the first pseudo-Legendary Pokemon ever to be abandoned by its Trainer? To be captured and then completely forgotten when counting his blessings? It was a pseudo-Legendary! Had it no dignity?!
...
Meanwhile, on another front, following Aoki's instructions, Lysandre had immediately dispatched Team Flare agents to locate and infiltrate the Kingdom of Azoth. Lysandre was confident they would soon find the individual Aoki sought: Jarvis. Not the butler Jarvis, though this Jarvis might very well serve as a steward in Azoth. Aoki, riding his Flygon, flew directly towards the remote Kingdom of Azoth, which was not far from the Nebel Plateau. Team Flare had already successfully infiltrated the kingdom, so Aoki now possessed its precise coordinates. He had originally considered having Team Flare lie low for a period before initiating the search for the man named Jarvis, but it turned out Jarvis was quite a prominent figure within Azoth. Just as Aoki was leaving the Nebel Plateau, Lysandre had transmitted the coordinates to him.
Although Azoth was unknown to the general populace, it was not completely isolated. In fact, the Pokemon League maintained regular exchanges with these remote kingdoms that preserved traditional cultures and ancient histories, and the Kingdom of Azoth was one of them. Therefore, by following the League's known channels, locating it was straightforward. Lysandre, after all, was an Alliance-certified researcher—not an independent one like Aoki, but the head of his own institute with connections to high-ranking officials within the Kalos League. The Kalos League remained unaware of Team Flare's true nature and still clung to a final shred of hope regarding Lysandre's intentions, not realizing that he had long since lost all faith in the League's governance. Now, Lysandre believed only in himself and in Aoki, who shared his ultimate ideal.
...
Half a day later, Aoki arrived at the ancient Kingdom of Azoth. From a distance, it resembled a large town surrounded by massive, imposing walls. Everywhere he looked, within every corner of the town, enormous gears turned steadily, a constant, rhythmic motion that defined the so-called Mechanical City.