Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

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Under the starlight, with the autumn breeze accompanying them, Liam and Professor Oak traveled by car to the Oak Research Lab. Along the way, Liam remained silent, and Professor Oak did not press him with questions.

Upon entering the lab, Professor Oak retrieved a small box from his study. Opening it, he pulled out a card and handed it to Liam.

Liam took the card and examined it. On it, he saw his photo and personal details—it seemed to be a form of identification in this world.

"This is an ID card. I helped you apply for it and kept it here since you didn't seem to need it before. Now that you're about to set out, it's something you'll definitely need," Professor Oak explained with a smile.

At this time, the world did not yet have Pokédexes, so ID cards served as a way to record information. Liam carefully observed the translucent card, noting its unusual quality.

Name: Liam

Hometown: Pallet Town

Age: 15

Status: Oak Laboratory Researcher

"Thank you, Professor Oak. I truly needed this," Liam said gratefully.

This wasn't an ordinary ID card; it was a special kind of proof, akin to a future Pokédex. 

With this card, Liam could receive free treatment, lodging, and meals at any Pokémon Center—an invaluable asset for a traveling trainer. 

Such cards were rare, and it was clear that Professor Oak had gone through considerable effort to secure one. Seeing that the card had likely been prepared long ago, Liam couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

"There's no need for thanks between us," Professor Oak said, smiling warmly. 

"You told me your goal is the Indigo League. To challenge the League, you'll need a strong team of Pokémon. While you already have Gible, one Pokémon alone won't be enough for such challenges. I don't want to see you filling your team with random partners just for the sake of it. That's why I brought you here—this is the real reason for our trip."

With that, Professor Oak led Liam to a room filled with PokéBalls. He carefully selected two and handed them to Liam.

"You've always had the best rapport with these two. Take them—they're yours now," Oak said with a knowing smile. His practiced manner revealed that this moment had been planned for a long time.

Liam held the two PokéBalls in his hands. Without even opening them, he already knew who the Pokémon inside were.

"Come on out, Nidorino and Ekans!"

At his call, two purple figures emerged from the PokéBalls. Nidorino cheerfully ran up to Liam, rubbing against him as if to say, "Please take care of me." Ekans, on the other hand, turned its head proudly, feigning indifferent.

"I'm heading out on a journey. It'll be tough, and there will be battles where you'll get hurt. Are you willing to come with me?" Liam asked gently, crouching down to stroke Nidorino's back.

"Nido!"

Nidorino immediately nodded enthusiastically, brimming with excitement.

Ekans turned its head back, let out a dignified "Charrr," and nodded slightly, signaling its agreement.

"Thank you so much, both of you! I promise to take good care of you. Together, we'll achieve great things!" Liam's spirits lifted as he smiled confidently.

"Nido!" 

"Charrr!"

Liam brought his new teammates home. Aunt Fumiko had already packed his bags. Seeing Liam return with Professor Oak, her gaze was filled with reluctance. 

Though Liam had only been with her family for six months, he had become like a son to her, a vital member of the household. Now, as her other "son" prepared to leave, her heart ached.

"Liam, I've packed everything you'll need—clothes, a first-aid kit… Remember to stay safe, and take care of any injuries properly…"

Her stream of advice was gently interrupted by Professor Oak, who placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Liam is grown up now. He knows how to take care of himself. It's already late. Let's allow him to rest so he can set out refreshed tomorrow." With that, Professor Oak guided the tearful Aunt Fumiko back to her room.

Alone, Liam inspected his neatly packed bag. He felt overwhelmed with emotions and gratitude realizing the depth of her care.

The night passed quietly. The next morning, Liam rose early, tidying the house and preparing breakfast. Just as he was about to knock on their door, Aunt Fumiko emerged, surprised to see the table set.

"Liam! You've even taken away my chance to cook one last meal for you. That's not fair!" she said with feigned annoyance, though her tone carried warmth.

It was clear that her mood had gotten a lot better since last night.

Liam chuckled but said nothing. Soon, Professor Oak joined them, and the family shared breakfast together. 

Fully dressed and with his backpack secured, Liam was ready. Gible snuggled into his bag, its dorsal fin poking out contentedly.

"Take care of yourself, and let us know if you need anything," Aunt Fumiko and Professor Oak said as they stood at the door to see him off.

 Liam nodded, though his gaze lingered on a nearby corner. Seeing no sign of the person he was waiting for, he sighed softly and turned to leave.

Just then…

The roar of an engine broke the silence. 

A car drifted around the corner and came to a stop in front of the house. Startled and delighted, Liam recognized the car—it belonged to the Ketchums.

As expected…

The car door flew open, and a girl with an orange ponytail dashed out. 

She ran to Liam and threw her arms around him, her tear-streaked face inches from his, her reddened eyes glowing with determination. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Liam gently pressed a finger to her lips.

"This is something I need to say, and I need you to listen carefully" he said, pulling her closer by the waist. His usual smile gave way to a serious expression.

"I like you, Delia. From the moment I first met you, I knew. No—actually, it feels like I've liked you long before we even met. The happiest part of my time here has been getting to know you. So…"

"When I become the League Champion, I'll come back and we'll get married. Will you wait for me?"

Delia's tears flowed freely, and she nodded vigorously, her voice choked with emotion.

"I've liked you since the first time I saw you too. I believe in you, Liam. I'll wait for you. I'll wait until you achieve your goals and become Champion, and I'll still be here when you come back for us to get married."

Hearing her words, Liam broke into a radiant smile. At that moment, nothing could express his feelings better than a deep yet gentle kiss.