Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

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Liam was startled by Max's surprising statement. He looked at Max with a face full of astonishment, unable to understand what Max was trying to do.

Meanwhile, Delia, standing nearby, seemed oblivious to the conversation as she cheerfully washed the dishes. Her carefree demeanor made Liam feel a pang of envy.

"I want to go on a journey," Max began. 

"Just because I don't talk much doesn't mean I don't have dreams. My dream is to explore places no one has ever been before. I want to leave Kanto, leave Pallet Town, and even leave this continent. I long for a broader world. So, I've decided to travel. I've been thinking about this for a long time. I wanted to tell Dad while he was in a good mood today, but now I'm worried he won't take it well."

Max's words came in a rush, making Liam want to tease him about how he was supposedly "quiet." However, Liam held back, his face taking on a serious expression as he fell into thought.

"So, what exactly do you want from me?" Liam asked, puzzled.

"You get along well with Dad," Max replied coolly. "I'd like you to talk to him first and help prepare him for this."

Before Liam could respond, Delia, who had been silent until now, spoke up.

"How could you ask someone else to do something like that for you? You're his son! There's nothing a father and son can't talk about. I'm sure Professor Oak will understand. If anything, he'll probably be proud of your ambitions and might even support you wholeheartedly. Letting someone else speak for you could backfire and make him resentful—it'd be counterproductive!"

Her words left Max speechless, his mouth hanging open in shock. Even Liam was stunned. He hadn't expected Delia to chime in like that.

"So, you heard everything we said earlier," Liam thought to himself, exasperated. "And you were acting so calm! I actually believed you didn't hear a thing. Give me back my trust! Anyone who calls her oblivious again is getting a piece of my mind!"

Delia, noticing their stares, blushed slightly and turned away, embarrassed.

"Ahem. Actually, I think Delia is right," Liam said awkwardly. 

"This is something between you and your father. I believe he'll understand you, so there's no need to worry."

Max, for once, looked a bit embarrassed. He smiled faintly and said no more.

After finishing the dishes, Max went upstairs. It was getting late, so Liam offered to walk Delia home. With Gibel perched quietly on his head, he held Delia's hand as they made their way to her house.

Gibel, sensing the mood, stayed calm and didn't act out.

The night passed uneventfully, and the next morning greeted them with clear skies.

Liam woke up early to prepare breakfast, but as he opened the door, he saw Professor Oak, dressed neatly and holding a briefcase, ready to leave. Just then, Max came downstairs and called out to him. 

Liam quickly closed the door, giving them privacy.

"Dad, I have something important to tell you."

"Oh? Is it serious?"

"Yes, very serious."

"Alright, come downstairs. Let's sit and talk."

Max sat opposite Professor Oak, his gaze steady. Taking a deep breath, he spoke earnestly.

"Dad, I want to go on a journey. I yearn for a broader world. The world is so vast, and I want to see it all. I hope to have your support."

Professor Oak was stunned. He stared at Max as if seeing him for the first time, speechless.

The silence stretched, making Liam, who was eavesdropping, sweat nervously. Finally, Professor Oak stood up, his expression unreadable.

"We'll discuss this later. I have something urgent to attend to. I'll give you an answer when I return."

With that, he left, the sound of his car's engine soon fading into the distance.

Max stood silently for a moment before heading back upstairs and closing his door.

Liam sighed softly but was startled by another sigh nearby. Turning his head, he saw Max's mother, Aunt Fumiko, who had stepped out of her room. Noticing Liam, she smiled wryly before heading to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

After breakfast, Liam went to the lab with Gibel, avoiding bothering the family.

At the lab, he released the Pokémon from their PokeBalls, cleaned the space, and prepared food for the Pokémon. He watched as Gibel played with Nidorino, finding joy in his work.

Around noon, he had a simple lunch and, in the afternoon, put the Pokémon back into their PokeBalls before locking up the lab and heading back to Professor Oak's house.

When Liam arrived, he saw Professor Oak returning, looking dusty from the road. Seeing Liam, he smiled apologetically.

"Sorry to leave everything to you today, Liam. I had urgent matters to attend to."

"No problem, Professor," Liam replied with a smile. "Let's head inside."

Inside, they found Fumiko and Max waiting in the living room. Aunt Fumiko quickly stood to greet Professor Oak, while Max remained seated, silent.

"Max," Professor Oak began, his tone serious. "I've thought about your request, and I've made my decision."

Everyone tensed. Professor Oak reached into his pocket and pulled out two PokeBalls. Releasing them, a fluffy brown Eevee appeared on the coffee table, and a large, fiery Charizard stood proudly behind him.

"Charizard? Eevee? What does this mean, Dad?" Max asked, puzzled.

Professor Oak smiled and placed the PokeBalls in Max's hands.

"My son has grown up and wants to travel. As your father, I must support you. This Charizard has been my trusted partner for many years. It has been training at Charicific Valley, but I had it rushed back here today so it can protect you, just as it once protected me.

"This Eevee is a gift from a fellow researcher. It represents endless possibilities. I hope it brings you luck and many wonderful experiences. I'm proud of you, my son. You'll always be my pride."

No more words were needed. Fumiko was moved to tears, and even Liam felt his eyes grow misty. Max clutched the PokeBalls tightly, stood up, and hugged Professor Oak, crying like a child.