Chapter 767 - We Are Too Difficult

The private room in the Kalos region's designated area was spacious, with plush seating arranged around a low table where refreshments had been laid out. The walls displayed holographic projections of various Pokémon from the Kalos region, cycling through majestic landscapes that showcased the area's natural beauty.

"It's like this," Professor Syncamore began, his voice carrying the weight of formal inquiry yet softened by genuine curiosity. "I want to ask you some questions about Pokémon. Is it convenient for you to come and sit in our private room in the Kalos region?" The overhead lighting cast soft shadows across his face as he spoke, highlighting the earnest expression of a researcher seeking truth.

That a person of Professor Syncamore's status would use the phrase "ask for advice" spoke volumes about his humility and dedication to knowledge. The way he carried himself - shoulders slightly forward in anticipation, hands clasped together in front of him - showed none of the arrogance one might expect from someone in his position.

Aoki felt his respect for the man grow immediately. There was a brief moment of consideration as he weighed his options, the faint hum of the arena's energy shields audible even through the thick walls of the private room. After a slight hesitation that lasted no more than three heartbeats, he nodded. "Okay, but I need to inform my group first, so they don't think I've disappeared again." His voice carried the faintest hint of amusement - this wasn't the first time he'd wandered off after a match.

Aoki had developed something of a reputation for vanishing after battles, often lost in thought or pursuing some new line of inquiry about Pokémon. The last thing he needed was for Steven and the others to assume he'd gone missing, especially after such a significant victory.

"Of course, that's only proper," Professor Syncamore replied, his smile reaching his eyes and causing faint crinkles at their corners. The relief in his voice was palpable, as though he'd been prepared for refusal. He gestured gracefully toward the door, his sleeve brushing against the edge of a holographic display that momentarily scattered pixels like digital confetti.

Aoki nodded once more, a decisive motion that set his dark hair swaying slightly, and turned to walk toward the Hoenn region's private room. The corridor between the sections was wide and well-lit, lined with interactive displays showing highlights from the tournament. His footsteps echoed softly against the polished floor as he moved with purpose.

When Aoki entered the Hoenn private room, Steven and the others immediately rose to congratulate him. The space was alive with energy, despite some of their group having been eliminated in earlier rounds. Those who had reached their limits at the Top 32 - their performance matching roughly with Hachiku's - seemed at peace with their results, their disappointment tempered by pride in having come so far.

The atmosphere shifted subtly when they noticed Professor Syncamore following behind Aoki. There was a collective straightening of postures, a quiet acknowledgment of the visiting dignitary. Even Matsuda, Aoki's mentor who had been observing quietly from a corner seat, stood in recognition.

"Master Matsuda, excuse the intrusion," Professor Syncamore said politely, bowing slightly at the waist. Despite representing the Kalos region, he showed proper deference to Matsuda's greater experience and seniority. The fluorescent lights caught the silver streaks in Professor Syncamore's hair as he moved.

"So it's Syncamore," Matsuda responded without any pretension, his voice warm with genuine welcome. "What brings you here?" His eyes flickered briefly to Aoki, curiosity evident in the raised arch of his bushy eyebrows.

Professor Syncamore cleared his throat slightly before explaining. "The Pokémon Aoki used in his recent match was Florges, native to the Kalos region. However..." He paused, searching for the right words, his fingers twitching slightly as if physically grasping for the proper phrasing. "We have some questions about this particular Pokémon's characteristics, and we were hoping Aoki might join us for a discussion." His discomfort was evident in the way he shifted his weight from foot to foot.

Matsuda's reaction was immediate surprise, his eyebrows climbing toward his hairline. He turned to look at Aoki more directly, seeking silent confirmation. Aoki responded with a barely perceptible nod, his expression calm but unreadable to those who didn't know him well.

Matsuda had complete faith in his student. Since taking Aoki under his wing, the young trainer had consistently demonstrated sound judgment and discretion. If Aoki felt comfortable with this situation, that was endorsement enough.

"In that case," Matsuda said, stroking his chin thoughtfully, "would it be acceptable if I joined you?" His voice carried no demand, only polite inquiry.

"And me!" Steven chimed in immediately, stepping forward with characteristic enthusiasm. 

"I should come too," Phoebe added, her voice softer but no less determined. She adjusted the strap of her bag as she spoke, a habitual gesture when preparing for serious discussion.

Professor Syncamore's reaction was almost comical - he brought a hand to his forehead in a gesture of amused resignation. In an ideal situation, such sensitive matters would involve as few outsiders as possible. But circumstances had conspired against discretion, and he recognized the futility of resistance. "Very well," he conceded with a sigh that carried both exasperation and admiration for their loyalty. "Your company would be welcome."

With that, he turned and led the way back to the Kalos region's private room, his shoes clicking rhythmically against the tiled floor. The group followed in loose formation, their footsteps creating a syncopated rhythm down the hallway.

Steven moved to walk beside Aoki, his eyes filled with unspoken questions. Phoebe and Wallace flanked them, their presence a silent show of support. Aoki responded to their unvoiced concerns with a small, reassuring smile and a slight shake of his head - everything was under control.

The Kalos region's private room was slightly larger than the Hoenn delegation's, with additional seating arranged in conversational clusters. Several of the Kalos region's seeded competitors who had been eliminated earlier in the tournament were present, waiting for the Top 32 matches to conclude before returning home. Even in defeat, they remained to support their region and would stay until the Sinnoh League Championship concluded to collect their Top 32 prizes.

Professor Syncamore ushered everyone to comfortable seating before retrieving a notebook from his jacket pocket. The leather cover was worn at the edges, evidence of frequent use. He poised his pen above a fresh page, ready to record Aoki's insights about Florges.

Aoki found himself at a crossroads, weighing whether to share information about the newly discovered Fairy type. The air in the room seemed to grow heavier with each passing second of his contemplation. If he didn't reveal it now, questions would inevitably arise later when the Fairy type became public knowledge. While he could claim to have discovered it afterward, such deception might damage his credibility.

Conversely, revealing the Fairy type now would undoubtedly cause seismic shifts across the Pokémon world. The introduction of a new type would affect type matchups, battle strategies, and potentially the standing of type specialists - particularly Dragon-type trainers who would suddenly face a new vulnerability. The implications extended far beyond academic interest; careers and reputations hung in the balance.

As all eyes in the room focused on him, Aoki made his decision. The benefits of early disclosure - recognition, potential favors from the League, a permanent place in Pokémon history - outweighed the risks. The thought of being remembered as the "Father of Fairies" brought a faint smile to his lips.

"Mr. Synacamore," Aoki began, his voice steady despite the magnitude of what he was about to reveal, "the trainers from the Kalos region primarily wish to understand what kind of Pokémon Florges is, correct?" He paused, allowing the weight of his next words to build. "Or to phrase it differently, there are many Pokémon in the Kalos region whose characteristics don't align with the established type chart, yes?"

Syncamore's hand trembled slightly, causing his pen to wobble against the page. The tension in the room became almost tangible, like the charged air before a thunderstorm.

"Actually," Aoki continued, "it's not that Pokémon like Florges lack a type. They possess a new type altogether - one I've named the Fairy type!"

The pen slipped from Syncamore's fingers, clattering against the polished floor. The sound seemed unnaturally loud in the stunned silence that followed. No one moved to retrieve it; all attention remained fixed on Aoki.

The Kalos researchers, despite their prior suspicions, appeared just as shocked as everyone else. Their theories had skirted around this possibility, but the reality was still staggering. Matsuda, who had just settled into his chair, nearly lost his balance as his body jerked in surprise. His expression was a comical mix of pride and bewilderment - the look of a mentor simultaneously impressed by and terrified of his student's brilliance.

Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace exchanged glances that spoke volumes. Being friends with a genius like Aoki was both exhilarating and exhausting. While they were still mastering type matchups, Aoki was busy discovering entirely new ones. Yet despite the enormity of the claim, none doubted its veracity. Their trust in Aoki, built through shared experiences and battles, was absolute.

The silence stretched, broken only by the faint hum of the arena's systems and the occasional muffled cheer from distant matches. The holographic displays continued their silent rotation, casting shifting colors across the faces of the assembled trainers and researchers, all united in this moment of revelation that would change Pokémon battling forever.