The video cameras flickered to life one by one, revealing a gathering of stern-faced, imposing figures. The room was filled with an air of gravitas, the kind that only accompanied the presence of the most influential individuals in the Pokémon world. Among them stood Adams, the president of the Hoenn Pokémon League, flanked by veteran members of the Elite Four. Also present was Professor Oak, currently residing in Pallet Town in the Kanto region, alongside Professor Birch from the Hoenn region, as well as numerous other esteemed Pokémon researchers with illustrious backgrounds. Every single person in attendance was a figure of immense importance—no one here was anything less than a titan in their field.
Adams was the first to speak, his voice measured but firm. "Aoki, you claim to have discovered a new Pokémon type? Are you certain of this? If you haven't fully confirmed it yet, it would be best to apologize to everyone here now for taking up their valuable time. However, even theorizing the existence of a new type is impressive in itself."
Aoki met Adams' gaze, understanding the unspoken concern. Adams was trying to protect him—if Aoki failed to provide sufficient evidence after summoning so many high-ranking officials, his future standing within the League could be jeopardized. By speaking first, Adams was giving him an opportunity to back down gracefully if needed.
Grateful for the consideration, Aoki gave a small nod before allowing a confident smile to settle on his face. He scanned the room, taking in the expectant expressions of the assembled dignitaries, and nodded once more. "Thank you all for taking the time to hear me out. While I cannot guarantee this with absolute certainty, I am about 70% confident in my findings."
He deliberately left room for doubt—sometimes, overconfidence could backfire. It was better to let the evidence speak for itself.
A voice suddenly crackled through one of the blank projectors, deep and authoritative. "Samuel, you're here as well?"
The moment this voice spoke, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Every individual present straightened slightly, their expressions growing even more serious. If this person had been roused to attend, then the matter at hand was undoubtedly significant.
Professor Oak, hearing himself addressed by his first name, blinked in surprise before chuckling. "Ah, I merely happened to be passing through. But I know Aoki well—if he says he's 70% sure, then I'm inclined to believe him." He shot Aoki a reassuring glance, as if to say, Don't worry, I've got your back.
Among those present, no one held greater authority in Pokémon research than Professor Oak. His endorsement alone could lend immense credibility to Aoki's claims. If he supported the existence of this new type, then it was as good as confirmed.
"Very well," Adams said, folding his arms. "Aoki, proceed with your demonstration."
As the acting Gym Leader of Verdanturf Town and one of the most respected figures in Hoenn, Aoki fell under Adams' jurisdiction. It was only fitting that Adams should be the one to officially grant him the floor.
Aoki gave a firm nod.
Despite the pressure of standing before so many esteemed individuals, his composure never wavered. This unshakable demeanor did not go unnoticed—several of the League officials exchanged approving glances. A person with such nerves was unlikely to make baseless claims.
With a smooth motion, Aoki retrieved a Pokéball from his belt and released the Pokémon inside. In a flash of light, a graceful Florges materialized, her white floral dress swaying gently as she settled onto the ground.
Aoki gave her a reassuring look. "Stay calm, just stand by for now."
Florges, ever obedient, remained perfectly still, her serene expression betraying no hint of nervousness.
"This Pokémon is known as Florges," Aoki began, addressing the room. "Those from the Kalos region will likely recognize her."
Nods came from the Kalos representatives—Florges was indeed native to their region, though she had yet to be officially registered in the League's Pokédex due to the inability to classify her typing accurately.
"Florges! So this is Florges!" Professor Oak suddenly exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with academic fervor. "Aoki, once this is over, you simply must let me conduct a full examination of her! The research potential is—"
A collective sigh rippled through the room.
Typical Professor Oak.
Adams rubbed his temples. "Samuel, please. Let Aoki finish first."
Professor Oak, realizing he had gotten carried away yet again, chuckled sheepishly. "Ah, right, right. My apologies, Aoki. Do continue."
Suppressing a smile, Aoki nodded before resuming. "Florges is the final evolution of Flabebe and needs a shiny stone to evolve."
Steven, who had been listening intently, suddenly understood. So that was why Aoki had asked him to procure a high-quality Shiny Stone before. Though he hadn't been able to find one in the end, Aoki had later informed him it was no longer necessary—Florges must have already evolved.
"Now, whether we're discussing Florges, Floette, or their pre-evolved form, Flabébé, they all share one thing in common—they are Fairy-type Pokémon." Aoki's voice was steady as he delivered this bombshell. "Professor Sycamore, the Kalos League has been unable to properly classify these three Pokémon's typing, correct?"
Sycamore, ever the straightforward academic, didn't hesitate. "That's correct."
The president of the Kalos League groaned internally.
Must you admit it so bluntly?
But Sycamore's honesty only strengthened Aoki's argument. With a satisfied nod, Aoki pressed on. "This is because all three of these Pokémon belong to the Fairy type—a typing that has yet to be formally recognized. With your permission, I would like to propose this as the official designation."
Murmurs spread through the room. A new type? After all these years?
"Next, I will demonstrate the unique characteristics of Fairy-type Pokémon."
Aoki turned to Florges. "Florges, use Misty Terrain!"
Though Florges had not used this move in official battles, she had practiced it extensively in training. Almost instantly, the entire conference room was enveloped in a soft, lavender-hued mist.
A collective gasp rose from the audience.
A new move!
The birth of a new type was always accompanied by the discovery of new moves—this was an indisputable pattern. Every researcher in the room recognized the significance of what they were witnessing.
Meanwhile, the Kalos representatives exchanged knowing glances. So that was what this mysterious ability was called!
Aoki continued his explanation. "Misty Terrain is a field-effect move that persists for a set duration. While active, all Pokémon on the ground are protected from status conditions and confusion. But most importantly—" He paused for emphasis. "—the power of Dragon-type moves is halved within this terrain."
Silence.
Then—chaos.
Dragon-type moves weakened by half?!
Dragon-types were renowned as the most powerful Pokémon in existence. To have their strength so drastically reduced was unthinkable. The implications were staggering.
Several Dragon-type specialists in the room paled. If Fairy-types were officially recognized, the competitive landscape would shift dramatically.
Professor Oak's expression turned deadly serious. "Aoki… are you certain of this?"
He understood better than anyone the ramifications of such a discovery.
Aoki didn't flinch. "Absolutely."
The room erupted.
Status, reputation, seniority—none of it mattered in this moment. Every single person present was, at heart, a Pokémon Trainer. And they all knew exactly what this meant.
The age of Dragon-type dominance… might finally be coming to an end.